Fiberglass Pools: Can You Add an Infinity Edge and Costs

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When you first see an infinity or ‘zero edge’ pool, the illusion of a pool with no discernible edges will astound you. You might think the pool goes on forever, and you’ll have a hard time figuring out where it ends.

That’s the allure of an infinity pool, also known as a zero edge, negative edge, vanishing edge pool, or any of its many other names. It’s a mind-boggling technology that transforms a standard, traditional swimming pool into something that appears nearly unbelievable.

If you’ve once witnessed or imagined such a pool, then you’re most likely wondering whether you can add an infinity edge to your fiberglass pool and how much that may cost. The quick answer is Yes! You can add an infinity edge to your fiberglass pool. 

However, this article covers facts about infinity edge pools, why they’re so popular, and how much they typically cost. Continue reading to learn more.  

What is an Infinity Edge Pool?

An infinity pool, also known as an infinity-edge pool, is a swimming pool with a lowered edge on one or more sides that gives the illusion that it goes on forever. The water then falls over the side and into a trough before being pushed back into the pool, giving the illusion that there is no edge.

This adds a whole new level to the swimming experience. The disappearing edge makes you feel less constricted in the pool, making you feel more like a part of the surrounding nature as you swim.

This allows you to become one with nature, making your pool even more soothing. You can also enjoy the sound of flowing water and the smooth movement of the water as it flows over the disappearing edge, which adds to the relaxation benefits of your pool.

Infinity pools are typically constructed on sloping terrain, making them perfect vantage points for looking down on the surrounding environment. Whether it’s a country or cityscape, it’s a wonderful view when swimming, sunlight during the day, and illuminated with thousands of lights at night.

Because infinity pools are synonymous with luxury, they instantly add a sense of extravagance to your backyard, making your pool design the envy of all your friends. This highly uncommon and appealing design feature can also be a wonderful selling advantage when getting the best price for your home.

Can a fiberglass pool have an infinity edge?

Yes, a fiberglass pool can have an infinity edge. While fiberglass versions are specially designed to be infinity edge pools on the market, practically any fiberglass pool design may be constructed with a vanishing edge.

WHAT IS THE COST OF AN INFINITY-EDGE POOL?

Many homeowners assume that infinity pools are prohibitively expensive and will never be able to afford one. However, as they are so pleasurable and soothing to swim in and uniquely stunning from an aesthetic standpoint, an increasing number of homeowners are opting for infinity pools in their own backyards.

On the other hand, Infinity pools are far more expensive than a standard pool, owing to the engineering required to make it work. Adding a disappearing edge will increase the final cost of your swimming pool by between $25,000 and $35,000 on average.

When you consider that a fiberglass pool alone can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000, even without a disappearing edge, an infinity pool does require a significant initial outlay.

Infinity pools cost around $80,000 on average however the price can vary greatly based on size and shape. Infinity pools can range in price from $55,000 to $130,000.

Pool prices rise in proportion to the size of the pool. Infinity pools typically cost around $80 per square foot. Waterfalls and bubblers, for example, will cost between $50 and $15,000 each.

In general, buying a fiberglass infinity pool will be less expensive. Fiberglass infinity pools cost an average of $27,000 but can range between $20,000 and $37,000. A tile infinity pool will cost you a little extra money.

Despite the high prices, the advantages of this appealing pool will last you a lifetime, and there are a lot of compelling reasons why an infinity-edge pool is so expensive:

This includes;

It has a perfectly fitted design

Fiberglass pools are less expensive than concrete pools since they are not built from the ground up in your backyard. The pool shells are prefabricated in various forms and sizes to accommodate the majority of clients, making them simple to transport and install.

On the other hand, an infinity-edge pool necessitates a specific design of the pool shell to accommodate the disappearing edge. This adds to the cost because it is not part of the standard manufacturing process.

Extensive structural work is required

Establishing an infinity-edge pool is more difficult than installing a standard fiberglass pool. Additional structural work is required during the pool construction process to guarantee that your infinity pool is solid and enduring. The nature and scope of this work will be determined by the shape of your backyard and the design of your pool.

If the pool may be placed in-ground like a standard pool, concrete beam retaining work will still be required to hold the sides and top of the disappearing edge.

However, suppose your pool must be installed partially or entirely above ground, as most infinity edge pools do. In that case, a separate building procedure is required to provide the pool with the necessary strength and stability.

It is indeed two pools in one

The main reason infinity pools are so expensive is that two pools must be built in the same place at the same time. The main pool has a receding edge, but the water that falls off this edge has to go somewhere. This is why a second, smaller pool is built at a lower level to catch the water that spills over the infinity edge.

Because it is built beneath the infinity edge, this second pool is fully hidden and cannot be seen from the main pool. However, to be fully functional, the second pool must be able to store one-third of the water capacity of the main pool.

Because two pools are being built at the same time, the building of an infinity pool is more time-intensive and intricate, involving significantly more effort than the process of installing a normal pool.

A competent engineer is required

Each infinity edge pool construction project needs the presence of a qualified engineer on-site. This engineer is in charge of the complete project’s design, including hydraulics, ground support, pool support design, and holding capacity.

This provides you the peace of mind that your infinity pool installation has been supervised by a professional at every stage, ensuring that everything goes according to plan and that your finished infinity pool is a safe and comfortable swimming environment.

Infinity edge pool Designs

The majority of infinity pools are semi-inground, although some are completely above ground.

Infinity pool shapes can vary throughout all freeform and linear designs, although rectangular infinity pools are more common than any other shape.

A pool of this shape typically has one vanishing edge, but it can be created with vanishing edges on two or more sides (or even on all sides of the pool).

Remember that the more disappearing edges you put to your pool, the more it will cost.

Ideas for Infinity Pools

Here are a few of the best ideas for creating an infinity pool in your backyard:

• Install your pool with a view of the natural landscape or a body of water.
• Make the pool’s bottom dark to boost its reflectiveness.
• On the vanishing edge side, tile the retaining wall.
• Construct vanishing edges on all four corners of the pool.
• Increase the number of lights in your trough (the trough is the basin that catches the overflowing water)

Conclusion

Yes! You can definitely add an infinity edge to your fiberglass pool. However, one of the primary reasons for the exclusivity pools is their exorbitant cost.

But once done correctly, the sense of elegance, luxury, and aesthetics they lend to your backyard or any location makes them worthwhile.   

Thanks for reading to the end. We wish you much more fun in your swimming endeavors.