[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=”top-to-bottom”]An Infinity pool facilitates the impression that it merges into the surrounding landscape, especially the sea, producing a stunning design orientated visual effect. An infinity pool could almost certainly convert even the least scenic spot into an oasis, but they have the most impact in an area with plenty of sky and an already breathtaking view. These pools provide a unique vision of the surrounding landscape. When perched on a hill, the vanishing edge of the pool can provides a natural aesthetic as well. Also, they are popular for ocean views or desert schemes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
How the infinity effect is created:
Photo Credit: aqthemagazine.com
The infinity pool design concept is said to have originated in Bali, Indonesia, where its inspiration came directly from observing the dramatic effect created by the ubiquitous terraced rice paddies, known locally as sawah, for which the island is famous. – Source: Wikipedia
Everybody loves them, not easy to afford them!
Infinity edge pools are all custom-built; Depending on their size and design, may have a hefty cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars because the pool’s “vanishing edge” requires a complex structural and mechanical accomplishment involving architects and engineers to design the foundation and the catch basin as to control and supervise the water’s overflow. Installation alone can costs tens of thousands and the foundation is the most costly engineering challenge. Furthermore an infinity pool costs more in water (they can’t be covered, so more evaporates) and energy (the massive pumps from the catch basin run constantly).
An infinity pool is certainly the most luxurious pool you can have at home and is a focal point of a major home addition. However, the Residential ’Infinity Pools’ are more suitably called ‘Endless Pools’. Thanks to its contemporary variable-speed swim mechanism, the swimmer can swim to infinity with no flip-turns. An Endless Pool can be characterised as the ’treadmill for swimmers’.
Following is a collection of spectacular infinity pools around the world worth visiting. Many of the infinity pools in this collection are located at luxury resorts around the world, but a few are located at residential homes.
Cliff-Hanging Home with Cantilevered Pool, Thailand
This ultramodern residence, on the edge of a click not only overlooks the ocean but its cantilevered infinity pool seems to be merging into the forever blue of the sea.
Photo Credit: marc gerritsen
Hill House with amazing rooftop-deck infinity pool, Mumbai
Lifting the pool above ground level must give the sense of swimming in the sky, especially given the house’s location on top of a hill.
Photo Credit: malik architecture
Hotel Caruso, Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Well-known for its remarkable rocky cliffs overseeing the Mediterranean Sea guests can enjoy views from a heated infinity pool on a clifftop 1,000 feet above sea level.
Photo Credit: citalia.com
Astarte Suites, Santorini
A sparkling pool with cliff side views merging the blue of the Mediterranean sea with the rocky landscape.
Photo Credit: freshome
Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
Extending out right over a private lagoon in the Indian Ocean, this zero-edge pool is a fantasy swimming experience.
Photo Credit: only exclusive travel
Hemeroscopium House Rooftop Infinity Pool by Ensamble Studios
Not just a conventional in-ground swimming pool, but also a rooftop infinity pool that cantilevers out over the grass.
Photo Credit: by home-designing
Golden Triangle Resort – Chiang Rai, Thailand
Photo Credit: by I Prahin on flickr
Sheraton Waikiki – Hawaii
Photo Credit: Scott Sharick
Hotel Villa Mahal – Turkey
Photo Credit: Cloudzilla
Dreams Resort – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Photo Credit: demelzastudio
Marina Bay Sands hotel, Singapore
From WebEcoist: “When most people envision a pool with an incredibly scenic view, they most likely think of tropical beaches, not skyscrapers – yet there’s no denying that the scenery at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel pool is absolutely breath-taking. Not only is this nearly 500-foot-long pool set into a rooftop sky park, 679 feet above the ground, but it’s an infinity pool, giving swimmers the feeling that they could swim right off the edge of the building. The pool looks out onto one of the world’s most modern cities, which is brilliantly illuminated once the sun goes down.”
Photo Credit: telegraph.co.uk
The Cambrian, Adelboden
Photo Credit: telegraph.co.uk
Last but not least, there are also natural edgeless pools that will take your breath away. A dazzling example is the cliff side hot springs of Pamukkale, Turkey, where falling mineral water rich in calcium has carved basins and stalactites into the rock and turned the entire area snow-white. The site is now a UNESCO protected World Heritage Site and no visitors are permitted.
Natural Infinity Pools of Pamukkale, Turkey
Photo Credit: dreaming traveller
To conclude infinity pools are a luxurious and attractive feature in their own right for many different yards and landscapes, but they also have downsides, potential risks and benefits.
Although I believe that an infinity pool is designed for providing unique visions of the surrounding landscapes and not to give you a satisfying workout, like standard pools, infinity pools can be used for recreational purposes, exercise and are a suitable place for fun for everyone.
In some ways, infinity pools are easier to maintain than standard pools because of the filtration system that helps to pump water up from the catch basin pool to the main pool. This helps to reduce the need for cleaning out the pool or ensuring that the water does not stagnate. The constant motion of the water continually cleans and filters the water. Nevertheless, this comes at a hefty cost since the mechanism is an engineering and mechanical challenge. The cost of water, electrical costs, chlorine, other chemicals and tools that are essential to preserve the purity of the water can be very expensive.
Observing beyond the aesthetic charm one can see some danger associated with the Infinity Pools. For example the exposed edge is easy to fall over resulting in potential serious injury. Additionally, an infinity pool suits more a natural sloping landscape or a high edge area, meaning that there are boundaries for their placement. Not every place can take an infinity pool as they may not appear to stand as spectacular in an area in which it doesn’t overlook a larger space.
The most stunning designs are integrated in fascinating natural landscapes. Embracing a feeling of absolute freedom and defying boundaries. For this reason just enjoy the view and let go off all physical limits.
