Of Tranquil
Infinity
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to sit at the edge of the world? Where there is nothing before you but vast horizons, inviting you into contemplative and relaxing meditation? While such a thing can’t be promised in the literal sense, we do have something close to it: the sensational illusion of a luxury infinity pool. Becoming a booming trend in contemporary outdoor living, the infinity pool has solidified itself as an elegant feature of many Australian’s backyards. Innovative and purposeful in how it occupies space, the infinity pool has become a coveted symbol of lavish luxury. Sydney Pool + Outdoor Design’s Robin Harper sits down with Andrew Good, director of Lap of Luxury Pools, to traverse the tips and tricks of infinity pools and unlock the ways that they can elevate outdoor living.
Looking to provide premium products and services for clients in the market for pools, Lap of Luxury Pools was founded on dedication and integrity. The team at Lap of Luxury Pools pride themselves on their stellar reputation and the delivery of astonishingly stunning pools. Having built many infinity pools with flawless execution, Good knows a thing or two about what makes them work. According to Good, there are a few features that define an infinity pool. Also known as a “web edge” or “negative-edge pool”, an infinity pool has “one or more walls” that vanish off the edge, “cascading over the weir into a balance or capture tank”.
POOLS OF MAGIC
While traditional pools can be a luxury by themselves, infinity pools have an extra touch of extravagance that cannot be denied. When executed well, the infinity pool can create the illusion that it is stretching out beyond its barriers. According to Good, what sets infinity pools apart from their traditional counterparts is that the water level flowing over the edge of the weir wall has a “splayed edge, giving the impression that the water sits right on the edge”.
More complex in its execution and design, the infinity pool’s weir wall must be “dead level”, allowing the water to cascade evenly over the edge to create an artistic sense of endlessness. As part of the structure, an infinity pool must have a balance tank “capable of holding about 10% of the pool water volume, which will spill over the infinity edge,” says Good. In doing this, the filtration system is designed to siphon the captured water or balance tank water back into the pool itself. It is this display of expert craftmanship and innovation that makes the infinity pool possible. Without the genius of this technical design, the infinity pool’s effect wouldn’t be nearly as sensational nor unique.
Known famously for their seamless transitions into surrounding environments, the current trend for those in the market for infinity pools is trying to execute the right colour to match the outlook. For this reason, Good says that customers tend to want their infinity pools tiled, and he explains that “engaging the right builder and architect” can help “create something spectacular”.
HOME IDEALS AND COSTS
If you’re unsure of whether infinity pools are best suited to your outdoor space, Good knows what’s best. According to Good, infinity edge pools “are generally suited to houses that are elevated with commanding views beyond the infinity edge.” In other words, if you have the view, you’d be mad not to take full advantage of it! If you don’t have that option, however, don’t stress. While most of Lap of Luxury Pools’ infinity pool projects involve “modern, architecturally designed beach or ocean front homes”, Good says that there is no reason an infinity pool can’t still work for houses with “rustic or layered stone looks.”
Houses with the opulence of a cliffside view are ideal, and are sweetened even more if that view is of an ocean or body of water. Again, dear readers, we are drawn back to the theme of endlessness. A pool itself is a body of water; with a negative edge and a matching colour palette, the illusion of infinity reaches outwards towards the sea like a poetic calling. In Good’s previous experience working on infinity pools, the majority of them are “perched on cliffs overlooking the ocean or on acreage blocks or properties overlooking bush. That said, some of our favourite projects are in residential backyards,” says Good.
Although generally more expensive than the traditional pool due to the addition of a balance tank and weir wall, there are friendlier budget options if you aren’t willing to splurge. Good provides sound advice on the matter, stating that the owner can “opt to do a glass Designer Beadcrete interior” to “offset the additional cost of the balance tank and other costs required to set up an infinity edge pool.” While infinity pools are not cost-effective for some, there are ways around certain expenses that can be gentler on the budget.
OUTDOOR ELEVATION
While stunning in its own right, it is to good know what types of houses are best suited for an infinity pool so that homeowners are well-informed on whether it’s the best option for them. An infinity pool is nice, but all pools are best executed in a manner that truly elevates the outdoor space, not just to provide entertainment. Good agrees that it is “critical to incorporate the design and build of an infinity edge pool with other design elements, in particular landscaping and furniture.”
The execution of an infinity pool should be thoughtful and deliberate, which is why landscaping and furniture are so crucial. This consideration can make or break an infinity pool, as one that is incorporated without taking its surroundings into account can turn it from tasteful into tacky.
Good recalls a particular project that implemented its infinity pool well. A house in Vaucluse “incorporated a waterfall that ran through the wall of the house spilling into the pool from a height that created an effect that the pool and ocean were connected. Definitely a well constructed feature that added a ‘wow’ factor.”
Regardless of whether you are considering incorporating an infinity pool into your backyard, there’s no denying the beauty and elegance it provides to an everyday outdoor living space. If you are looking to build an infinity pool, “a professional can provide good advice on viability and cost” according to Good. Be sure to discuss the idea with your trusted builders and architects so they can make your dream into a reality!
Images courtesy of Lap of Luxury Pools
