For every type of land, there are problems, but also solutions. Today, the trend is to respect the natural characteristics of the terrain, whether in terms of quality or profile. As a result, more and more municipalities are banning major earth movements, as was the case several decades ago.
Furthermore, this article will explain the steps that must be taken before the first pickaxe blow.
Land types suitable for building an infinity pool
Before we dive into the different types of land, it’s worth stepping back for a moment. Not all overflow systems are created equal—and not every site is suited to the same kind of edge.
If you’re wondering how to make the most of your landscape, whether flat, sloped or terraced, we’ve explored the options in detail in our guide:
How Infinity Pool Systems Work—and Why They Matter
Let’s now look at how the land itself can shape the design.
This profile is ideally suited to peripheral overflow pools, also known as zero-edge pools. The beauty of this type of pool lies in the reflection of the sky on the surface of the water, similar to a mirror. It lies, however, in the Zen effect created by the discrete water flow, as if lost in the natural environment.
👉 Tip: You must pay careful attention to the pool surroundings, as well as the closing of the gutters.
Sloped plots are perfect for private pools that overflow from one or more sides. Since there is no coping on this part of the pool, the illusion is that the water level melds with the horizon. As the view opens up, the illusion becomes more magical. A channel is placed below the weir to collect the water that overflows from the pool. It is all about the art of the pool builder to hide the gutter from the pool terraces.
👉 Tip :As part of a pool builder’s art, the balancing tank must be completely hidden from terraces to maintain the illusion of overflowing.
The terraced land is a particularity of the Mediterranean landscape. The plot is composed of several terraces of varying widths. More and more town halls in France demand to respect this particularity when building a pool. In this case, a semi-in-ground pool made of poured or shortcrete concrete is almost always required. In particular, swimming pools that combine vanishing and deck-level overflows are well suited.
👉 Tip : Adaptation of reinforcement to soil conditions is required for all reinforced concrete pools. If necessary, a study must be requested from a specialized technician.
Morana's advice 👇
Build your own infinity pool
Architects and pool builders can design and build this type of pool, but if you want more control and want to save money, you’re probably better off working with a pool designer and construction company.
Have the soil survey done
By commissioning your own soil or concrete investigations, you can check the pool builder’s construction methods. This avoids additional construction costs
Get a pool project that fits your plot!
An Overview Of Groundwork Recommendations
Typically, excavation for an in-ground pool can begin once the administrative procedures are finished. This also includes partially buried pools, but not above-ground ones.
Inspect the stability of the ground before building the overflow pool
The soil survey is conducted to determine the soil type on a construction site for a concrete pool. The risks associated with soil include clay swelling, land movement, rocks, and underground cavities. To identify these risks, an engineer must be hired by the pool builder or the owner. A structural engineer should review the reinforcements and foundations of your future pool to ensure its strength and durability.
Concrete shells, polyester shell pools, and kit pools are not affected.
Picketing or marking
It’s just tracing the contours of a traditional pool or an overflowing one on the ground. The marking is done from the plan doing a picket lines for rectangle pools (like swim lanes) or geometric; the marking of free-form pools is usually done with paint and triangulation.
If you’re marking the pool on the ground, you need to include these dimensions :
- Pool and overflow gutter
- Balance tank area
- Plant room area
- Space required for formwork
Digging
Digging or excavation is usually done by machine, but it can also be done manually in semi-underground pools or terraced land. The bottom of the pool must be dug a little deeper to keep the volume of water in the pool, while considering the thickness of the raft or invert. Digging a flat bottom is easier than digging a sloped one.
To successfully dig a swimming pool, a sectional drawing of the pool is extremely helpful. A sectional drawing provides a detailed visual representation of the pool’s structure, including the depth, shape, and placement of key features such as stairs and underwater ledges.
The Various Arrangements To Be Made To Install Your Overflow Pool
The building
Depending on how the pool is constructed (shotcrete or poured concrete, or building blocks), the walls and bottom are poured concurrently or in a series of steps.
The filtration system
The hydraulic system consists of the pipes, as well as of the built-in parts, such as the bottom drain, the fittings, and the underwater floodlights. In the plant room is the pool filter system, which includes the pump, filter, and level controller. Water treatment and heat pumps can also be installed as options. This closed unit allows water to circulate freely.
The pool surface
Just before the pool goes into water, the finishing coat is applied. It may be a mosaic, a reinforced PVC membrane or liner, polyester resin reinforced with glass fibers, or a waterproof coating.
The pool surroundings
The surrounding area should also be taken care of laying stone, wood, or tiles on the terrace, building a pool house, etc. Additionally, strategically placed outdoor lighting can enhance the ambiance and make the area enjoyable even after the sun has set.
Infinity Pools And Zero-Edge Pools: Why Build Them?
It has become more common recently for infinity pools to be integrated within private gardens. Why is this so?
Apart from the striking visual effect of a vanishing overflow or the aesthetics of a deck-level pool with a slotted overflow, these somewhat special pools offer many additional benefits.
All the water from the surface of the pool flows into the gutter, carrying impurities, algae, etc., away. This results in significantly improved water quality.
The filtered water is returned to the pool, creating a flow between the bottom and top of the pool. Cleaning products are mixed into the water to ensure that it remains clean, which delights bathers and pool maintainers.
A perimeter overflow pool with water at the same level as the pool deck will enhance the environment around the pool. The creation of a submerged deck adorned with the same stones of the terraces that surround the pool creates a seaside feel.
So, What Is Your Choice Of Pool Overflow?
We all have our own idea of what the perfect swimming pool should look like. A precise location. A particular shape. The ideal overflow. But when the terrain has other plans, the dream can feel just out of reach.
That’s where expert design makes all the difference. From hillside retreats to inner-city courtyards, creating an infinity or deck-level pool that truly works with its environment requires much more than inspiration — it demands precision, foresight, and a clear technical roadmap.
At MORANA WATER DESIGN, we translate ambition into clarity. Our bespoke plans include every detail: the required volume of the balance tank, the exact placement of fittings, the right number of check valves… Everything you need to bring your vision to life — no matter how complex the site may be.
Let us show you how we design tailor-made infinity pools that work — beautifully.