Room Design
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By
Ralph Tarulli
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Ralph Tarulli
Ralph Tarulli is a pools and construction expert with 7+ years' experience working on pools, and 10+ years' experience in commercial construction. He has 15 professional certifications and is pursuing a career in building engineering.
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Updated on 06/05/24
Fact checked by
Sarah Scott
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Fact checked bySarah Scott
Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.
Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process
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An infinity pool has one or more edges finished in such a way that when you are either inside or near the pool it looks like the edges seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape. It is attractive to someone who is not a fan of the in-ground or above-ground style and is a common design found in homes that are built close to the ocean or on hilltops. Here's everything you need to know about infinity pools.
What Is an Infinity Pool?
An infinity pool usually has at least one side that is set below the normal water level and a corresponding skimmer tray below the edge out of sight. The skimmer tray acts like a long skimmer and opens up the other side to be seamless, improving the general aesthetic of the pool. Overall, because of this feature, infinity pools are more pleasing to the eye than traditional pools with visible coping stones, metal caps, and various skimmer openings.
Characteristics of an Infinity Pool
One of the most prominent characteristics of an infinity pool is its vanishing edge; this is the main draw of this type of pool which gives the effect that the pool seamlessly blends in and compliments its surrounding environment.
Another characteristic of this type of pool is that it has little to no skimmers, or openings built into the wall. On the other side of the vanishing edge, there is a finished trough that acts as a skimmer, allowing the water from the pool to flow into the filter.
It is because of this that an infinity pool's most identifiable feature also gives it the ability to be completely seamless.
Infinity Pool Versus Regular Pool
An infinity pool differs from a regular pool in a few key ways. An infinity pool may have one or no skimmers and will have at least one edge that is continuously below the water level. An infinity pool will also have a skimmer that will most likely be below the pump level and might be slightly more difficult to initially start up. An infinity pool will have a finished edge all around and at least one side that will have a finished side for the water to run down the seamless edge.
A regular pool would have a more traditional setup which would include one or more skimmers directly plumbed to a pump which will most likely be below the water level, allowing for an easier startup. A regular pool will also have a top edge of either coping stones or aluminum caps depending on what type of pool.
Cost
The cost for an infinity pool will be slightly more because instead of just finishing the inside of the pool, you will have to provide a finish for wherever the water touches, including the other side of the vanishing edge. This will increase the square footage that will be required to be finished and increase cost. Also, an infinity pool might require more intricate plumbing work since the skimmer would be below the water line and would require slightly more travel to make it back to the pump.
FAQ
Why should you get an infinity pool?
You should get an infinity pool if you would like your pool to give the illusion of blending into the scenery. An infinity pool will also provide a cleaner look and can give the appearance of a skimmerless pool.
Where does the water from an infinity pool go?
The water from an infinity pool goes back to the filter like a normal pool. The bottom of the vanishing edge of an infinity pool acts like a large skimmer. This skimmer will vacuum up the overflowed water and bring it back to the pump and filter. The water then returns to the pool.
Is it possible to fall over the edge of an infinity pool?
It is not possible to fall over the edge of an infinity pool as the "edge" is a created optical illusion to give the appearance of a seamless wall.
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