
How a Vanishing Edge Swimming Pool Works
You may have heard of a vanishing edge swimming pool (also known as an infinity edge pool, a negative edge pool or a wet-edge pool). Even if you haven’t heard of it, you may have seen one before at an upscale resort. It’s a swimming pool where water flows over the edge producing the visual effect of water with no boundaries. These pools are often designed so that the edge appears to merge with a larger body of water, or the sky. It can provide a stunning look, especially for pools that are on vistas or with a scenic view. These pools are absolutely beautiful but you may be wondering if a vanishing edge pool will work in your backyard.
- Edge Illusion: Water flows over an edge set at water level, creating the visual effect of water with no boundaries.
- Hidden Basin: A trough or catch basin collects the overflow water and pumps it back into the main pool.
- Viewing Position: The best effect comes when the vanishing edge is positioned so the catch pool cannot be seen from prime viewing spots.
- Site Options: A gentle slope is easiest, but flat land or a steep slope can work with the right engineering.
The design works best when the engineering and main sightlines support the illusion from the places people will actually view it.
A vanishing edge pool is an illusion. It has an edge that comes to water level instead of above it, so that water flows over the edge. A trough or catch basin is installed that the water overflows into. From here the water is collected and pumped back into the main pool.
To understand how this functions, take a look at the edge pool, The Horizon, that we offer. The image below shows the built-in reservoir or catch basin and an infinity edge. The water flows over the infinity edge and into the reservoir.
The final effect looks like this:

If you think that a disappearing edge swimming pool means an expensive upgrade, think again. The Leisure Pools Horizon swimming pool has that feature built in.
While The Horizon is a great option for a vanishing edge pool, nearly any Leisure Pools swimming pool can be made into a vanishing edge pool.
You’re probably thinking edge pools are beautiful, but how can you get the best edge effect in your own backyard?
For the best effect, the vanishing edge must be positioned so that you can’t see the catch pool from the prime viewing spots. The easiest site to build on is a gentle slope, however, it can also be installed on flat land or a steep slope with the right engineering.
Whether you choose a vanishing edge pool or something more traditional, you can turn your backyard into a stunning and exotic space. Take the first step and contact Leisure Pools today and Get Swimming in Quality and Style!
- Edge Illusion: Water flows over an edge set at water level, creating the look of a pool with no visible boundary.
- Water Recirculation: The overflowing water is collected in a trough, catch basin, or reservoir and pumped back into the main pool.
- Design Flexibility: The Horizon includes a built-in reservoir and infinity edge, while nearly any Leisure Pools model can be adapted for a vanishing edge.
- Site Planning: The best effect comes when the catch pool is hidden from prime viewing spots, with gentle slopes being easiest and flat or steep sites needing the right engineering.
A vanishing edge pool is as much about placement and engineering as it is about the visual effect.
