by Guncast
Deck Level Swimming Pools
A deck level swimming pool creates a seamless visual connection between water and its surroundings, delivering the luxurious appearance often associated with high-end wellness spaces and architectural swimming pool design. By maintaining the water level flush with the pool surround, deck level swimming pools offer a striking mirror-like effect, exceptional water circulation, and a refined finish for both indoor and outdoor projects.
Whether you’re designing a luxury private residence, wellness retreat, hospitality project, or contemporary outdoor entertaining space, Guncast specialises in bespoke deck level swimming pool design and construction tailored to your vision.
What is a Deck Level Swimming Pool?
A deck level swimming pool is designed so that the water level sits flush with the surrounding pool deck or coping. Rather than using traditional skimmers, water continuously overflows into a discreet perimeter channel, deck level swimming pool grilles, or hidden collection gully before being filtered and returned to the pool.
Sometimes referred to as an overflow pool or infinity edge pool, this design creates an elegant visual effect where the pool water appears to merge seamlessly with the surrounding landscape or interior architecture.
The system operates differently from a traditional skimmer pool. Water is collected via perimeter channels and transferred to a balance tank before being filtered and returned through floor inlets or wall returns. This provides excellent surface water cleaning, efficient circulation, and a consistently high water level throughout the pool.
Guncast designs and builds deck level swimming pools for both indoor and outdoor environments, integrating premium finishes, advanced engineering and filtration solutions to achieve outstanding aesthetic and performance results.
Read our blog on the difference between a freeboard skimmer pool and deck level pool here
Outdoor Deck Level Swimming Pools
Outdoor deck level swimming pools are often chosen for projects where visual impact is a priority. The water overflows the coping stone and disappears into a concealed channel, creating the appearance of an endless sheet of water.
When combined with carefully designed landscaping, outdoor deck level pools can establish a spectacular focal point within a garden, terrace, or waterside location.
The deck level design allows the water surface to become part of the wider environment, creating the highly sought-after luxury resort appearance often associated with premium swimming pools.
Why Choose a Deck Level Swimming Pool?
A deck level swimming pool offers a variety of practical and aesthetic benefits.
Exceptional Aesthetics
The flush water level creates a luxurious appearance and uninterrupted sightline across the water surface.
Superior Surface Cleaning
Overflow systems continually remove debris and contaminants from the water surface, contributing to excellent water quality.
Enhanced Water Circulation
Water is drawn evenly from the entire surface area rather than selected skimmer positions, promoting efficient circulation.
Architectural Flexibility
Deck level systems integrate beautifully with both contemporary and traditional designs, indoors and outdoors.
Premium Property Appeal
High-end residential and commercial developments often choose deck level swimming pools because of their sophisticated appearance and enhanced user experience.
Indoor Deck Level Swimming Pools
For indoor wellness facilities and luxury residential developments, a deck level swimming pool creates a calm and uninterrupted aesthetic that enhances the surrounding architecture.
The flush water level reflects natural and artificial light beautifully, helping to create a sense of space and tranquillity. The seamless transition between the pool and surrounding floor finishes is particularly popular in basement pools, spa environments, contemporary extensions, and wellness suites.
Many architects favour deck level systems indoors because they eliminate the visual interruption of traditional skimmers, allowing clean architectural detailing around the entire pool perimeter.
Go to our recent indoor deck level project in Tunbridge Wells
Deck Level Swimming Pool Grilles and Overflow Systems
One of the defining features of a deck level swimming pool is the overflow collection system.
Instead of using surface skimmers, water flows into a perimeter channel positioned around one or more sides of the pool. This water is then transferred to a balance tank before re-entering the circulation system.
Guncast offers a range of deck level swimming pool grilles and overflow solutions, including:
- Discreet slot overflow systems
- Stone-filled channels
- Linear drainage details
- Premium stainless steel grilles
- Custom tiled overflow channels
- Hidden perimeter collection gullies
In some installations, the grilles can be concealed beneath matching finishes to create an almost invisible transition between the water and surrounding terrace.
Book a design consultation here
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Deck Level Pool Construction and Engineering
Because water continuously overflows into a collection channel, deck level swimming pools require additional engineering compared to a traditional skimmer pool.
A dedicated balance tank is installed to accommodate displaced water and maintain a consistent operating level. The circulation system is carefully designed to ensure optimum performance, water quality, and hydraulic efficiency.
At Guncast, our in-house specialists work closely with architects, designers, developers, and homeowners throughout the entire process, from concept development and technical design to construction, commissioning, and aftercare support. Go to our architect zone here to learn more.
Our expertise allows us to deliver deck level swimming pools that combine aesthetic excellence with long-term reliability.
Deck Level Swimming Pools FAQS
What is a deck level swimming pool?
A deck level swimming pool is a pool where the water level sits flush with the surrounding deck. Water overflows into a concealed perimeter channel rather than being drawn through traditional skimmers.
What is the difference between a deck level pool and a skimmer pool?
A deck level pool uses an overflow channel and balance tank to collect and recirculate water. A skimmer pool has a lower water level and uses skimmers positioned around the pool wall to remove surface debris.
Do deck level swimming pools need a balance tank?
Yes. A balance tank is an essential component of a deck level swimming pool system. It stores overflow water and helps maintain a constant water level within the pool.
Are deck level swimming pools more expensive?
Deck level pools typically involve additional hydraulic engineering, overflow channels, and balance tanks, making them more complex than skimmer pools. However, many clients choose them for their premium appearance and enhanced water circulation.
Can deck level swimming pools be installed indoors?
Absolutely. Indoor deck level swimming pools are particularly popular in luxury residential properties, wellness centres, spas, and hotel developments due to their clean architectural appearance.
What are deck level swimming pool grilles?
Deck level swimming pool grilles cover the overflow channel surrounding the pool and allow water to flow into the collection system. Modern grilles can be highly discreet and customised to match surrounding finishes.
Are deck level swimming pools easier to keep clean?
The overflow system continually removes floating debris and contaminants from the water surface, helping maintain excellent water quality and improving circulation efficiency.
Can a deck level pool include an infinity edge?
Yes. Many infinity edge swimming pools utilise deck level principles, with water overflowing into a hidden collection channel to create a seamless visual effect.
Is a deck level swimming pool suitable for residential projects?
Yes. Deck level swimming pools are increasingly specified for luxury residential developments, both indoors and outdoors, where aesthetics and performance are equally important.
Can Guncast design a bespoke deck level swimming pool?
Yes. Every Guncast deck level swimming pool is individually designed to suit the architecture, landscape, and performance requirements of the project, creating a truly bespoke swimming pool solution.
Memorable designs that make an impact. From the ultra-modern London basements to the peaceful English countryside
Guncast inspires with memorable design and delights with unmatched build quality and a perfect finish.
Our creative teams can help transform any space in tune with the use, location and design preferences. No construction project is too complex, and we have the vision and expertise to deliver all types of swimming pool and spa features.
Book a design consultancy to see where we can take your ideas and dreams.
Be inspired
Our Portfolio
For more than 50 years, our experienced team of designers, engineers, and project managers have brought ambitious projects to life, delivering inspirational swimming pool and wellness suite designs, built to exceptional quality standards. If you can dream it, we’ll design and build it (Subject to the laws of physics).
Take a look at some of our recent projects.
