A few years ago, you would have only found infinity pools in high-end resorts or celebrity homes. Now, homeowners across North America are putting infinity pools in their backyards.
Construction and maintenance is a little different from traditional pools, so if you are considering installing an infinity pool, it is essential to pay attention to the design details, especially the drainage.
How Infinity Pools Work
Infinity pools go by a few names: zero edge, vanishing edge, negative edge. In the end, they all refer to the same style of pool—one where water flows over one or more edges, creating the unique illusion of a pool with no boundaries.
Typically, they appear to merge with larger bodies of water or the sky, making them especially popular for ocean-front homes.
The water that goes over the pool's edge to create the zero-edge illusion flows into a trough or infinity pool catch basin, where it is collected and pumped back into the pool. The catch basin is an important part of the pool, as it contains the water and keeps it from falling onto the ground.
Why Drainage is Important
Without a drainage system, water that spills out of the pool will have nowhere to go. This creates a slippery surface, but also creates a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, which can lead to problems like athlete's foot.
The standing water can also degrade the ground around the pool, eroding the concrete or getting into cracks and crevices, where it can cause bigger issues. Standing water also makes it easier for people to fall and injure themselves, especially as they get in and out of the pool.
Types of Infinity Pool Drain Systems
Infinity pools have different types of drainage options. It is important to compare all of your options so that you can make the best choice for your pool.
Trench/Strip Drains
A strip drain is another name for a trench drain, which is the most common drainage system found around pools. Strip drain systems are a great option that you can install directly against the pool's edge to collect the water as it falls over the edge. They consist of a long, narrow trench covered by grates that water flows through, away from the patio area.
Spot Drains
Spot drains are an ideal solution when there isn't space for a strip drain. These drains serve the same purpose of diverting water from the surface and through a series of underground pipes. To cover a pool fully, you will need multiple spot drains connected by pipes, wherever pool water naturally collects.
A Better Option
Strip and spot drains can both work, but they aren't perfect. A strip drain can cover the whole edge of the pool but isn't necessarily the most attractive or easy-to-care-for system. Spot drains are also unattractive, and to fully support a pool, you would need multiple spot drains, but it may still not be enough.
The 7,000 Series Slot Drain is a more attractive option and is similar to a strip drain, with one major difference—it doesn’t require those ugly grates.
A Slot Drain system is nearly invisible once installed, with a slot opening as narrow as 0.5 inches, which is also ADA compliant. Despite its unobtrusive appearance, as Slot Drain with a 0.5-inch slot opening can handle 11 gallons of water per minute per foot of drain, so it’s more than enough for an infinity pool deck.
The 7,000 Series Slot Drain is available in highly durable and corrosion-resistant stainless steel, which can withstand the caustic chemicals used to clean and maintain pools.
A Sleek Drain System for a Sleek Pool
To protect your pool and patio, you will need a suitable infinity pool drainage system. It should handle the water flow, be easy to maintain, offer durability, and look just as good as the pool. Slot Drain's linear drainage systems provide the perfect solution, matching the sleek appearance of the infinity pool without sacrificing efficiency.
Contact us today for a sleek drainage solution that matches the sophisticated style of your infinity pool!
