Infinity Pool - English Countryside - Garden Hero

How do infinity pools work?

Infinity pools create a stunning visual effect of crystal clear water appearing to seamlessly extend far into the horizon, merging with the landscape or seascape surrounding the pool. But how exactly do these luxurious pools manage to achieve such an amazing infinity edge illusion? The secret behind this lies in very clever and thoughtful engineering design paired with advanced hydraulic systems installed out of sight.

Catch Basin and Trough

Hidden below each vanishing edge of an infinity pool lies an important trough or catch basin. This is a carefully engineered drainage area that collects and contains all the overflow pool water spilling over the rim. Catch basins are typically constructed out of concrete and strategically placed just below the pool’s water level, keeping them discretely out of sight from anyone enjoying the pool.

The catch basin may run the entire length of the vanishing edge in order to properly collect the streaming waterfall of water flowing over on all sides. Careful calculations are required to determine the appropriate catch basin dimensions.

Pump System

Critical pump intakes are built right into the catch basin below each vanishing edge in order to recirculate all of the captured overflow water back into the main body of the infinity pool. This creates a closed-loop circulation system that keeps refreshing and replenishing the pool’s water supply.

Very powerful and high-volume pumps are an absolute must for infinity pools in order to quickly recirculate massive amounts of overflow water and maintain the pool’s water level perfectly constant.

Filtration and Hydraulics

Highly sophisticated filtration systems and hydraulics are essential for properly managing the water quality and circulation flow in infinity pools. Advanced skimmers must remove any debris from the water surface. The filtration system also maintains ideal chemical balance and continually treats the water.

The pumping system and network of pipes must be robust enough to easily handle tremendous water loads cascading over the edge without stress or corrosion. Careful hydraulic engineering is key.

Edge Alignment

Constructing the vanishing edge requires extremely precise alignment in relation to the pool’s designed water level. When done correctly, the water will cascade over the rim in a smooth, unbroken stream with no splashing.

Even a small miscalculation in the edge height or angle can ruin the infinity illusion. The effects of winds and wave action in the pool must also be taken into account to achieve ideal edge alignment for all conditions.

The infinity edge is an absolutely brilliant and ingenious feat of hydraulics and engineering. Vanishing edge pools require such thorough planning and flawless construction in order to function seamlessly. When designed and built correctly, the water seems to magically vanish into the horizon, creating a truly luxurious swimming experience.