Negativ-Edge Infinity Pools

The Ultimate Statement Pool

If you’ve ever seen a pool that appears to disappear into the landscape—water flowing seamlessly to the horizon as if the pool has no edge—you’ve seen an infinity pool. Also called negative-edge or vanishing-edge pools, these are the ultimate statement pieces.

An infinity pool isn’t just a place to swim. It’s a design philosophy. It’s the focal point of your entire outdoor space. It creates the illusion that your pool and landscape merge into one. In Scottsdale’s luxury market, where properties often feature stunning views and dramatic landscapes, infinity pools are the perfect match for the architectural and environmental context.

Mossman Brothers Pools has won multiple World’s Greatest Pools awards specifically for infinity pool design. We’ve been designing and building these technically demanding pools for 33 years. If you’re considering an infinity pool for your Scottsdale or Paradise Valley home, you’re looking at working with builders who understand these pools at the highest level.

How Infinity Pools Work

🌊 The Edge:

The edge of the pool appears to be level with the surrounding deck or landscape, but it’s actually positioned so you can’t see the top. Looking at the pool from anywhere on the property, the edge appears invisible—you just see water flowing. From inside the pool, you see the landscape beyond without a visible edge interrupting the view.

🏊 The Collection Trough

Behind the visible edge (typically below grade on the landscape side) is a collection trough that catches the water flowing over. This trough must be precisely engineered:

The deck and edge must be perfectly level (within fractions of an inch)
The trough dimensions must match the water flow rate
The edge line must be perfectly straight
Proper slope ensures water flows into the collection trough, not sideways

✨ Recirculation System

Water collected in the trough flows to the pump and filtration system, gets filtered, and returns to the pool. This creates continuous circulation that maintains water level despite evaporation.

💧 Water Level Control

The pool water level must be maintained precisely. Too high, and water overflows incorrectly. Too low, and the edge isn’t visible underwater. An automatic fill system (like a standard pool’s autofill) maintains level as evaporation occurs.

💎 The Visual Effect

From most viewing angles—especially from inside looking out—the edge is invisible. You see water that appears to flow seamlessly into the landscape. This creates the stunning visual effect that makes infinity pools so dramatic.

Why Infinity Pools Are Technically Demanding

Building an infinity pool isn’t just about digging a hole and pouring concrete. Multiple factors have to be perfectly aligned:

Precision Construction

The pool edge must be level to within 1/4 inch across the entire edge line. Any deviation is visible—it breaks the infinity effect. This requires:

Edge Material Selection

The visible edge material affects both function and appearance. Options include:

Trough Engineering

The collection trough dimensions must be calculated based on:

Too small a trough, and water overflows incorrectly. Too large, and water collects visibly instead of creating the continuous effect.

Circulation System Design

The Pentair equipment must be sized to:

Slope and Grading

The area beyond the edge must slope away from the pool so water in the trough flows properly. Slope, soil type, and drainage all factor into trough design.

Why Mossman Brothers Specializes in Infinity Pools

Over 33 years, Jeff Mossman has designed dozens of infinity pools. He understands:

How morning and afternoon light affects water surfaces and creates the vanishing-edge effect
How landscape views integrate with pool design—positioning the pool so the best views align with the infinity edge
How architectural style influences infinity pool design—contemporary homes get minimal-edge infinity designs, while Mediterranean homes might feature more decorative edge treatments
How Arizona’s topography and landscape integrate with infinity pool design

Mike Mossman has built dozens of infinity pools. He understands:

The precision required in concrete work and edge construction
How to engineer the collection trough correctly for Arizona conditions
Equipment selection and sizing for negative-edge pools
How to coordinate the multiple trades (concrete, plumbing, electrical) so everything aligns perfectly
Troubleshooting: if something doesn’t work perfectly post-completion, fixing it

This expertise shows in our award-winning infinity pool portfolio.

Infinity Pool Design Variations

Not all infinity pools look the same. Jeff develops custom designs based on your property, view, architectural style, and vision:

Here's the engineering:

Single-Edge Infinity

One edge of the pool appears to disappear—typically the edge with the best view. This might face mountains, desert landscape, or property views. Single-edge infinity pools often work when budget or property shape makes all-edge infinity impractical.

Multi-Edge Infinity

Two, three, or all four edges appear to disappear. This is more complex and more expensive (typically $120,000-$500,000+) but creates a fully immersive effect where the pool appears to merge completely with the landscape.

Infinity with Spa

An infinity pool with an attached infinity spa at one end. The spa edge aligns with the pool edge, creating a cohesive design. Spas add functionality (hydrotherapy, soaking) while maintaining the infinity aesthetic.

Infinity with Water Feature

An infinity pool with a sheer descent waterfall or other water feature integrated into the design. Water cascades from the feature, creating visual interest and sound.

Infinity in Different Shapes

While infinity edges are often straight, we’ve designed curved, organic, and geometric infinity pools. The shape of the pool combined with the infinity edge creates different effects.

Infinity Pool Aesthetics in Scottsdale

Scottsdale’s landscape and architectural context makes infinity pools particularly effective:

Mountain Views

Many Paradise Valley and North Scottsdale properties have views of Camelback Mountain, Mummy Mountain, or other peaks. Positioning the infinity edge to align with these views creates stunning visual effects. The water appears to flow into the mountains.

Desert Landscape

Arizona’s native desert landscape—saguaro cacti, desert shrubs, natural stone—integrates beautifully with infinity pool design. The water becomes another landscape element rather than an interruption.

Architectural Styles

From contemporary to Mediterranean to Tuscan, infinity pools complement Scottsdale’s diverse architectural styles. The clean infinity edge works with contemporary homes; the same technical approach can create more ornate edges for traditional styles.

Large-Lot Properties

Many luxury Scottsdale homes sit on multi-acre properties. Infinity pools take advantage of this space—positioning the pool to frame views and integrate with the landscape at scale.

Infinity Pool Costs

Custom infinity pools in Scottsdale typically range from $120,000 to $500,000+, depending on:

Size

Larger pools cost more (more concrete, more material, longer edge)

Number of edges

Single-edge infinity costs less than multi-edge

Design complexity

Single-edge infinity costs less than multi-edge

Features

Water features, fire features, spas, and lighting add cost

Landscape integration

Extensive landscaping and hardscape add to the project

A mid-range infinity pool (3,000-4,000 sq ft, single large edge, basic features) typically costs $150,000-$250,000. Premium infinity pools with multiple features can exceed $400,000.

We provide detailed pricing after design development so you understand exactly what you’re investing in.

Maintenance Considerations for Infinity Pools

Professional maintenance is particularly valuable for infinity pools because of the additional equipment complexity. Many infinity pool owners arrange monthly or bi-weekly professional maintenance to ensure systems stay optimized.

Infinity pools have slightly different maintenance considerations than traditional pools:

Trough Maintenance

The collection trough must stay clean so water flows properly. Regular skimming removes leaves and debris before they fall into the trough. If trough gets clogged, water doesn’t recirculate properly.

Water Level

Water level is more critical than in traditional pools because it affects the infinity effect. The automatic fill system maintains level, but you should monitor it weekly to ensure it’s functioning.

Edge Inspection

Check the edge regularly for any visible deterioration. Small issues caught early are cheaper to fix than allowing problems to develop.

Circulation System

The pump in an infinity system runs frequently to maintain the continuous flow effect. Monitor for any changes in flow or unusual noises.

Chemical Balance

Arizona’s mineral-heavy water requires careful chemical management, as with all pools. Maintain proper chemical balance to prevent surface deposits.

Infinity Pool Financing

Infinity pools are significant investments. Financing options include:

We can discuss financing during your design consultation and provide referrals to lenders familiar with pool project financing.

Why Infinity Pools Matter

An infinity pool isn’t just a status symbol or luxury item (though it certainly elevates property value). It’s a design choice that reflects how you want to experience your property.

If you want your backyard to feel like a resort retreat—a place where the pool integrates seamlessly with the landscape and creates a sense of escape—an infinity pool delivers that experience. Every time you look out at your pool, you see landscape and water merging, not a pool separate from the environment.

That’s why we’ve designed dozens of infinity pools and why the ones we’ve built have won multiple World’s Greatest Pools awards. We understand that an infinity pool is more than engineering—it’s creating a visual experience that transforms how you experience your property.

Is an Infinity Pool Right for Your Property?

Infinity pools work best when:

Your property has a landscape or view worth framing
You have adequate space for the edge and collection system
Your home’s architecture suits a modern/architectural aesthetic (though we can design infinity pools for traditional homes too)
Your budget allows for the investment (typically $120,000+)
You’re committed to maintaining the system properly

During your design consultation, Jeff will evaluate whether an infinity pool makes sense for your specific property or if another design style might be better suited.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an infinity pool cost?

Typical range is $120,000-$500,000+ depending on size, number of edges, features, and finishes. Single-edge infinity pools typically cost $120,000-$250,000. Multi-edge or premium designs can exceed $400,000.

Do infinity pools require special maintenance?

Slightly more complex than traditional pools. The collection trough requires regular skimming, water level is more critical, and the circulation system requires monitoring. Many owners arrange professional monthly maintenance.

How level does the edge need to be?

The edge must be level within 1/4 inch across the entire line. Any greater deviation disrupts the infinity effect. This requires precision construction and monitoring.

Can you build an infinity pool on a sloped lot?

Yes. In fact, sloped lots can create interesting infinity designs. The grading beyond the edge slopes to drain into the collection trough. Sloped lots may actually work better than flat lots for some infinity designs.

What if I want an infinity pool but space is limited?

A smaller infinity pool is still an option. You don’t need a massive pool to achieve the infinity effect—even a 500-600 sq ft infinity creates the visual impact. Single-edge infinity is less space-demanding than multi-edge.

How does Arizona heat affect infinity pools?

Evaporation is higher in Arizona heat, so water level changes faster. The automatic fill system accounts for this. You may need to refill more frequently during summer, which is normal. The visual effect is unaffected.

Can I have an infinity pool and spa together?

Yes, infinity spas or spa edges that align with infinity pool edges work beautifully. We design infinity spas as integral elements rather than separate features.

Do infinity pools hold their value?

Yes, significantly. Infinity pools are premium features that add substantial value to luxury properties. When you sell, an infinity pool adds more value than its cost in many cases.