What Is an Infinity Pool?

If you’re looking to add a pool to your yard and want something that stands out from other pools in your neighborhood, one of the most attractive options is an infinity pool. What is an infinity pool, exactly? Also called a rimless pool or zero-edge pool, it’s considered a luxury home improvement both because of its cost and its modern, high-end look. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about infinity pools so you can decide if one will be right for your home. 

What Is an Infinity Pool?

An infinity pool is a swimming pool that has at least one “missing edge,” meaning the water line comes up all the way to the top of the liner or wall material. Water can freely flow over the edge into a catch basin, where it’s treated and pumped back into the pool to keep it full.

Some infinity pools have just one missing edge, often overlooking a water feature, while others—especially those that frame a stunning view—have multiple missing edges.

Infinity pools are all about design and appearance, unlike an endless pool meant for exercise. They’re no more functional than a standard pool, but they provide the following in terms of aesthetics:

• Clean, mirrored surface when the water is calm

• Sleek, modern look

• Blend in seamlessly with water features like small waterfalls

How Does an Infinity Pool Work?

An infinity pool is similar to a standard pool in most regards, with the primary difference being that one or more sides of the liner or wall don’t extend above the water line. Instead, they sit at or below the water line to create an eye-catching effect.

The water that flows over the sides of infinity pools drops into catch basins, which many homeowners cover with stones to elevate the appearance even more. The pool equipment might treat the water differently in the basin, depending on whether you have a salt water or chlorine pool. After treatment, a large water pump then redirects the water from the catch basin back into the pool to keep it full.

Types of Infinity Pools

There are a few different types of infinity pools that you can choose from, including:

In-Ground Infinity Pool

This is one of the most common types of infinity pools. The top of the pool and the water line both line up perfectly with the ground level, and the water flows over into drains hidden in the rim around the pool before being sent to a catch basin.

Above-Ground With One Missing Edge

Some homeowners whose yards open up to a natural water feature or a clear view of the horizon will opt for this style, which has one missing edge. The missing edge usually gives the illusion that the pool continues on and merges with the water feature or sky.

Above-Ground With Multiple Missing Edges

Some above-ground infinity pools have multiple missing edges and can even have multiple levels with edges that flow into one another.

Above-Ground With Waterfall

This is an infinity pool in which the water level sits an inch or two above the missing edge. The pump leading from the catch basin is set up such that the water constantly flows from the pool down into the basin, creating a waterfall feature.

How Much Does an Infinity Pool Cost?

On average, an infinity pool costs around $80,000, but you could pay anywhere between $11,000 and $130,000, depending on the size and design. Specific factors that affect cost include pump size, liner material, whether it’s above or in-ground, and pool finishes. You can expect somewhere near the lower end of the cost range for a plunge pool without edges, while a full-size, custom-built infinity pool will push toward the higher end.

As you might imagine, the extra work that goes into digging out and constructing a catch basin, as well as the high-volume pump required, both push the cost of an infinity pool higher than that of a standard pool. In most cases, an infinity pool will cost around $25,000 more than a typical in-ground pool and around $76,000 more than the cost to build a pool that’s above-ground.

The ongoing cost of running an infinity pool is also higher than it is for other types of pools, mainly because constantly moving large volumes of water will drive up electricity costs.

Infinity Pool vs. Regular Pool

There are a few key differences between infinity pools and standard pools to consider before deciding which is right for your yard.

• Appearance: Infinity pools have at least one missing edge, and the water flows over the side. Standard pools have edges that come up above the water line on all sides.

• Views: Infinity pools provide unhindered views of the sky, landscape, or water features. The edgeless side often gives the illusion that the pool continues on beyond the edge, unlike a clearly contained standard pool.

• Luxury: Infinity pools are a luxury item both because they cost significantly more than standard pools and also because they’re sleek and modern, with a unique mirrored surface.

• Installation cost: Infinity pools cost around $80,000 on average but can go up to around $130,000. In-ground pools average around $55,000 and can reach costs of up to $100,000. Above-ground pools average $3,400 and can be as expensive as $20,000.

• Ongoing cost: The large amount of electricity it takes to run the high-volume water pump you need for an infinity pool means your ongoing costs are going to be higher with an infinity pool.

• Installation: Fewer installers have the expertise to tackle infinity pools, so finding a swimming pool installation company near you that specializes in these designs will be a bit more challenging.