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Infinity edge design guide

Infinity Edge Design Guide

A Complete Homeowner’s Guide to Designing a Luxury Vanishing-Edge Pool

Infinity-edge pools — also known as vanishing-edge, negative-edge, or perimeter-overflow pools — are one of the most dramatic and luxurious design features available in modern pool construction. By allowing water to spill seamlessly over one edge, the pool visually blends into the horizon, giving the appearance of infinite water.

At Professional Pool Company, we design engineered infinity-edge systems customized for Florida homes, taking into account elevation, soil conditions, visual sightlines, and structural requirements.


What Is an Infinity Edge?

An infinity edge is created when:

  • One side of the pool is lower than the water level
  • Water flows over that edge into a hidden catch basin
  • The basin pumps water back into the pool
  • The water appears to extend endlessly into the landscape

The result is a smooth, mirror-like surface that blends with the surroundings.


Key Components of an Infinity Edge Pool

1. The Weir Wall

The engineered wall that water spills over.

It must be:

  • Perfectly level (laser precision)
  • Structurally reinforced
  • Finished with tile or stone

A precise weir wall ensures a clean, uniform sheet-flow effect.


2. The Catch Basin (Trough)

The basin captures overflow water beneath the vanishing edge.

Important design considerations:

  • Proper size to handle surge volume
  • Correct pump sizing
  • Adequate drainage
  • Easy access for maintenance


3. Surge Capacity

A properly engineered system must account for:

  • Swimmers entering/exiting
  • Splash-out
  • Rainfall
  • Wind-driven waves

This prevents the basin from overflowing.


4. Pump System

Infinity edges require a dedicated pump to maintain the continuous sheet flow.

This pump must be:

  • Correctly sized
  • Separate from the main circulation pump
  • Durable enough for constant operation


Choosing the Right Location for an Infinity Edge

Infinity edges work best when the pool visually aligns with a feature beyond it. Examples include:

  • Lakes
  • Conservation land
  • Golf courses
  • Rivers
  • Forest treelines
  • City skylines
  • Sloped yards

The more open the view, the stronger the visual effect.


Best Home Styles for Infinity Edge Pools

✔ Modern & Contemporary Homes

Infinity edges fit perfectly with clean lines, glass walls, and minimal architecture.

✔ Luxury Custom Homes

Creates a dramatic, upscale focal point.

✔ Waterfront Homes

Ideal for blending the pool with natural water views.

✔ Hillside or Elevated Lots

Enhances the “floating water” illusion.


Material and Finish Recommendations

Waterline & Weir Wall Tile

  • Glass tile for strong reflection
  • Dark textured tile for dramatic sheet flow
  • Natural stone for organic aesthetics

Interior Finish

  • Mid-to-dark tones enhance the infinity effect
  • Lighter tones give a Caribbean-style water color

Decking

  • Porcelain pavers
  • Travertine
  • Natural stone
  • Modern concrete finishes

Lighting around the edge is highly recommended.

(It visually enhances the drop-off line at night.)


Infinity Edge vs. Standard Raised Wall with Spillway

Feature

Infinity Edge

Standard Raised Wall

Visual Effect

High-end, dramatic

Traditional waterfall look

Cost

Higher (engineering required)

Moderate

Maintenance

Moderate

Low

Sound Levels

Soft, smooth flow

Louder cascading sound

Home Value

Significant boost

Moderate enhancement

Best For

Premium designs

Most standard pools

If your goal is a resort-style finish, the infinity edge wins every time.


Maintenance Considerations

Infinity-edge pools require:

  • Cleaning the catch basin
  • Monitoring water levels
  • Maintaining pump performance
  • Occasional tile scale removal

While maintenance is slightly higher than standard pools, the visual payoff is unmatched.


Cost Factors

Infinity edges cost more due to:

  • Engineering
  • Structural retaining walls
  • Dedicated pumps
  • Waterproofing
  • Tile upgrades
  • Catch basin construction

However, they offer one of the highest returns in visual impact and property value.


ProPoolCo Recommendation

If you want a pool that:

  • Feels luxurious
  • Integrates with your home’s architecture
  • Adds long-term property value
  • Creates a dramatic day-and-night aesthetic

An infinity-edge design is one of the most beautiful upgrades you can choose.

Professional engineering and precise construction are absolutely essential — which is why homeowners rely on Professional Pool Company for infinity-edge builds across Central Florida.


⭐ Ready to Explore Infinity Edge Designs?

Professional Pool Company can build a custom vanishing-edge system tailored to your home’s elevation, style, and desired visual effect.

👉 Call 321-252-7371 or visit propoolco.com to schedule your design consultation.

Updated on: 05/12/2025

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