Infinity Pool Construction Built Around Your View
An infinity edge can draw the eye from the water toward a view, but its placement has to suit the property.
Built the right way, the water of an infinity pool can extend past the edge to merge with a canyon, hillside, or extend to the horizon. This one simple design trick is actually a little more complex and necessitates integration with the house, the grade, the deck, and how the pool will be used.
At Hillside Pool Builder, we specialize in infinity pool construction in Southern California, incorporating views and elevation into our designs.
Before you consider an infinity pool, you have to evaluate whether the property will provide a meaningful backdrop for the edge.
What is an Infinity Pool?
An infinity pool is designed to create the effect of showing one edge of the pool merging with the surrounding view.
This design concept may also be referred to as a vanishing- or a negative-edge pool. Though they are subtle variations.
The visual effect is strongest when the edge lines up with something beyond the property, such as:
- A hillside or canyon
- A town or city
- An open sky
The pool should still be a space that is comfortable to swim and spend time in. The disappearing edge should complement the design rather than be the only focus of the design.
Does an Infinity Pool Make Sense for Your Property?
Not every property lends itself to having one.
A backyard with no interesting view or a flat yard may be better off with a different custom pool design. On the other hand, a backyard with a view that is up an elevation may be a great spot to build a pool with a disappearing edge.
Other things to think about are:
- The slope of the backyard
- What is beyond the edge of the proposed pool
- The elevation of the pool in relation to the house
- What the pool will look like from the house
- How much deck is needed
- How the pool will connect to landscape and outdoor spaces
If the yard has a significant slope, the project may also be able to use hillside pool construction.
The View Should Guide the Edge
The edge should not be installed because one side of the pool has more space.
Sightlines are important.
A good infinity pool design thinks about where the homeowner will view the pool. This could include the view from inside the pool, from a patio, from the house, or from a combination of places.
Moving the pool or changing the edge orientation can make a big difference in the pool design and how the visual effect is focused on a particular spot.
For this reason, placement of the pool and the overall design must come before the final finishes.
For projects where the layout is still to be determined, consider our custom pool design.
Infinity Pools and Hillside Properties
On hillside properties, there are more opportunities to create infinity pool designs. This is due to the change in elevation, which will help create a “beyond the pool” effect.
Of course this doesn’t mean that every hillside lot must have a vanishing edge.
Other elements still come into play, like access to the lot, the pool-home relationship, slope, and how much usable deck space there is. It is no good to have a dramatic pool view if the site is frustrating to use.
On more difficult sites, construction access and excavation will influence the project.
If the most important feature of the site is the hillside slope, check out hillside pool construction.
Pool Placement Comes Before Pool Features
Infinity edges can provide an engaging view, but an infinity pool design must take into consideration the big picture of the pool design.
- How will users enter the pool? Where will they exit?
- Where will users swim? How much space do we provide for swimming?
- Does this project include a spa? Will this project include a tanning ledge?
- How much room will we need for seating?
- How will this pool connect to the house?
If these decisions aren’t made until later, the infinity edge could take over too much of the backyard.
Creating a good custom pool plan means balancing the edge with the other elements of the plan.
Designing the Pool Around the Home
An infinity pool should be tied to the architecture of the surrounding area and should not be too detached.
For some designs, straight lines will work with a more modern, contemporary style. However, for others, the use of geometries that work with the home and deck may be some of the most important elements. Of course, the view beyond the edge of the water should be considered.
The pool should be designed from the spaces of the house.
The placement of windows and doors around the living spaces will affect how the pool is designed.
For more design forward pools, look into our luxury pool construction.
Adding a Spa to an Infinity Pool
Including a spa in an infinity pool design plan is based on the overall layout and desired function of the space.
A spa design that is physically attached will help maintain visual continuity throughout the design. A raised spa can be a more prominent design element.
The spa choice should be based on the surrounding pool, house, view and the surrounding deck.
The spa should be designed to support and enhance the overall design of the infinity edge, as opposed to being designed to compete with it.
Please see custom spa construction for other spa specific features.
Tanning Ledges and Built in Seating
A dramatic edge does not mean a pool cannot be designed for everyday use.
A tanning ledge, or built in seating, are examples of shallow features that relaxers can enjoy.
Placement of these features should be done within the confines of the overall pool design in order to avoid a reduction in overall swimming area.
For more specific details on tanning ledges and Baja shelves, please visit the link below.
Designing a Pool Deck Around an Infinity Edge
The design of the pool deck completes a project and significantly contributes to the usability of the project.
The pool deck should be designed to maximise walking and seating area while not too close to the pool. The design of the deck should connect outdoor and all pool related areas to the house.
Concrete, pavers, travertine, and stone are some of the material options available for pool deck design. We can help you choose an option that fits your pool and outdoor space.
Landscaping Design Around an Infinity Edge Pool
The surrounding landscape should not cover the pool’s edge (and thus, the reason behind its existence).
Instead, plants can be used along with other hardscapes to complement and soften the edges and pool related structures.
Landscaping also has the potential to connect the pool to the other areas of the property.
The design should account for sightlines. Visibility lines direct the landscape. Incorrect placement of certain types of landscaping can obstruct the view and take away from the pool and its design.
For planting and the design of the broader landscape, refer to pool landscaping design.
Outdoor Living Around an Infinity Pool
Although an infinity pool may be the focal point of the landscape, backyard design should include other areas for people to sit and gather.
An outdoor fireplace or kitchen can give the backyard some use if no one is in the pool.
Placing these features along the pool can help prevent the landscape from looking dominated by an empty view-facing edge.
For projects that go beyond the design of the pool, look at outdoor living.
Our Infinity Pool Construction Process
Although the construction details can vary, most successful infinity pool projects follow a typical planning path.
- Understand the property and the view.
The goal is to understand the elevation and view the pool should relate to, while considering the home and the backyard. - Decide on the pool position.
Other factors to consider when deciding on the pool’s position are view corridors, yard space, and the relationship with the home. - Determine the position and shape of the infinity edge
The position and shape of the infinity edge should reflect the property’s strongest view. - Consider site conditions
Planning for the construction of the pool should consider access, slope, and site conditions. - Coordinate Pool Features and Outdoor Areas
When considering pool features, think about decking, landscaping, a tanning ledge, and an infinity edge. - Define the Project Scope
The project scope will be determined by the site conditions and the perspective on the design. - Move Toward Construction
Plans will be adjusted as needed to suit the design and meet all project requirements.
Building Infinity Pools on Complex Sites
Creating some of the more interesting and spectacular infinity pool properties can also be some of the more challenging builds.
Infinity pool construction can be more complicated due to challenges like sites with steep grades, challenging access, or limited site access.
Just because a site is challenging doesn’t mean that specialized construction is required for every infinity pool. Challenging sites will create their own construction concerns which will alter the project.
We also offer pool excavation services if site access and preparation is challenging.
For more information about pools on sloped or challenging properties, see our hillside pool construction services.
Choosing Between an Infinity Pool and a Standard In-Ground Pool
The edge condition is where the biggest design difference is.
Infinity pools are designed to give the illusion of no boundary and merging with the background, so the one edge disappears.
The design effect of a disappearing edge may not enhance the property and an in-ground pool may be the better choice with more design constraints.
Check out our inground pool construction services.
What Factors into Infinity Pool Cost?
The edge is only one small part of an infinity pool project. Understanding the overall project is important in order to provide accurate costs.
Factors impacting scope may include:
- Pool size and dimensions
- Property elevation and structure
- Edge and view orientation
- Access for construction
- Site conversion and excavation
- Site-related structural demands
- Pool finishes
- Spa and feature options
- Deck construction
- Landscape and outdoor work
A construction project for a difficult access pool on a challenging site is very different from a simple, more accessible site with a straightforward pool construction layout.
Cost discussions must begin with a description of the site and the design, not a general cost that is advertised.
Infinity Pool Construction in Los Angeles and Southern California
Hillside Pool Builder is located in Sherman Oaks and serves Los Angeles and surrounding Southern California.
Design and hillside areas including Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Pacific Palisades, are primary target markets within the initial service-area strategy.
This does not mean every property in those communities is ideal for an infinity pool. Its suitability is primarily dependent on the view and the lot, as well as the goals for the project.
For more specific location based information, browse all pool builder service areas.
For the community of Sherman Oaks, visit Sherman Oaks pool builder.
For a broader coverage of the city, visit Los Angeles pool builder.
Reviews and Projects
How do we get a sense of your infinity pool idea?
Finished plans are not needed for contact.
Some details to start the idea flow are:
- Location of the Property or ZIP code
- Where the strongest view is located
- Is the backyard level or sloped
- Approximate pool placement
- Any known access concerns
- If you want a spa or tanning ledge
- If decking or landscaping is part of the project
- Photos of the back yard and view
Start the conversation regarding if an Infinity pool is possible for the property.
Infinity Pool Construction: Frequently Asked Questions
An Infinity Pool is designed to have an edge which allows the water to appear to continue to the surrounding area. They are sometimes referred to as vanishing-edge or negative-edge pools.
The terminology typically describes the same or similar design. Both refer to a pool which includes one edge which visually disappears into the surrounding area.
Not always. An infinity edge will be more effective on a pool built on a higher elevation with a view. Overall design should be determined by the property and sightlines.
Having a hillside property is not a problem when it comes to infinity type pools because elevation can help line the water up with the view.
Design, terrain, edge configuration, access and excavation, necessary structural work, finishes, decking and other related work will determine the cost. A property specific estimate is advised over a 'ball park' figure.
Not necessarily. A spa elevated from the main pool can be incorporated. The layout and design needs to work for the overall project.
Answer to this really depends on the design, approvals, project complexity, and the conditions of the property. Until all those are known a real schedule can't be given.
Hillside Pool Builder is located in Sherman Oaks and operates in all of Los Angeles and nearby six communities. They go as far as San Diego and Orange County.
The view, along with other factors, is important to consider for your infinity pool project.
Describe the location of your property as well as the view from your property and where you want your pool to exist, then be sure to explain how you envision this pool will serve and enhance this space.