Infinity Edge Pools: Cost is One Big “Negative”

Woman sitting on the edge of an infinity edge pool

Want to know what the next big trend in swimming pool design will be? Based on recent history, you might want to look at whatever’s popular at luxury resorts. Rather than installing a basic pool, many homeowners are willing to pay a little (or a lot) extra to replicate a vacation experience in their backyards.

Perhaps the ultimate example of the “staycation” trend are infinity edge pools – also known as negative edge pools. These pools have a short wall on one side, which allows water to spill over into a catch basin (or weir) below. The point of this is to create an optical illusion, making it seem like the water blends into the horizon. It’s easier to demonstrate than describe:

Who wouldn’t want to have something like that in their backyard? Well, aside from the fact that most backyards don’t feature such breathtaking scenery, there are a few negatives that go with installing an infinity pool. You can probably guess the biggest one.

Example of an infinity edge swimming pool with trees and mountains in the background reflecting off the water
There’s a downside to all this beauty.

Infinity Pools Cost a Lot Extra

Obviously, installing the weir that catches the spillover water is an added expense. In addition, the weir wall (the shorter spillover wall) has to be treated on both sides to hold up under regular contact with water – while also, preferably, looking attractive. Last but not least, you need a special system to pump the water from the weir back into the pool above.

With any swimming pool installation, it’s always crucial to find a contractor who has experience with similar projects. Unfortunately, not all pool builders have installed infinity pools. Beyond the cost of extra materials and labor, you often have to pay a premium to get on the schedule of a builder with the expertise you need. The alternative of hiring a less experienced pool company simply isn’t worth the risk for a project like this.

Infinity edge pool with wooden deck
It takes a lot of skill and experience to install an infinity edge swimming pool.

The extra expense doesn’t end after you install your pool, either. Running an extra system to pump water from the weir back into the pool has a noticeable impact on maintenance costs. Also, most infinity pool designs do not lend themselves to pool covers, which are essential for preventing evaporation and keeping your energy bill under control.

The bottom line is that these types of pools aren’t the most economical. If you want to enjoy those stunning views, be prepared to pay extra at every step of the way. But then, you probably already knew that.

The back side of an infinity edge pool
What an infinity pool looks like “behind the scenes.” For more info on how infinity pools are built, check out this article from Aqua Magazine.

Other Disadvantages of Infinity Edge Pools

If you have the money and a suitable backdrop to work with, you’ve cleared the two biggest hurdles when it comes to building your own infinity swimming pool. But there are a few other concerns you might want to consider.

Safety is one issue. While they undoubtedly look more perilous than they really are, there is the danger of someone falling over the shorter weir wall into the basin below. Whether this is a likely scenario depends entirely on the sort of people who will be using the pool. Think it over, and also be sure to investigate any impact it might have on your homeowner’s insurance.

Infinity edge pool with an amazing view
It’s not as dangerous as it’s designed to look – but you could still break an arm if you fall over the edge.

Another thing you may want to grapple with is the environmental impact of building and operating a pool like this. In addition to the extra energy it takes to keep these pools running, there’s the potential for landslides or other damaging effects on the environment. If you’re going to install one of these pools, make sure you find a pool company that knows how to do it right.

Breathtaking as they are, infinity edge swimming pools aren’t for everyone. If you have a great view you want to take advantage of, a more conventional semi-inground design may be a more realistic option. On the other hand, if the cost and other “negatives” don’t bother you, you might be one of the rare people destined to own one of these luxury pools.

1 thought on “Infinity Edge Pools: Cost is One Big “Negative””

  1. If you have to ask how much more it will take to operate than a “regular” pool you probably cannot afford it.

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