Infinity Pools

Specialists in the design and construction of luxury infinity swimming pools

A pool with a view

Infinity pools offer what some consider to be the ultimate in luxury; a pool with the appearance of no boundary that seems to disappear into the surrounding landscape. Infinity pools are perfect if you’re looking for a show-stopping pool design that’s lower maintenance than other outdoor pools and works well in outdoor spaces with a natural slope.

How infinity pools work

An infinity pool gets its name for the seamless blend between the edge of the pool and its surroundings – usually another body of water, such as a sea or lake. With a regular pool, the water is contained by higher pool walls, but an infinity pool works like a waterfall, with lower pool walls to match the water level. This creates the illusion that the water is, as the name suggests, infinite.

The lowered wall is gradually sloped to allow the water the flow out into a catch basin which is built along the bottom of the exterior lowered wall. This collects the water and pumps it back into the main pool or recirculates the overflow, so the water level remains consistent.

For this reason, a true infinity pool – also known as a negative edge pool – must be built on sloped ground, to make it look like the pool is completely edgeless. In order to achieve this illusion though, the water level needs to flow over the edge of the pool into a weir or secondary pool.

Benefits of Infinity Pools

The aesthetic of an infinity pool is one of the primary reasons why they’re chosen – they have an eye-catching design that creates continuity with the surrounding landscape. If you want a space to relax where you’ll feel secluded and nestled in nature, an infinity pool is a great option that sits seamlessly among the greenery.

Since infinity pools spill over into the lower edge of the structure, they create a waterfall effect which provides the natural sound of rushing water. This makes an effective natural noise barrier from the surrounding sounds of your property, from traffic and people walking past to neighbours.

Infinity pools can also be considered a more environmentally-friendly option – although they require more powerful pumps than a standard pool, they tend to only operate when the pool is in use. And since the lower pool collects the water, it can be recycled back into the main pool.

A stunning design that’s easy to maintain

Infinity swimming pools can be truly stunning. At Compass Pools, we understand how to make use of the surroundings to maximise the look of the pool.

The location of your infinity pool is extremely important. Surrounding levels must be carefully measured to determine how to achieve the pool’s infinite-edge look then, once the relevant sight lines have been determined, you need to think about which materials to use. To achieve the maximum effect, the materials you choose should closely match the body of water, sky or landscape that the pool will need to blend into.

Maintenance is also easy with an infinity pool. If clearing dead leaves and insects from your swimming pool doesn’t really appeal to you, one of Compass Pools’ innovative overflow and infinity deck swimming pool designs ensures this won’t be a problem to be concerned about.

In addition to the materials, think about the view you’ll gain from your pool. Part of the joy of having a pool on your property is being able to relax and enjoy your surroundings, and that’s amplified when you choose an infinity pool where the aesthetic of the design plays such a central role.

Most infinity pools are constructed in elevated locations so you can overlook the view, but for residential infinity pools, this isn’t always possible. In such instances, you should choose a location that is surrounded by a beautiful view or inviting surroundings.

When considering locations for your pool, you should be checking for sufficient slope as it’s easier to construct this style of pool if the ground has a gentle slope. If your garden is uneven and slopes, an infinity pool can be a great alternative to a traditional swimming pool. However, if your garden is flat, it is possible to create an artificial slope to construct a fully or partially raised infinity pool.

Another benefit of choosing an infinity pool is that they are low maintenance. If clearing dead leaves and insects from your swimming pool doesn’t really appeal to you, one of Compass Pools’ innovative overflow and infinity deck swimming pool designs ensures this won’t be a problem to be concerned about.

How we install your luxury infinity edge swimming pool

Compass swimming pools are unibody lightweight structures, made of carbon ceramic and installed in one-piece by crane. Our lightweight swimming pool construction material overcomes many of the structural issues involved with building a concrete infinity pool, which you can find out more about here.

Our one-piece shell design makes the installation extremely accurate and quick to install. Once the pool has been lowered into a previously excavated hole, we maintain its water level using VSD (variable speed pumps) and a computer-controlled water level system. This not only ensures you achieve the correct water level, but it will also save you money on running costs.

Maintenance tips for infinity pools

Whichever style of swimming pool you choose, maintenance will be required to keep it hygienic and usable for a long time. Luckily, infinity pools are an easy design to maintain – here are a few tips to keep your pool clean and working properly.

Clean the catch basin to prevent build-up of leaves and debris
Keep the drain clear to allow the water to flow freely
Some water will naturally evaporate so top up the water every so often to keep it flowing at the right level
Check the chlorine and pH level regularly to ensure they stay in the normal range
Always check the performance of the pump and if you spot any unfamiliar noises, have it serviced

Are infinity pools safe?

Yes, infinity pools are safe since you’ll be swimming up against a wall when you reach the edge of the pool. While the pool appears to disappear into nothing, there is a secure edge that keeps you and other users of the pool completely safe.

Are infinity pools challenging to install?

Installing an infinity swimming pool is more technically complex than fitting a standard pool for two key reasons:

Engineering logistics: installing a pool on a hillside or slope not only poses more logistical issues, but it also complicates the engineering work required. For example, overflow edges will need to have a wall structure built, rather than rely on the surrounding ground to support them.

Careful calculations: the pool’s edges will need to be carefully calculated and constructed to the same tolerances of a deck level pool (approximately 1-2mm along their length). To do this though, the design team will need to determine how to construct a complex system of balance tanks and pumps, ensuring the overflow remains constant regardless of how many people are in the water.

How much does an infinity pool cost to install?

Naturally, beautiful things are never cheap and unfortunately the same principle applies to infinity pools. Due to the complex design involved, installation needs to be completed by a qualified builder – you definitely do not want a self-builder or first-time contractor to complete the work.

Infinity pools cost approximately £30,000 more than similar-sized conventional free board or skimmer pools. However, this calculation very much depends on the site conditions and available access.

How much does an infinity edge pool cost to run?

Infinity pools naturally cost more to run than conventional freeboard pools. This is mainly due to the cooling effect on water that flows over the pool edge – an effect which is greatest when the outside ambient temperature is low.

This cooling effect can be eliminated through Compass Pools’ variable water level system (VWLS), which reduces water usage when the pool is not in use. Without this system, additional running costs will be need to both heat the water and run the overflow system. It is difficult to determine what the exact cost will be, as it really depends on a number of factors. Some of these factors include:

Air temperature.
Wind speed.
Site exposure.
Soil type and water content.
Pool temperature.
Hours of pool use.

Full Infinity Deck Level Pools

For the ultimate in opulence, Compass Pools can provide you with a deck level swimming pool where the water flows in all four directions simultaneously. Or, if your swimming pool is installed on the side of a slope, you can enjoy a magnificent infinity effect swimming pool whereby the water flows over one edge, exactly as you might see in a luxury hotel resort.

All Compass Pools infinity and overflow swimming pool systems are manufactured from high grade 301 stainless steel. This ensures corrosion is not a problem during the normal lifetime of the pool and you can enjoy years of hassle free service. For salt water swimming pool applications, there is also a 316L stainless steel option available for extra protection against the corrosive effects of salt water.

For more information about Compass Pools infinity and overflow pool systems, and how they can make your life a lot easier, give us a call today.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why do people want a natural pool?
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How much of the natural pool has to be filled with plants?
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Will there be plants where I’m swimming?
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What about insects and fish?
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Will there be mosquitos?
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Are natural pools safe for children?
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Are natural pools dirty?
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Do natural pools require a lot of maintenance?
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Is it easy to install a natural pool?
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Is it possible to heat a natural pool?
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Can my pets use a natural pool?
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Where can I find an experienced natural pool builder near me?

Why do people want a natural pool?

There are three main reasons that homes and businesses choose to install a natural pool. Firstly, the absence of chemicals means that it’s better for the environment and less harmful to swimmers, promoting a healthier lifestyle that’s closer to nature.

How much of the natural pool has to be filled with plants?

As a rule, with FreshWater Plus a regeneration zone is not necessary, however this can be slightly flexible depending on the pool design. This is something we would discuss with you in the early stages of planning.

Will there be plants where I’m swimming?

No, you don’t need to worry about getting tangled up in plants while you swim. The regeneration area is kept entirely separate from the main pool, usually on a separate level or divided by a wall. You can even have the plant pool in a different area of the garden altogether and use pipes to move the water around.

What about insects and fish?

The organic system of a natural pond relies on bio-diversity to keep the water clean, inviting everything from microscopic pond organisms to water beetles and larger animals like frogs. However, these creatures are attracted to the regeneration zone and will largely stay out of the main swimming area. Fish will not naturally appear in your pool; however, some pools can support a small number of fish in the swimming area (not the regeneration zone). Please discuss this with your pool designer if you are interested in this.

Will there be mosquitos?

No. Mosquitos thrive where the water is still (or stagnant), deterring other forms of life that would naturally eat their larvae. In a natural swimming pool, the water is gently moving all the time, encouraging creatures that prevent a mosquito population from growing.

Are natural pools safe for children?

Any swimming pool can pose a threat to a child if they are not properly supervised. Even with a natural pool, proper safety measures should be followed at all times. However, a natural pool is no more dangerous than a conventional swimming pool and, in fact, the lack of chemicals can be gentler on sensitive skin and eyes. Just make sure there are enough steps, ladders and shallow sections for children to safely exit the pool.

Are natural pools dirty?

Just like a freshwater river or crystal-clear lake, natural swimming pools use a system of gravel, aquatic plants and natural biological processes to keep the water clean, clear and safe to swim in. The resulting water is often slightly darker than the artificially-tinted water of a conventional pool, but it should never be murky or stagnant.

Do natural pools require a lot of maintenance?

Natural pools are self-cleaning, so once the proper pH balance has been reached, there is very little maintenance required. The pump will still need to be looked after so that it continues to pass water through the filter, and you may need to monitor plants and wildlife through the seasons.

Is it easy to install a natural pool?

The way a natural pool can seamlessly blend with its surroundings might give the impression that their installation is straightforward. However, the water has to be carefully tuned to the local climate and environment in order for the pool to regulate properly. At Compass Pools, we have many years’ experience in building natural pools that are beautiful and functional.

Is it possible to heat a natural pool?

Most people find that natural swimming pools tend to be warmer than conventional pools. This is due to a combination heating up faster in sunlight and dark liners absorbing and retaining more warmth. Installing a pool cover is a good way to boost this heat retention, too.

Can my pets use a natural pool?

The guidelines around pets and natural pools are similar to those for pets and conventional pools. It’s perfectly safe for your dog to take a supervised dip in the pool, as long as it’s a breed that is a naturally competent swimmer and, just like with children, there is a safe way for them to exit.

One positive is that you won’t need to wash harsh chemicals off of your pet’s fur when they leave the pool, although be aware that larger dogs and frequent use will introduce excess bacteria into the water that will take longer to filter out.

Where can I find an experienced natural pool builder near me?

At Compass Pools, we have extensive experience installing pools all around the UK. Our beautiful showroom and head office is based in Horsham, West Sussex, and our installation teams operate in the South East, East Anglia, London, the Midlands and further afield. We also have a network of experienced installers working in Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands.