What Is an Infinity Pool? Size, Cost and More (2024)

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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

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.

What Is a Plunge Pool? Size, Cost and More

FAQs

What Is an Infinity Pool? Size, Cost and More? ›

An infinity pool costs $100 to $300 per square foot installed, or $60,000 to $150,000 total on average. The cost of infinity pool installation depends on the size, type, material, and features. Infinity edge pools are also called knife edge, zero edge, infinite edge, disappearing edge, and vanishing edge pools.

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What is the size of an infinity pool? ›

The size can vary greatly, depending on the available space and the desired design. Infinity pools can range from small, intimate pools that are only a few feet long to large, resort-style pools that stretch for hundreds of feet.

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Are infinity pools more expensive? ›

The average price to install an in-ground pool with an infinity edge is $79,000. The installation of an average inground pool will cost much less, about $49,000. The extra costs associated with infinity pools come from their unique edge and basin designs.

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What is the disadvantage of an infinity pool? ›

High cost: pools with infinity edges have high costs, which is their most notable drawback. The initial construction is more expensive than a traditional pool.

What is the difference between an endless pool and an infinity pool? ›

After all, modular Endless Pool with Hydrodrive™ Technology lets you swim 'infinitely' forward with no flip-turns, thanks to its adjustable current. The term "infinity pool" specifically refers to an "infinite edge pool," "vanishing edge pool," or "negative edge pool." These are pools that have no swim current.

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What is the average size of an endless pool? ›

With sizing from 7'x12' to 10'x16' – customizable in 1' increments – the Endless Pool adapts to your space requirements. And with five swim-current options, you can have exactly the swim experience you want. Each is fully adjustable to suit everyone in your household.

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Is an infinity pool worth it? ›

Amazing Views: One of the unique benefits of an infinity pool is its unique view as you watch the beautiful landscape from the comfort of your pool. Easier to Maintain: Infinity pools use filtration system that constantly circulates water, which cuts down on algae growth. This means less maintenance for you.

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Do infinity pools lose a lot of water? ›

Yes, infinity pools tend to lose more water compared to standard pools. This water loss is primarily due to the continuous overflowing of water over the infinity edge.

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How deep should an infinity pool be? ›

The infinity pool should ideally have a depth of 1.2 to 1.6 metres. A greater depth would not allow the user to enjoy the view.

What are the problems with infinity pools? ›

Just as there are many benefits to installing an infinity pool, there are some potential challenges as well. Here are a few of the most common: Cost – Infinity pools can cost significantly more than traditional pools due to their complexity and additional materials needed for installation.

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

This leads many people to ask whether an infinity pool is safe to swim in, but it's important to remember that the pool is still fully enclosed. Although water flows over the infinite edge, the wall is still in place and, provided other pool safety rules are followed, swimmers are safe to swim near it.

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

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'.

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How much does it cost to put in an infinity pool? ›

An infinity pool typically costs between $55,000 and $130,000 to build, with homeowners across the country paying an average of $80,000. There are several factors that can affect the total cost, including the pool size and material, land preparation, and the cost of labor and permits.

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Why are infinity pools so expensive? ›

An infinity pool costs slightly more because there are more surfaces to finish to create the vanishing edge. An infinity pool might require more intricate plumbing work because of the skimmer's placement below the water line.

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What makes a pool an infinity pool? ›

What is an infinity pool? Also known as zero-edge pools or rimless pools, infinity pools are designed to give the illusion of a missing edge. The water appears to flow beyond the edge and into, well, infinity. These pools are often built with beautiful horizons beyond the 'missing edge'.

What defines an infinite pool? ›

Meaning of infinity pool in English

a swimming pool in which the top of the water is at the same level as the edges surrounding the pool, and seems, to someone in the pool, to stretch to the horizon (= the point where the land appears to join the sky): The hotel has an infinity pool that overlooks the ocean.

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Is there a standard pool size? ›

Inground pools typically range from 10 by 20 feet to 20 by 40 feet. Above-ground pools are usually between 10 and 24 feet in diameter. Lap pools can be as small as 6 by 30 feet or as large as 10 by 50 feet. Plunge pools are small, ranging from 6 by 10 feet to 8 by 20 feet on average.

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