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Curtis Pools · Since 1956

Infinity Pools

Swimming pool project by Curtis Pools

Create a Seamless Waterline That Blends Your Pool Into the Surrounding Landscape

Infinity pools—also known as vanishing edge or negative edge pools—are designed to remove the visual boundary between water and horizon.

Instead of a traditional raised edge, water flows over one or more sides into a concealed catch basin, creating the illusion that the pool extends outward indefinitely. When done correctly, the effect is striking—and highly dependent on precision engineering, elevation planning, and water management.

Curtis Pools designs and builds infinity pools for homeowners near Largo who want a visually elevated, architecturally integrated pool that performs just as well as it looks.

If you’re considering a vanishing edge design, you can explore infinity pool design options and determine whether your property is a good fit.

What Defines an Infinity Pool

Infinity pools are defined by one key element: a disappearing edge.

Instead of stopping at a wall, water flows continuously over the edge into a lower basin where it is collected, filtered, and recirculated back into the pool.

This creates:

A clean, uninterrupted visual line

Reflection effects that mirror the surrounding environment

A high-end, resort-style appearance

But achieving that effect requires more than just removing an edge—it requires precise system design.

How Infinity Pool Systems Work

An infinity pool operates as a multi-stage water system.

Main Pool Basin

  • Holds the primary body of water
  • Maintains standard pool depth and circulation

Vanishing Edge Wall

  • Set at a specific elevation to allow controlled overflow
  • Designed for consistent, even water flow

Catch Basin (Surge Tank)

  • Collects water flowing over the edge
  • Prevents water loss
  • Acts as a buffer during use

Recirculation System

  • Pumps water from the basin back into the pool
  • Maintains continuous flow

If any part of this system is improperly designed, the visual effect—and performance—breaks down.

Not every property is suited for an infinity pool. The best candidates typically include: Sloped or elevated lots Waterfront properties Homes with scenic views Properties with elevation changes Flat properties can still accommodate infinity pools, but often require more structural work and creative design solutions. Curtis Pools evaluates site conditions before recommending this type of build to ensure the design is both feasible and effective.

Infinity pools require more structural precision than standard pools. Key factors include: - Reinforced edge construction - Proper basin sizing - Hydraulic balance between pool and basin - Load distribution and soil stability Mistakes in structural design can lead to: - Uneven water flow - Visible inconsistencies along the edge - Long-term structural stress This is not a feature that can be improvised—it must be engineered correctly from the start.

The defining feature of an infinity pool is a perfectly level waterline. To achieve this: - The edge must be precisely leveled - Flow must be evenly distributed - Pump systems must maintain consistent pressure If the edge is even slightly off: - Water will not spill evenly - The illusion breaks - Performance becomes inconsistent This is where experience and precision matter most.

Infinity pools are often combined with other high-end elements. For example: - LED pool lighting enhances nighttime edge effects - spa spillways add layered water movement - smart pool automation helps manage flow and circulation - pool decking frames the design and improves usability Combining features creates a more complete and cohesive result.

Infinity pools require more attention than standard pools. Additional considerations include: - Maintaining proper water levels in both pool and basin - Monitoring pump performance - Cleaning and maintaining the catch basin - Ensuring consistent flow across the edge However, with proper setup and maintenance, these systems can operate reliably long-term. Because infinity pools rely on continuous water movement, efficiency matters. Proper system design helps: Reduce unnecessary pump strain Maintain consistent circulation Prevent overuse of energy Automation can further optimize performance and reduce manual oversight. Poorly designed infinity pools often suffer from: Uneven water spillover Insufficient basin capacity Pump inefficiency Visual inconsistencies Water loss or overflow issues These problems are almost always tied to design or installation—not the concept itself. Infinity pools are ideal when: You want to maximize a view Your property has elevation changes You’re building a high-end custom pool You’re prioritizing design and visual impact They are less about necessity and more about creating a specific experience. A well-built infinity pool should: Maintain a perfectly level water edge Provide consistent, even spillover Circulate water efficiently Integrate visually with the surrounding environment Operate reliably without constant adjustment If any of these are off, the system likely needs correction. Complimentary Design & Planning We evaluate your site to determine if an infinity design is the right fit. Exclusive Free Start-Up Package Includes one month of service and Pool Patrol safety features. Locally Trusted Across the Region Serving homeowners near Largo with high-end pool solutions. Waterfront & Structural Specialists We understand elevation, drainage, and complex build requirements. Unmatched Craftsmanship & Customization Infinity pools require precision—and we build them accordingly. In-House Team, No Shortcuts Design, engineering, and construction are handled with full accountability.
Swimming pool project by Curtis Pools

Energy and System Efficiency

Because infinity pools rely on continuous water movement, efficiency matters. Proper system design helps:

  • Reduce unnecessary pump strain
  • Maintain consistent circulation
  • Prevent overuse of energy

Common Infinity Pool Issues (and How to Avoid Them)

Poorly designed infinity pools often suffer from:

  • Uneven water spillover
  • Insufficient basin capacity
  • Pump inefficiency
  • Visual inconsistencies
  • Water loss or overflow issues

When Infinity Pools Make the Most Sense

Infinity pools are ideal when:

  • You want to maximize a view
  • Your property has elevation changes
  • You’re building a high-end custom pool
  • You’re prioritizing design and visual impact

What a Proper Infinity Pool Should Deliver

A well-built infinity pool should:

  • Maintain a perfectly level water edge
  • Provide consistent, even spillover
  • Circulate water efficiently
  • Integrate visually with the surrounding environment
  • Operate reliably without constant adjustment

Why Curtis Pools

70+ Years of Experience

We’ve designed and built complex pool systems across a wide range of properties.

Complimentary Design & Planning

We evaluate your site to determine if an infinity design is the right fit.

Exclusive Free Start-Up Package

Includes one month of service and Pool Patrol safety features.

Locally Trusted Across the Region

Serving homeowners near Largo with high-end pool solutions.

Waterfront & Structural Specialists

We understand elevation, drainage, and complex build requirements.

Unmatched Craftsmanship & Customization

Infinity pools require precision—and we build them accordingly.

In-House Team, No Shortcuts

Design, engineering, and construction are handled with full accountability.

Rectangular pool with a raised spa beside a seawall and private dock

Frequently Asked Questions

Infinity pools are significantly more complex due to the additional basin, precise leveling requirements, and continuous water flow system. They require careful engineering and experienced installation.

Not necessarily. Water is recirculated through the catch basin, but improper design can lead to water loss if the system is not balanced correctly.

They require additional maintenance due to the extra basin and circulation system, but when properly designed and maintained, they can operate reliably.

In some cases, yes—but it depends heavily on structure, elevation, and available space. It is more commonly done during new construction or major remodeling.

This is usually due to improper leveling, pump issues, or poor system design. The edge must be perfectly level for consistent spillover.

They can, due to continuous water circulation, but efficient pump design and automation can help manage energy use.

Precision. The edge, basin, and circulation system must all be engineered and built accurately for the effect to work properly.

For the right property, yes. They offer a unique visual effect and elevate the overall design of the space significantly. Infinity pools look simple—but they depend on precision at every level. If you’re considering this type of design, schedule an infinity pool consultation and make sure it’s planned and built the right way from the start. Get a Free Quote License: #CPC1460218 Contact Us (727) 559-7946 150 Commerce Dr N, Largo, FL 33770 Hours of Operation: Mon-Thurs 8am – 4pm Friday 8am – 12pm
Freeform pool with a raised spa and travertine deck, enclosed by a white privacy wall and potted palms
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Build an Infinity Pool That Actually Delivers the Effect

Infinity pools look simple—but they depend on precision at every level.

If you’re considering this type of design, schedule an infinity pool consultation and make sure it’s planned and built the right way from the start.