Even if you haven’t been in one, you have probably seen an infinity pool in magazines or on TV. And unfortunately, most of us just don’t have the space or the budget for one in our home, certainly not the spectacular infinity pools found in resorts, hotels and luxury homes. Take a dip in one and it seems as if the edge of the pool blends into the horizon, hence the name.

A Brief History

Infinity pools are older than you might think; the 27 meter high Stag Fountain at the Palace of Versailles in France has a vanishing edge pool, and the idea supposedly originated there in the 17th century. An American architect is also credited for creating the first modern infinity pool in the 1960s and since then, they have become increasingly elaborate, ingenious and costly, as well as something of a status symbol for the wealthy. The idea behind the design was to create an environment that was relaxing as well as visually interesting. If you’re a James Bond fan, you can see Sean Connery taking an unwanted and potentially dangerous dip in an infinity pool in the bond movie ‘Diamonds are Forever’.

Cost Of an Infinity Pool

Even a modest infinity pool will cost you an average of around $80,000 and of course, it’s possible to pay a lot more than that, depending on the size and design. The cost of these pools is a lot higher than a that of a regular pool, because of the structural and mechanical work that is often needed. Even if you have the budget for one of these pools, you may not have adequate space or the right environment; most infinity pools are built on sloping ground, and the effect of endless water is added to if there’s sea or a river in the distance. Infinity pools don’t need to be rectangular in shape, and some of the most exciting and visually appealing pools come in a variety of intriguing shapes, adding to the overall look. In comparison, the average cost of a regular in ground swimming pool is around $35,000.

Some Notable Infinity Pools

Although you can find some stylish and well-designed infinity pools in the US, some of the most striking are located elsewhere, including those at the Paradise Pool in the Maldives, the Grace Santorini in Greece, and the Hanging Gardens in Bali. But perhaps the most spectacular pool is on top of the 207 meter tall Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore. The building itself is an architectural marvel, featuring three towers supporting a long flat roof that contains the pool. The resort, which cost $8 billion to build, is home to the world’s largest atrium casino, several celebrity chef restaurants and over 2,500 hotel rooms. But it’s the rooftop pool that attracts many people. The infinity pool here is 150 meters long and offers some of the best views over the city. It’s become a popular place for a selfie taken by tourists from all over the world.

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Dustin Mullins