Approaching Infinity: Infinity-edge Pools
One of our long-time favorite design features would have to be the Infinity-edge Pool. With an elegance that borders on the impossible, these breathtaking pools are one amazing statement with infinite possibility.
Invisible Edge
In math, zero and infinity are somewhat twin mysteries. The key to the Infinity-edge pool (and the reason it is sometimes called Zero-edge or Vanishing-edge) is the way the boundary wall that holds the water appears not to exist. Instead of meeting a visible boundary, the water actually flows over the pool’s edge into a catch-basin. It’s easy to see how the illusion of nothingness can create a sense of the limitless.
A Pool With a View
In our minds, the absolute best application for this style is a site that overlooks a majestic view. The image above offers a perfect example of the effect of a view from the edge (or lack of edge, as it were.) With no visual border in between, the scenery far below becomes part of the experience. We love incorporating this type of pool into a floating deck or patio as a visual feature that connects the site with the borrowed landscape of the view. You don’t even have to get in the water to feel the impact, though we have to say we would recommend taking a swim for the full effect!
Reflection
There’s no reason an Infinity-edge pool can’t also be a reflection pool, and with its already surreal quality it is the perfect candidate. Reflection pools require only two things: still water and an interior surface, such as dark tile, that doesn’t distract from the surface of the water. Of course, it’s also nice to have something intentional that will reflect, and the positioning of the pool can help ensure this. Reflecting a hillside garden or vineyard creates a serene scene like the one in the image above, while reflecting trees give the illusion of a vast lake in the image below:
Capturing The Sky
Perhaps the most remarkable effect of an Infinity-edge pool is in the mirror-like way it reflects the sky. While any still body of water holds a reflection, it is the limitless quality of the vanishing edge that almost makes the sky seem literally within reach. We got lucky with this photo, but our clients say they witness this stunning beauty all the time! The ability to create this kind of experience is the reason we love our work so much. We just set the scene, and nature puts on the show!
If you’re feeling as inspired by these pools as we are and would like to consider one for your landscape, reach out to book a consultation! Even if pools aren’t your thing, we approach all of our designs with a sense of infinite possibility, and we would love to help bring your vision to life. – The J. Montgomery Team
