Table of contents of the page
To get started, on this page of Ok Pool Reform within Pool Designs we present the Infinity pool model or also known as overflowing.
What is an infinity pool
What is the name of the infinity pool?
First of all, explain what An infinity pool can also be known as an infinity pool, a zero-edge pool, an edgeless pool, an endless pool, or a pool with infinity edges..
Infinity pool what is it
What does infinity pool mean?
As its name alludes, It is one in which the sheet of water overflows above the level of the edge of the pool, so it seems to disappear on the horizon.
Infinity pool as is
What is an infinity pool
Una infinity pool or overflowing is that which exercisede a visual effect or optical illusion that water extends to the horizon, or disappears, or extends to infinity.
Therefore, an infinity pool is designed to play a visual trick, making you think that there is no separation between the water and the surrounding landscape features.
What is an endless pool made up of?
Una Swimmingpool infinite is made up of one or more walls that correspond exactly to the water level of the Swimmingpool. This means that they are permanently overflowing; That water falls into a reservoir, which is just below the 'trailing edge', and is then pumped back to the Swimmingpool.
Why infinity pools are characterized
- Thus, it is fundamentally characterized by having the water at the same level as the upper part of the terrace, that is, the water overflows the edge of the pool, achieving a fascinating visual impression.
History of infinity pools: truly aesthetic design
Beautiful impact with infinity pool
Truly, infinity pools are the latest among modern pools because they are very impressive and evoke transmissions of sensations similar to those synonymous with luxury and comfort.
So suddenly when you visualize an infinity pool you will perceive an evocation of good energy, relaxation and comfort.
In reality, much of the beauty transferred is transferred thanks to the fact that its lines lead to continuity with the environment.
In addition, it is really easy to attach any type of decorative element to provide more artistic value.
Historical precedents of infinity pools
There is a lot of controversy about the historical precedents of infinity pools, but we can really say that the recirculation fountains with water that spilled over the edge into the basins used in past centuries are the precursors of infinity pools.
Silvertop house infinity pool
First-timers to build an infinity pool house: Modernist architect John Lautner
On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that in the USA, Modernist architect John Lautner began building trailing edge pools in Southern California in the mid-XNUMXth century.
Likewise, the first pool built in the Silvertop house, commissioned by industrialist Kenneth Reiner, has become one of his most famous designs and also has the label of being one of the first overflow pool constructions in the world (although it is not proven). .
The Silvertop House's infinity pool is a cantilevered pool that appears to flow directly into Silver Lake Reservoir far below.
When to build an infinity pool
Demand for infinity pools on the rise
Today the request for infinity pools is increasing year after year..
Basically in tourist complexes that have sea views, swimming pools in hotels and resorts, sports centers, outdoor gardens, or spas and thermal centers...,
But in unison Requests for private pools with visually privileged environments are also increasing.
Where are infinity pools made?
Normally, infinity pools will be made in paradisiacal landscapes such as: beaches, sea, mountains...
And we can find that these designs are usually very common in hotels that have landscapes connected with a direct visual line to the sea.
Can I build an infinity pool in my house?
As we just mentioned, there is no problem in building a panoramic pool in your home.
Furthermore, it is worth highlighting that it is one of the most hygienic and safe pool models that exists.
This way, you can rest assured, we have everything you need to successfully create your infinity pool in a simple way, even with irregular shapes: Contact us, free visit and without obligation.
Overflowing pool on rugged terrain
Of course we can build an infinity pool on hilly terrain; in fact, in this case the result of the landscape will be more pleasant.
Our system allows us to build infinity pools on surfaces with slopes, inclinations, uneven edges or overhangs. Contact us, free visit and without obligation.
What is the design of an infinity pool?
System for infinity pools
Video explanation system for infinity pools
infinity pool detail
How to make an infinity pool and how it works
How to create the illusion that the border disappears
While the boundary between an infinity pool and the surrounding landscape may seem blurry, this is simply a well-designed trick on the eye.
The edge of an infinity pool is like the edge of any pool, except there is a dip in one section to allow water to flow into a lower catchment basin.
To create the illusion of the disappearing edge, infinity pools are designed without a visible cover: at the deck level, there is nothing (edge, pavers, or deck) to draw attention to the edge.
How does an infinity pool work?
How does an infinity pool work?: the water flows to a lower level
In the traditional pool, the water is sucked in by the pump through openings called skimmers; then it is filtered and pumped directly into the pool; It is a closed circuit. The only water loss, apart from washing the filter, is due to evaporation in the pool, mainly in summer. The water level is about 15 cm below the capstones.
What really happens, of course, is that the water flows to a lower level and (depending on how steep the slope of the waterfall is) is captured in a lower pool, which then overflows again as more volume rises. cascades from the top.
Thus, to create this waterfall effect, infinity pools are built with a portion of the wall removed near the top of the pool or at the coping level.
The infinity pool is a kind of waterfall with a single lower level
Definitely, An infinity pool is a type of waterfall with a single lower level: a section of the pool's edge is lower, acting as a dam that overflows into a lower collection basin. From there, the water is pumped back to the upper pool to create a continuous overflow.
In short, the water then spills over the side into a collecting container. Using pumps and hydraulics, the overflow water is pumped back into the pool and the cycle continues. Depending on your preferred design, the mechanism that returns water to the pool can be something invisible below the surface or an eye-catching feature, such as a stone waterfall.
How to make an infinity pool
The infinity pool technique
Main features of the overflow pool
Overflow is primarily a hydraulic principle and it is useful to specify its main characteristics: Most overflow pools are constructed of concrete, although some pool kit or shell manufacturers have entered this market.
Infinity infinity pool properties
- An overflow pool is buried or partially buried.
- The filtration system installed in the technical room is very similar to that of a skimmer pool.
- All coverings can be used: liner, reinforced PVC, polyester, tiles
- In the negative edge pool or zero edge pool, water is not sucked into the pool, but into a tank called a "balancer"; After filtration, the water is returned to the pool through outlets (usually on the walls and bottom) and can only overflow because the pool is already full. Water flows into a gutter where it is collected and then redirected by gravity to the balance tank.
- As for the skimmers, we are in the presence of a closed circuit: it is the same water that circulates, so there is no special anxiety about water consumption. Here the waterline is 3 to 4 cm below the coping or even at the same level for the zero edge pool.
How the lake effect is created
To achieve this beautiful effect, the water must overflow around the entire perimeter of the pool.
We achieve this by installing a filter channel that borders the entire pool and where the water constantly enters.
If you look closely, the water always overflows over the edge that is built with a slight inclination.
We cover the filter channel with our ceramic grates. The grilles can be the exact same color as the trim for a 100% coordinated aesthetic.
How infinity pool works: Specific equipment
They are essential for building an infinity pool and are not necessarily expensive. The balancing tank is, of course, essential for operation, since from there the water will be sucked by the pump to make the pool overflow.
There is a lot to read about calculating its volume; Normally, not only the volume of the pool must be taken into account, but also the pump flow rate calculated based on the length of the overflow and the number of bathers expected. Too small will be insufficient in case of rain or excessive use of the pool, and water will be wasted; too big is money wasted on masonry and chemicals
Overflowing pool Compensation tank and channel
Overflow pool operation compensation tank and channel
Usually, On one side of the pool there is an accumulator compensation tank which adds water to the pool glass in order to balance the volume of water displaced.
Instead, On the other side of the pool, exactly the overflow side, there is a channel covered by a grate (sometimes depending on the design of the pool it covers the entire perimeter)=, where the water is collected and reaches a chamber where it will be pumped to be transported to the pool's filtration system and returned again.
Logically, the channel must be conditioned with the appropriate number of outlets to enable the movement of water to the compensation tank.
The function of the gutter is to collect the water that overflows from the pool and fill the tank. Its location depends on the type of overflow; In a waterfall pool, it is located below the side(s) through which the water overflows. In a zero deck pool, it will be located around the entire perimeter of the pool. Bottom inlet nipples (not to be confused with bottom drain) are often forgotten, but are essential in the reverse hydraulic system technique. The balance tank level control system is also very important. Its function is to make your life easier and avoid significant water losses or major problems in the pump. There are more or less economical solutions: floats, probes, bubbler. Also necessary are the non-return or check valve and a solenoid valve to automatically fill the tank.
Overflow pool filter system operation
How infinity pool filter works
- Due to the great movement of water in the pool, the current itself will push all the debris that falls towards the channel, preventing the glass from settling at the bottom in the vast majority of cases.
- This way, we will practically not have to worry about cleaning the bottom of the pool.
- And, therefore, we will also save costs related to pool maintenance.
- At the same time, the endless pool does not require skimmers or discharge nozzles; since with the overflow the function of the aforementioned accessories is already performed.
Overflow pool treatment scheme
Grate function for infinity pool
The overflow pool grate serves to cover the channel that transports the water.
- The overflow pool grate can be made of plastic.
- You can also choose porcelain grates.
- Or, opt for one invisible grid which is just a gap of a few millimeters that hides the channel that carries the water to the compensation glass.
Video how to make an infinity pool
Next, you can see an animation where you can see all the details of assembly and execution of the overflow edges of infinity pools.
Video tutorial how to build an infinity pool with system 9
Advantages of the infinity pool
Main virtues of the infinity pool
- First of all, it should be noted that in the infinity pool model The water remains cleaner, crystal clear and transparent.
- This is because the recirculation of the entire volume of water occurs constantly and in a very short period.
- On the other hand, since it is such an obvious element visually speaking it becomes a security strong point and control for the little ones, since at any point in the garden we can see the sheet of water as if it were a lake.
- Maintenance of the water line and the bottom of the pool is practically zero since the same overflow prevents it from getting dirty.
- Likewise, the overflow factor causes this same water from the glass to be recovered in a channel or compensation tank, which It will free us from the installation of pool skimmers.
- The overflow of water occurs continuously and subtly; In this way the blow is cushioned and it is transfigured like a silent pool.
- Continuing with the advantages, overflowing pool edges are easier to access, so it is proven that they facilitate entry to the pool and that will become a Greater use of the pool.
- infinity pool, brilliant aesthetic with a multitude of creative options: from water mirrors, overflowing glass, to joints with wooden floors...
- And, certainly, we could be listing a multitude of other advantages, although by way of example its excellent properties have already become evident.
Cons of infinity pools
Main disadvantages of the infinity pool model
- Above all, the main disadvantage of the infinity pool model is its high cost of realization, since we require a more complex design and more than one and larger space (we must install the channeling and the compensation tank).
- As a result of everything explained, The construction of infinity pools is more laborious than that of a traditional swimming pool since it also requires certain concise hydraulic calculations to determine the size of the channel and its respective grates, the size of the accumulation tank, the diameter of the pipes, etc.
- Likewise, let us not forget that the The construction itself will be more expensive as the pool structure itself will have to be installed in extreme geological conditions. (cliffs, beach…)
- In summary, The compensation tank must be able to hold between 5 and 10% of the total volume of water in the pool.
- Instead, filtration system It is cheaper with less dedicated and superior cleaning performance.
- Some professionals emphasize that the cleaning of the channel can be a point against it, however for our part we think that it is a minimal defect since it is counteracted by the benefit of having less cleaning in other aspects of the pool.
- To conclude, the way the infinity pool is assembled as a result of its overflow will involve a increased water and electricity consumption compared to traditional ones (there must be perpetual flow of water and consequently filtration in progress).
Safety in the infinity pool
Is the infinity pool safe?
Yes, infinity pools are safe. Rerope, the disappearing edge is a visual trick, not a disappearing edge, and eventually if you swim to the edge of the pool you will reach a wall.
Types of infinity pool models
Infinity pool water overflow
The respective infinity pool models are determined by considering the number of overflows contained in the pool glass.
Frequently, we can find infinity pools with overflows on one side of the glass or on 2 or 3 (all this will depend on the aesthetic agent we want to give it).
Infinity pool design according to overflow
Thus, the main types of infinity pools that we can find are the following:
- Types of infinity pool models
1st Model of Endless Pool with overflow on 4 sides
Munich-type infinity pool
Features of Munich-type infinity pool
- Firstly, there is the infinity pool with overflow on all 4 sides, that is, around the entire perimeter of the pool on gutters covered by grates.
2nd Overflow Pool Model
Pool with infinity overflow on one side, two or three overflows
- In this case, the infinity pool can overflow from one, two or three edges of the pool.
- In such a way that the overflowing part or parts fall vertically onto the channel, which in some cases acts as a compensation tank or only as part of the circuit with a separate compensation vessel.
- Infinity pool on glass
- Swimming pool with overflow infinite
- Overflowing pool grating
- Overflowing pool with invisible grid
- Swimming pool with overflow waterfall.
3rd endless edge pool model
Overflowing pool on glass
Modern glass infinity pools
- First of all, depending on whether the glass pool is suspended brings an exciting touch of new experience in the sense that it makes the swimmer feel the sensation of being suspended in the air while swimming.
- On the other hand, thanks to the association that water denotes, it causes us a relaxing feeling.
- Likewise, asWe share all this same attraction with the same elegance, providing a space full of life and that seems absolutely impressive to us without a doubt.
- Without a doubt, glass pools are worthy of their good impact, creating a new trend in the design of pools and pools in the market. at the forefront of all types of projects.
- Finally, it is a option with a very strong design point which offers multiple possibilities: Depending on how the glass on the wall is worked, if we place it in idyllic areas such as facing the sea, playing with shape and size, if other complementary elements are added such as waterfalls, water is allowed to fall in a spill, etc.
- In short, get more information on the page dedicated to: Modern removable glass pools.
4th type Infinity pool with acrylic glass
Infinity pool with acrylic glass
What is transparent acrylic endless pool
The infinity pool with acrylic glass makes the overflow with this type of glass, which is a resin obtained from the polymerization of methyl methacrylate. which will allow us to obtain underwater walls or windows of glass pools (among other applications).
Next, click and you will enter the specific section: fashion trend in the transparent acrylic pool.
Overflow Pool Model with waterfall
Waterfall Overflow Pool
What is a waterfall infinity pool?
The waterfall infinity pool overflows into its own waterfall, which is very decorative and easy to clean.
6th Infinity pool model
Zero overflow pool
In flush or zero edge pools, the water reaches the edge of the wall, is flushed with the edge beyond, before falling by gravity into a small slot and reaching the overflow tank. This achieves a clean and modern visual effect. It is also possible to customize the border by choosing different materials for its construction.
7th Infinity pool model
Finnish overflow pool
El Finnish overflow o flush mirror is a more innovative and aesthetic filtration and collection system for water from the surface of swimming pools than the skimmer
El Finnish overflow It offers a large collection area and allows the water to "overflow" from the pool, always keeping the surface perfectly clean.
The system includes a channel that can extend along the entire perimeter of the pool and receives the overflow of water produced by the multiple injection of filtered water through the pool floor. This gutter will be covered by a grid that allows water to pass through and is non-slip.
8th Infinity pool model
Overflow pool
In the above-ground infinity pool, water flows over the edge into a channel located at a lower level than the surface of the pool, forming in some cases a real waterfall effect, and in others a simple wall of water that flows elegantly in the edge of the pool. the pool.
In fact, this is a special type of flush edge overflow, with the difference that the edge of the pool is raised along the entire perimeter or on one or more sides. The particular design of this type of pool easily adapts also to steep terrain and with cascading sides placed in sloping areas.
9th Infinity pool model
Pool with hidden overflow
Pool with hidden overflow. Infinity pools have a hidden edge around their perimeter to resemble a mirror.
The pool water overflows below the edge of the pool, along the perimeter, hiding the overflow channel, thus achieving a clean and aesthetic final result.
Infinity pool designs
25 infinity pools
Best infinity pools
Next, you will be able to see what are considered the 14 best infinity pools in the world.
So, you will be able to see very clearly the visual effect or optical illusion that the water extends to the horizon, or disappears, or extends to infinity (depending on the criterion).
Swimming pool video with sea views
Answer to the most frequently asked questions about infinity pools
Clarifications pool with infinity edge
Does the balance tank of an endless pool have to be at least 10% of the pool's volume?
- The balance tank must be at least 10% of the pool volume: this is FALSE. Is much less. The calculation must take into account the volume of the pool but also the flow rate of the filtration pump related to the length of the overflow.
A second pump is necessary in the infinity pool
- A second pump is necessary: this is FALSE. If the masonry has been executed correctly, this pump is totally useless. However, this is only true for a small pool with a large overflow length, for example a mirror pool, or when you want to increase the overflow water level to hide a defect in the overflow level.
A special disinfection system is mandatory in the infinity pool
- A special disinfection system is mandatory. NO! Obviously, we advise our clients to equip their pool with an automated treatment, but an infinity pool can be treated like a skimmer pool. The proof: infinity pools existed long before salt disinfection or other automatic systems were available on the market!
It is impossible to install a submerged cover on an infinity pool
- It is impossible to install a submerged cover on an infinity pool: this is obviously FALSE. Otherwise, no one would want to build one anymore.
It is impossible to transform a skimmer pool into a waterfall overflow pool
- It is impossible to transform a skimmer pool into a waterfall overflow pool: again, this is FALSE.
The price of an infinity pool is higher than that of a skimmer pool
- The price of an infinity pool is higher than that of a skimmer pool: it's TRUE! You have to count between 20 and 25% more.
Do infinity pools require additional maintenance compared to traditional ones?
Infinity pool maintenance
In some ways, infinity pools are easier to maintain than standard ones because they have a filtration system that helps pump water from the catchment tank area to the main tank. This helps reduce the need to clean the water or ensure that the water does not stagnate. The constant movement of water continuously cleans and filters it.
In addition, it is also necessary to control the filtration and the water pump; If one becomes clogged or the other breaks, there will be no effective recirculation.
Additionally, as water flows over the edge of the pool and into a lower container, it will evaporate faster than in a typical pool.
And, finally, you have a detailed blog where we generically tell how to maintain a swimming pool.
How much does it cost to make an infinity pool?
Price of an infinity pool
As we have already explained throughout this entry, building an infinity pool is more complex than in the case of building a traditional pool.
And, as we have been saying previously, the price will obey the mandate of many factors, above all, according to the demands of the terrain; but no less important are: the surface of the pool, the number of overflowing sides, the mirror system it includes, etc.
In any case, the most common infinity pools usually range in price between €7.200 and €40.000 without considering the installation.