How Much Does an Infinity Swimming Pool Cost?

Price of Infinity Pool by Material

If you’re ready to take the plunge and put in a pool, the most luxurious option is surely one with an infinity edge. These pools—also known as negative edge, vanishing edge, or disappearing edge—are built to look boundless. 

Most owners want the edge to blend with the horizon, so having a good view helps. Water that spills over the edge goes into a catch basin and gets pumped back into the pool. The most common materials used in infinity pools are fiberglass and tile, but there are other options as well. All come with their own set of pros and cons. 

Fiberglass

The average cost of a fiberglass pool is $30,000, but can range from $20,000 to $40,000, including a basic deck. Maintenance on fiberglass pools can run between $5,000 to $15,000 over about 10 years. 

These types of pools are easy to clean compared to other pool types and come in pre-formed shells that are lowered into leveled holes for installation. They have a smooth gel coating that can be sensitive to chemical balances, however. Installation can also be slightly tricky. 

Tile

On average, a tile infinity pool costs between $75,000 and $150,000, depending on the type of tile you select and the total size of the pool. Tile offers endless customization options and is very durable, but installation can be time-consuming and impact cost. 

Vinyl

Vinyl infinity pools cost between $20,000 and $60,000. Vinyl is nonabrasive, easy to maintain, and comes in various shapes. Liners typically have to be replaced every 10 years, however, and they can rip or tear easily. 

Concrete

The initial price of installing a gunite, shotcrete, or concrete infinity pool averages between $42,000 and $98,000. Gunite and shotcrete concrete is durable and can be poured into nearly any shape, making these two varieties a versatile choice. 

Construction takes longer due to the fact that concrete needs to cure. The surface can be slightly rougher than other options, as well, and requires a bit more maintenance to stay free from mold and algae growth.

Construction Costs for Building an Infinity Pool

Constructing an infinity pool takes into account more than just materials. You’ll need to factor in labor as well as landscape costs to get a total estimate of pricing. 

Average Construction Price

Infinity pools average $80,000 or $80 per square foot, but custom designs or fancy extras can bump costs to $150,000 or more. Costs generally include excavation of the land and installation of the pool and catch basin. 

Cost by Size

Landscaping and Land Preparation

Prior to installing a pool, you’ll need to grade and level your site, and clear it at a cost of $1.50 to $2 per square foot. Costs will be higher if you need to remove large trees or shrubbery. If you need to excavate, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 per cubic yard. 

Once your pool is installed, landscaping costs for an infinity pool can range between $1,500 to $5,200. Costs for significant landscaping can go up to $20,000, however. Retaining walls can cost $1,200 to $13,000. You may also need landscaping rocks, which will run $460 to $1,000 depending on the type and amount needed. 

Landscape Conditions

The conditions of your landscape can impact both budget and timing for a pool project, and it may be necessary to excavate or remove large amounts of soil and debris to prep for your installation.

The national average cost of excavating land is about $3,500, with a typical range of $1,450 to $5,250. Grading, or leveling the ground, may also be necessary if the area has a slope. 

Clearing Land

Clearing and preparing land costs an average of $1.30 to $2 per square foot. What’s beneath the ground may also affect the total price. Excavating loose soil with little to no landscaping or rocks will be less expensive than blasting through clay-like soil or a layer of rock. 

If you’ve got trees, bushes, or areas that are heavily wooded, expect some extra expenses. Homeowners spend an average of $750 to pay to remove a single tree, but that may vary based on the tree’s location, size, diameter, and condition. 

Other Landscaping

Additional factors that can affect the price of excavating and grading include proximity of utilities, date of last land survey, Home Owner Association (HOA) fees and restrictions, and city permits and restrictions. These vary depending on HOA terms and locality. City regulations like these are usually posted online, so check local sites for details.

Cost of Infinity Pool Accessories

Much like a standard pool, infinity pools can be customized with a number of accessories. You can add anything from lighting to water features to personalize a project. 

Lighting

Lights inside and outside a pool area help with safety and ambiance. Pool lights usually cost between $150 and $300 each. On the high-end, LED lights can be added that run an average of $750 to $1,000 per light. On the low end, you can consider installing floating lights for a cost of about $20 to $100 each.

Glass Walls

If you want a viewing wall or window wall, it will significantly increase the cost of your pool. Acrylic or glass is used, and prices vary based on square footage. On average, a small viewing window of about 15 square feet will cost around $16,500. Expect more for a larger wall. 

Pool Covers

Pool covers help keep your pool safe and protected. A standard safety pool cover costs between $800 and $2,500. Automatic covers can be installed in an infinity pool as well, using a special underside track adapter. The cost of an infinity pool cover like this usually ranges between $3,000 and $12,500, depending on the size of the pool.

Water Features

The cost of water installations in an infinity pool vary widely, depending on how elaborate they are. On average, waterfall installations cost $1,500 to $5,000 or more, while elaborate designs can cost as much as $30,000. Budget 10% to 15% of your total project for a water feature, if you’re planning on including one. 

Pool Deck

Pool decks and coping cost $3,000 to $12,000 on average, but if you choose an elaborate design or high-end materials, your fees can increase even more. 

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an Infinity Pool?

The national average price to maintain an infinity pool costs between $100 and $350 per year, but ultimately, costs will depend on the size of your pool and your location. Many factors play into this cost.  

Heating

It costs $2,500 to $7,000 for heating and filtration systems for an infinity pool. Heaters make up about $1,800 to $4,000 of that cost, while water filters come in around $500 to $3,000.  

Pool Cleaning

Cleaning your pool regularly keeps it in working order and helps maintain your investment. Costs for cleaning a pool have a wide range, though. You’ll need nets to skim debris from your water’s surface, which cost about $10. 

More expensive tools, like pool vacuums, cost between $20 and $600, and you can find nearly anything to fit your budget. 

If you want to hire a professional to clean your pool, expect to spend between $80 and $150 per month. You can save money here by taking on this task yourself, but expect to spend at least a few hours a week of your time skimming, cleaning filters, and vacuuming. 

Pool Chemicals

Chlorine is used to kill germs and bacteria, and it comes in two forms: tablet or liquid. Tablets cost $60 to $70 for 25 pounds, while you can expect to pay about $8 for a 2-gallon jug of chlorine. 

Muriatic acid and soda ash help balance the pH of your pool, keeping it clean and free of mold and algae. Muriatic acid costs around $8 per gallon. Soda ash comes in around $8 per 6-pound container. 

You will also need to buy test kits to help you keep tabs on all these chemical levels. These cost around $15 to start, and $8 per set for replacement test kit solutions. 

Difference Between Infinity Pool and In-Ground Pool Maintenance

Infinity pools are maintained very similarly to regular pools, but they do have a higher evaporation rate and can require more regular checks to manage chemicals and pH levels. They also require a little extra care for the pool’s lower catch basin, which captures and returns the water from the upper level. This catch must be cleaned regularly and kept free of debris so that water can flow freely. 

Endless Pool vs. Infinity Pool

Endless pools and infinity pools sound similar, but they are quite different. An endless pool is a pool designed with a variable-speed swim current. Essentially, it allows you to swim in place, whereas an infinity pool is a pool with an exposed edge wall that appears to “infinitely” fade into the surrounding landscape. 

Hidden Pools

Hidden pools are also emerging as a new trend in in-ground pools. They are pools that are hidden via a moveable cover. These covers can be moved with the flip of a switch or click of a button, revealing a pool beneath. The base can also be lowered or raised to change the pool’s depth. These cost anywhere from $25,000 to $65,000, depending on placement and size. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

DIY pool installation should never be attempted unless you are an experienced professional with a construction or pool background. Pools are a big project and the stakes are high. 

One mistake can mean a collapsed wall, thousands of gallons of water damage, or big safety concerns. In general, it’s best to hire a certified, insured, and competent pool installation professional near you to avoid any issues.

FAQs

Can you make an above-ground infinity or zero-edge pool?

Yes, you can make an above-ground pool an infinity pool. It’s not common, but it can be done if you raise the deck and surrounding poolscape. 

Can you install an infinity edge on an existing pool?

It’s very difficult to turn an existing pool into an infinity pool due to the amount of engineering needed for the project. It’s best to decide prior to installation that you want your pool to be an infinity pool. However, you can still choose an existing swimming pool design and apply the additional engineering work during installation to turn it into an infinity pool. 

What does an infinity pool cost compared to a regular pool?

An infinity pool is more expensive than a regular pool, but costs vary based on the final design. In general, adding an infinity feature to a pool will increase total costs by 20% to 50%.

How does an infinity pool work?

The term “infinity pool’ refers to a pool with at least one side that appears to have water flowing with no boundary. From the right angle, it produces the effect of a vanishing edge, which looks like it merges into the surrounding landscape, extending “infinitely” into the horizon. 

Infinity pools are designed with an exposed wall that is a fraction of an inch shorter than the water level, allowing water to flow into a catch basin. 

How long does it take to build a new infinity pool?

Pool installation can take quite a bit of time. You’ll have to wait at least three to six months to complete a concrete pool. Vinyl pools take around four to eight weeks to install, and an experienced fiberglass pool installer can install a pool in around two to four weeks.