San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Infinity pools:
Endless glamour and luxury at a glance
Infinity pools continue to be one of the most popular luxury options out there as a design for swimming pool and reflective pools.
They’re much-loved for their glamorous aesthetic, and add lavish beauty to any property.
Infinity pools are unique in that the borders appear to boundaryless. This look is achieved by a waterfall effect flowing over at least one edge of the pool, and the look is often intended to meld into the larger landscape, such the ocean, or appear to retreat into the distant sky.
The eye is tricked into seeing no distinction between where the water ends and the rest of the landscape or skyline begins, a relaxing and nearly magical effect for some.
It’s important to recall that the design, although perilous-looking, is completely safe, as the effect of an “no edge” is merely an optical illusion.
This uniquely stunning design is achieved via a waterfall that is captured in a separate catch basin below the main pool, which is then ultimately funneled back into the pool.
Architect John Lautner is often said to have invented the current iteration of the infinity pool design in the 1960s, and his most notable contribution was the infinity pool used on the set of James Bond film “Diamonds are Forever”.
Many pool builders have claimed over the years that the infinity edge pool is possibly one of the most important designs to ever trend within the industry, which is why they’re so often found in luxury resorts and hotels throughout the world.
One of the most famous infinity pools anywhere in the world is one in Singapore which sits atop the
Marina Bay Sands hotel with glorious views of the city below. It can be seen on Instagram at the hashtag #marinabaysandspool.
But infinity pools, despite their allure, can come at a steep cost to install, ranging from $55,000 to $130,000, according to some sources.
Many designers estimate that each “vanishing” edge of an infinity pool adds 30 percent to the cost, so it’s definitely an investment. And it requires a bit more upkeep than a standard swimming school, including special filtration and a vacuum system to keep all water free from debris and moving in the right direction.
Often times, the higher cost arises from these needs for custom structures and complex systems to anchor them in place.
But for those in San Antonio, with warm weather so many months of the year, there may be a special draw to installing this unique pool style on their property, and it can be considered well worth it.
And, if you have a particularly large property with a lovely landscape view, this can be another good reason to install an infinity pool: to enjoy it fully.
Sites with gentle slopes can also be a great site for building such a design. Excavating land can be pricy if you don’t already have an ideal site to build on, so be sure to factor that into any cost considerations when installing an infinity pool design – especially if you have trees or other wooded areas that would also need to be cleared first. Don’t forget to check any local, city, or HOA restrictions as well to make sure you’re in compliance!
Before building an infinity pool, it’s also important to consider carefully the size of the infinity pool you will need, since of course, it costs more as the size increases. And because maintenance may be more challenging than with a traditional pool, you may want to consider keeping your project on the small-to-medium end if you have less time for upkeep.
Options may vary, from fiberglass infinity pools to custom-tiled to pools with glass or acrylic walls. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
The elegance of these pools is not just available to luxury hotels and resorts, but can be brought to your own backyard with just a little bit of care and commitment.