How much does it cost to build an infinity pool?

An infinity pool creates the illusion of blending into the landscape, as the water flows over one or more edges. Such an effect makes it appear that the pool blends with some other body of water such as the ocean, or with the sky. The water appears to flow over the edge as if the pool was overflowing, but in reality, the water is simply flowing into a smaller basin and being recycled back into the pool.

The cost to build a 12’ x 24’ fiberglass ¹ infinity pool including an automatic vinyl ² cover, a perimeter sidewalk, and a privacy fence ³ averages $80,000-$110,000.

Pros and cons

When choosing to install an infinity pool, you should always carefully weigh out the pros and the cons.

How does it work

An infinity pool is all about creating a visual illusion. The ‘infinite’ edge of the pool quickly ends at a sort of weir that usually measures 1/16 to ¼ of an inch (2 to 6 mm). The edge is positioned lower than the required water level of the pool. A small trough, also referred to as a catch basin, is located just below the weir. The water spills down into the catch basin. Once in the catch basin, a pump pushes the water back into the pool. To create an infinity pool, a builder must build two pools to give the illusion of never-ending water or sky.

Cost considerations

The average cost of an installed infinity pool that measures 12’ x 24’ is $90,000. However, if the size of the pool increases then that cost can go up considerably. The unique feature about the infinity pool is its edge and basin design which raises the price of the pool’s installation by $25,000 to $35,000 beyond an average in-ground pool.

Many times the area where the pool is going to be constructed will require clearing of all trees, shrubs, and vegetation. The land may also need to be leveled ⁵ prior to construction. Also, if the area of the landscape where the pool will be installed is not easily accessible, or the ground requires grading ⁵ then the price of excavation can go up considerably. The cost of land-clearing averages $110-$245 per hour. In addition, some areas have to go through a process of blasting to get rid of rocks and unwanted materials to create a smooth surface to build the pool. Blasting costs between $6 and $10 per linear foot. Once the site is prepared, a crew will start the process of installing the pool and concrete walkway that surrounds the pool. The typical cost to install a concrete walkway around the pool averages $3.23 per square foot.

When installing an infinity pool, you should always take into consideration the cost of permits, utilities, and local laws. The average infinity swimming pool holds 18,000-20,000 gallons of water. In many parts of the country, water is metered ⁶ so it will cost money to fill the pool. Depending on what region you reside within, the cost to fill the swimming pool might average an additional $80-$100 on your water utility bill. In many states, counties, and cities, local laws require a perimeter fence around any pool. The cost to install a vinyl 4-foot fence with security gate averages $15-$35 per linear foot.

Accessories such as a pool ladder, lighting, diving board, or slide can vary in cost from $450-$14,000 depending on what you decide to purchase. Features such as a waterfall or bubbler average $50-$15,000.

Materials

When installing an infinity pool you have a choice of lining the pool in tile, concrete, or fiberglass. Each type of building material has its own pros and cons.

Types

There are several different types of infinity pools. Each is unique in its design and function. Ultimately, an infinity pool is a typical swimming pool with one or more sides that spill over into a second basin. This means that even above-ground and lap pools can have the visual effects of an infinity pool.

Infinity immersion lap pool: the infinity immersion lap pool is built for exercise. It is a basic lap pool combined with the look of an infinity pool to create an upscale, visually appealing pool. An infinity immersion lap pool is long and narrow. The infinity portion of the pool runs along the edge of one side. This is a pool designed for one person to swim laps against a current of water. It is not a typical pool used by a large group of people to swim and play. The cost averages $35,000-$60,000 or more, depending on what’s included.

Indoor infinity pool: an indoor infinity pool is the same as an outdoor infinity pool but built indoors so the pool can be enjoyed year-round during times of inclement weather. The cost can range from $80,000-$130,000 if the building where the pool is to be constructed already exists.

Hidden infinity pool: many people opt to landscape around an infinity pool to create a ‘secret garden’ effect. Landscaping costs can average of $5-$35 per sq.ft. depending on the materials, location, and style.

Above-ground zero edge pool: this is an above-ground pool with no edge along one side. Instead, the water appears to flow over the rim of the pool. However, in reality, the water flows over the edge into a basin where it is pumped back into the pool. An above-ground pool is much cheaper than an in-ground model and usually only runs from $1,500-$4,000 for the kit.

Labor

The entire process of installing an infinity pool is very similar to that of a standard pool. An inspector will inspect the area where the infinity pool is to be installed. A project proposal and design must be provided to obtain all of the necessary building permits and gain approval from the city or county so the installation can start.

A contractor will outline the exact location, size, and shape of the pool in forms. Then the excavation of the area begins. Heavy excavation equipment, such as a front-end loader, is used to remove vegetation, shrubs, and trees to form the hole where the pool will sit.

Once the excavation is complete, the pool’s plumbing will be placed. At this time the concrete or fiberglass shell will be laid to form both the main pool and the smaller infinity basin. Steel bars are usually used for reinforcement of the entire pool.

After the shell sets, you can have decorative tiles placed to add visual interest. The final plumbing will be finished to ensure that the pool has good circulation when filled with water. All pumps and filtration systems in the main pool and the infinity pool are placed. Once the plumbing has been installed, any electrical or gas hookups are made.

The interior of the pool is usually coated with a finish such as paint, tile, or plaster ⁸. Some people opt to have a vinyl liner ⁹. Once this is complete, it is time to fill the new pool with water to ensure that all of the pumps work.

An infinity pool usually takes up to 12 weeks to install. The labor usually runs $1,550-$2,500.

Infinity vs. endless vs. mirror pool

Many people become confused about the differences between infinity, endless, and mirror pools. There are crucial differences between each pool that makes the models unique. An infinity pool is a large pool that has one side that creates visual interest. An endless pool ¹⁰ is a small, in or above-ground pool where you can swim in one place for daily exercise or therapy. In a mirror pool, the water flows off the sides around the entire pool to make it look like the water comes right to ground level.

Maintenance

All pools require frequent cleaning, but the infinity pool catch basin also must be cleaned of debris and buildup. Debris can easily accumulate in the catch basin and prevent the water from flowing. The basin must be regularly cleaned and all debris discarded. The water flowing over the edge and into the basin causes rapid evaporation so the pool’s water levels must always be maintained. The water’s rapid evaporation causes frequent chemical imbalances if you do not regularly check the pool’s chemicals and pH levels. The crucial component of any infinity pool is the pump system. You should always watch it closely and have a professional pool service maintain it as necessary. The cost of professional pool maintenance averages $100-$200 per month.

Enhancement and improvement costs

Lights

Lights create a certain ambiance in a pool and are especially nice when placed in the catch basin. Adequate lighting allows you to also swim safely at night. Pool lights for the pool and basin average from $150-$300 each, depending on style. Floating lights are another option at a cost of $20-$100 per light. Colored built-in ¹¹ LED lights average $750 each.

Pool cover

A pool cover keeps debris out of the water and prevents evaporation. Traditional or thermal covers for your infinity pool average $75-$225. Semi-automatic and automatic covers average from $5,000-$15,000. A security cover averages $1,200-$3,000.

Glass wall

A glass wall placed near the pool outdoors or indoors lets sunlight flow towards the pool and creates visual interest. The wall usually averages between $88.50-$195.50 per linear foot installed.

Additional considerations and costs

• A contractor assists with gathering all the necessary permits for the infinity pool project. Permit rules vary greatly by state, city, and county. Most permits cost from $75-$150. An electrical permit often costs $25-$50.

• The installation of an infinity pool can be a DIY project, but you should check with the pool’s manufacturer to make sure that installing it as a DIY does not nullify the warranty. Also, it takes many steps to construct such an expansive project, which are usually not very DIY-friendly.

• In certain areas where a Homeowners Association (HOA) exists there may be certain fees or restrictions that apply. If you live in such a community then you should always consult with your HOA to determine if an infinity pool is allowed and if there are any fees.

• An infinity pool is every bit as efficient as a standard concrete pool. The small pump that pushes the water from the basin to the main pool may increase your energy bill, but only by a very minimal amount because the basin pump is usually much smaller than the main pool pump.

• If you have decided that you want to have an infinity pool built then seek out a knowledgeable contractor. There are many steps to successfully building an infinity pool and a contractor who specializes in such pools is ideal.

• Prior to construction, you should always have design plans drawn up and then approved by an engineer.

• A liquid pool cover can help prevent evaporation in an infinity pool.

• When having an infinity pool installed, always avoid steep-sloped sites which can be difficult and costly to excavate and prepare.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Fiberglass: Plastic that is reinforced with glass fibers. The fibers may be mixed randomly throughout the plastic, or come in the form of a flat sheet, or be woven into a fabric

² Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

³ Privacy fence: A barrier or railing, typically composed of solid material, used to form a blockade around a yard, field, or other expanse of land to prevent encroachments from the outside

⁴ Pump: A device used to move air, liquid, or gas by mechanical means

⁶ Metered: A device that measures the energy used by a home

⁸ Plaster: A paste composed of sand, water, and either lime, gypsum, or cement, which forms a smooth hard surface on walls, ceilings, and other structures upon drying

⁹ Liner: A covering, usually made of vinyl, for the walls and floor of a swimming pool, used to keep the water in and protect the pool's surface.

¹¹ Built-in: An item of furniture, such as a bookcase or set of cabinets, that is built directly into the structure of the room. Built-ins are therefore customized to the room and not detachable