overflow swimming pools
It’s truly hard not to be captivated by the sight of an overflow pool. It instantly invites you to come closer, touch the water, and dive in…
Overflow pools are the result of precise technical planning and often deliver breathtaking visual effects.
But what exactly is an overflow pool?
Many people believe that an overflow pool is the same as a panoramic pool, also known as an infinity pool. However, this is a common misconception. In reality, an overflow system can be built in various ways and with different types of overflow designs.
As the name suggests, in an overflow pool the water reaches the top edge of the basin and flows smoothly over one or more sides, where it is collected in a special channel placed along the edge or around the entire perimeter.
Unlike skimmer pools – where water circulation occurs through dedicated openings (skimmers) placed along the walls – overflow systems ensure superior filtration, keeping the water consistently clear and sparkling.
From an aesthetic point of view, this kind of pool is undoubtedly more elegant and refined.
Since the water level reaches the top edge, there is no gap between the water surface and the pool border, resulting in a much more polished and seamless visual effect.
Naturally, such a high level of technical and visual quality comes with a higher cost. But the many benefits of an overflow pool make it, without question, the ultimate choice among all pool types.
THERE ARE ACTUALLY FIVE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF OVERFLOW AND YOU CAN FIND A DESCRIPTION FOR EACH OF THEM RIGHT BELOW.
INFINITY OVERFLOW
The overflow pool with panoramic effect – also known as infinity – is the perfect choice for those who want a space in harmony with the horizon, where water, sky and landscape merge into a single continuous vision.
In this type of structure, the water laps the edge of the pool until it slightly goes over it, sliding thanks to the force of gravity towards a collection tank, thus creating an elegant waterfall effect.
Alternatively, the flow can be designed to flow into a second basin, also suitable for swimming, positioned at a lower level than the main pool. The result is a scenic impact of great charm, in which the movement of the water becomes an integral part of the architecture.
FLUSH OR ZERO-EDGE OVERFLOW
In pools with a slotted overflow, the water reaches the edge of the pool and gently passes over it, flowing into a thin opening from which it is then conveyed, by gravity, into the compensation tank.
The absence of visible channels gives the whole an essential and contemporary look, extremely tidy to the eye. Furthermore, the edge can be finished by choosing from different material solutions, offering ample possibilities for aesthetic customization.
HIDDEN OR UNDER-EDGE OVERFLOW
The hidden or under-edge overflow pool represents an elegant evolution of the overflow system. The water discreetly goes over the edge of the pool, flowing along the entire perimeter and disappearing from view, since the collection channel is completely integrated into the structure.
This design guarantees an essential and tidy visual effect, enhancing the aesthetics of the entire pool.
A further advantage is given by the possibility of precisely adjusting the height of the water level, compensating for any settlements of the ground or small structural changes that may occur over time.
TRADITIONAL OVERFLOW
The traditional version of the overflow pool includes a water collection system along the entire perimeter of the pool, through a specially integrated channel.
The water remains at floor level and overflows uniformly, ending up in grooves made in the surrounding coating or directly along the edge of the pool. The result is a continuous, fluid and visually harmonious surface.
RAISED OVERFLOW
In the raised overflow variant, the water slides over the edge of the pool, falling into a channel located lower than the pool floor. Depending on the project, you can obtain a marked waterfall effect or a thin veil of water that runs elegantly along the edge.
This type is part of the family of slotted overflow pools, with the distinctive feature that the edge is raised on one, more sides or along the entire perimeter.
Its design lends itself particularly well to settings with differences in level or natural slopes, where the cascading sides become a functional and decorative architectural element.