Kaş-Kalkan Infinity Pool Guide — Engineering on Sloping Terrain

Kaş and Kalkan feature some of the most dramatic hillside settlements on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. Villas perched on rocky slopes plunging toward the sea offer a world-class canvas for infinity pool design. However, slope gradients ranging from 20% to 60% bring engineering requirements far more complex than standard pool construction. With over 50 infinity pool projects completed along the Kaş-Kalkan corridor, Lycia Pools shares the accumulated experience in this guide.

Structural Calculations on Sloping Terrain

The fundamental rule of hillside pool construction: a pool is not a retaining structure, but on sloping ground it must behave like one. Incorrect structural calculations manifest within 3-5 years as sliding, rotation, or cracking of the pool shell.

Geotechnical survey: The limestone formations common in the Kaş-Kalkan region may appear solid yet contain karstic voids. A borehole geotechnical survey is mandatory before construction begins, scanning for karstic voids down to 5-8 meters depth.

Pile foundation: On slopes exceeding 30%, the hillside edge of the pool must be supported by bored pile or mini-pile systems. Pile length and diameter are calculated based on soil shear strength and the pool's filled weight (1 m³ of water = 1 ton). A 40 m² infinity pool holds 50-60 tons of water when filled — the downhill thrust of this weight is the critical parameter in structural design.

Drainage: Surface and groundwater from the slope exert lateral pressure on the pool shell. A perforated drainage pipe with gravel backfill on the uphill side safely diverts water away from the pool. During Kaş's heavy winter rainfall, this drainage system is vital.

Sea View Maximization

The defining feature of an infinity pool is water overflowing from one edge to merge with the horizon. Kaş-Kalkan's position facing Meis Island (Kastellorizo) amplifies this effect.

Overflow edge positioning: The overflow edge must align with the sea horizon when viewed from the villa's main living area (living room, terrace). A poorly positioned overflow edge shows either only the sky or only the foreground terrain. For the optimal viewing angle, the vertical angle between the overflow edge elevation and the sea horizon should be 2-5 degrees.

Catch basin design: In infinity pools, overflowing water falls into a collection channel, then flows to a balance tank. The channel width must be calculated based on overflow rate. In windy conditions, wave action can increase overflow by 40% — the channel must be sized accordingly. The regular afternoon sea breeze in Kaş-Kalkan must be factored in.

Natural Stone Overflow Edge Details

The ideal material for the overflow edge in Kaş-Kalkan is the abundant local limestone. However, natural stone use requires attention to critical details:

Stone thickness and overflow precision: Infinity edges require water to overflow as a thin film (2-3 mm) with uniform distribution. This demands flatness within ±1 mm tolerance along the entire stone edge. Natural stone can be worked to this precision, but laser level control during installation is mandatory.

Saltwater resistance: In pools close to the sea in Kaş-Kalkan, salt aerosols can cause white salt crystallization (efflorescence) on stone surfaces over time. Protecting the stone with silane/siloxane-based impregnation prevents this issue. Impregnation should be renewed every 3-5 years.

Edge profile: The outer profile of the overflow edge must be designed with a downward slope (drip profile) to allow water to adhere and flow down the face. Square-cut edges cause water to flow backward — onto the pool's exterior wall — leading to staining over time.

An infinity pool in Kaş-Kalkan is not merely a technical structure; it is a perfect frame for the Meis Island view, an architectural reflection of the Mediterranean spirit. At Lycia Pools, we read the region's geology, climate, and aesthetic sensibilities anew in every project, designing each infinity pool specifically for its hillside.