How Do Infinity Pools Work?

by Kevin Smith Author

Infinity pools offer the latest and most innovative design technology. If you're interested in customizing a swimming pool for your home, then you should look no further than this new standard in pool design: large and luxurious infinity pools that appear to never end. An infinity pool has an invisible edge, where water flows like a waterfall. They can be designed in such a unique way that the horizon or the rest of your yard will appear to be part of your pool, an extension of it that you almost feel that you could swim into.

Infinity pools offer the best views and most relaxing swimming experience possible by today's standards, and a custom pool builder in Orlando, FL, can help you design the infinity pool of your dreams. Here's how these unique pools work.

Masterful Optical Illusions

Infinity pools rely on an amazing optical illusion, tricking the eye into believing that the pool has no apparent end, and extends into the distance. This effect makes these pools look much bigger than they actually are!

This works by building one wall of the pool at water level, rather than above it. The intent is not to contain the pool's water, as the other walls do. The walls are built in a downward slope, which allows water to gently flow down them. This contributes to the effect that water is flowing endlessly outward.

And don't worry, you won't lose all of that water. It will actually flow down into what's called a catch pool. This water sits directly below the infinity wall. The water that collects here enters your filtration system and is cycled back to a pool itself. It works just like a fountain.

Designing an Infinity Pool

Because they rely on optical illusion for the proper effect and for swanky style, infinity pools need to be styled correctly. First of all, the infinity wall should be opposite you as you approach the pool. Try to funnel all foot traffic in your backyard into a walkway that faces the pool from a good side. You should also make the catch pool hidden from view. Ideally, these pools should be built on a gentle descending slope.

Failure to design an infinity pool correctly can leave you with an awkward effect, or at most a pool that just looks like it has a waterfall on one end. As nice as this is, you're paying for infinity technology and should get the full impact of the intended effect every time. But don't worry, you don't have to design alone. Find a custom pool builder in Orlando, FL, that is experienced with building a variety of pools, including beautiful infinity pools.