Infinity edge pools for Atlanta, GA homes
Infinity edge pools, also called vanishing edge, negative edge, or zero edge pools, offer an unparalleled sense of space. Where traditional swimming pools can feel suffocating and confined, an edge infinity pool widens your world, making every dip feel like an escape.
This sophisticated pool design creates a visual illusion of water extending infinitely, seamlessly blending with the horizon. An edge infinity pool is a stunning focal point, enhancing the beauty of the landscape, never doomed to be an outdated eyesore. Investing in this unique water feature elevates the property’s aesthetic appeal and value.
How do infinity edge pools work?
The glittering effect of an edge infinity pool might seem like it can only be achieved by magic, but it’s really good old-fashioned engineering and visual trickery. Infinity edge pool construction details vary, but here’s a basic explanation: the pool is built with one or more sides that meet the waterline exactly. The pool is equipped with a catch basin or surge tank that will pump water a little bit higher than the waterline so the pool overflows at these borders. The extra water falls into a basin or tank and is pumped back into the pool, leaving a smooth edge reminiscent of a horizon or waterfall.
The design principles of vanishing edge pools all fall under the category of water-in-transit designs because they rely on hydraulics and water moving from one container to another to achieve their visual effect. The idea is pretty simple to understand, but the execution can be done in a thousand different ways depending on what look you want to achieve and the unique features of your property.
A 360 sensory experience
Obviously, the vanishing edge of an infinity pool looks stunning, but looks are only one part of the appeal. The continuously running water of an infinity pool provides cool, calm sounds to your backyard oasis. Some homeowners even like to build a patio below the infinity edge so they can immerse themselves in the sound.
People find the sound of running water soothing due to its natural, rhythmic qualities that evoke a sense of tranquility. The consistent, gentle flow of water promotes a state of relaxation by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces stress and lowers anxiety levels. This auditory experience, reminiscent of rivers, streams, and rainfall, can help mask disruptive noises, creating a serene environment. This innate connection to nature can induce feelings of comfort and well-being, making the sound of running water a popular choice for relaxation and meditation.
The history of vanishing edge pool design
As you might expect from such a symbol of elegance and exclusivity, one of thefirst manmade infinity pools is traced back to the Palace of Versailles in France. The Cabinets of Animals fountains, built in the 1600s, depicted scenes of animals in battle with the ingenious use of tiered basins for an infinity illusion. Water from the mouths of the winning animals falls into the upper basin, while the losing animals’ mouths spill into the lower basin. The golden beasts look like they are part of a miraculous natural environment within the carefully manicured gardens of Versailles.
The infinity edge pool construction details at Versailles were likely inspired by not only waterfalls and ocean sunsets but also existing luxury bathing destinations like the terracedhot springs in Pamukkale, Turkey. These springs sit atop snowy mountains, with vanishing edges and panoramic views. Floating into divine nothingness has always been appealing to people seeking deep relaxation and peace.
The dawn of the modern infinity pool
The luxury infinity pool experience that most people associate with modern resorts and mansions was championed by California architect John Lautner. Lautner was an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright who aimed to seamlessly blend architecture into its surrounding nature, the inspiration for an infinity pool. Lautner first used his infinity pool design in the Silvertop house in Los Angeles. This iconic mid-century modern home was begun in 1957, and the infinity pool would take off as a unique home design element in the swinging 60s.
Icon of the screen
Lautner went on to design many mansions with infinity pools in southern California, the most iconic being the Elrod House in Palm Springs. The home, built in 1968 for interior designer Arthur Elrod, was featured in the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever. All of America was introduced to the concept of an endless, edgeless pool in one of the franchise’s most famous scenes when Sean Connery’s Bond is thrown into the home’s pool by the gorgeous and lethal duo Bambi & Thumper.
In 1971, the pool’s unique architecture signaled exotic wealth and luxury, and if social media is any indication, infinity edge pools still hold the same mystique. Models, influencers, and normal people alike flock to resorts known for their infinity pool focal points to capture indelible images every day.
Would an infinity edge pool work in my setting?
The modern infinity pool was originally designed to accentuate the gorgeous water views that Silvertop House already had in the Hollywood Hills. The design really shines when it is incorporated into the illusion that the infinity pool is part of a larger body of water or the sky, so it’s important to consider lines of sight on your property. That said, infinity pools have come a long way since the 1950s. At White’s Pool, we’re prepared to get creative to design an infinity pool Atlanta residents with all kinds of backyards can enjoy.
Tune into topography
Backyards with a slight slope are ideal for building an infinity edge pool, as the topography lends itself to the shape and gravity of the water illusion. Fear not if you have a flat backyard, however. There are still ways to incorporate a gorgeous infinity edge into your pool project, such as building around multi-tiered patios.
Artfully accompany architecture
When they think of an infinity pool, many people probably picture clean lines and modern decor. While it’s true that the clean, edgeless look of an infinity pool looks beautiful with contemporary architecture, your home doesn’t need to look like a modern art museum to make an infinity pool work. Carefully choosing what lines of sight will complement your property is an important step in designing an infinity pool, and is best tackled by an engineer experienced with infinity edge pool construction details.
Do infinity edge pools need more maintenance?
Under the calm and serene surface of an infinity edge pool is a lot of technology and moving parts. Water is continuously running between the basins of a pool to keep the edgeless illusion alive, so naturally, these pools require a little more maintenance than your standard backyard swimming hole. To maintain an infinity pool Atlanta will be impressed by, keep close attention to these details:
Keep the catch basin as clean as the rest of your pool
Even though it’s designed to be forgotten, remember that the catch basin of your infinity pool also needs to be cleaned regularly. The water that falls over the edge of your pool feeds right back into the larger pool, so keeping the catch basin clean not only prevents buildup and mechanical problems but also keeps your swimming water clean and clear. Infinity pools also have more tile square footage than most pools, so the extra cleaning duties should be noted.
Keep your pool appropriately full
When the water from your infinity pool falls into the catch basin, it warms up and evaporates faster. You will need to keep a close eye on the water level of your pool and top it off routinely. If the water level gets too low, you completely lose the beautiful effect of the infinity edges.
Keep an eye on your chemical levels
The faster evaporation of water in infinity pools doesn’t only affect the waterline; it can also alter the pool's chemical balance. You should test your infinity pool’s water chemistry twice a week to make sure it’s safe for swimming.
Keep your pump in excellent working order
The pump that cycles water between the larger pool and catch basin is crucial to keeping up the appearance of your infinity edge pool. If it’s getting slower, louder, or making unusual noises, you’ll want to get to the bottom of the issue right away.
Infinity pools require a closer eye and slightly more TLC than standard swimming pools, but most owners would say that the extra maintenance duties are well worth it!
Are infinity edge pools safe?
It’s understandable why you might be worried about the safety of an infinity edge pool, especially one constructed on a hillside or rooftop. After all, pool designers are doing everything we can to trick your eye into thinking there’s no wall there! But rest assured, there is definitely still a wall there. You’re no more likely to fall off the edge of an infinity pool than you are out of any other swimming pool, and children require the same supervision they do in any water setting. If an infinity pool is built with a weir wall that is lower than the waterline and accessible to swimmers, it can be a slipping hazard if swimmers choose to play on it. However, you can choose to build the pool in a way that the weir walls are inaccessible to swimmers if you have young children or simply don’t want the risk.
Infinity edge pools do require a larger pump, or multiple pumps, to maintain the water flow and underwater suction points can be problematic if not built according to safety standards. This is why it’s important to work with serious pool professionals on any project, but especially a more complicated one such as an edge infinity pool.
How expensive is an infinity edge pool?
A luxury experience does come with a luxury price tag. Every pool project and property is different, but in general, installing an infinity edge can add 20-50% of the total cost of the pool. Adding in the basin and the hydraulic systems to create the edge effect is essentially as complicated as putting in a second pool, and it adds significant construction time.
How expensive your infinity pool project will be depends on several factors, one of the most important being your topography. A gentle slope to your yard is perfect for infinity pool construction, but if the slope is very steep, it increases engineering costs. Reinforcing and supporting the pool along the slope can as much as double the total cost of the project. However, property owners with a steep slope are often very happy they did take the plunge and accentuate their dramatic views with an infinity edge.
If you’re passionate about incorporating this unique water feature into your backyard, don’t let these possibilities intimidate you. You have more options than you think. For example, you don’t need to include an entire infinity edge. Building an infinity edge just on one corner of a pool will still give a stunning effect and bring the welcome sound of running water to your oasis, but it is considerably less expensive.
No matter the scale and ambitions of your infinity edge pool, you’ll want to make sure it’s built right to avoid costly issues down the line. Don’t trust just anyone with this project. The experts at White’s Pools will ensure your enjoyment is as endless as your pool’s edge.
Let’s start building your dream infinity edge pool
If you aspire to a luxurious getaway in your own backyard, it’s time to talk to Atlanta’s premier pool artisan at White’s Pools. We’ve been creating custom, resort-quality pools for Atlanta for years, and we bring a personal touch to each and every client’s property. Infinity edge pools can be spectacular, but building them right requires expertise and vision. Chat with us today about how we can make this dazzling water feature work for your property.
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