What Is An Infinity Pool & Infinity Pool Windows? Design & Costs [2025]

If you've seen a pool that seems to melt into the horizon, blending perfectly with ocean views, city skylines, or rolling hills, then you’ve already admired an infinity pool.

And as a pool expert myself, I just adore infinity pools. They create such an amazing, dramatic effect that takes a luxury pool design into something out of an animated movie.

If you add an infinity pool window to the mix, it just makes things even more exquisite!

Well, I am just sharing my admiration, but I’m sure you are here to learn more than just praise. Don’t worry, read on.

I have written all about what infinity pools are and get additional details on cost and styles.

Let’s begin.

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TL;DR: Infinity Pools & Infinity Pool Windows At A Glance (And Why Planning With Experts Matters)

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• Infinity pools create the illusion of water with no boundary, perfect for scenic sites.
• They use a lowered “vanishing edge” and a hidden catch basin to recycle overflow water.
• Compared to regular pools, infinity pools need extra engineering, waterproofing, and finishing.
• Adding infinity pool windows brings even more drama: see-through acrylic or glass edges that show underwater views.
• Infinity pool windows require careful design to handle water pressure, framing, and thermal expansion — especially on rooftops or sloped lots.
• Best results come from consulting experienced pool designers (such as Hammerhead Pools) early; retrofitting infinity edges or windows later is rarely practical.
  
  

What Is An Infinity Pool?

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An infinity pool, often known as a vanishing edge, zero edge, or negative edge pool,  is a special type of swimming pool built so that one or more edges are slightly lower than the water level. The pool water spills over this lowered edge into a hidden trough or catch basin, then recirculates back into the main pool.

When viewed from inside the pool or nearby, this design makes the water seem to flow endlessly into the landscape or horizon, creating a dramatic visual effect.

How Does It Work?

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Unlike other pools, Infinity pools rely on precision engineering:

• A Vanishing edge: The top of at least one wall is lower, letting water flow over evenly.
  
  
• Hidden Catch basin: A hidden trough outward from the lower wall collects the overflowed water.
  
  
• Pumps & filters: Return the water from the basin to the pool, just like a normal skimmer system.
  
  

While this sounds simple, creating it is not so much. In fact, a pool builder needs quite a bit of experience to be able to pull off an infinity swimming pool without flaws.

The challenge is to make the overflow perfectly level to look seamless. So a lot of effort is required for waterproofing, setting up structural supports, and building the drainage systems with high efficiency.

A slight tilt, or lack of waterproofing, can make all the effort go to waste. That’s why you won’t see less-experienced pool builders offering an infinity edge on pools.

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Key Characteristics Of Infinity Pools

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An infinity pool will have the following attributes:

• Visual drama: The main draw is the floating, boundary-less appearance.
• Fewer visible skimmers: Overflow edges act as natural skimmers, keeping the water cleaner.
• Custom-built: Each infinity pool is unique, designed for the site’s slope, view, and architecture.
• Higher cost & complexity: Extra engineering, finishing, and pumps add to the budget.

Normally, infinity pools are only requested in luxury homes or when building commercial swimming pools. If you are looking for a personal pool, then this would be a high investment.

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Infinity Pool Windows: See-Through Luxury

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If an infinity edge isn’t dramatic enough, imagine adding infinity pool windows — large panels of acrylic (for curved or long panels) or glass (for flat, scratch-resistant panels).

About 2 years ago, I worked on a rooftop pool in Dubai. Initially, the plan was to create a fiberglass in-ground pool.

But then I thought the surroundings were so great. You could feel peace while swimming in a pool on top of a high-rise building. And having an infinity edge would make the experience magical.

So I prepared a sketch and pitched it to the owner. He was skeptical at first after he heard about the expenses. But after I showed him a few examples, he didn’t think twice and wanted me to build the best infinity pool ever.

But I didn’t pitch an ordinary infinity pool with a single overflow edge. Rather, I included two infinity pool windows - one facing the deck and another on the edge of the roof. This made the pool into a masterpiece. Yes, the cost was way more than usual pools, but as per the owner, “It’s so magical, I could give all my wealth and still be overjoyed about it!”

Here’s how it turned out: 

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An infinity pool wall lets swimmers see out (and guests see in) below the waterline, extends the floating illusion down the pool wall, and creates perfect photo spots with skyline, ocean, or sunset backgrounds.

So, this single element can make the pool become 5x more luxurious.

In most cases, infinity pool windows are requested for rooftop infinity pools, cliffside pools overlooking the sea, luxury villas, or boutique hotels wanting an “Instagrammable” feature.

So, if you have a luxury home, then you will definitely want an infinity pool with multiple pool windows for a pool to be proud of.

Expert note: Infinity pool windows must handle extra water pressure and need careful planning to avoid leaks, cracks, or distortion, which is why you must consult with an expert who has years of experience to set it up. You may consider reaching Hammerhead pools, where we have over 30 years of experience. Contact Us.

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Infinity Pool vs Regular Pool: What’s Different?

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If you are still unsure, then let’s do a quick comparison with a regular pool.

• Edge design
  • Infinity Pool: One or more lowered edges, overflow
  • Regular Pool: Uniform coping all around
  
  
• Skimmers
  • Infinity Pool: Hidden overflow acts as a skimmer
  • Regular Pool: Standard visible skimmers
  
  
• View
  • Infinity Pool: Seamless horizon effect
  • Regular Pool: Bounded water surface
  
  
• Cost
  • Infinity Pool: Higher due to engineering & finishes
  • Regular Pool: Lower
  
  
• Maintenance
  • Infinity Pool: Similar daily upkeep, plus overflow
  • Regular Pool: Standard upkeep

While daily pool care is similar (filtering, chemical balance), infinity pools need occasional basin cleaning and checkups on pumps and waterproof seals.

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Cost Of Getting An Infinity Pool - What to Expect

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The cost of building an infinity pool can depend on many factors such as the pool size & shape, site slope & accessibility, materials & finishes, and if infinity pool windows or any extra design features are required.

• A basic infinity pool often starts around $50,000–$80,000
• Larger pools, complex shapes, or luxury finishes can easily reach $100,000+
• Adding infinity pool windows (especially large or curved acrylic panels)significantly adds to the overall cost. I have even delivered an infinity pool at $250,000.
• Yes, it can get very expensive, but the swimming pool design will be transformed into a true architectural landmark.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a View

Infinity pools are just the extensive luxurious version of a swimming pool that can deliver the highest level of luxury. They frame the landscape, create a luxury statement, and can easily become the centerpiece of a property.

Adding infinity pool windows pushes this effect even further, offering guests an unforgettable underwater perspective and turning every swim into an experience.

• If you dream of crystal-clear views and scratch-resistance, glass pool windows may be the best choice.
• For curved designs, lighter weight, and easier scratch repair, acrylic pool windows are ideal.

But remember: infinity edges and transparent windows aren’t just decorative; they require advanced engineering to handle water loads, thermal expansion, and watertight sealing.

🛠️ Pro Advice: Always Consult With Experts Before You Build

Infinity edges and pool windows can’t be retrofitted easily. Planning them from the start saves time, avoids structural risks, and keeps costs realistic.

So, you should work with experienced pool engineers and designers early. That way, you’ll get:

• A seamless design that suits your site’s slope & view
• Safe, watertight installation of acrylic or glass windows
• A balanced plan between visual drama, safety, and budget
  
  

Expert Infinity Pool & Window Design

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If you’re designing a luxury pool on the rooftop, oceanfront, or hillside, then the Hammerhead Pools team can help.

With over 30 years in pool design and setting up transparent pool windows, we’ve delivered projects from boutique hotels to private villas.

You may share your vision with us, and we can offer a free quote or practical advice so that you can make an informed decision.

You may contact us here: 

Even if you’re early in planning, we’ll help you:

• Decide if an infinity pool fits your site
• Choose between acrylic or glass windows
• Calculate safe sizes & framing
  
  

Feel free to comment or message us. We always reply with experience-based insights.

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FAQs About Infinity Pools & Infinity Pool Windows

1. Can you fall over the edge of an infinity pool?
No — the vanishing edge is an illusion; there’s a hidden basin just below.

2. Where does the overflow water go?
Into a catch basin, then pumped back into the main pool.

3. Why add infinity pool windows?
They add wow factor, unique underwater views, and create memorable social media moments.

4. Is acrylic or glass better for pool windows?
Acrylic can curve and is lighter; glass is scratch-resistant and stays clear longer.

5. Do infinity pools cost more to maintain?
Daily upkeep is similar, but extra pumps and catch basins need periodic checks.