Anyone who has been to a high-end resort or hotel in the last few years will have taken a dip in one of these amazing pools. Infinity pools are also known as vanishing or disappearing edge pools as they seem to drop into the horizon at one or more edges. This gives users a feeling of mystery and relaxation.
Visual impact.
These pools add a touch of glamour and beauty in your backyard, especially on bright and sunny days. The water takes on the colour of the sky and seems to join seamlessly with it. Infinity pools are a statement piece and fit in perfectly with a dreamy landscape.
How do Infinity Pools work?
Although the effect is sublime, the nuts and bolts are quite prosaic! However, don’t let that discourage you. It all works with some clever sculpting and plumbing that keeps the main walls of the pool at water level. They then slope downwards, away from the centre of the pool. This creates the waterfall effect of your Infinity pool.
While it may seem as though the water falls off the edge of the earth, it falls into a basin, or catch pool, that’s underneath the infinity edge. This water is then pumped back into the main part of the Infinity pool.
Your Infinity pool needs to be in the right location.
It’s all about the image – you must put the vanishing edge somewhere where you can’t see the catch pool as this destroys the mystique an Infinity pool creates. Infinity pools are often on slopes or high rise buildings which help create the magical effect. Gentler slopes are better than steep, as steeper slopes may mean some earthworks first.
You also have to get the catch basin right – it should be deep enough to catch all the overflow but not so deep that its water levels are always low. Then the catch pool needs a pump, filter and pipes.
Could you have an Infinity pool?
Who wouldn’t want one?
However, it’s not going to work for everyone. If your garden is on a slope or a terrace, then infinity away. However, if your pool will mirror your ratty old trellis or the neighbour’s shed wall, then that’s not so great.
Similarly, if you live in a mid-century (or older) house with a more traditional sort of garden, then you’d be better off with a traditional dug-in pool. If you’re on a hill, or somewhere with a big sky, then go for it.
If you would like to chat with Pool Fab about building an Infinity pool in your backyard, contact us today!
