Infinity pond is a uniquely designed pond, which is often taken as a luxurious artificial pond for households, offices, gardens, etc.
In general, people are very much likely to know about infinity pools rather than infinity ponds. Both resemble almost the same meaning and can be made in similar ways. Infinity ponds tend to be smaller and less costly most of the time.
Today, I’ll discuss infinity ponds and help you to enlighten yourself about it.
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Infinity Pond – Things You Should Know First
The word “Infinity” here stands for infinity edge, also known as zero edge or vanishing edge. These ponds consist of 1 or 2 zero edges which play a visual trick on the eye, making you think that there is no separation between the pond and the surrounding landscapes.
Mainly, pond/pools with infinity edges began to build in the mid 20th century. The main concept here is that the continuous overflow of water like a waterfall. The infinity or zero edge section of the pond is lower, which allows the water to flow out into a waterway that must lead the water back into the pond.
For creating infinity edge, these infinity ponds are designed without a visible cap. There is no coping or decking at the deck level of an infinity pond.
How To Build An Infinity Pond
Building an infinity pond is comparably tricky than other ponds. It also costs more money than a regular pond and needs proper maintenance. First, you need to make a design for your pond.
A standard infinity pond is usually square-shaped with three regular sides and infinity or zero edge side. You can build your pond consisting of all infinity edge sides or in an unusual design.
You’ll need to follow some basic steps to build an infinity pond.
Choose a Perfect Place For Your Pond
Choose a place for your pond and it should be level ground, otherwise, the infinity edge feature will not work properly.
Excavate The Pond
Measure the area for your desired pond with measuring tools. Now, start excavating the area of your infinity pond with a shovel. You need to dig the foundation according to your design for the pond.
Build The Walls
Make a cement bed on your foundation you dug. Now, you have to start building the edges that are not “zero edge” in your pond. Suppose, if you are building a square-shaped pond then build the 3 or 2 non-infinity edge walls first.
You can use concrete to build the walls, it provides the best support for your pond. Bricks and cement walls are a good option too.
After building the regular walls, start building the infinity edge wall. You should build the infinity end of the pond on the lower area so that the water flows out by the natural process. The infinity edge level has to be below the water level, which will allow the water to flow into a waterway that also must lead the water back into the pond.
You can use the same concrete or brick wall for infinity edge or you can go for a glass wall. There are many glass pool walls that you can use for this.
Install Plumbings
After the walls, you need to install plumbing. For that, prepare gunite, which is a mixture of cement and sand that is sprayed through a nozzle on your working area.
Use rebars and wind wires around them to shape the plumbing structure and spray gunite mixture on them. Before spraying out the gunite mixture, water is introduced to it to make the cement-sand paste.
You have to make sure that the setup is firm and heavy coating of gunite is used to spray the rebars.
Apply Finishing
When you are done with those previous steps, allow the setup to settle and dry for a week. Apply plaster on your pond to finish your project.
Lastly, you need to install a pump so that the water returns once it leaves the infinity end and your infinity pond building will be done.
Things to Know Before Building an Infinity Pond
Some people might ask about the safety of an infinity pond. They are a safe structure but not the safest for children. You see that these kinds of ponds are very uniquely designed with different edges that might harm a child.
If your pond is very big, you should be careful about children playing around it. Water might spill off the pond and leave the floor slippery, you need to ensure that the water supply is running smoothly.
Infinity ponds are typically expensive than other ponds. You may expect a couple of thousand dollars for an infinity pond. Mainly, the attachment of an extra waterway that leads the water back to the pond and recirculation system adds a degree of expense – beyond a conventional pond.
You need to add a special filtration system to remove the leaves, bugs and other debris from the pond’s edge. A vacuum basin is also needed to prevent the pond water to flow in the wrong direction.
If your design allows the pond water to overflow on more than one side of the parameter or a full infinity-edged design, then you have to bear more expense.
The infinity-edged model pond will add 20 – 30 percent to the cost of any typical in-ground pond.
Maintenance Work
Infinity ponds need more maintenance than old-fashioned pond as it comes with a more complex design. You have to clean an additional water catchment basin and monitor the filtration and water pump.
If any pump gets clogged, the recirculation process will not work properly. Besides, the water flows over the infinity edge into the lower basin, so it will evaporate faster than a typical pond.
Advantages of Infinity Pond
- Infinity ponds have versatile characteristics. They are a great attraction and an amazing place to relax by. These ponds can be modified and built to your specific design.
- If you add plants in an infinity pond, you will get amazing views. Its unique design allows it to provide more attraction than a typical pond.
- Infinity ponds are easier to maintain. Their water recirculation system cuts down on algae growth.
Drawbacks of Infinity Pond
- One of the drawbacks is that infinity ponds are not very budget-friendly. They can cost you more than a thousand dollars.
- They are not always the best option. If your landscape is sloping, then you should focus on building a typical pond. The infinity edge feature does not work properly on sloping landscapes.
- There is a chance that the water flowing system might get damaged within days or months. This will cause trouble for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infinity Ponds
How Does an Infinity Pond Work?
Infinity pond’s working procedure is almost similar to a waterfall. You see a continuous overflow of water in waterfalls as it’s recirculating water.
Infinity edge section of the pond is lowered so that the water flows over the zero edge into a waterway that leads back the water to the pond again.
You will need to install plumbing for filling the pond and a pump for returning the water to the pond.
Can I Add Fishes in an Infinity Pond?
Adding fishes in infinity ponds is not a good idea. These ponds have zero edge feature and fishes might flip over the edge resulting in the clogging of the pump. You can add plants of your choice if you want.
Final Words
You need to consider your location, budget, safety issue, man-power before building infinity ponds
Building a pond might seem difficult and time-worthy, but once you’ve done it you will not regret it. So, follow my instructions and apply them carefully, it will help you to build your infinity pond.
I have a cement pool which now has a leak can i paint the walls and bottom with fibre glass and can i put my fish back in when filled or do I have to wait
Better to change the water 2 to three times before adding fish.