What Is An Infinity Pool?

A reflecting pool or swimming pool with water flowing over one or more edges to create the illusion of water without a limit is known as an infinity pool. It is also known as an infinity edge pool or a zero edge pool. Such pools may overlook areas such as natural landscapes and cityscapes and are frequently created so that the edge seems to blend with a bigger body of water, such as the ocean, or with the sky. They are frequently spotted in opulent locations like hotels, resorts, estates, and others.

Important distinctions between infinity pools and endless pools

Do not be misled by the names. Both pools indicate eternity, but only one is completely versatile for swimming, exercise, treatment, and family enjoyment. The other pool creates very attractive Instagram images.

It makes sense that so many people are confused by the names. After all, an Endless Pools Original model’s adjustable current enables you to swim “infinitely” forward without flip-turns.

The phrase “infinity pool” specifically refers to a pool with no swim current, often known as a “vanishing edge pool,” “negative edge pool,” or “infinite edge pool.” The water flows into a catch basin below instead because they have one or more uncovered walls (the weir) that are only a hair shorter than the water level. They produce the spectacular optical illusion of water spreading “infinitely” to the horizon when perched high above the ground.

magnificent infinity pools

It’d be difficult to top spending a lot of time poolside admiring the snow-capped mountains and meadows of Switzerland, swimming with sweeping vistas of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, or swimming with the terraced rice paddies of Bali as a backdrop.

Why are infinity pools referred as be such?

Unsurprisingly, the name is derived from the appearance of the pool. Because there isn’t a standard pool boundary on one side, the water spills over the edge, giving the impression that the pool is endless. The ideal way to get this impression is to have a pool in front of a backdrop of blue sky; the pool’s edge will blend in with the surroundings perfectly, emphasizing the “infinite” image.

What purpose does an infinity pool serve?

An infinity pool is what? Infinity pools, sometimes referred to as zero-edge pools or rimless pools, are made to appear to have no edge. Beyond the brink, the water seems to flow into, well, infinity. These swimming pools frequently feature lovely horizons beyond the “missing edge.”

What can you see beyond an infinity pool?

The moniker “infinity pool” refers to the structure’s architecture. There is a drop off along one side of the pool where water runs over the side into a covert collect basin. The water looks to run off into the distance when viewed from the opposite side of the pool, as though it never ends.

Your infinity pool might produce a beautiful view depending on your landscape. If your property is on a hill or looks out over some beautiful natural terrain, the pool may back up to a stunning view. It may appear as though the water is flowing into the distance and blending in with the surroundings.

What distinguishes an infinity pool from a regular pool?

No less remarkable than the pool itself is the engineering and technology that went into creating the negative edge pool. All of the pool walls on a typical swimming pool are higher than the water level, keeping the water inside the pool. One or more of the pool walls for an infinity edge pool are constructed so that they are at the same level as the water so that they cannot be seen. The water at the pool’s edge cascades downward like a waterfall because these walls are constructed to slope away from the pool.

But instead of just falling to the ground below, this water is captured in a holding tank that is constructed below the infinity edge and is totally hidden from view inside the pool. The water is pushed back up into the main pool from the holding tank, ensuring that your pool is always full, that no water is wasted, and that you may enjoy the feeling of being a part of your surroundings in your lovely edgeless pool.

Are infinity pools challenging to keep up?

Infinity pools can occasionally present more of a cleaning issue when it comes to pool care. Most individuals would just need to clean and chemically treat the main body of the pool, which is where the most of the fun and activity occurs. In an infinity pool, the water spills over the edge and into a catch basin below. The water that arrives from the upper level is collected in this basin and sent back there. It is crucial to maintain and clean this basin because it functions as a miniature pool. In order for the water to be suctioned and returned to the top level, the lower suction source needs to be clear of all debris. Infinity pools tend to evaporate more than a normal pool, therefore pool owners must be careful to maintain their basins as well as keep an eye on the water level. The water can evaporate as it flows over the edge and then accumulate in the bottom basin.

Is an infinity pool swimmable?

Infinity pools are secure, yes. Keep in mind that the disappearing edge is only an optical illusion and not a real disappearing edge. You will come to a wall if you swim up to the pool’s edge. (Contrary to what I thought before visiting, the infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore does not just completely drop off into nothing as it appears to, writes The Wander Blogger. “If you somehow flip over the edge of the pool, that’s where you’d land, but if you then fell off that second ledge, you’d be pretty well screwed, so securitized,” he adds.

How secure are infinity edge pools?

Infinity pools, despite popular belief, are quite secure. The edge does not really vanish. It’s an optical ruse. Just as in any other pool, you swim to the edge of the wall. You would land in the tiny pool below if you were to “slide” over the edge for some unexplained reason. Also possible is landing on a dry ledge. Even if you’re at a hotel pool in a high-rise, you shouldn’t be concerned. The swimming pools in these hotels are elevated. You would, however, “fall” and land on a ledge or a catch pool. No more risk exists for infinity pools than for regular swimming pools.

Who invented the infinite pool?

The idea of an infinity pool is said to have come from France, and the Stag Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, constructed in the late 17th century, is credited as having one of the first vanishing-edge designs. In the US, John Lautner, an architect, is recognized as one of the pioneers of the infinity pool design in the early 1960s. In addition to designing the vanishing-edge pool seen in the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, he added infinity pools in a number of private buildings.

Infinity pools are they above ground?

Many infinity pools are constructed partially above ground, but some are completely above ground.

Although the shapes of infinity pools can vary across all freeform and linear designs, rectangular infinity pools are the most common.

A pool with this layout typically has just one vanishing edge, but it can also be created with vanishing edges on two or more sides (or even on all sides of the pool). Just keep in mind that the cost will increase as you add more disappearing borders to your pool.

How does one avoid falling into an infinite pool?

Safety may be one of your main considerations when choosing the type of pool to put in your backyard. This is especially true for people who have children or simply want to unwind by the pool without being concerned about getting hurt. If that describes you, infinity pools may appear to be quite frightening.

An infinity pool’s edge cannot be lost. It appears possible, but it is just a delusion. There is a wall to prevent you from falling if you swim up to the edge. Contrary to what some people who are unfamiliar with infinity pools believe, infinity pools are just as safe as any other pool.

Let’s take a deeper look at how infinity pools function to allay any fears. In this manner, you may determine whether an infinity pool is the best choice for you. It won’t be a problem if you swim up to peek over the side of a nice hotel pool while you’re on vacation even if it seems a little unsettling.

Are skimmers required in infinity pools?

Our aesthetics strategy for perimeter overflow pools and infinity edge pools is as follows: The surface area of these custom pools is the key to their beauty. Therefore, we think that maintaining the surface area’s cleanliness is essential and improves the water’s ability to reflect light. The polish can glitter in the sun, moon, and other lights, along with the water quality; a single leaf detracts from the appearance.

Pools without skimmers are known as perimeter overflow pools. Instead, the dust and debris are moved around and drawn into the water trough around the perimeter. The detritus is constantly drawn into the tank by the edge, which functions as a skimmer. Periodic tank cleaning is required, and if not properly planned and constructed during pool installation, this can be a hassle.

Water spills over a specific edge into the trough, which is effectively a large skimmer, when there is an infinity edge. However, this is not enough. Other portions of the pool may not be circulating in the direction of the edge and may have debris, buildup, or leaves on the surface. The skimmer ought to be used in addition to the infinity edge. Additionally, the skimmer will still clean the pool’s surface when the water level is one inch lower during the few seasons of the year when you don’t wish to use the infinity edge and skimmer together.

As a result, we think skimmers should be carefully placed in an infinity edge pool. To achieve uniform cleanliness, an additional skimmer can remove dirt from places that are farthest from the infinity edge. The skimmer should be hidden from view as a top priority.

Additionally, it is accurate to say that certain consumers will “abandon” the infinity edge overflow during specific seasons of the year (vacations, extended absences, etc.), and this is when the job of the skimmers will be more important.

It is possible to construct infinity edge pools without skimmers, although doing so could pose issues and go against our “concept” of minimal surface area. In the absence of a skimmer, vacuum ports will also be required.

An infinity pool is more expensive, but by how much?

An infinity edge in-ground pool typically costs $79,000 to install. An average inground pool installation will only cost around $49,000. The distinctive edge and basin designs of infinity pools are what drive up the price.

You should also take landscaping, building permits, and the cost to fill the pool after construction is finished into account when estimating the cost of building your infinity pool.

It normally costs between $110 and $245 per hour to landscape your pool area, remove trees and other vegetation, or both. Although it may appear pricey, that expense is required in order to create an infinity pool.

The overall cost of establishing your infinity pool may be impacted by city permits and regulations. For instance, several localities mandate the installation of a security fence around the pool to prevent accidents. A 4-foot vinyl perimeter fence typically costs between $15 and $35 per linear foot to install.

An infinity pool typically contains 20,000 gallons of water. Depending on your city, the cost of that water will vary, but generally, filling an infinity pool can add $80 to $100 to a homeowner’s monthly water bill.