Rooftop Infinity Edge Pool at the Edge of building

[jblokker]

We have a project we're working on with a rooftop infinity edge pool right at the edge of the building. It will be at least 42" deep but I'm assuming that wont be enough to meet railing code at all since you are so buoyant. I am not getting a clear answer from the municipality, or architect, or pool company. I want to know what is at least required in terms of a railing for a rooftop pool at the edge of a building. We have the water catchment at least on the side of the pool for the infinity edge and then I'm assuming a railing beyond that. How far away would it need to be so the railing is lower than the edge of the pool, 2'? How tall would the railing need to be if its about 6" away from the outside edge of the pool?

 

[jblokker]

The pool will be 4 storeys up, on a 4th floor patio.

 

[fatboy]

A rail kinda defeats the point of an infinity pool.

42" deep, I could live with it.

JMHO

 

[ICE]

When the design is finalized they need to run it by a few insurance companies.

 

[Sifu]

Swam in one similar last year and wondered the same thing. I looked over the edge and there was an area below that would "catch" you, probably not die in the fall, but certainly not ideal. The bottom line is the code speaks to walking surfaces. Not swimming surfaces or buoyancy. That is a tough one, I would want to cover my tail too, but not sure how much of a hazard exists, and not sure how to mitigate it.

I found the following on my first google search, which describes a similar feature.

8. Are infinity pools safe?​

Above: A pool with an infinity edge; Lewis sited it to take advantage of a dramatic view. Photograph by John Sutton.

Yes, infinity pools are safe. Remember, the disappearing edge is a visual trick, not an actual disappearing edge. If you swim up to the edge of the pool, you’ll reach a wall. (At the Marina Bay Sands hotel’s infinity pool 57 stories above street level in Singapore, “Contrary to what I thought prior to visiting, the pool does not just completely drop off into nothing as it appears to,” writes The Wander Blogger. “A few feet beneath the edge of the infinity pool is another platform, so were you to somehow flip over the edge of the pool, that’s where you’d land. But if you then fell off that second ledge, you’d be pretty well screwed, so security makes sure no monkey business goes on at the pool’s edge. Even lifting yourself up to look over the edge will get a whistle blown at you.”)

 

[classicT]

A guard rail is not required, as a pool is not a walking surface.

1015.2 Where Required
Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including mezzanines, equipment platforms, aisles, stairs, ramps and landings that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally to the edge of the open side. Guards shall be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section 1607.8.

Exception: Guards are not required for the following locations:

1. On the loading side of loading docks or piers.
2. On the audience side of stages and raised platforms, including stairs leading up to the stage and raised platforms.
3. On raised stage and platform floor areas, such as runways, ramps and side stages used for entertainment or presentations.
4. At vertical openings in the performance area of stages and platforms.
5. At elevated walking surfaces appurtenant to stages and platforms for access to and utilization of special lighting or equipment.
6. Along vehicle service pits not accessible to the public.
7. In assembly seating areas at cross aisles in accordance with Section 1029.17.2.

And if someone is hell bent on saying that you can walk on the floor of the pool, then measure from the bottom of the pool.

 

[bill1952]

Check out 360 degree infinity pool planned for London with submarine hatch to get in. Also:

https://www.pegasussuites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PegasusSuitesSpaSantorini2019_-558.jpg

 

[fatboy]

YIKES!

I maybe would swim up to the edge, but would have trouble even standing up, a little fear of heights...

 

[ADAguy]

Helicopter pads on high rises back in the day had similar conditions. we extended horizontal catch nets below the decks.

 

[mark handler]

solutions

infinity pool edge - Google Search

 

[Yikes]

Maybe it's called an Infinity Pool because if you climb over the edge you'll "merge with the Infinite" a la Waring Hudsucker.

 

[Joe.B]

I would ask the Architect who's going to stamp the plans.