Negative Edge Pools: Engineering for Georgia Properties
When Alison Pools designed the award-winning negative-edge pool,' the engineering complexity went far beyond creating a stunning visual effect. For homeowners considering a pool in Georgia, understanding the hidden technical requirements is crucial in distinguishing a breathtaking infinity edge from a maintenance nightmare.
After building hundreds of custom pools across Georgia for quite some time, our team has witnessed firsthand what happens when builders underestimate the precision required for ultimate pool construction. The difference between exceptional craftsmanship and costly failure often comes down to millimeters.
What Makes Negative Edge Pool Construction So Complex?
Negative edge pools, also called infinity or vanishing edge pools, create the illusion that water extends seamlessly into the horizon. But achieving this effect requires sophisticated engineering that standard pool builders often overlook.
The fundamental challenge? Water must flow uniformly over the disappearing edge at a consistent rate while maintaining the pool's water level within 1/8 inch tolerance. This requires three critical engineering systems working in perfect harmony.
The Catch Basin: The Invisible Foundation
Every negative-edge pool requires a surge tank or catch basin positioned below the weir wall. This hidden reservoir collects the overflow water and houses the pumps that recirculate it back into the main pool.
Swimming pool builders in Georgia frequently miscalculate catch basin sizing—a mistake that reveals itself immediately upon completion. The basin must accommodate:
Water in transit when the system operates (typically 1/8 inch additional depth across the entire pool surface)
Water displacement when swimmers enter the pool
Evaporation makes up the water for the entire pool volume
Surge capacity for wind-driven waves
For a standard 14x28-foot pool, this translates to a catch basin holding 300-500 gallons—far more than inexperienced pool contractors in Kennesaw initially estimate. On a property where wind patterns create constant water movement, undersized catch basins lead to overflow, water loss, and pump damage.
At Alison Pools, we calculate catch basin requirements using actual site conditions, including prevailing wind direction, elevation changes, and anticipated pool usage patterns. This engineering precision prevents the overflow disasters we've been called to remedy on projects built by others.
Laser-Level Precision: The 1/16-Inch Standard
The weir wall—where water spills over the edge—must be level within tolerances that would make most builders uncomfortable. Georgia pool builders working at high standards maintain 1/16-inch accuracy across the entire weir length.
Why such extreme precision? Because any variation creates visible dry spots or uneven water flow, destroying the infinity illusion. A weir that's 1/8 inch higher on one end will show an obvious water level difference visible from 50 feet away.
This level of accuracy requires professional-grade laser levels—not the $49 consumer models from hardware stores. Commercial laser levels with accuracy specifications of ±1/16 inch per 100 feet are essential. Our project managers verify weir level at multiple construction stages, from shotcrete application through tile installation.
Pool companies in Georgia that delegate leveling responsibility to tile setters or masons discover too late that making corrections with thin-set mortar creates weak bonds and premature failure. The shotcrete shell must be precise from day one.
Hydraulic Engineering: Balancing Flow Rates
The hydraulic system for a negative-edge pool operates differently from standard pool circulation. A dedicated variable-speed pump maintains constant water flow over the weir while a separate system handles main pool filtration.
For Georgia installations where pools integrate with waterfront views, we engineer hydraulic systems that account for:
Wind-driven water loss: Consistent breeze across the lake surface accelerates evaporation and can blow water beyond the catch basin if flow rates aren't properly calibrated.
Seasonal temperature variations: High temperatures during summer days and occasional freezing winters. Thermal expansion and contraction affect water volume and require automatic level controls.
Site-specific grade changes: Georgia pools built on sloped lots require additional engineering to ensure the catch basin positioning and pump sizing accommodate gravity's effects on water flow.
Variable-speed pumps allow precise flow adjustment, keeping the weir wall wet with minimal water movement. This reduces energy consumption while preventing mineral buildup on tile and stone finishes—a critical consideration given the hard water conditions.
Kennesaw, Georgia-Specific Engineering Challenges
Building pools in the Kennesaw, Georgia, corridor introduces unique complications that swimming pool builders must address during the design phase.
At Alison Pools , we've navigated these regulations since our commencement, when we began specializing in high-end projects. Understanding requirements prevents permit delays and ensures your investment complies with federal oversight.
Soil Stability and Foundation Requirements
Proper foundation engineering for pools includes:
Soil analysis: We test bearing capacity and expansion potential before determining footer depths. Based on the location, properties often show variation in soil composition due to historical water level changes.
Structural reinforcement: Steel rebar placement follows engineering specifications that account for lateral soil pressure. The freestanding weir wall requires additional reinforcement since it bears load from only one side.
Waterproofing redundancy: We apply crystalline waterproofing to the interior and a membrane system to the exterior of weir walls. This prevents water migration through the wall—a common failure point that causes tile delamination and mineral buildup.
Pool contractors in Georgia who skip comprehensive soil analysis often discover problems after construction when seasonal ground movement cracks the shell or causes the weir wall to settle unevenly.
Elevation and View Optimization
The primary advantage of negative-edge pools on properties is maximizing water views. Poor elevation planning undermines this benefit.
We use 3D modeling and site analysis to position pools where the infinity edge aligns with the horizon line when viewed from the home's main living areas. This requires:
Calculating sight lines from interior spaces, decks, and outdoor living areas
Determining optimal pool elevation relative to natural grade
Positioning the weir wall to frame the best views while avoiding utility conflicts
This often means extensive site grading and retaining wall construction before pool excavation begins. The additional cost protects your investment by ensuring the finished pool delivers the visual impact you're paying for.
The True Cost of Negative Edge Excellence
Negative-edge pools typically cost 20-30% more than standard pool construction, but this percentage varies significantly based on engineering requirements.
Engineering and design: 3D modeling, soil analysis, hydraulic calculations, and structural engineering drawings add $5,000-$15,000 to project costs.
Specialized equipment: Professional laser levels, precision forming systems, and variable-speed hydraulic pumps exceed standard pool equipment costs by $8,000-$12,000.
Premium materials: High-grade waterproofing systems, corrosion-resistant tile, and natural stone finishes for the weir wall add $15,000-$25,000, depending on selections.
Extended construction timeline: Negative edge pool projects require 12-16 weeks versus 8-12 weeks for standard pools, adding labor costs.
At Alison Pools, we provide transparent estimates that account for site-specific conditions. Our 40+ years of building pools in Kennesaw, Georgia, mean we've encountered virtually every complication and can accurately predict costs before breaking ground.
Maintenance Requirements: What Georgia Owners Should Know
Negative-edge pools require more sophisticated maintenance than skimmer pools, but the additional effort is manageable with proper system design.
Catch Basin Maintenance
The catch basin collects debris along with overflow water, requiring regular cleaning.
We design catch basins with:
Easy-access panels for cleaning without draining the system
Pre-filtration screens that capture large debris before it reaches pumps
Adequate depth (42-48 inches) that allows debris to settle without affecting pump operation
Weekly skimming of the catch basin takes 10-15 minutes—a small investment to prevent clogged pumps and maintain water quality.
Water Level Management
Negative-edge pools are sensitive to water level changes. The automated level control systems we install maintain consistent water height within 1/4 inch tolerance, automatically adding water as needed.
Heavy wind and sun exposure accelerate evaporation. During peak summer, pools can lose 1-2 inches weekly, double the rate of standard pools. Variable-speed pumps minimize this loss by reducing flow rates when the pool isn't in use.
Mineral Buildup Prevention
Our maintenance recommendations include:
Weekly acid washing of the weir wall face to prevent mineral accumulation
Quarterly tile and stone sealing with penetrating sealants
Monthly water chemistry testing with adjustments to prevent scaling
The variable-speed pumps we specify allow programmed schedules that keep weir walls wet during peak sun hours (reducing mineral deposits) while lowering flow at night to conserve energy.
Design Integration: Beyond the Pool
Alison Pools's approach to negative edge pools extends beyond the pool shell itself. Our designs integrate:
Custom Glass Guardrails
The HGTV-featured project included custom glass guardrails that preserve lake views while meeting safety codes. Frameless glass systems appear nearly invisible, allowing the negative edge effect to remain the focal point.
Glass guardrails require careful engineering for wind load—particularly important on elevated properties where gusts can exceed 40 mph. We specify tempered, laminated glass with structural posts engineered for 150% of expected wind force.
Natural Stone Integration
The travertine and boulder coping on our projects creates visual continuity between the pool and natural shoreline. We source stone with thermal properties that stay comfortable underfoot even during summer heat.
Pool companies in Georgia often overlook the importance of coping selection. The wrong material shows every water spot and mineral deposit, requiring constant cleaning. Our travertine selections include penetrating sealants applied during installation and hide minor scaling between maintenance intervals.
Fire and Water Features
The fire pots featured on the HGTV project required gas line routing, structural supports rated for high temperatures, and positioning that creates dramatic ambiance without compromising safety.
This level of detail—coordinating multiple trades, engineering structural supports, and integrating sophisticated features—demonstrates why our builders command premium pricing. We're not just pool contractors in Georgia; we're outdoor living specialists who understand how every element works together.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pool Builder
When evaluating swimming pool builders in Georgiafor your negative edge project, ask these specific questions:
How many negative edge pools have you completed in the last 24 months? Look for builders with recent, regular experience—not someone who built one five years ago.
What laser level equipment do you use, and what's its accuracy specification? If they can't answer with specific model numbers and tolerance measurements, they're not equipped for precision work.
How do you size the catch basin? Listen for specific calculations based on pool dimensions, site conditions, and usage patterns—not rule-of-thumb estimates.
What waterproofing systems do you apply to the weir wall? Proper answers include both crystalline and membrane systems applied to multiple surfaces.
At Alison Pools, we answer these questions with specifics backed by documented expertise. Our portfolio includes detailed photos, engineering drawings, and client references for projects similar to yours.
Ready to Create Your Masterpiece?
Experience the Alison Pools difference.
Serving Georgia
Investment Protection: The Alison Pools Warranty
Our commitment to engineering excellence extends beyond construction completion. Alison Pools provides comprehensive warranty coverage that reflects our confidence in our construction standards.
Structural integrity warranties cover the shell and weir wall against defects in materials and workmanship. Equipment warranties include the hydraulic systems, pumps, and automated controls essential to negative-edge pool operation.
More importantly, we provide ongoing support from the team that built your pool. Unlike pool contractors in Georgia who subcontract construction and disappear after final payment, Alison Pools maintains direct relationships with every client. When you call with questions or concerns, you speak with project managers who understand your specific installation.
Transform Your Property
Negative-edge pools represent the pinnacle of custom pool design, combining art and engineering to create outdoor living spaces that enhance property value while providing daily enjoyment.
For homeowners in Georgia, the investment in proper engineering and top-notch construction standards ensures your pool delivers breathtaking views for decades. The precision required—laser-level accuracy, sophisticated hydraulics, and site-specific engineering—demands expertise that separates exceptional builders from those who merely install pools.
At Alison Pools, we've refined these technical skills across a number of projects.
Explore Our Award-Winning Portfolio
Discover why Georgia homeowners trust Alison Pools for negative edge pool construction. Browse our gallery of high-end pool construction.
View Our Projects →Learn More About Custom Pool Design
Building a negative edge pool is just one aspect of creating exceptional outdoor living spaces. Explore related topics:
Our Philosophy – Learn about the family values guiding our 40+ year commitment to excellence
What We Do – Discover our comprehensive design and construction capabilities
Start Your Journey to Award-Winning Pool Design
From concept to reality, Alison Pools transforms your properties with engineering precision and excellence in our craftsmanship. Let's discuss your vision for a negative edge pool that enhances your waterfront lifestyle.
