Although it is quite common to request the services of an architect for the design of a house, it is not common when it comes to building a swimming pool. A successful infinity pool design involves finding the right positioning, size, shape, and material that will complement the environment.
In this post, we explain how to design and build an infinity pool. We also outline why it is essential to choose the right materials and design the pool to ensure it blends in with the surroundings. Finally, we will discuss the importance of hiring experienced pool designers for the job.
The Concept of the Infinity Pool
There’s something magical and liberating about swimming in an infinity pool. It’s an experience like no other. Imagine floating effortlessly in crystal-clear water where the edge blends seamlessly with the distant horizon. There’s almost no distinction between the water and the sky, giving the illusion that it’s endless
What is an infinity pool?
Also called an infinity edge pool or a negative edge pool, an infinity pool is where the water overflows on one side. Deck level pools or zero-edge pools have water overflowing on the 4 sides. The edge over which the water spills is typically lower than the other sides, thus creating a weir allowing continued water flow and the signature vanishing effect.
The design and construction of infinity pools requires meticulous planning and engineering to ensure that water flows smoothly over the edges and is effectively recirculated. It is probably why these wet edge pools are often associated with luxury resorts and high-end properties.
The Illusion of limitlessness
The illusion of limitlessness is the hallmark of infinity pool design, transforming a mere swimming pool into a mesmerizing visual and sensory experience.
A zero-edge pool, also known as a deck-level or perimeter pool, creates a stunning visual effect where the water flows over all the edges, appearing to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
Key design considerations for infinity pools
When considering infinity pool design, it’s crucial to evaluate several key factors to ensure a successful project. First, assess whether an infinity pool is the best option for your property by examining the urban planning code and any specific constraints of your location. The chosen site should receive ample sunlight, ideally between 10 AM and 6 PM, to maximize enjoyment and efficiency. Additionally, the pool’s design should enhance the surrounding landscape and offer unobstructed views. It’s essential to integrate the pool dimensions harmoniously with the outdoor area, ensuring the pool’s position complements the house and other structures. Engaging with experts in infinity pool design is advisable, as they can provide tailored advice based on your property’s unique characteristics, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.
Get a pro to draw up your preliminary design for a swimming pool.
Morana's advice 👇
Get a design draft.
It is useful to have a drawing made by the pool builder to help you visualize the project, regardless of its size.
Communicate clearly with the pro you’re working with.
It’s vital that there’s genuine communication between you and the professionals responsible for carrying out your project. It ensures your expectations are understood and met. Furthermore, it helps avoid misunderstandings or costly errors.
Customizing your infinity pool design
Customizing an infinity pool involves tailoring various elements to reflect personal preferences, lifestyle, and the unique characteristics of the site. Here are key aspects to consider when creating a custom-made infinity pool design:
Personal aesthetic and style
It is crucial to customize the shape of your pool to fit the landscape and your aesthetic preferences. Options include free-form, rectangular, L-shaped, or even more unconventional shapes.
In the same way, you must decide on the size based on available space of your backyard and intended use, whether for recreation, exercise, or relaxation.
It is essential to choose a pool surface that complements your property style. Options include tiles, pebbles, or plaster in various colors and textures. Consider mosaic designs or patterns to add a unique touch to the pool’s interior. Darker colors can create a mirror-like effect, while lighter colors can give a tropical, inviting feel.
The pool decking and the surroundings are all important aspects of the overall design. Pool deck materials should complement the surrounding landscape perfectly. Stone, composite materials, and wood are all popular options.
In the evenings, underwater LED lighting accentuates pool features and creates a magical atmosphere. There are many colors and lighting effects available. For a starry night effect, fiber optic lighting is an option.
Edge design
Selecting the right pool edge configuration is crucial for achieving the desired aesthetic, functionality, and seamless integration with the surrounding environment. Visual, impact, topography, wind exposure, view are key elements.
Single-edge or multiple edges are ideal for locations with significant views. Zero-edge (perimeter overflow) gives the appearance of a flat, mirror-like surface. This design works well in modern settings and can be a focal point in gardens or courtyards.
Water features and enhancements
Integrated Spa
Including a relaxation area within the design of the infinity pool adds a touch of luxury and creates a versatile space for leisure as well as therapeutic use. It is possible to significantly enhance the appeal and functionality of the swimming area by incorporating an integrated concrete overflow spa with jets.
Waterfalls and Fountains
A waterfall integrated into a wall or a fountain enhance the visual and auditory experience. These features can be integrated into the pool’s design to complement the infinity edge.
Imagine Your Infinity Pool With A Drawing Or A Sketch
Once your project ideas are well established, you are ready to draw the pool of your dreams. The best way to do this is to sketch your mirror pool or waterfall overflow pool on the cadastral plan or a manual survey of the land. It’s important to include the surrounding greenery that you want to preserve as well as the limits imposed by town planning regulations; this allows you to determine the space available for the installation of a swimming pool.
This preliminary project helps you visualize the pool in its environment and determines the shape, style, and size of the overflow pool. Additionally, an initial design drawing is necessary when submitting either the declaration of works or the building permit application.
Planning and execution
Designing and constructing an infinity pool is a complex and rewarding undertaking that involves meticulous planning, thoughtful design, and precise implementation.
The keys to defining your pool project
Defining your project involves several critical steps to ensure a successful outcome. Begin by evaluating the site’s suitability, considering factors such as landscape, view, and sunlight exposure. Determine the project’s primary purpose, whether it’s for relaxation, recreation, or enhancing the property’s aesthetics. Develop a detailed design plan that harmonizes with the surrounding environment and complements your home’s architecture. By thoroughly defining your project, you can create a stunning and functional infinity water feature that enhances your outdoor living space.
How to draw an overflow pool
There are multiple software options that allow you to create simple pool designs (regular pool, above-ground pool, semi inground pool, swimming corridor, inground pool, etc.). However, the principle of the overflow pool is more complex than the regular pool. It requires expertise that you cannot find in these typical software options.
A pool can also be designed by an architect and then built by a pool builder. An architect is generally not trained to draw plans for infinity pools or deck-level pools, particularly hydraulic drawings.
Why is it crucial to create executive plans after a preliminary pool design?
The preliminary design is the first step in the realization process. It provides a basic overview of the project. Executive plans are used to ensure the project is completed successfully. They provide information on the pool cost and the works’ timeline.
A ground plan specifies the pool’s dimensions and surface.
One or more sectional drawings define the pool water depth and the design of a tanning ledge or stairs.
- Construction details help the masonry company or pool builder realize the profile and overflow channel, as well as the height of the catch basin
- Hydraulic layouts make installing the filtration and water treatment system easier for plumbers.
Building drawings allow you to understand the in-ground pool’s operation, and particularly to entrust the construction to builders who do not specialize in pool construction.
CONCLUSION
It may therefore be helpful to call upon a professional who will be able to design the infinity pool of your dreams. As well as advising you on the design, he will also be able to draw up all the plans for you. As a result, you have the option of choosing who will build your pool: a pool builder, a general contractor, craftsmen, or yourself if you are very handy. There is no doubt that you can make substantial savings of up to 50% depending on whom you work with.
Having specialized in infinity pools for over 30 years, Morana Water Design strives to make negative or zero edge pools more affordable for its clients. Our professional service aims to provide you with construction plans, pool connection plans and filtration drawings.
Furthermore, we can provide support and advice regarding your swimming pool. Our prices are customized to meet your needs, regardless of your budget. Request a free quote now and benefit from our professional expertise.
