Negative Edge vs Infinity Edge Pools: Why are They So Alluring?

The backyard pool is surely one of the most exciting things any homeowner can put in their landscape. It’s the type of feature that can set the stage for day-long adventures, refreshing exercise, energetic parties, relaxing afternoons, and a beautiful view. There are many ways to make the pool one of the best parts of your home and your family’s lifestyle. 

The negative edge pool, known by various other names including the vanishing edge pool, is one of the most exciting pool designs around. It’s a pool design that titillates the senses and creates sta magical feeling while swimming and when relaxing by the pool. It can truly transform a landscape and create an incredibly tranquil staycation-worthy setting. In this article, we’ll cover what makes the negative edge, also known as the vanishing edge pool, so special.

What Is A Negative Edge Pool?

The negative edge pool is intended to create an optical illusion – the illusion that the pool you’re swimming in extends towards the horizon. This pool design can create a most luxurious feeling, making it especially popular in seaside resorts and modern hillside homes.  

As Chris NeJame of NeJame Pool Specialists, Inc. describes, a negative edge pool “creates a connection with an object that wouldn’t ever be possible otherwise.” That is to say that it’s not possible to extend a pool so it can reach out and touch the mountains or join the sea, but this optical illusion in pool design does just the trick. This stunning pool design definitely gives one the feeling of oneness with what’s beyond the pool’s edge.

What Is A Vanishing Edge Pool?

The term “vanishing edge” is just one of the several names that describes a pool where water flows over one or more edges in order to create an illusion of space. Vanishing edge pools are simply another name for the same type of pool that can be called an “infinity pool,” an “infinite edge pool,” or a “negative edge pool.”

And, a vanishing edge pool provides an experience unlike any other. As Chris says, “Whether it’s the mountains, the river, or ocean, a negative pool encourages swimmers and loungers to be whisked away.” What a delightful concept! 

What Is The Difference Between A Negative Edge Pool And An Infinity Pool?

You may have also heard the term “infinity pool” to describe a similar design. In fact, these two designs use practically the same concept. The difference in terminology between negative edge versus infinity edge pool designs simply comes from the preferences, innovations, or even brands of various pool designers. Due to various trademark issues, multiple names for a similar pool design have emerged over the years, including “infinite edge” and “vanishing edge pool” as well.

Do You Need a Sloped Yard for a Negative Edge Pool?

No. The effect can be just as dramatic on a flat surface, but the pool will need to be elevated at least a little above the surrounding landscape.

How Do You Make A Negative Edge Pool?

As the water in a negative edge pool flows over the edge, it may seem like it’s being allowed to flow out into the void. This may seem like the water is being lost to the landscape, but this is an illusion. Even though the allure of a negative edge pool seems magical, it is a pool situation that is engineered into reality.

A small amount of water will flow over the edge and shimmer down the sides, where it will also create a wonderful view of the pool from below. The water flowing over the edge is fully recovered into a well-hidden collection basin and pumped back through the pool’s filtration system into the pool where it will eventually repeat the process. 

It’s important to only allow around 1/8th of an inch to 1/4th of an inch of water to flow over the edge to sustain the illusion.

Another important trick up the pool designer’s sleeve is to coordinate the colors of the pool’s underwater surface with the colors of the surrounding landscape. As a result, the eye will have “difficulty determining where the pool ends,” as NeJame puts it. While the brain knows exactly what is going on – of course the pool isn’t as big as it looks – the puzzle is still a fun aspect of swimming in such a gorgeous pool. It will work practically anywhere, even in places that don’t have a spectacular view to take advantage of.

The one or more sides of the negative edge pool that create the illusion can be made of a few different materials. There are two requirements to create an effective barrier that keeps the water inside the pool. The most popular materials are vinyl, sealed concrete, tile, or glass.

There’s an added benefit to the negative edge of a pool: it helps keep the water cleaner. As the water flows over the edge, it brings any surface debris with it. Chris NeJame explains that if this edge of the pool is constructed properly, it “acts like a large skimmer.” Instead of spending hours a week skimming the pool with a large telescoping skimmer, you can let the natural forces of gravity take care of it for you.

How Much Is A Negative Edge Pool and How Much Does a Vanishing Edge Pool Cost? Are Vanishing Edge Pools More Expensive?

The average negative edge pool is going to be more expensive than the average inground pool. This is mostly because of the materials and the specialized construction necessary. Not all typical pool construction materials can be used in the construction of a negative edge pool and it will also take some specialized techniques which take more time than traditional pool designs.

A typical inground pool can cost anywhere between $28,000 and $55,000 for full construction with an average cost of around $35,000. The cost per square foot is somewhere between $50 and $125. 

A negative edge pool, with its specialized design and construction, should cost between $55,000 and $130,000, with an average cost of around $79,000, or roughly $80 per square foot. 

However, if your pool will be situated on a hillside and especially if you have a magnificent view, a negative edge pool design could be the difference between a good experience and an exceptional one. Essentially: if it’s in the budget, it can be a worthwhile project that will take outdoor living to a new next level of luxury.