Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (2023)

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Infinity pools fall into a unique and luxurious pool category. They are mainly found at high-end resorts and hotels. However, this should not hinder you from having one in your backyard. Expectedly, the pools require extensive input to install. However, they offer much more than just the much known spectacular appearance.

Table of Contents

What Is an Infinity Pool?

An infinity pool is a swimming pool in which water continuously flows over one or more of its edges. This usually produces a visual effect of water without a boundary.

Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (1)

The water appears to be vanishing or extending to infinity, hence the name ‘infinity pool’. Usually, this is only possible when such a pool is viewed from particular directions or viewpoints.

Sometimes, infinity pools are designed in such a way that the overflowing water appears to merge with or fall into a large body of water such as a big river, a lake, or the ocean.

Similarly, in other designs, an infinity pool is associated with a particular view in which the visual effect is produced. In this case, the pool produces a visual effect of water extending to and merging with the horizon or sky.

The goal of an infinity pool is to produce spectacular scenery for aesthetic value. The visual illusion in an infinity pool is most effective when it is located in a place with a significant change in elevation in the background of its view.

(Video) What Is An Infinity Pool?

Infinity Pool Terminology

An infinity pool is so called because it produces a visual effect of an endless boundary of the pool. The edge over which water continuously flows is the main feature that produces the infinity visual illusion.

Due to the central role of the edge over which water flows, it is often referred to as an infinity edge. Accordingly, because of the infinity edge, an infinity pool is also called an infinity edge pool.

This important edge over which water flows is hidden under the flowing water to produce the infinity effect. For this reason, the edge is usually called the zero edge, vanishing edge, or negative edge.

Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (2)

Other names of the pool are derived from the names given to the infinity edge. Accordingly, the infinity edge pool is also referred to as a zero edge pool, a vanishing edge pool, or a negative edge pool.

How Do Infinity Pools Work?

The edge over which water continuously flows is terminated at a lower level than the required level in the pool, usually by 2 to 6 millimeters.

A collection basin, also called a collection trough, is constructed beside and below the infinity edge. A water pump is installed to continuously pump the water that flows over the edge back into the pool.

Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (3)

When the pool is in operation, water flows over the infinity edge into the collection basin. From the basin, the water is pumped back into the pool by the installed water pump. This occurs continuously as long as the pool is in operation.

Facts About Infinity Pools

There are many important facts you need to know about infinity pools. Here, we highlight some of the most interesting details about these pools.

1. Infinity Pool Building Is Quite Involving and Costly

Expectedly, a unique pool such as an infinity pool is comparably complicated in design and installation than a standard. This translates to more time and expertise and hence more money.

For one, more experts will be required to have the entire work done. You will require an architectural engineer, a mechanical engineer, and above all a structural engineer.

(Video) The Infinity Pool | Swimming pools by allthegoodies.com

Almost every pool is uniquely customized to fit into its environment and this requires specialized expertise. In addition, installers for an infinity edge pool are quite rare and thus expensive

From the survey of the site, the design of the pool to the construction work itself, a lot of work needs to be done. Actually, it is like building two or even more standard pools.

2. An Infinity Pool Is Not Ideal for Every Place

An infinity pool is ideal for property owners who live on a hillside or on the slope of a mountain. A spectacular overlook of features such as a river, a lake, or an ocean is an added advantage.

However, an infinity pool cannot be constructed in a place without features that are necessary to achieve the desired effect.

Supposing you have a property located in a place without elevation change, it will not be possible for you to construct an infinity pool. A couple of feet in elevation change is necessary to make the infinity edge work.

On the other hand, you might have a property in a place with a steep slope. Although an infinity pool is possible in this case, the cost will drastically increase because of extensive engineering work that has to be done.

3. An Infinity Pool Is Not Just A Spectacular Look

There is no doubt that the main reason why property owners may consider an infinity pool is its spectacular look. Admittedly, it is such an attractive addition to the environment but there is much more to it

An infinity pool also comes with other appreciated features such as the tranquil and melodic sound of running water.

You can also consider creating a patio area beside the collection basin beneath the infinity edge of the pool. You can even have a launching spot with a fire pit or a fireplace from where you can have fun as you listen to the water sounds.

4. The Infinity Edge Design Can Be Varied

Traditionally, the infinity edge stretches over one entire edge of the pool. However, you can decide to have some variations to suit your site, design, or liking.

(Video) Is a Negative/Infinity Edge Pool for Me?

Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (4)

For example, you can decide to place the infinity edge on only part of one edge. The infinity edge can also lie in one appropriate corner of your pool. Definitely, there are more different ways this can be done, including having the edge curved.

Are Infinity Pools Safe?

Yes, infinity pools are very safe. However, they still require the normal safety precautions of a swimming pool. In this case, it would be a much safer note to swim close to the infinity edge.

The infinity edge is basically a visual illusion. If you swim up to it, you will actually reach a wall. The world is a few millimeters under the water and you need to be careful not to ram it and fall over.

It is also important to note that the pool does not drop off into an empty space. Usually, there is another platform on which the collection basin of the pool is situated. If anyone were to fall off the edge they would land on the collection basin on this platform.

Additionally, depending on the specific design of a particular infinity pool, there are safety measures to be observed. Besides, there always is attentive security to enforce security measures and tech quick action in case anyone flouts them.

Does An Infinity Pool Require Additional Maintenance?

The maintenance of an infinity pool is basically similar to that of a standard pool. The water pumps, filtration, and the water circulation system as a whole needs to be monitored.

Additionally, since water flows over the edge into the collection basin and back, evaporation is likely to occur more. Hence the water level needs to be checked more often.

The increased water circulation, particularly pumping back the water from a collection basin, implies a higher cost of maintaining an infinity pool.

How Much Does An Infinity Pool Cost?

Infinity pools are very expensive because they require extensive planning and construction. There is much that goes towards designing, material, and labor.

The location of an infinity pool is usually near edges of the desired features. Such places are usually sloppy and precarious.

(Video) Infinity Pool Construction with Helical Piles

As such, there needs to be a lot of structural, mechanical, and architectural detailing. The high cost of infinity pools mainly arises from the elaborate foundation that holds them to the hillside.

The factors that may affect the coast include the length of the infinity edge or the number of sides that have the infinity edge. The nature of this site in times of how strong to support the pool is also a factor.

On average an infinity pool costs about $80,000. Typically, the cost ranges from $55,000 to $130,000, according to many pool building companies and specifically Home Advisor.

Finding Infinity Pool Builders

Understandably, an infinity pool requires a lot of attention, considering that each site is quite different and unique. you will definitely require a lot of customization for the pool into your desired site.

An infinity pool is a delicate project that could turn disastrous if wrongly designed improperly installed. Hence, it is crucial to have a competent engineer from a reputable company for both the design and installation.

Therefore, whether you get your builders online or directly from a company, ensure that you thoroughly interview them to ascertain that they can do a good job.

Find out whether they have successfully installed in infinity pools previously. If possible let them show you their authentic previous jobs. Although you can assess the jobs using photos if that is what they give you, it better to do this on the ground.

Notable Infinity Pools Around the World

There are many infinity pools around the world, each with its own attractive unique features. Here is a list of selected notable infinity pools around the world with their photographs.

1. Marina Bay Sands – Singapore

Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (5)

This is probably the most famous infinity pool in the world. It is situated on the rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore. Because of its fame, people travel from around the world to swim in it or take pictures around it. The city to get that with them the infinity pool has amazing views.

2. Hanging Gardens – Bali, Indonesia

Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (6)

3. Caesar Augustus – Anacapri, Italy

Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (7)

4. The Yeatman – Porto, Portugal

Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (8)

5. Hotel The Cambrian Adelboden – Switzerland

Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (9)

6. Alila Ubud, Bali – Indonesia

Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (10)

7. Grace Santorini – Greece

Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (11)

8. Banyan Tree Hotel, Seychelles

Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (12)

9. Paradise Pool – The Maldives

Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (13)

10. Zemi Beach House Resort & Spa – Anguilla, West Indies

Infinity Pool: What Is It? How Does It Work? Cost and Pictures (14)

FAQs

What is an infinity pool and how does it work? ›

Unlike regular pools which have all the walls extend beyond the water, an infinity pool has one or more walls that meet the water level exactly, with the water level wall sloping downwards away from the edge creating a waterfall.

How much money is an infinity pool? ›

On average, infinity pools cost $80,000, but the price can range dramatically depending on its size and shape. Infinity pools can cost between $55,000 and $130,000 in all. As the pool's size increases, pool prices increase as well. Typically, infinity pools will cost about $80 per square foot.

Why do infinity pools cost so much? ›

Of course, you might be looking to understand why it costs what it does. The simple answer is that designing and building an infinity pool is a complex process. By adding an infinity edge, you add quite a bit of time, material, and labor to the overall project. For one, it's a very “engineering-intense” project.

What is the difference between a swimming pool and an infinity pool? ›

While a traditional swimming pool has hard edges and concrete on every side, infinity pools are made to appear as though the water on one edge is disappearing off into nothing, as there is no boundary there.

How much do endless pools cost to run? ›

The ability to enjoy all the benefits of warm water year-round at low cost is one of the real advantages of an Endless Pool. Here at Planscapes Leisure Ltd our indoor pool costs us just under 40p per day to heat and circulate the water and about 50p an hour to run the swim current.

Is an Endless Pool worth it? ›

An Endless Pool takes up much less space, is simpler to install (particularly indoors), is easier to maintain and is more economical to run than a traditional lap pool. When you have a pool in your backyard or in your house, you also eliminate travel time required to get to a lap pool or lake. It's way more convenient!

Can you swim out of an infinity pool? ›

Yes, infinity pools are safe. Remember, the disappearing edge is a visual trick, not an actual disappearing edge. If you swim up to the edge of the pool, you'll reach a wall.

Are infinity pools hard to maintain? ›

Maintenance: Infinity pools require more maintenance than traditional pools. The water level in the pool must be constantly monitored and adjusted to ensure that the water flows over the edge correctly. This can be time-consuming and require more effort to maintain.

Can you fall off an infinity pool? ›

Of course, just like any pool, infinity pools are safe especially since the so-called “infinity” edge is just an optical illusion. So if you swim close or all the way to the edge of the pool, you'll bump into the wall eventually, and there is no danger of falling over the edge accidentally.

Are infinity pools more expensive than regular pools? ›

An infinity pool typically costs 20 percent more than a regular pool if you have the infinity edge on one side. If you have an infinity edge on more than one side of the pool, the cost percentage increases.

Are infinity pools noisy? ›

The clean lines of this design style have a calming effect and create a truly serene visual environment for any space. One of the challenges with this design is that the sound of falling and/or running water within the gutter surrounding the pool can often be quite loud, and often very unpleasant sounding!

How much does the smallest endless pool cost? ›

Actual Cost Of An Endless Pool
  • Cost of the Pool: starts at $28,000.00.
  • Shipping: $100 to $400 depending on location.
  • Installation: $2000.00+ depending on model.
  • Maintenance: $100 to $200 a month depending on usage.

What are the benefits of an infinity pool? ›

An advantage of an infinity pool is that they may be installed on sloping ground to add to the visual illusion of seamless flow. A holding pool is created below the main pool, with the water being pumped back into the main pool. Looking down from above the pool will create the “disappearing edge” effect.

Which type of pool is best? ›

A popular choice is a gunite swimming pool because it is highly durable and it can be created in just about any shape. Gunite pools use a rebar framework that is sprayed over with a concrete and sand mixture. Gunite is exceedingly durable, so swimming pools made of this substance are built to last.

Can you walk in an Endless Pool? ›

This Endless Pools Original Series pool features our Corner Step (rear left). With our perimeter bench (here in Sapphire) and rear-bench riser, it gives you easy access to step right into this space-saving deck pool. You should consider every pro and con before you decide on a pool for your backyard.

How high temperature can Endless Pool get? ›

Offering the versatility of year-round use, whether installed indoors or outside, an Endless Pool can be comfortably raised in temperature up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

How much does it cost to fill a 20000 gallon pool? ›

If you have any form of town water, use that. To get the exact cost, call the water company, give them the amount of gallons, and they'll tell you. Generally, a 20,000 gallon pool holds about $90 worth of water.

What type of pool is cheapest to maintain? ›

A fiberglass pool typically has the highest upfront cost but the lowest maintenance cost. They are quick to install, but because they're built from a mold the shape is not customizable (and they can't be wider than 16 feet). A vinyl pool has the lowest installation cost and can be built to any size and shape.

How long does it take to install an Endless Pool? ›

Now that we have narrowed things down a bit, I can say the install typically takes 2-3 days with 2 experienced installers working on the pool. On day one we arrive at the job location, start unpacking the shipping crate or crates, prep the install site, and line out where the pool will sit.

How fast can you swim in an Endless Pool? ›

Endless Pools also offers models loved by competitive athletes and Olympians for convenient stroke training and low-impact cross-training. The Endless Pools Elite model has a top speed of 0:51/100 yards - fast enough to challenge Olympic swimmers.

What catches the water in an infinity pool? ›

Infinity pools make use of a 'catch basin' along the exterior base of the pool wall – this catches the water that falls from the edge, before recirculating it into the main pool to maintain the 'infinite' supply of water.

What's on the other side of an infinity pool? ›

The infinity pool gets its name from its design. Along one edge of the pool, there is a drop off where the water flows over the side into a hidden catch basin. If you are looking at the pool from the opposite side, the water appears to continue flowing off into the horizon, as if it goes on forever.

Do infinity pools use more water? ›

Once it's built, an infinity edge pool costs more in water (they can't be covered, so there's constant evaporation) and energy (the massive pumps from the catch basin run around the clock) than any Endless Pools model.

Do infinity pools need chlorine? ›

Infinity pools require standard water chemistry and maintenance. However, water in an infinity pool evaporates faster, which can affect the chlorine levels so they need to me checked more often.

What is the easiest pool to maintain? ›

A fiberglass pool is not prone to growing algae, which is one of the main reasons why this pool is easier to maintain. Anyone who is looking for a pool that doesn't require a lot of maintenance may want to consider going with a fiberglass pool.

Do infinity pools have skimmers? ›

The advantages of an infinity pool

The water overflowing from an infinity pool is collected in a buffer tank, which means that you don't need a skimmer. The continuous flow of water over the sides removes any imperfections, guaranteeing a pristine surface.

How do I winterize my infinity pool? ›

Steps for Winterizing an In-Ground Pool
  1. Step 1: Remove pool accessories. ...
  2. Step 2: Deep clean the pool. ...
  3. Step 3: Adjust the water chemistry. ...
  4. Step 4: Lower the water level. ...
  5. Step 5: Drain and store the equipment. ...
  6. Step 6: Add shock and algaecide. ...
  7. Step 7: Cover the pool.

What is the highest infinity pool? ›

Aura Skypool, which is the world's first and highest 360-degree infinity pool, has opened at Dubai's Palm Tower.

What is the difference between skimmer and infinity pool? ›

A skimmer system is a more traditional type of filter, which is easier to install and consequently also cheaper, while an “infinity” system makes it possible to obtain a more striking result, with a pool that seems to continue naturally from the garden and the surrounding spaces.

What type of pool is most expensive? ›

The most expensive swimming pool to purchase and maintain is a concrete pool, also known as a gunite pool or shotcrete pool. The initial cost of a concrete pool and be anywhere from $52,000 to over one hundred thousand, depending on the size and design.

Which above ground pools last the longest? ›

Resin pools are one of the most popular options because they really are the toughest, longest-lasting above ground pools you can find.

Can an infinity pool have an automatic cover? ›

A vanishing-edge pool (also known as an infinity edge pool) can have an automatic pool cover installed with a special Underside track adaptor. The deck-on-deck application uses track channel for seamless integration of an undertrack system on freeform pools.

What is the most coolest pool? ›

The Coolest Pools Around The World
  • The Club and Retreat at Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs, Colorado) ...
  • Floating Lake Pool at Grand Hotel Tremezzo (Como, Italy) ...
  • One&Only Reethi Rah (Maldives) ...
  • Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort (Crete, Greece) ...
  • The Joule Hotel (Dallas, Texas)
Sep 4, 2020

Are infinity edge pools safe? ›

Believe it or not, infinity pools are quite safe. The edge doesn't actually disappear. It's a visual illusion. You swim to the edge of the wall just like you would in any other pool.

What is the cheapest pool to install? ›

Vinyl liner pools are generally the cheapest inground pools with regard to upfront costs; however, their costs can increase significantly based on a number of factors. A ballpark figure on the lower end for an inground 12' x 24' vinyl liner pool with installation is around $42,000.

Are Endless Pools heated? ›

The Endless Pools installations in these photos show the more possibilities for a snowy pool season. This Original Endless Pool on Long Island stays open all year round. The owners keep the water heated to 86 degrees all year round; Ronald claims that he only swims with a wetsuit because of the wind on his back!

Can you use an Endless Pool as a hot tub? ›

The fun doesn't stop after your swim. You can also enjoy an Endless Pool for hydrotherapy and relaxation, just like you would a hot tub.

Can you fall over the edge of an infinity pool? ›

Of course, just like any pool, infinity pools are safe especially since the so-called “infinity” edge is just an optical illusion. So if you swim close or all the way to the edge of the pool, you'll bump into the wall eventually, and there is no danger of falling over the edge accidentally.

Can you swim off the edge of an infinity pool? ›

Yes, infinity pools are safe. Remember, the disappearing edge is a visual trick, not an actual disappearing edge. If you swim up to the edge of the pool, you'll reach a wall.

Can an endless pool go in the ground? ›

All Endless Pools models (except our Streamline® pool) can be installed partially in-ground. You don't need a space-hogging pool to float your cares away. Installed partially in-ground, this backyard Endless Pools Performance model makes a convenient escape from daily pressures.

Do people float off infinity pools? ›

Infinity pools are safe. You won't float over the side; there's a wall in the way, you're just being tricked by the brilliant illusion of the 'disappearing edge'.

Can you turn a regular pool into an endless pool? ›

Fastlane® Specifications:

Now you can turn any pool into an Endless Pool! For fitness or fun, the Fastlane swimming machine adds a whole new dimension to your pool. The Fastlane system has two parts: a remotely located Hydraulic Power Unit that powers the swim current and the Swim Unit that mounts to the pool.

Do endless pools need chlorine? ›

The Endless Pool uses a new mineral purifier to help sanitize the pool water. This system automatically adds ions to the water to inhibit bacteria growth. You must still use a small amount of chlorine to oxidize the contaminants.

Videos

1. Infinity Pool (vanishing edge) how do they work and let's form just the Infinity Part
(Excavation Nation)
2. HOW IT WORKS - SWIMMING POOL
(Nature Works Glass Filter Media)
3. $350,000 Infinity Pool Construction Time Lapse (High End Construction)
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4. Infinity Pool
(CUSTOM POOLS LONG ISLAND)
5. Infinity Pool At The Level 8 Clubhouse
(Capitol TwinPeaks Lifestyle Complex)
6. Marina Bay Sands Singapore Hotel Tour & Review 2020 (incl rooftop infinity pool and deluxe room)
(Visit With Us)
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