Infinity pools are said to originate in Bali, Indonesia, where architects were inspired by the dramatic effect created by the ubiquitous terraced rice paddies. It’s no wonder, then, that these pools evoke the essence of an exotic luxury vacation. While more expensive to build than a standard pool, the stunning effect of this design is often well worth the cost.

There are two main types of infinity pool designs. First, there’s the familiar infinity edge, also called a vanishing or negative edge. These designs create the illusion of the water extending out towards the horizon and vanishing into infinity.

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The second type is the perimeter overflow pools, also known as a knife edge or edgeless pool. These are very similar to infinity edge pools, except water overflows on all 4 sides, creating a 360-degree vanishing edge. It’s essentially an optical illusion that uses water to mimic mirrors and flat deck surfaces.

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