Infinity pools, zero-edge pools, vanishing edge, or negative edge pools are created using optical illusion—resulting in a stunning property feature, and a skilled landscape architect can plan and design the right pool for you.
The illusion that the water is flowing infinitely is mesmerizing, especially if the view over the edge is spectacular. The good news is that you don’t need to be super-rich or live in paradise to enjoy an infinity pool.
All you need is a good landscape architect and the willingness to wait about 12 weeks for the pool to be built.
Landscape Architects in Orange County Can Expand Your Horizons
An infinity pool is designed to look like the edge of the world, but all of that water flowing over the top has to go somewhere, but where?
The zero edges are about a couple of inches below the water line. Over the edge wall, there is a basin, kind of like a mini pool, into which the water flows. The water in the basin is pumped back up into the upper pool, where it flows, once again, over the edge.
It’s a beautiful system, but compared to a traditional pool, it’s also made with a complex system, and that means more money and maintenance are needed.
It’s because of this that you need to get experienced landscape architects to work on your project. They know exactly how the complex system works and can tweak designs until you have an entirely customized rimless pool with a flawless transition between pool, basin, and pool—at no point is the illusion broken.
Your are Perfectly Safe
Infinity edge pools aren’t any more dangerous than other types of swimming pools. The edge is there; it’s just hidden, so you won’t fall over.
If safety remains a concern, you can add safety features, including railings, stairs, a Baja shelf, or any other barrier that will give you peace of mind that your kids, pets, and elderly grandparents won’t go sailing over the side.
Where to Put an Infinity Pool
In an ideal world, your home can be situated in the mountains, forest, or sea. Or you have a penthouse apartment that overlooks an amazing city skyline. The infinity edge pool provides you with unparalleled views of your surroundings, and the stresses of the world melt away as you soak in the water and relax to the soothing sound of running water.
Reality may not be an ideal world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all that an infinity pool has to offer. You could build your infinity pool in a location that enables you to enjoy your beautifully landscaped backyard, with its immaculate lawn, paved pathways, feature walls, water features, and luxuriant flower beds.
This is where landscape architects come in. Using all their knowledge, skill, and expertise, they can create both the landscape and the pool to admire it.
What Does an Infinity Pool Cost?
Therein lies the rub. Infinity swimming pools are not cheap and you’ll need enough backyard space to excavate two pools. If you don’t have a sloping yard, one will have to be created so you get the visual illusion of water extending endlessly.
You need the pool shell and the vacuum basin specifically designed to go with it. You need a top-of-the-line filtration system and a pump strong enough to circulate the water from the pool to the basin and back again.
An average infinity pool adds between $25,000 and $35,000 to the cost of an average pool. In the US, the average cost of a swimming pool is around $35,000 to $50,000. In total, you’re looking at an average price tag of $75,000 to $85,000. Overall, the cost of an infinite edge pool can run to over $100,000.
You might also need a special city permit to build an infinity; your landscape architect will advise you about that.
Other Costs
Then there are all the landscaping costs—to get that view. There’s land clearing, safety fencing, pool decking, a pool heating system, pool lighting, and the cost of actually filling the pool with water. It all mounts up, and pretty soon, you’re looking at a bill for more than $150,000.
The interesting thing about the price of infinity pools is that the size of the edge doesn’t affect the total cost. The work required to make and install a 10 ft. negative edge is pretty much the same as a 15 ft. edge. It’s the overall size of the pool that counts—after all, a 10 ft. x 20 ft. pool is going to be cheaper than a 15 ft. x 30 ft. pool.
It’s the ongoing operation and maintenance costs that will get you. Not only do you have to keep the pool clean, but you also have to keep the catchment basin clean. You need a powerful pump and filtration system to keep all of that water in motion, and you need greater amounts of water than you’d possibly expect.
This is because more water evaporates from an infinity pool than from a regular pool. If the water level gets too low, the infinite illusion is shattered, but worse than that, the pool’s system can’t function properly, and you could risk damaging essential parts.
An infinity pool can cost thousands of dollars to maintain. Budget for anything from $1200 to $5000 per year.
What are the Best Materials to Use?
Infinity pools are typically made with fiberglass or tile. Fiberglass is more durable – and affordable. Fiberglass infinity pools cost in the region of $20,000 to $37,000. Unfortunately, you don’t have the freedom to completely customize fiberglass pools to get your ideal swimming pool design.
Tile is far easier to customize, so you can get your dream infinity pool design, but they are significantly more expensive and take longer to install. A tiled edgeless pool is likely to set you back between $75,000 and $150,000.
You have the option to swap out a regular pool wall for a glass wall for an amazing visual effect, but that will add another $100,000 to the cost of your pool. A window will achieve a similar effect and will only set you back about $16,000.
The Visual Effect is Worth It!
Infinity pools are not cheap, but when you’re in your pool, looking out at an expansive vista—even if it’s just your stunning backyard—and you feel an overwhelming sense of calm, you’ll think it’s definitely worth it.
With an infinity pool on your property, you’ll have an idea of what it feels like to be in some of the most famous zero-edge pools in the world, like the Marina Bay Sands infinity pool in Singapore, or the Hotel Grace Santorini pool in Greece, the Paradise Pool in the Maldives, The Caesar Augustus Hotel in Italy, and the Hanging Gardens in Bali, where the sweeping views are breathtaking.
If you think that the only thing your home is lacking is a backyard infinity pool, speak with our experienced landscape architect in Orange County. Contact us at 714-235-3294 at Calimingo Pools today!