Imagine a pool that looks as though it goes on forever, bearing no true edge – is that a zero edge, or an infinity pool? What’s the difference?
There are no differences between the two terms, and both are considered interchangeable. They’re also known as negative or vanishing edge pools, and all of them give the illusion that the pool extends into the horizon, or has no discernable edges.
Read on to learn more about zero-edge and infinity pools, why they’re so sought-after, and how much they tend to cost.
To Infinity, And Beyond
When you first look at an infinity or a ‘zero edge’ pool, you’ll be taken aback by the illusion of a pool that has no discernable edges. It might appear as though the pool extends off into the horizon, and you’ll have trouble identifying where it actually ends.
That’s the beauty of an infinity pool, or to give it one of the many other names it goes by, a zero edge, negative edge, or vanishing edge pool. It’s a remarkable invention, built to boggle the mind and transform a regular, traditional swimming pool into something that looks almost improbable.
However, an infinity or zero edge pool is considerably more expensive than a regular pool, owing mostly to the engineering that makes it work. If you’re having an infinity pool installed, you’ll need to equip it with a sophisticated catch basin that pumps water back into the pool itself.
That’s how the zero edge function works – the pool is bordered by glass walls, over which water spills, into a catch basin below. At that point, the water is collected, pumped back into the main body of water, and the cycle begins anew.
It essentially gives the impression that the pool has no real edge, and it looks like a floating oasis, just sitting there, seemingly breaching the laws of physics. When an infinity pool is positioned effectively, it can look as though it simply runs off into nowhere.
For example, there’s a resort in Singapore known as the Marina Bay Sands, and it boasts the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool. It’s a dramatic creation that sits atop a hotel construction some fifty-seven stories above street level.
What’s unique here is that the infinity pool spans the entire breadth of the building, and it gives the illusion that it simply runs off the top, into the unknown. You can swim right up to the edge, through sparkling blue water, and survey the city skyline hundreds of feet beneath you.
It’s one of the most stunning and unique examples of an infinity pool, that’s for sure.
Zero Edge, Considerable Cost
Admittedly, it can be quite easy to build a rudimentary swimming pool in your backyard. It might run you up a bill of a few hundred, or even a few thousand dollars, but it’s certainly achievable with a little time and effort.
However, a zero edge or an infinity pool is something that can only be installed by professionals, given the engineering that goes into making it possible. In most cases, an infinity pool will use expensive materials, like high-quality tempered glass, and the cost can easily soar.
As a rule of thumb, the average infinity pool will cost around $79,000, but the scale can slide to as high as $130,000 with ease. It depends entirely on the size of the pool, and the complexity of the build; while most infinity pools are simply rectangular, people can get creative.
Although, it doesn’t end with just building the thing, as the costs of maintaining a zero edge or infinity pool can be substantial. You’ll need to subject the pumping system to regular maintenance, and you’ll also need to treat the water, as you would with any other pool.
If you’ve got the upfront capital and the space to spare, you’ll definitely want to invest in a zero edge pool. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more luxurious design where swimming pools are concerned, and they could help boost the value of your home considerably.
Ultimately, it’ll take a few weeks for your infinity pool to be constructed, as it’s no small undertaking. Once you’ve stumped up the cash to hire a professional installation team, you’ll need to sit back and wait while an engineering marvel takes place in your backyard.
And then, once construction is completed, you can feel free to throw an impressive pool party to show off your latest luxury.