Infinity Pool vs Overflow Pool – vad är skillnaden och vad ska du välja?

When choosing a luxury pool for their own garden or a commercial facility, investors are increasingly faced with the choice between an Infinity Pool and an Overflow Pool. Both solutions are visually impressive – the water surface blends into the surroundings and creates an elegant, modern expression. Although their aesthetic goals are similar, they differ in terms of construction, functional technology, area of ​​application and cost. In this article, we take a closer look at both types, compare them from a visual and technical perspective and show which option is best suited in different situations.

What is an Infinity Pool and what is an Overflow Pool?

Infinity Pool, also known as infinity edge pool, is a construction that is designed so that one (or more) edges appear to disappear . The water flows freely over this edge into a hidden collection tank, and thanks to the right placement and surface treatment, the water surface is perceived as limitless. The effect is particularly impressive when overlooking the sea, lake or open landscape – the boundary between water and horizon is visually blurred.

Overflow Pool, on the other hand, is an Overflow Pool where the water flows evenly over all (or selected) edges into a special collection system . There it is led to a balance or equalization tank and then returned to the pool after filtration. The differences between these two solutions mainly depend on how the overflow works and how the water is led. Infinity Pool creates the illusion of infinity from one side, while Overflow Pool strives for a completely flat water surface over the entire surface of the pool.

Differences in aesthetics and visual expression

Visually, both types of pools are very attractive, but the experience depends on the surroundings and the perspective of the viewer. The Infinity Pool gives a strong feeling of lightness and openness . Thanks to the disappearing edge, the water seems to merge with the horizon. This solution has the greatest effect when there is an extensive view behind the edge – mountains, lake, sea or valley.

The Overflow Pool instead offers a more balanced expression – the water surface is exactly level with the pool edge, making it look perfectly flat and mirror-like. It is an excellent choice for modern gardens, large terraces or environments with well-thought-out landscaping. While the Infinity Pool draws the eye towards the horizon, the Overflow Pool emphasizes symmetry and wholeness in the composition around the pool.

Technical and constructive aspects

The differences between Infinity Pool and Overflow Pool do not stop at appearance. Their construction and function are based on completely different systems that require different design methods.

Here is a comparison of the most important technical aspects:

Element	Infinity Pool	Overflow Pool
Type of overflow	Overflow over one (sometimes two) edges	Overflow around the entire pool or several edges
Water flow direction	The water flows in one direction	The water flows evenly all around or in several places
Buffer tank	Required	Required
Fluid mechanics	Gravity-based flow over the edge	Continuous flow to chute and tank
Filtration system	Intake from the bottom of the pool, return via the basin	Circulation via overflow channels, filtration and return
Requirements for construction precision	Very high – correct placement in the landscape is crucial	High – requires precise leveling of the entire structure
Shimmer	Does not occur	Does not occur
Depending on terrain	Ideal for plots with different levels	Can be built on flat land

Construction time and project complexity

Both pool types require high precision, but the Overflow Pool usually involves greater logistical challenges and longer construction times . The Infinity Pool, despite its technical complexity , is often easier to implement on sites with a natural slope. With the right ground conditions, construction can be faster. The Overflow Pool, on the other hand, consists of a complex hydraulic system with a surge tank, overflow channels around the entire pool and extremely accurate leveling. The entire system requires very precise assembly, which extends the project schedule.

Construction and operation costs

The price of both pool types is affected by many factors – from the choice of surface material to the complexity of the installation. An Infinity Pool can be more cost-effective if the ground conditions are favorable (e.g. a sloping site) . The largest costs are related to the overflow edge, the equalization tank and the filtration system.

Overflow Pool usually involves a higher investment. Additional gutters, a more extensive hydraulic and filtration system and extremely careful construction of the pool and edge zones increase the costs. Operating costs can also be higher due to the larger volume of water in circulation and the need for continuous pump operation. On the other hand, the investment pays off quickly in larger facilities (e.g. hotels and SPAs), both aesthetically and in user quality.

Who is the Infinity Pool suitable for and who should choose the Overflow Pool?

Valet mellan dessa två lösningar beror på flera nyckelfaktorer: tomtens karaktär, poolens användningsområde, budget och visuella förväntningar.

Infinity Pool är ett bra val om:

• Tomten har naturliga nivåskillnader – höjdskillnader gör det möjligt att skapa den ”försvinnande” kanten och förenklar konstruktionen av överloppssystemet.
• Utsikten är öppen och attraktiv – till exempel sjö, kullar, dalar eller en vidsträckt trädgård; Infinity Pool förstärker rymdkänslan och förenar vattenytan med horisonten.
• Projektet avser en minimalistisk privat pool – denna typ av konstruktion passar perfekt till moderna hus och trädgårdar och tillför elegans utan att dominera.

Overflow Pool är ett bättre alternativ när:

• Poolen ska vara stor och regelbunden i formen – överlopp runt hela bassängen framhäver symmetri och är lättare att genomföra i geometriska, moderna projekt.
• Investeringen gäller en kommersiell anläggning – hotell, wellnessområden, SPA och offentliga simhallar kräver kontinuerlig vattenomsättning och höga hygienstandarder, vilket Overflow Pool uppfyller utan kompromisser.
• Maximal estetik och perfektion från alla vinklar är avgörande – den jämnt överrinnande vattenytan skapar en spegeleffekt som ser lika bra ut från alla perspektiv.

Privat pool vs kommersiell pool

I enfamiljshus väljs Infinity Pools oftare, främst tack vare deras spektakulära utseende i kombination med lägre byggkostnader. På tomter med nivåskillnader är konstruktionen tekniskt enklare och resultatet mer naturligt. Overflow Pools dominerar däremot i offentliga och kommersiella miljöer. Deras konstruktion är anpassad för intensiv användning och möjliggör kontinuerlig kontroll av vattenkvaliteten. Overflow Pool är standard i idrottsanläggningar och deras estetik passar utmärkt in i moderna interiörer och fasader.

Individuell pooldesign – när är det värt att kombinera lösningar?

Det är inte alltid nödvändigt att välja bara en lösning. Så kallade Mixed Overflow Pool Designs – kombinerade överloppspooler – gör det möjligt att förena egenskaper från både infinity pool och overflow-pool i ett och samma projekt, vilket skapar en flexibel och exklusiv helhetslösning. Ett exempel? En pool med överlopp på tre sidor och en effektfull Infinity-kant mot trädgården. Sådana projekt kräver nära samarbete med en erfaren pooldesigner. Avgörande är att välja rätt teknik utifrån lokala förhållanden, fastighetens estetik och hur poolen ska användas. Hos Modern Pool skapar vi skräddarsydda pooler – anpassade efter dina behov och tomtens förutsättningar.

FAQ

Vad är skillnaden mellan en Infinity Pool och en Overflow Pool?

An Infinity Pool has one or more vanishing edges where the water flows over, creating an “infinite” effect. An Overflow Pool is a pool where the water flows evenly over the entire edge or around the entire perimeter to the filtration system.

Is an Overflow Pool more expensive than an Infinity Pool?

Usually yes – Overflow Pool requires a more advanced hydraulic system, extreme precision in execution and more material.

What types of Overflow Pool are there?

There are, among other things, pools with overflow edge, pools with overflow around the entire perimeter, Zero Edge Overflow Pools and combined solutions (Mixed Overflow Pool Designs).

Does an Overflow Pool require more space?

Yes – the system with overflow channels and equalization tank requires extra technical space.

Which pool is best suited for a small plot?

Infinity Pool – its design can be more compact and better suited to limited spaces.

Summary

Infinity Pool and Overflow Pool are solutions that can transform an environment and offer the highest bathing comfort. However, they differ technically, visually and in terms of cost. The Infinity Pool is ideal where panoramic views and minimalism are the focus, while the Overflow Pool is the choice for those who expect perfection in every detail. It is wise to consult a professional expert to create a pool that is fully adapted to your expectations.