When it comes to pools, there is nothing more luxurious than an infinity pool. Sit at the water’s edge and look into the distance: The pool will seem to become one with the horizon. The water will flow toward the sky, with seemingly no end. It creates a beautiful and mesmerizing effect that you can’t replicate with any other design.
Some people believe that they can’t have an infinity pool on their property because it would be too expensive or because their landscape won’t support it. But many people are surprised to find that they can have an infinity pool in a variety of spaces, both small and large, and on a variety of budgets. The key to success is working with the right designer – like the experts at Triad Associates – and planning properly for the space. There is such a wide variety of materials that you can find options that fit your budget and get the look you want.
If you are considering adding a pool to your property, consider an infinity pool. You may also be able to upgrade an existing pool and convert it into an infinity pool. The designers at Triad Associates can help you understand what’s possible for your space and explore the options to make the pool and the surrounding space beautiful.
Begin with the Consultation
Before you can really plan anything else for your infinity pool, you need to consult with a hardscape designer to understand the unique needs and challenges of your space.
Many people believe that they cannot have an infinity pool because they have a flat landscape. After all, where will that dropped side go? But there are many ways to design an infinity pool, including building up one or more sides to create the drop off. Sometimes, the land can also be reshaped, being built up or carved out where needed.
Sometimes, large amounts of rock or other natural elements may present a challenge in placing the pool. It may be possible to break up this rock or to remove trees or other elements.
Other challenges may involve property lines, zoning, or the presence of utility lines, such as for the Internet.
The only way to know for certain what will be possible and what challenges will need to be managed is to consult with an expert. Triad Associates has been designing all types of pools for several decades, and our experts can help you understand what your space will support. They will conduct a thorough assessment of the space and give you detailed feedback about what kind of placement would be best for the pool, what size would be possible, the types of materials that would be best to use, and more.
Our goal is to help you get a beautiful, long-lasting pool that will give you many years of service and enjoyment. That starts with properly understanding the characteristics and needs of the space and how to best work within them.
Choosing the Right Materials
Whether you are building an infinity pool or any other type of pool, the materials you choose are important. Your selections will determine the final look of the pool – and the surrounding area – and will influence the functionality and safety of the space. It is important that you discuss the benefits and challenges of all the options with your pool designer.
Of course, stone is a popular option for the pool decking and other accessories. Stone is long-lasting and resistant to damage. It also comes in a variety of colors and textures, and certain types of stone can improve safety by creating a slip-resistant surface. But knowing the benefits of stone isn’t enough to help you choose the right material. You’ll also want to explore the types of designs you can create with stone.
Some examples of stone designs include:
Monochromatic. Choosing a single color family, such as a certain shade of gray, can create a striking effect, particularly with an infinity pool. This single-family color scheme has a modern and elegant look that lends itself well to the luxurious infinity pool design. - Rustic. Many types of natural stone can be combined to create a beautiful, natural look that can make the infinity pool seem more like a natural lake or oasis.
- Spa-like. Stones in earthen shades like sand and clay can be used to create a spa-like atmosphere around your pool. You may choose this to create a more upscale design at home, or you may choose it for a commercial property such as a hotel or apartment to better impress your clientele.
Many other types of materials are also available to accent your infinity pool. Different types of wood can create a gorgeous deck area, or can be used to build a pergola or gondola to sit beside the pool. Glass can create a sophisticated look when used for a pool border, edging around water or fire features, or even as a wall to one side of the pool itself.
Mixing materials can also lead to some interesting and beautiful results. Our hardscape designers will help you explore the different material options and how they look in combination with other material types, colors, and textures so you can visualize what’s possible. We use material samples, sketches, and 3D design software to help you explore your options. You’ll also be able to see how the proposed design would look on your property so that you’ll have a finished product that is in perfect harmony with your space.
Determining Pool Design
The one constant for an infinity pool design is that it has one edge where the water runs over the side, making the water appear as it is floating endlessly into the distance. However, there are no rules for how large or small the pool must be, what kind of depth it must have, what kind of shape it must have, or what other accessories you can include. You have wide discretion in how you design your pool, giving you the opportunity to create something truly spectacular.
Start with the shape and size of your pool. A single, large rectangle can look quite striking with a long infinity edge. The simplicity of the design draws attention to the elegance of the pool. You can also create a unique design that plays off the basic shape, such as adding a secondary “lane” or entrance running alongside the length of the pool, or creating a perpendicular offshoot of the pool, which can either provide more swimming area or be a dedicated space for tanning or a jacuzzi.
After deciding on the shape, consider some accessory elements that you may want to add to your pool. For example, a tanning ledge provides an excellent location for swimmers to take a break and relax by the water, without getting too hot by laying directly in the sun on the deck. The ledge can run along the edge of the pool, or it can be part of a larger entry area or lounging area in the pool. Another option is to add a fire pit or other fire features – either in the center of the pool or along the edge. Fire features can add a dramatic flair to the pool’s design, while also providing warmth and a cozy ambience on cooler days or in the evenings.
Finally, think about what features can be added outside the pool to enhance its overall design. Adding a border wall to the pool can create a dramatic impact. The wall can flank one side of the pool, and it can integrate other features, such as a waterfall or jet pouring into the pool or a row of torches. The material used on the wall can also uplift the overall pool design. Other features to consider around the pool are water fountains or jets, fire features, ambient lighting, retaining walls, or columns.
Don’t forget to integrate landscaping with your hardscaping. The selective use of plants with the right hardscaping materials can elevate your pool and the surrounding area. Consider planting grass between pavers, adding small shrubs and flowers in planters by the pool, or adding shade trees at the borders of your pool’s total entertaining area.
Your options for creating a gorgeous infinity pool and entertaining space really are nearly unlimited. You have endless possibilities for combining hardscaping materials, accessory items, and designs to create fun and interesting looks and functionality.
Hire the Hardscaping Experts at Triad Associates
The experts at Triad Associates have been helping Haverhill residents get beautiful and luxurious pools for many decades. We work with homeowners and commercial property owners to design the pool of their dreams, whether they are investing in a new pool or are upgrading their current pool for an improved look and new features. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn about the best options for your property. We’ll help you improve your property’s curb appeal while giving you new ways to enjoy your space and entertain your guests.
