Overlooking California's San Fernando Valley, this striking landscape seems to take swimmers to infinity...and beyond. It's a great example of the illusion created when water seems to go just a bit too far.

The owner wanted to make a bold statement in a backyard with Mediterranean style and plenty of "Wow!". The property boasts a romantic valley view, so it was important to create just the right frame for this sweeping landscape.

The property was a natural for a vanishing edge pool. We framed this one with two massive fire bowls that create a substantial anchor on each side of the waterline. A round perimeter overflow spa on the opposite side sits nearly level with the water, giving bathers a perfect vantage point for appreciating this "trompe l'oeil".

If using a vanishing edge design, make sure it will accentuate a view the client loves. There's no point in using it to highlight their neighbor's fence. Night lighting is a major component of a quality outdoor living room design. Think about safety first by lighting your walkways. Light focal points using up-lighting techniques. Use down-lighting to accent columns or dining areas. Show interesting surface textures with a "grazing" effect that spreads a wash of light to bring out the finer shadows.

Design Tips

Do Not Disturb
Be careful adding a water feature to a vanishing edge pool.Make sure it won't disturb the reflective quality you're after.

No Wake
In infinity pools, always use a diverter on returns in the floor so you don't see water movement on the surface.

Smooth Circulation
Use a skimmer at the upper levels for leaf collection along with two pumps: one for circulating the upper pool, and one for circulating the overflow edge. New energy efficient variable speed pumps allow you to set the pump at the lowest speed and still get water movement.

Get Edge-icated
The more precisely level your edge detail, the less water you'll need to move in order to achieve the effect, and the less energy you'll use.

A Burning Issue
A hot cocktail dress is one thing, but if it's actually on fire it's not that pretty. Keep fire features out of main traffic areas, and consider prevailing wind direction when choosing a location.

Scott Cohen is author of 3 new books that are loaded with design tips for creating your own terrific outdoor rooms. Scott Cohen’s Outdoor Kitchen Design Workbook is a comprehensive outdoor kitchen design and construction manual, and Scott Cohen’s PoolScapes, which is an insider’s walk through Scott’s top 25 projects. The Big Book of BBQ Plans will be available in Dec. 2010. Also check out Pool and Spa Perspectives, 3 volumes of our best perspectives.