Infinity edge pool

An infinity edge pool at Hotel Irotama in Santa Marta, Colombia
This image shows the weir and catch basin as well as the precarious positioning of the pool

An infinity edge pool (also named negative edge, zero edge, infinity pool, disappearing edge, or vanishing edge pool) is a swimming or reflecting pool that produces a visual effect of water extending to the horizon, vanishing, or extending to "infinity." The term is also used to describe perimeter overflow pools (pools that may be on level parcels, wherein the water flows over one or more edges, usually flush with the decking elevation).[1] One type of location in which the effect is particularly impressive is where the infinity edge appears to merge with a larger body of water such as the ocean, or with the sky (if the pool is located on the side of a hill or field of green). They are often seen at exotic resorts and exclusive estates, in advertisements and in other luxurious places.[2][3]

History

The infinity pool design concept is said to have originated in France, where one of the first vanishing edge designs was utilized in the "Stag Fountain" at the Palace of Versailles in the early 1600s.

Design

Infinity pools are very expensive and require extensive structural, mechanical (hydraulic engineering) and architectural detailing. Since they are almost always built in precarious locations (cliffs, mountain tops, beach front, etc.), sound structural engineering is paramount. The structural engineering must be based upon the geological conditions found on the site. A geotechnical report is commissioned prior to the commencement of the structural engineering. The high costs of these pools are often found in the foundation systems that anchor them to the hillsides.[4]

In reality the edge of the pool terminates at a weir that is 1⁄16 to 1⁄4 inch (1.6 to 6.4 mm) lower than the required pool water level. A trough or catch basin is constructed below the weir. The water spills into the catch basin, from where it is then pumped back into the pool.

The infinity edge swimming pool in the Skypark at Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore. (Note: "straight", not "U-shaped"; distortion comes from the photo being taken as a "panorama" (see Image stitching) -- an assembly of many photos taken consecutively at various angles from a single point, while the camera is simply rotated.)
One of the infinity pools at the Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort & Spa, Cebu hotel in Cebu. (Note: This pool is actually "straight", not "L-shaped"; distortion comes from the photo being taken as a "panorama" (see Image stitching) -- an assembly of many photos taken consecutively at various angles from a single point, while the camera is simply rotated.)
infinity pool at Giri Tirta Kahuripan Resort, Purwakarta, West Java, Indonesia.

References

  1. ↑ Gaming (2014-07-06). "The Galaxy S6 Edge Is Totally Beautiful—And Pointless". WIRED. Retrieved 2015-03-27.
  2. ↑ Hiller, Jennifer. "Ready to take the pool plunge? - San Antonio Express-News". Expressnews.com. Retrieved 2015-03-27.
  3. ↑ "Chris Bosh drops price on hilltop estate in Pacific Palisades". LA Times. 1965-03-07. Retrieved 2015-03-27.
  4. ↑ "Winklevoss twins list place in Hollywood Hills for lease". LA Times. 2015-03-23. Retrieved 2015-03-27.

Further reading

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Infinity edge pools.