The most dramatic pool type in residential construction. Engineered precision meets breathtaking aesthetics - where water meets sky on Connecticut's finest hillside estates.
A vanishing edge pool - also called an infinity pool, negative edge, or disappearing edge - is the most technically demanding and visually stunning type of residential pool construction. Water flows over one or more precisely leveled edges, cascading into a concealed catch basin below, creating the illusion that the pool extends endlessly into the landscape. When built correctly on the right property, the effect is nothing short of breathtaking.
This is our premium specialty at Gedney Pools. Building a vanishing edge pool that actually works - consistently, quietly, beautifully - requires a level of hydraulic engineering, structural design, and construction precision that most pool builders simply cannot deliver. Our family has been engineering and building these systems in Connecticut since the technology first became viable in residential construction, and we bring four generations of accumulated expertise to every project.
Vanishing edge pools are not just pools with a fancy edge. They are complex water management systems that must account for wind loads, bather displacement, evaporation rates, pump curves, basin volumes, and structural loads - all while looking effortless. That combination of invisible complexity and visible beauty is exactly what we specialize in.
Understanding the engineering helps you understand why these pools cost more and why builder selection matters so critically:
The Edge. The vanishing edge itself is a precision-formed weir - a wall built to an exact elevation, typically within 1/16 of an inch across its entire length. Water flows over this edge in a thin, even sheet. If the edge is not perfectly level, the water sheet will be uneven, breaking the visual effect and creating noise. This is where most inexperienced builders fail.
The Catch Basin. Below and behind the vanishing edge sits the catch basin (also called a surge tank or balance tank). This is essentially a second pool - a reinforced concrete vessel engineered to hold the volume of water that flows over the edge plus the displacement caused by bathers, wind, and rain. Undersized catch basins cause the system to overflow or run dry. Both are catastrophic.
The Return System. One or more dedicated pumps in the catch basin continuously return water to the main pool. These pumps must be precisely matched to the flow rate over the edge. Variable-speed pumps allow us to adjust the edge effect from a gentle shimmer to a dramatic cascade, giving the homeowner control over the visual presentation.
The Autofill. Because vanishing edge pools lose more water to evaporation and wind than standard pools, a robust autofill system is essential. We install commercial-grade autofill controllers that maintain exact water levels in both the main pool and the catch basin.
The most dramatic vanishing edge installations take advantage of natural topography. Properties throughout Fairfield County that are ideal for this treatment include:
Even relatively flat properties can accommodate a vanishing edge by building up one or more sides of the pool with structural walls, creating an artificial elevation change. We have built striking vanishing edge pools on flat lots by raising the pool 2-4 feet above grade, creating a visual and spatial statement that transforms the entire backyard.
Single vanishing edge is the most common configuration - one side of the pool (typically the far side from the house) has the vanishing edge while the other three sides have traditional coping. This is the classic infinity pool look and the most cost-effective vanishing edge design.
Double vanishing edge features two opposing sides with vanishing edges, creating a dramatic floating-water effect. This works beautifully on lots with views in two directions and requires a larger catch basin system to handle the increased water volume.
Perimeter vanishing edge - all four sides overflow - is the most technically complex and visually spectacular option. The pool appears to be a freestanding body of water with no visible containment. This design requires the most extensive catch basin system and is typically reserved for the most architecturally ambitious projects.
This is not a project to hand to a builder who has done one or two infinity pools. The margin for error is measured in fractions of an inch, and the consequences of poor engineering - uneven edge flow, noisy cascades, catch basins that overflow or run dry, pump systems that cavitate - are expensive to fix and impossible to hide.
Vanishing edge pools typically take 14 to 20 weeks from excavation to completion - longer than a standard gunite pool due to the catch basin construction, additional plumbing systems, and precision requirements. The design phase also takes longer because the hydraulic engineering must be completed before construction begins.
We begin every vanishing edge project with a detailed site survey, including topographic measurements, soil analysis, and a thorough assessment of the natural grade. This information feeds directly into the structural and hydraulic engineering that determines catch basin size, pump specifications, edge geometry, and retaining wall requirements.
Permitting for vanishing edge pools can be more involved than standard pools because of the additional structure (catch basin, retaining walls) and the potential impact on drainage patterns. We handle all permit applications and engineer's certifications as part of our service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Water flows over one or more edges into a concealed catch basin (surge tank or trough) below. A secondary pump continuously returns water to the main pool, creating the illusion that water extends to the horizon. The system requires precise engineering of water volumes, pump sizing, basin capacity, and edge leveling.
Vanishing edge pools in Fairfield County typically start around $250,000 and can exceed $600,000 for complex multi-edge designs on challenging hillside lots. The premium over a standard gunite pool reflects the catch basin construction, additional pumping systems, structural engineering, and precision required to build a flawless vanishing edge.
Vanishing edge pools work best on properties with grade changes - hillsides, sloped backyards, or elevated lots with views. However, vanishing edges can also be built on relatively flat properties by creating artificial elevation changes with retaining walls and berms. We evaluate every property during our site consultation and advise on what will look and function best.
Vanishing edge pools need additional pump horsepower to circulate water between the catch basin and the main pool, adding modestly to energy costs. Evaporation is slightly higher because of constant edge water movement. With a properly sized autofill and variable-speed pumps, the operating cost is $30-60 per month more than standard.
In most cases, a vanishing edge cannot be retrofit to an existing pool because the structural shell, plumbing, and site grading were not designed for it. The catch basin must be engineered as an integral part of the pool structure. If you have an existing pool on a sloped lot and want a vanishing edge, the most effective approach is a complete tear-out and rebuild, which we handle as part of our pool renovation services.
Let us visit your property and show you what is possible. Free on-site consultation for vanishing edge projects throughout Fairfield and Westchester County.
(203) 302-9920