Infinity Pools

The success of an infinity pool depends on reading the terrain correctly from the very first day. The Çilek Havuz technical team measures the slope of the land, the sightline of the view, the viewing angles and the ground conditions on site, and determines the layout at which the infinity effect will be strongest.

At this stage we clarify which edge or edges will overflow, how the overflow edge relates to the direction of view, the position of the balance tank and the location of the plant room. The level study forms the basis of the millimetric edge work to come.

• Site slope and level survey
• Sightline and viewing angle
• Choice of overflow edge orientation
• Ground bearing capacity
• Balance tank position
• Plant-room layout
• Preliminary zoning and permit check
• Preliminary budget frame

Using the survey data, the pool's form, the length of the overflow edge and the perspective composition are engineered. A single-edge, corner or full perimeter overflow is chosen according to the language of the terrain and the architecture.

At this stage the pool's relationship with the view is presented in 3D visualisation; the finish concept, the concealed lighting runs and the paving levels are worked into the design. On flat sites, a comparable effect is composed with a raised overflow edge.

• Pool form and dimensions
• Overflow edge length and type
• Perspective and sightline composition
• 3D visualisation presentation
• Finish and colour concept
• Concealed lighting plan
• Paving and surround levels
• Construction drawing approval

In an overflow system the water spills over the edge into the channel and from there down into the balance tank; the pumps draw the water from the tank, filter it and return it to the pool. This cycle runs uninterrupted only on the strength of a correct hydraulic calculation.

The volume of the balance tank is determined by engineering calculation from the surface area of the pool, the length of the overflow edge and the instantaneous bather load. Pump flow rate, channel section and pipe diameters are part of the same calculation.

• Balance tank volume calculation
• Pump flow rate and selection
• Overflow channel section
• Pipe diameter and routing
• Filter capacity
• Water level sensors
• Automatic top-up plan
• Energy-efficiency check

The excavation is carried out to a single plan covering the pool shell, the balance tank and the plant room together. On sloping sites, batter stability and any retaining requirements are resolved at this stage.

Ground improvement, blinding concrete and drainage lines are applied according to the ground bearing capacity. Where groundwater is present, the waterproofing strategy is updated accordingly.

• Excavation and level preparation
• Batter stability / retaining works
• Balance tank pit
• Ground improvement
• Blinding concrete
• Drainage lines
• Groundwater check
• Plant-room preparation

An overflow system is built only in reinforced concrete: the pool shell, the overflow edge and the balance tank are reinforced and cast as a single structural system. The edge formwork is set up to millimetric tolerance.

While the concrete cures, the preparations for the leak test are made. Casting the shell and the tank together removes the risk of differential settlement and cracking.

• Structural design and steel reinforcement
• Shell concrete pour
• Balance tank construction
• Overflow edge formwork precision
• Anchors and penetration pieces
• Concrete curing monitoring
• Preliminary watertightness check
• Striking formwork and surface inspection

The pool shell, the overflow channel and the balance tank all work under constant water and pressure. A continuous waterproofing layer is built up with a double coat of liquid-applied membrane, mesh reinforcement and corner tapes.

After the waterproofing, the pool and the tank are filled and a leak test is carried out; no cladding is started until the test is signed off.

• Surface preparation
• Double coat of liquid-applied membrane
• Mesh and corner reinforcement
• Overflow channel waterproofing
• Balance tank waterproofing
• Penetration piece details
• Leak (watertightness) test
• Test report and sign-off

What separates an infinity pool from an ordinary overflow pool is that the overflow edge sits at exactly the same level along its entire length. The edge is levelled to millimetric accuracy with a laser level.

So that the water runs off the edge as a thin, unbroken sheet, the top face of the edge and the drip detail are worked with particular care. This craftsmanship is the visible face of the infinity effect.

• Laser level survey
• Edge levelling work
• Drip and flow detail
• Channel surface levelling
• Trial fill and flow test
• Flow check along the edge
• Wind effect assessment
• Final level sign-off

The finish sets the colour of the infinity effect. For the sense of merging with the horizon, dark tones (navy, anthracite, deep green) and glass mosaic give the strongest result, while natural stone builds continuity with the surrounding paving.

The top face and the outer face of the overflow edge are the visible surfaces the water runs across, so they are clad with purpose-made pieces. The grout colours are selected for how they read underwater.

• Colour and texture selection
• Glass mosaic / natural stone application
• Purpose-made overflow edge pieces
• Channel and outer face cladding
• Grout colour and application
• In-pool finish inspection
• Coordination with the surrounding paving
• Surface cleaning and sign-off

The pumps, filters, dosing units and level-control equipment are installed around the balance tank. Circulation in an overflow system differs from that of a standard pool: the suction is taken from the balance tank and the supply is delivered through the pool floor.

Comfort systems such as the heat pump, the salt chlorinator and automatic dosing are gathered in the same plant room; all lines are labelled and service access is planned.

• Pump and filter installation
• Balance tank connections
• Floor supply lines
• Level sensor and automatic top-up
• Dosing and disinfection system
• Heating integration
• Valves and labelling
• Service access layout

Concealed LED runs, underwater spots and overflow edge lighting turn the pool into a stage after sunset. The light runs are positioned according to the reflective surfaces.

Automation manages the pumps, the lighting scenarios, the water level and the dosing from a single panel. With remote access, the pool is controlled from your phone.

• Underwater spot layout
• Concealed LED runs
• Edge lighting detail
• Lighting scenarios
• Automation panel installation
• Level and dosing integration
• Remote access setup
• Night-time testing

An infinity pool calls for a higher budget than a skimmer pool because of the balance tank, the precision edge work, the premium finish and the automation items. The main inputs setting the cost are the dimensions, the length of the overflow edge, the tank volume and the grade of finish.

After the survey and the design work, Çilek Havuz pins down every item one by one; no surprise costs arise during the process. The budget takes shape alongside the decisions made at concept stage.

• Cost by size and form
• Effect of the overflow edge length
• Balance tank item
• Grade of finish selection
• Mechanical and automation budget
• Lighting scenarios
• Landscaping items
• Item-by-item firm quote

After filling, the overflow pattern, the pump speeds, the level control and the chemical balance are tested one by one; the flow along the edge is checked for the last time, the system is commissioned and a briefing on its use is given.

Maintenance consists of monitoring the water balance, cleaning the filters and checking the balance tank. Thanks to the strong surface circulation, the water surface stays cleaner than in a standard pool, and automation keeps the maintenance load to a minimum.

• Fill and overflow test
• Pump speed setting
• Level control test
• Chemical balance adjustment
• Final edge flow check
• User briefing
• Periodic maintenance plan
• Warranty and handover documents