When building a backyard pool, you wonder about the cost of construction or installation and maintenance. Is it more expensive to make an infinity pool than a regular one?
One or more walls stop at the water level and slope down in a vanishing deck pool. Water that flows over the edge goes into a catch basin below. This design gives the appearance of endlessness because water seems to blend with what lies beyond it; a beautiful view helps, but is not mandatory.
Note: Do not mix up infinity pool and endless pool. The second one is smaller. It is a stationary pool, and a current allows you to swim without turning.
What Is The Price Of An Inground Pool?
An in-ground pool is more durable than an above-ground pool but implies a larger budget. On the other hand, various studies prove that homeowners sell their houses with an in-ground pool quickly and at a better price, so why not take the plunge.
Which model best fits your budget between the shell pool, the steel or composite kit, or the concrete swimming pool?
The Kit Pool
You can find PVC or metal panels that you will have to assemble on-site following an installation guide provided by the manufacturer. The inner coating must be a vinyl liner to ensure the pool is watertight.
The price range is $10,000 to $30,000. The installation can be done in a few days by yourself if you are a handyman with the help hand from friends.
Be careful. Hiring a professional to install the pool for you almost doubles the price.
The preformed shell fiberglass pool
It is made of polyester or acrylic. The price range is $10,000 and $20,000; the acrylic model is the most expensive, but it has a better resistance over time. A shell pool is usually made in one piece and delivered directly to your home. It also only takes a few hours to be installed.
The concrete inground pool
It is undoubtedly the most widely used material for constructing in-ground pools today; different concrete construction methods affect the pool building cost. There are different concrete construction methods, and they all impact the cost. The price of an 8×4 concrete swimming pool ranges from $28,000 to $55,000, with an average cost of $35,000 depending on the construction method used and the time of the year.
- The hollow concrete blocks, also known as CMUs are undoubtedly the most widely used today in pool construction. Pool walls are constructed by pouring concrete into bottomless hollow breeze blocks that have been reinforced with rebar beforehand. The construction method allows for considerable flexibility in terms of size, shape, and cladding. This method requires no special equipment.
The cast-in-place concrete process uses wooden or metal formwork; after reinforcement, concrete is poured between the two walls. This method is used decreasingly in swimming pool construction.
- Shotcrete or gunite are well-known methods, but require special equipment called a gun. The gun sprays concrete onto the surface after mixing it with compressed air. Concrete is sprayed onto a vertical reinforcement that conforms exactly to the shape of the future pool. Using this method ensures that concrete adheres to the reinforcement, resulting in a strong and durable pool structure.
Note : Breeze block construction is the most traditional and economical pool construction; it is a masonry pool, not a concrete pool. The pool is built with hollow blocks, or “agglos” in French, and stiffening posts are installed every two meters and at the four corners. In this method of construction, the size of the pool is limited, and a liner is required for the pool surface. This article explains the different pool surface options
Regular Pool Or Infinity Pool: What Is The Price Difference?
Even though we have communicated above the average prices of infinity pools, the price can range dramatically depending on the country of construction. Therefore, when talking about the additional cost, we prefer to mention a percentage compared to the price of a regular pool. You can learn more about the overflow technique here.
- With the same building system, the extra cost of an overflow pool is about 20%. This difference corresponds roughly to the additional cost of the overflow channel and balancing tank.
- As far as the filtration system is concerned, it is almost identical. It is sometimes necessary to slightly oversize the filtration, especially in the case of peripheral overflow. To be clear, there is no question at all about doubling the pump’s power, as has occasionally been suggested.We want to add that the probe control systems are efficient but expensive. Fortunately, there are various cheaper and just as effective options.
- The pool’s interior coating price will also be subject to an additional cost, mainly due to the increase in surface area due to the overflow channel. The inside surface of the balancing tank, which is generally not visible, can receive only a waterproofing treatment.
Tangibly, to swim in a negative edge pool, you will have to add an average of 20% to the work costs.
Morana's advice 👇
Make sure you hire an expert for your pool project
They will be familiar with the specific challenges and considerations of building a negative edge pool or a zero-edge pool.
Make sure you ask
An estimate must be clearly expressed. Among the details that should be included are the exact dimensions of the pool, the method of construction, the filtration system, and the pool surface option.
We’d love to hear about your swimming pool project.
Why Does an Infinity Pool Cost More?
Common misconceptions about overflow pool pricing
One of the most common explanations found online is that an infinity pool requires building two pools instead of one. This is inaccurate. The catch basin usually represents only about 5% of the main pool’s volume.
Another argument often given by pool builders is the need for a second or even third pump. Again, this is not necessarily true. As we’ve explained previously, most residential vanishing edge or zero-edge pools operate with just one pump.
In reality, the extra cost is often due to a lack of experience among the contractors involved. When companies are unfamiliar with the specifics of overflow systems, they tend to take extra precautions — and overestimate the time, complexity, and cost of the installation.
Additionally, building an infinity pool typically takes 12 to 20 weeks, depending on its size, the complexity of the design, the materials selected, and additional features. This is slightly longer than for a standard pool.
What factors influence the cost of an overflow pool?
Before choosing your pool design, take five minutes to consider the following points:
Size and depth: A deeper pool requires more extensive excavation, which significantly increases construction costs.
Shape: A geometric pool (square or rectangular) is generally less expensive to build than an organic or free-form one.
Finishes: The cost of the interior finish can vary greatly — from budget-friendly vinyl to high-end options like glass mosaic or polished stone.
Equipment installed in the technical room: Choosing reliable, well-sized components is key — avoid unnecessarily complex or oversized systems.
Heating: If you plan to heat the pool, make sure you also include an efficient cover to reduce energy loss.
Glass wall: A stunning but expensive option — expect costs starting from $1,000 per square foot. The larger the glass surface, the higher the cost per square foot.
Is maintaining an overflow pool more expensive?
Regardless of the type of pool, water maintenance follows the same basic principles. Water must be disinfected, either manually or using automatic dosing systems. Maintaining good water quality also requires regular pH monitoring.
Overflow or vanishing edge pools operate using a reverse hydraulic principle, which ensures better circulation and more effective chemical distribution. The continuous surface skimming also helps prevent debris from settling on the pool floor. In this sense, overflow pools can reduce the need for cleaning and even save on chemical products.
Water level control is managed through a system of probes or floats, depending on the equipment you choose and your budget. This system requires no special maintenance and helps avoid unnecessary water loss.
How Can You Save Money When Building an Infinity Pool?
You can reduce costs by choosing a prefabricated shell or a pool kit, though these options are limited in terms of shape and size customisation.
Another option is to build your own overflow pool. We’re not talking about installing a kit or a basic shell, but designing and managing the entire construction yourself. This gives you complete freedom over the shape, dimensions, and technical features.
If you already have a traditional pool, it is sometimes possible to convert it into an overflow or zero-deck pool, allowing you to enjoy the visual and sensory benefits of an infinity pool — without breaking the bank.
How Can You Build Your own VANISHING EDGE Pool?
Even if you’ve already built a standard pool, it’s important to understand that a vanishing edge or deck-level pool requires specific technical knowledge. You can ask a specialist to help with the landscape integration, pool design, and technical drawings.
You may then choose to work with general builders and plumbers instead of relying solely on a pool contractor. If you have time and solid construction experience, you could even manage or build the pool yourself.
Although overflow systems are technically demanding, they are not exclusively reserved for swimming pool companies. With the right guidance, your project can be realised at a cost up to 30% lower than with a turnkey solution.
Our mission
We aim to make vanishing edge and deck-level pools more accessible worldwide. Our service includes fully personalised design, detailed construction and hydraulic drawings, and professional advice on the most efficient systems and materials.
