Deciding to install a pool in your backyard means you are planning to create an oasis to enjoy for years to come. The choices you make on materials and design will live for years to come too. An infinity pool is a design choice that can give you the ultimate statement piece. Infinity pools instantly evoke an image of luxury with their stunning visual effects. The breathtaking views, however, do require complex engineering to accomplish, which comes with a higher price tag when compared to other design choices. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of infinity pools so you can make an informed decision on whether this investment in your backyard is worth it for you.
An infinity pool is built to give the illusion that the pool continues on into the horizon without end. This vanishing edge pool (or negative edge pool) is engineered to achieve this seamless look that makes them so desirable. But, in the end, it is an illusion achieved through clever engineering. So, how do infinity pools work?
There are several core components that go into the creation of a backyard infinity pool, which is actually two pools instead of one to help create the illusion. There is the main pool which gives way to the weir, or the edge that the water flows over, and then a lower catch basin or surge chamber that collects the water and pumps it back into the main pool. This pump system keeps the water in continuous circulation. The lower catch basin is built an inch or two below the main pool, which supports the illusion of the vanishing edge, as the lower basin cannot be seen from the main pool.
The negative edge pool cost is higher compared to other luxury pool designs because of the extra engineering involved in their planning and execution. Essentially two pools must be constructed in relation to each other and the pump system needs to be installed properly to accommodate the continuous flow of water necessary for the pool to function.
The popularity of infinity pools, especially at high-end resorts, spas, and hotels, make them a luxury pool design with unmatched aesthetics, which is their number one benefit. The way the design creates a seamless transition between the water and the surrounding landscape, whether it be an ocean, a lake, or a skyline, produces a stunning, reflective surface that is truly unrivaled by any other pool design.
Installing a luxury, well-built pool in your backyard will almost always raise your property values, but an infinity pool can give you a significant property value increase, especially when well-executed with high-end materials. It is, however, an investment that requires a significant up-front cost.
This expense does, however, create a major luxury feature that can significantly boost a home’s appeal and resale value, especially in high-end markets. This can give infinity pools a high pool investment return.
If you are looking to create a resort-like oasis on your property that can be enjoyed for many years, infinity pools can prove to be the ultimate lifestyle upgrade. They can provide you with a permanent spa-like atmosphere in your backyard that can not only enhance relaxation but provide an instant “wow” factor when entertaining guests.
The high-end aesthetics, raised property value, and lifestyle upgrade provided by infinity pools does come with a high price tag. The complex structural engineering of infinity pools, especially when built on hillsides, along with their added basin, additional plumbing requirements, and specialized labor involved in their installation all add up to a more expensive pool design compared to other choices. Infinity pools can cost 25 to 50 percent more than a conventional pool of the same size.
The construction of an infinity pool is a complex undertaking that requires pool construction experts. The last thing you want is to invest in an infinity pool that is poorly constructed as it will not provide the benefits it is meant to provide. An ideal site for an infinity pool is a landscape with a noticeable drop-off or slope, which maximizes the visual illusion you are after. A flat landscape may not be a suitable site for an infinity pool as it will be more difficult to achieve the desired effect.
Just as the construction of an infinity pool is more complex than a traditional pool installation, infinity pool maintenance is more complex too. This is one of the practicalities of infinity pool ownership that needs to be addressed as you consider installing one in your backyard.
The catch basin required for the infinity pool design requires regular cleaning. There is also a second pump that needs to be maintained while with a traditional pool there is only one. The large surface area of an infinity pool can also lead to faster water evaporation, especially in hotter weather, as well as higher pool heating costs.
One common question that arises when considering an infinity pool installation is, “are infinity pools safe?” This question is legit as the infinity pool does contain a drop-off and requires some added safety considerations. To enhance safety near the drop-off safety glass can be installed along with railings below the drop-off edge. You can also ensure that the lower basin is inaccessible, which is highly suggested as a safety precaution for families with young children.
The installation of a backyard infinity pool is a property investment, but there are considerations to weigh on whether it is the right investment for your home. Asking yourself the right questions can help you decide if the pool investment return on an infinity pool is right for you.
Infinity pools work best when your landscape has a slope or a particular view that you want to highlight. If your property has these features then an infinity pool might be the right design choice for you. But, if you have a sloped backyard with a view that is screaming to be framed and highlighted, an infinity pool can be exactly the right feature to do it.
As with any home improvement project, your budget will help dictate your design and material choices. Do your research and put together a budget that looks at not only the upfront construction costs, but the costs of running and maintaining your pool too.
Your backyard design is an extension of your home and the styles should flow together as one. The style of your home should support the luxury aesthetic offered by the installation of an infinity pool. You also want to research whether your local real estate market will support this high-end feature. If the answer is yes, then an infinity pool may be just the thing to set your home apart from the others in the area.
Not everyone wants the added maintenance and care required by an infinity pool, especially in the long-term. There are other low-maintenance pool options available, so make sure to do your research and know exactly what specialized care is required, and what you are honestly prepared to do.
Not every property is the same, consulting with custom pool builders can help you get the information you need to answer these questions specifically for your home. In the end, this is a personal decision for your home, one that will shape your property for years. Gathering your research and consulting with professionals can help you make an informed decision.
Infinity pools offer unparalleled beauty and a significant boost in luxury appeal, but they come with a higher price tag and greater complexity, both in construction and maintenance. Whether the investment of an infinity pool is worth it to you depends entirely on your property, budget, and lifestyle goals. Discussing your options and the particulars of your home with a trusted expert can help you weigh your decision. Tracer Pool and Landscape Companies can provide you with professional consultation that comes with decades of experience in high-end pool installation, including infinity pools.
Deciding on a major project like an infinity pool requires expert guidance. Contact the custom pool builders at Tracer Pool and Landscape Companies to discuss your vision and see if this breathtaking feature is the right fit for your property.
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