How a Vanishing Edge Swimming Pool Works
You may have heard of a vanishing edge swimming pool (also known as an infinity edge pool, a negative edge pool or a wet-edge pool). Even if you haven’t heard of it, you may have seen one before at an upscale resort. It’s a swimming pool where water flows over the edge producing the visual effect of water with no boundaries. These pools are often designed so that the edge appears to merge with a larger body of water, or the sky. It can provide a stunning look, especially for pools that are on vistas or with a scenic view. These pools are absolutely beautiful but you may be wondering if a vanishing edge pool will work in your backyard.
- How the illusion works: The pool edge sits at water level rather than above it, so water continuously flows over and into a trough or catch basin below. From there it gets pumped back into the main pool, keeping the cycle going invisibly.
- Positioning matters most: For the effect to hold, the catch basin must stay out of sight from the main viewing angles. If guests can see the reservoir, the illusion is broken — so placement relative to where people will actually stand or sit is the critical design decision.
- Site requirements are flexible: A gentle slope is the easiest site to build on, but flat land and steep slopes are both workable with the right engineering. The yard does not have to be dramatic to support the design.
- Not limited to one model: While a purpose-built infinity edge pool like The Horizon has the catch basin integrated from the start, nearly any pool in the lineup can be converted into a vanishing edge design.
The effect looks effortless but depends entirely on careful positioning — where the pool sits relative to sightlines determines whether the illusion actually works.
A vanishing edge pool is an illusion. It has an edge that comes to water level instead of above it, so that water flows over the edge. A trough or catch basin is installed that the water overflows into. From here the water is collected and pumped back into the main pool.
To understand how this functions, take a look at the edge pool, The Horizon, that we offer. The image below shows the built-in reservoir or catch basin and an infinity edge. The water flows over the infinity edge and into the reservoir.
The final effect looks like this:
If you think that a disappearing edge swimming pool means an expensive upgrade, think again. The Leisure Pools Horizon swimming pool has that feature built in.
While The Horizon is a great option for a vanishing edge pool, nearly any Leisure Pools swimming pool can be made into a vanishing edge pool.
You’re probably thinking edge pools are beautiful, but how can you get the best edge effect in your own backyard?
For the best effect, the vanishing edge must be positioned so that you can’t see the catch pool from the prime viewing spots. The easiest site to build on is a gentle slope, however, it can also be installed on flat land or a steep slope with the right engineering.
Whether you choose a vanishing edge pool or something more traditional, you can turn your backyard into a stunning and exotic space. Take the first step and contact Leisure Pools today (leisurepoolsusa.com) and Get Swimming in Quality and Style!
United States
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Europe
Find a Dealer
(855) 857 7527
Leisure Pools USA
