Infinity pool
Encyclopedia
An infinity edge pool is a swimming
or reflecting pool
which produces a visual effect
of water extending to the horizon
, vanishing, or extending to "infinity
". The term also is used to describe (however, incorrectly) 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). 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, with the sky (if the pool is located on the side of a hill or field of green), or with foliage.
Infinity edge pools are often seen at exotic resorts, exclusive estates, and in advertisements. 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.
Infinity pools are often 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 is often found in the foundation systems that anchor them to the hillsides.
In reality the edge of the pool terminates at a weir
that is 1/16 - 1/4" 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.
Swimming pool
A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, or simply a pool, is a container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. There are many standard sizes; the largest is the Olympic-size swimming pool...
or reflecting pool
Reflecting pool
A reflecting pool or reflection pool is a water feature found in gardens, parks, and at memorial sites. It usually consists of a shallow pool of water, undisturbed by fountain jets, for a calm reflective...
which produces a visual effect
Optical illusion
An optical illusion is characterized by visually perceived images that differ from objective reality. The information gathered by the eye is processed in the brain to give a perception that does not tally with a physical measurement of the stimulus source...
of water extending to the horizon
Horizon
The horizon is the apparent line that separates earth from sky, the line that divides all visible directions into two categories: those that intersect the Earth's surface, and those that do not. At many locations, the true horizon is obscured by trees, buildings, mountains, etc., and the resulting...
, vanishing, or extending to "infinity
Infinity
Infinity is a concept in many fields, most predominantly mathematics and physics, that refers to a quantity without bound or end. People have developed various ideas throughout history about the nature of infinity...
". The term also is used to describe (however, incorrectly) 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). 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, with the sky (if the pool is located on the side of a hill or field of green), or with foliage.
Infinity edge pools are often seen at exotic resorts, exclusive estates, and in advertisements. 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
Structural engineering
Structural engineering is a field of engineering dealing with the analysis and design of structures that support or resist loads. Structural engineering is usually considered a specialty within civil engineering, but it can also be studied in its own right....
is paramount. The structural engineering must be based upon the geological
Geology
Geology is the science comprising the study of solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which it evolves. Geology gives insight into the history of the Earth, as it provides the primary evidence for plate tectonics, the evolutionary history of life, and past climates...
conditions found on the site. A geotechnical report is commissioned prior to the commencement of the structural engineering. The high costs of these pools is often found in the foundation systems that anchor them to the hillsides.
In reality the edge of the pool terminates at a weir
Weir
A weir is a small overflow dam used to alter the flow characteristics of a river or stream. In most cases weirs take the form of a barrier across the river that causes water to pool behind the structure , but allows water to flow over the top...
that is 1/16 - 1/4" 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.
External links
- http://www.infinityedgepools.com, Vanishing Edge Pools of all sorts & configurations
- http://watershapes.blogspot.com/2009/04/vanishing-edge-pools.html, An Industry experts blog of Vanishing Edge Pool design & construction