The infinity edge pool wall acts as a barrier itself and as long as you are around 42″ of water depth than the wall is the barrier and an 8′ drop off should not be an issue. There are balconies on high rises that have only railings 42″ tall. Have you seen the vanishing edge pool at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore? Its 50 stories high on the edge of the building with no barrier. Your 8′ drop should not be an issue. We design vanishing edge pools every day and have not heard of any issues, especially with an 8′ drop. If someone wants to climb over the edge and fall off than they probably deserve it.
