Interested in learning about infinity pools?
This post covers everything you need to know
It’s no doubt that infinity pools are some of the coolest looking pools around these days. With a distinct, “edgeless” design, they’re perfect for accenting natural landscapes & waterfronts and make scenic views twice as breathtaking.
But if you found this post, then you probably have a few questions about infinity pools. Like, how do they work? And what happens if I climb over the edge?
Or maybe you just want to know how much infinity pools cost, and what designs you can choose from. Well, keep reading, because you’ll find the answer to all those questions and more in this post.
Infinity Pools 101: Everything You Need To Know
What is an Infinity pool?
Infinity pools, also known as “infinite edge pools”, “vanishing edge pools”, and “negative edge pools”, are swimming pools that feature a distinct, lowered edge which creates the illusion of “infinite” water.
Since the lowered edge doesn’t have any coping or borders, the water “appears” to flow endlessly into the horizon.
Why is it called infinity pool?
They’re called “infinity pools” because they create the illusion of infinite, endless water with their distinct “vanishing edge” design.
Note: Infinity pools are not to be confused with endless pools, which are smaller swimming pools with current generators installed that allow swimmers to swim laps in place.
What is the difference between an infinity pool and a regular pool?
The main difference between an infinity pool and a regular pool is the lowered edge, which is what gives an infinity pool its well-recognized, endless appearance.
Related: 7 Cheap Ways To Heat Your Swimming Pool
How do infinity pools work?
The easiest way to understand how infinity pools work is to envision a waterfall.
If you’re in the river and approaching a waterfall, then it appears as if the water just flows right off of the edge, and seemingly disappears. But we know that waterfalls have a lower pool, where all of the water from the river flows into. And this is exactly how infinity pools work.
On the other side of the infinity pool’s lowered edge (the side you can’t immediately see), is a catch basin for the overflowing pool water to fall into. As the water flows into the basin, it’s pumped back into your system and recirculated into the pool, which keeps the continuous overflow going.
Are infinity pools dangerous?
Here’s the answer to the question that pops into everyone’s heads the first time they see a picture of an infinity pool.
No, they’re not dangerous, and you won’t fall off the edge.
Why?
Because even if you do, there’s a catch basin there to stop your fall. That said, we still don’t recommend going around climbing over walls and sitting on the edges of infinity pools. After all, those catch basins are for collecting water, not people.
On that note, if you find yourself wondering, “are infinity pools safe”, know that the answer is, yes. They work nearly the same as regular pools (minus the lowered edge). And specialty pool builders are mindful of location and surroundings when designing infinity pools, keeping safety at the forefront.
How much does an infinity pool cost?
The average cost of infinity pools ranges from $55,000 to $130,000, according to estimates from HomeAdvisor. Typically, building an infinity pool adds about 30% to the cost of designing a regular pool.
A few factors that can affect the cost include your location, the number of vanishing edges, the amount of engineering needed, and the complexity of the design.
What’s infinity pool maintenance like?
An infinity pool requires a little more maintenance than a regular swimming pool. Just like with a normal pool, you’ll still test the water, add chemicals, and brush, skim, and vacuum weekly. But you’ll also have a few more things to do to maintain your infinity pool.
The extra maintenance includes:
- Cleaning and sanitizing the water catch basin
- Adding water to the pool to compensate for accelerated evaporation
- Monitoring/cleaning pool pumps and filter often
Related: 21 Pool Maintenance Mistakes That Are Wasting Your Time & Money
Infinity Pool Design: Quick Facts
Here are a few quick facts about infinity pool design:
- Infinity pools can be installed semi-inground or fully above ground
- Infinity pool shapes range from traditional rectangular designs to freeform and circular variants
- All infinity pools have at least one vanishing edge, but they can also be installed with two or more
Infinity Pool Ideas For Every Budget
If you’re building an infinity pool, here are some of the best ideas to keep in mind during the design process:
- Create a dark bottom pool to intensify the illusion of “endless water”
- Use natural landscapes, waterfronts, and scenery to accent the vanishing edge of the pool
- Install lighting in your catch basin
- Add pool friendly plants around the deck to upgrade your pool landscaping
- Install color-changing LEDs inside of the pool for instant mood lighting
- Add a firepit to the pool deck for warm, natural lighting that’s captivating to watch and soothing to the soul
Related: 33 Backyard Inground Pool Ideas For All Budgets
Infinity Pools: Wrapping up
For now, that’s just about everything we have to share with you on the topic of infinity pools. Now, you have a solid understanding of how they work, how much they cost, and what it’s like to own one. From here, you can decide if building an infinity pool is the right call for you, or if something more traditional works better.
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