The question comes up during almost every initial design consultation—usually right after the homeowner opens their photo folder and shows me the twentieth screenshot they’ve saved from Instagram.
“We love this infinity edge look,” they’ll say, swiping through images of pools that seem to pour directly into the horizon. “But is it really worth it?”
It’s a fair question. And it’s one that deserves more than a simple yes or no.
The Conversation Nobody's Having
Here’s what most pool companies won’t tell you: the infinity pool versus traditional pool decision isn’t primarily about aesthetics. It’s about how you actually live.
I’ve watched families fall in love with the dramatic visual of an infinity edge, only to realize six months after installation that what they really needed was a shallow play area for their kids. I’ve also seen homeowners choose a traditional pool to save money, then spend years wishing they’d captured that sweeping view of their lakefront property.
The difference between these two approaches goes far deeper than the edge treatment.
What Actually Defines an Infinity Pool
An infinity pool—sometimes called a vanishing edge or negative edge pool—creates the optical illusion that water extends endlessly into the landscape beyond. One or more edges of the pool appear to have no boundary, with water cascading over the edge into a catch basin hidden from view.
The effect can be breathtaking when properly executed. Water appears to merge with a lake, the Gulf horizon, or even a carefully manicured lawn.
But that visual magic requires serious engineering. The catch basin must be sized correctly to handle displaced water when swimmers enter the pool. The return system needs additional capacity to pump water back up from the lower basin. The infinity edge itself demands precise leveling—we’re talking tolerances measured in millimeters, not inches.
Traditional pools, by contrast, use raised coping around the entire perimeter. Water level sits several inches below the deck, contained within clearly defined boundaries. Skimmers pull surface debris into the filtration system. The approach is time-tested, straightforward, and forgiving of minor installation variances.
Neither approach is inherently superior. They’re simply different tools for different situations.
The Geography Question
Florida’s topography plays a significant role in infinity pool viability.
Properties with elevation changes naturally lend themselves to vanishing edges. If your backyard slopes toward a lake, conservation area, or open vista, an infinity edge can create that seamless transition between pool and landscape. The visual effect amplifies what’s already there.
Flat lots present more challenges. Without a natural view or destination for the vanishing edge to point toward, the effect loses its impact. Some homeowners try to force the concept by creating artificial berms or raised decks, but the result often feels contrived rather than organic.
Orlando’s relatively flat terrain means many residential lots in Lake Nona, Winter Park, and Windermere don’t have dramatic elevation changes. This doesn’t make infinity pools impossible, but it does require more thoughtful design integration.
The strongest infinity installations I’ve seen in Central Florida capitalize on water views—even modest ones. A pool that appears to flow into a neighborhood pond or preserve creates visual interest without requiring dramatic topography.
The Cost Reality
Let’s address the uncomfortable truth: infinity pools cost substantially more than traditional designs.
The typical premium runs between $15,000 and $40,000 for a residential installation, depending on the length of the infinity edge and site-specific challenges. That’s not including any additional hardscape work needed to enhance the view or create appropriate elevation changes.
Why such a significant difference?
The catch basin alone represents a major additional structure—essentially a second, smaller pool that must be excavated, formed, plumbed, and finished. The hydraulic system requires a dedicated pump to return water from the catch basin to the main pool. The infinity edge itself demands meticulous construction, since even small variations in level become glaringly obvious once water starts flowing.
Traditional pools benefit from standardized construction methods refined over decades. The entire perimeter uses the same coping treatment. Skimmers handle water circulation. The approach minimizes custom fabrication and specialized labor.
For families working with defined budgets, that cost difference often becomes the deciding factor. The question shifts from “which looks better” to “is the visual effect worth $25,000 that could go toward outdoor kitchens, fire features, or upgraded pool finishes.”
There’s no wrong answer. Only honest assessment of what matters most to your family.
Maintenance Considerations That Actually Matter
Infinity pools require more ongoing attention than most homeowners anticipate.
The catch basin needs regular cleaning since it collects leaves, debris, and sediment that flow over the edge. During heavy rains—common in Florida’s summer months—the basin can overflow if not properly sized or if drains become blocked. The additional pump represents another mechanical system requiring periodic service and eventual replacement.
Water chemistry becomes slightly more complex because the catch basin and main pool technically form two interconnected bodies of water. Chemical distribution takes longer, and testing should account for both areas.
Traditional pools offer simpler maintenance routines. Skimmers capture most surface debris before it sinks. A single pump handles all circulation. The closed perimeter prevents water loss from splashing and overflow.
The maintenance difference isn’t overwhelming, but it’s measurable. Homeowners who prefer minimal upkeep often find traditional designs more compatible with their lifestyle.
The Property Value Question
Does an infinity pool increase home value more than a traditional design?
The data suggests nuanced answers.
In neighborhoods where waterfront or golf course views represent significant value drivers, infinity pools can enhance that premium. A properly executed vanishing edge that capitalizes on lake views or conservation vistas reinforces the property’s inherent advantages.
In standard residential settings without distinctive views, the infinity edge may not deliver proportional value returns. Prospective buyers evaluate pools based on size, condition, and integration with the overall property—not solely on edge treatment.
Custom pool features in Orlando-area homes typically add between $80,000 and $150,000 in appraised value, but that range applies to well-executed pool designs generally, not specifically to infinity edges.
The clearest value benefit comes from differentiation. In neighborhoods where every home has a traditional pool, an infinity design stands out. That distinction can shorten time on market and potentially justify premium pricing.
But differentiation alone doesn’t guarantee higher value. The installation must be excellent, the concept must fit the property, and the local market must include buyers who appreciate and desire that specific feature.
When Infinity Pools Make Perfect Sense
Certain scenarios strongly favor infinity designs.
Properties with western or southern exposure benefit from infinity edges that face the sunset. The visual effect of water flowing into golden hour light creates memorable ambiance that’s difficult to achieve with traditional pools.
Homes with modest yards can use infinity edges to create the illusion of expanded space. By eliminating the visual barrier of raised coping on one side, the pool appears to extend beyond its actual footprint.
Architectural styles that emphasize clean lines and minimalist aesthetics pair naturally with infinity edges. Contemporary homes with extensive glass walls often feature infinity pools that read as extensions of the interior space.
And yes, properties with genuine views—lakefront, oceanfront, or overlooking nature preserves—represent the ideal canvas for vanishing edge pools. This is where the concept delivers maximum impact with minimal contrivance
When Traditional Pools Are the Smarter Choice
Traditional designs excel in different circumstances.
Families with young children often prefer the clear boundaries that raised coping provides. The physical edge helps define the pool area, and the lower water level creates slightly safer conditions for supervising swimmers.
Properties with active outdoor entertainment areas benefit from traditional pool designs that minimize water splashing onto surrounding decks. Infinity edges can create wet zones where water flows over the edge during swimming, which may interfere with nearby dining or seating areas.
Homeowners who prioritize low-maintenance approaches find traditional pools more forgiving. The simpler hydraulics, single-pump system, and conventional skimmer operation require less specialized knowledge for routine upkeep.
And honestly, many residential properties simply lack the views or elevation changes that would justify an infinity edge. A traditional pool with exceptional finishes, thoughtful landscaping, and carefully integrated features often creates more impactful outdoor spaces than a forced infinity installation.
The Hidden Third Option
Not every pool requires a binary choice between full infinity edge and traditional perimeter.
Partial infinity designs—vanishing edges on a single side of the pool while maintaining traditional coping elsewhere—offer middle-ground solutions. This approach delivers the visual drama of the infinity effect without the full complexity and cost of multiple edge treatments.
The concept works particularly well when a property has one compelling sightline worth emphasizing. The infinity edge faces that view while the remaining perimeter uses conventional construction methods.
Some families discover this hybrid approach only after receiving bids for full infinity installations. The cost reduction can be substantial—often 40-50% less than complete infinity treatment—while preserving the primary visual benefit they were seeking.
It’s worth discussing with designers during initial consultations, especially if budget constraints are competing with aesthetic preferences.
Making the Decision for Your Property
The choice ultimately comes down to honest assessment across multiple dimensions.
Start with your property’s inherent characteristics. Walk your backyard and identify natural focal points—views worth enhancing, elevation changes that could be emphasized, or spatial relationships that might benefit from visual expansion. If you’re struggling to identify compelling destinations for an infinity edge, that suggests an answer.
Consider how your family actually uses outdoor space. Do you envision quiet mornings with coffee, watching water flow toward the horizon? Or loud weekend pool parties with kids launching cannonballs and adults lounging on deck? Different use patterns favor different designs.
Evaluate your maintenance tolerance honestly. If you’re someone who finds satisfaction in pool upkeep and doesn’t mind additional complexity, infinity pools won’t create friction. If you prefer minimal intervention and straightforward systems, traditional approaches align better with your temperament.
And yes, assess budget realistically. The cost premium for infinity pools isn’t arbitrary—it reflects genuine additional complexity. If that investment means compromising on pool size, finishes, or surrounding features, you might create a beautiful edge but sacrifice overall backyard functionality.
Beyond the Edge Treatment
Here’s what I’ve learned after hundreds of pool consultations: the edge treatment rarely determines whether families love their outdoor space.
What matters is whether the complete design serves how you actually live. Whether the size accommodates your family’s swimming habits. Whether the depth configuration makes sense for your preferred activities. Whether the surrounding hardscape creates comfortable gathering spaces. Whether the equipment operates reliably. Whether the finishes age gracefully.
Infinity pools can be magnificent when properly matched to properties and lifestyles. Traditional pools can be equally magnificent when executed with attention and care.
The right choice is whichever one creates the outdoor environment where your family naturally wants to gather—where summer evenings unfold effortlessly, where kids create memories, where stress dissolves the moment you step outside.
That’s the conversation worth having. And it starts with understanding not just what these different approaches look like, but how they actually perform in the specific context of your Central Florida home.
About the Author:
Thiago Machado is co-owner of Aqua Elite Pools, specializing in custom pool construction across South and Central Florida. With over a decade of experience in Florida’s construction industry, he’s built a reputation for precision engineering, transparent communication, and disciplined project management—ensuring pools that perform flawlessly for decades while families enjoy both the process and the result.
Outside of work, Thiago prioritizes family, faith, and outdoor adventures.