Landscape Design
Enjoy a Refreshing Dip With a Plunge Pool
Learn why you might consider a compact pool for a people-friendly water feature that’s at home in a variety of yards
Plunge pools bridge the gap between spas or hot tubs and full-size swimming pools. They offer many of the benefits of a standard pool and take up less space, are easier to maintain and add an appealing outdoor focal point. With the addition of jets and harnesses, they can even be used for swimming. What all plunge pools have in common is that they’re relaxing spots for enjoying a dip or stretching out in the water while still allowing enough space in your yard for other activities.
Here’s what to know about adding a plunge pool to your yard — including advantages and drawbacks of choosing one, design considerations and whom to hire.
Here’s what to know about adding a plunge pool to your yard — including advantages and drawbacks of choosing one, design considerations and whom to hire.
Full Circle Land Design
You’ll also find tiny pools that are described as dipping pools or lounging pools. These are smaller and shallower than a pool you can “plunge” into. They often feature benches or built-in lounges for people to relax on.
You’ll also find tiny pools that are described as dipping pools or lounging pools. These are smaller and shallower than a pool you can “plunge” into. They often feature benches or built-in lounges for people to relax on.
Texas Tiny Pools
How Big Are Plunge Pools?
Most plunge pools are generally 10 to 14 feet long by 6 to 8 feet wide and 4 to 8 feet deep. Hageman says her company’s biggest pools are around 24 feet long and 12 feet wide. “Once you get larger than that, you lose some of the efficiencies that people expect,” she explains, including lower costs for heating and water usage as well as reduced maintenance requirements.
How Big Are Plunge Pools?
Most plunge pools are generally 10 to 14 feet long by 6 to 8 feet wide and 4 to 8 feet deep. Hageman says her company’s biggest pools are around 24 feet long and 12 feet wide. “Once you get larger than that, you lose some of the efficiencies that people expect,” she explains, including lower costs for heating and water usage as well as reduced maintenance requirements.
Cuppett Kilpatrick Architects
Advantages of a Plunge Pool
Size is the biggest advantage of a small pool compared with a full-size one. A plunge pool will fit into a landscape where a larger pool is out of the question. It can also be added to a deck, patio or even a rooftop with fewer engineering issues.
Plunge pools use less water and are easier to keep clean than full-size pools. Many homeowners choose not to heat them, which saves on energy costs. Even if you do want a warmer temperature, like what you’d find in a swimming pool, the smaller amount of water will still keep costs down. The energy use will also be lower than that for a hot tub or spa.
Just as with a full-size pool, you can use chlorine to maintain the water’s correct pH balance and clarity or you can go for saltwater or natural options. In either case, you’ll use less chemicals than you would with a larger pool.
Advantages of a Plunge Pool
Size is the biggest advantage of a small pool compared with a full-size one. A plunge pool will fit into a landscape where a larger pool is out of the question. It can also be added to a deck, patio or even a rooftop with fewer engineering issues.
Plunge pools use less water and are easier to keep clean than full-size pools. Many homeowners choose not to heat them, which saves on energy costs. Even if you do want a warmer temperature, like what you’d find in a swimming pool, the smaller amount of water will still keep costs down. The energy use will also be lower than that for a hot tub or spa.
Just as with a full-size pool, you can use chlorine to maintain the water’s correct pH balance and clarity or you can go for saltwater or natural options. In either case, you’ll use less chemicals than you would with a larger pool.
Anders Lasater Architects
A well-designed pool that’s aesthetically pleasing and beautiful will be a focal point in your yard, drawing people in. “We’re all drawn to water,” says Lasater, who has added small pools to several of his projects.
A well-designed pool that’s aesthetically pleasing and beautiful will be a focal point in your yard, drawing people in. “We’re all drawn to water,” says Lasater, who has added small pools to several of his projects.
Liquidscapes
Drawbacks of a Plunge Pool
A plunge pool is generally designed for two to eight adults to relax in and for one or two people to do water aerobics. It’s not designed for lap swimming, unless you add jets or some other form of resistance, and even then only one person can use it at a time. And while jumping in feetfirst is possible in larger plunge pools and some water play is allowed, it’s not as accommodating as a full-size swimming pool.
Installing a small pool can be just as expensive as adding a full-size swimming pool due to the material costs, filters, plumbing, electrical work and labor. If you live in a cold-winter climate, you’ll need to winterize the pool just as you would a full-size version. You’ll also have to factor in ongoing maintenance, which won’t be as time-consuming as that for a full-size pool but will still be a regular task.
Drawbacks of a Plunge Pool
A plunge pool is generally designed for two to eight adults to relax in and for one or two people to do water aerobics. It’s not designed for lap swimming, unless you add jets or some other form of resistance, and even then only one person can use it at a time. And while jumping in feetfirst is possible in larger plunge pools and some water play is allowed, it’s not as accommodating as a full-size swimming pool.
Installing a small pool can be just as expensive as adding a full-size swimming pool due to the material costs, filters, plumbing, electrical work and labor. If you live in a cold-winter climate, you’ll need to winterize the pool just as you would a full-size version. You’ll also have to factor in ongoing maintenance, which won’t be as time-consuming as that for a full-size pool but will still be a regular task.
Thomas Flint Landscape Design & Development
How Much Does a Plunge Pool Cost?
Although the pools are smaller than a regular swimming pool, a custom-built one can still cost anywhere from $20,000 to $70,000, similar to the price for a full-size pool, which can run between $30,000 and $80,000. A preformed pool, especially one set entirely above ground, will be far less expensive.
How Much Does a Plunge Pool Cost?
Although the pools are smaller than a regular swimming pool, a custom-built one can still cost anywhere from $20,000 to $70,000, similar to the price for a full-size pool, which can run between $30,000 and $80,000. A preformed pool, especially one set entirely above ground, will be far less expensive.
Kelley Design Group
Whom to Hire
If you’re looking to integrate a plunge pool into a new or existing landscape, an architect, landscape architect or landscape designer who has expertise in pool design and construction will help you determine the right size, shape and location for your small pool. Look for a pro with expertise in this area or a company that specializes in small pools. They’ll ensure that it fits well into the overall design of your yard and that the scale and proportions are right for your space.
An architect or designer will also locate the pool in a spot that makes sense for the overall flow of the yard, including access to the rest of the space. “You can’t have function without circulation space,” Lasater says.
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Whom to Hire
If you’re looking to integrate a plunge pool into a new or existing landscape, an architect, landscape architect or landscape designer who has expertise in pool design and construction will help you determine the right size, shape and location for your small pool. Look for a pro with expertise in this area or a company that specializes in small pools. They’ll ensure that it fits well into the overall design of your yard and that the scale and proportions are right for your space.
An architect or designer will also locate the pool in a spot that makes sense for the overall flow of the yard, including access to the rest of the space. “You can’t have function without circulation space,” Lasater says.
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Texas Tiny Pools
You’ll also need an experienced pool installation pro. Your architect or designer may include that in their service or be able to suggest local pros.
Even if you already know what you want and where the pool will go, or if you’re using a preformed pool, you’ll need a pool contractor. Check that they’ll help with permitting and ensuring that local building regulations are followed.
Find a pool builder near you
You’ll also need an experienced pool installation pro. Your architect or designer may include that in their service or be able to suggest local pros.
Even if you already know what you want and where the pool will go, or if you’re using a preformed pool, you’ll need a pool contractor. Check that they’ll help with permitting and ensuring that local building regulations are followed.
Find a pool builder near you
Falling Waters Landscape
Design Considerations for a Plunge Pool
A pool becomes an instant focal point in a yard, so its design and location are important. “It’s a gravitational object in the design that pulls people towards it,” Lasater says. He adds that people will want to gather around it and you’ll need to counterbalance this with other features in your yard.
Design Considerations for a Plunge Pool
A pool becomes an instant focal point in a yard, so its design and location are important. “It’s a gravitational object in the design that pulls people towards it,” Lasater says. He adds that people will want to gather around it and you’ll need to counterbalance this with other features in your yard.
C. Kairouz Architects
But don’t necessarily limit yourself to a patio-side location. Perhaps a pool that’s centered in your yard or set along one side of the house makes more sense for you. You also might want the pool to be a destination at the far end of the backyard or the first thing you see in the front yard.
A plunge pool can be added to a deck or rooftop. While the depth probably won’t reach 8 feet, it can be deep enough to lounge and play in. In both cases, you’ll need to ensure that it’s structurally sound and meets all building code requirements.
Any pool should be level to within an inch, whether in ground or above it. Small adjustments can be made to the grade, but adapting to a slope will be more time-consuming and expensive. Soil type can also affect an in-ground pool’s longevity, especially if the pool is fiberglass or vinyl. Check with your pool installer about ways to mitigate adverse soil conditions such as clay, which can expand and contract, or sandy soil, which can shift.
But don’t necessarily limit yourself to a patio-side location. Perhaps a pool that’s centered in your yard or set along one side of the house makes more sense for you. You also might want the pool to be a destination at the far end of the backyard or the first thing you see in the front yard.
A plunge pool can be added to a deck or rooftop. While the depth probably won’t reach 8 feet, it can be deep enough to lounge and play in. In both cases, you’ll need to ensure that it’s structurally sound and meets all building code requirements.
Any pool should be level to within an inch, whether in ground or above it. Small adjustments can be made to the grade, but adapting to a slope will be more time-consuming and expensive. Soil type can also affect an in-ground pool’s longevity, especially if the pool is fiberglass or vinyl. Check with your pool installer about ways to mitigate adverse soil conditions such as clay, which can expand and contract, or sandy soil, which can shift.
Texas Tiny Pools
Size. The size of the pool depends on your available space and also on how you want to use the pool. If you’re going the custom route, Lasater recommends planning for as large a pool as makes sense for your yard. “Once you dig a hole, make it as big as you can,” he says.
Size. The size of the pool depends on your available space and also on how you want to use the pool. If you’re going the custom route, Lasater recommends planning for as large a pool as makes sense for your yard. “Once you dig a hole, make it as big as you can,” he says.
Miller-Roodell Architects
Look and feel. While a preformed pool will be a specific shape, you’ll have more flexibility with a pool designed specifically for your space. Rectangular pools are popular and easier to find a cover for. They also have clean lines that work well with any landscape style.
A circular or free-form pool will pair well with a natural, rustic or native landscape look and also be able to adapt to odd corners. If your pool is designed for lounging or cocktails, consider adding backrests around the edges.
Look and feel. While a preformed pool will be a specific shape, you’ll have more flexibility with a pool designed specifically for your space. Rectangular pools are popular and easier to find a cover for. They also have clean lines that work well with any landscape style.
A circular or free-form pool will pair well with a natural, rustic or native landscape look and also be able to adapt to odd corners. If your pool is designed for lounging or cocktails, consider adding backrests around the edges.
Wolfgang Pichler Design
Another option is a cowboy pool or stock tank pool. The size and depth will depend on the size tank you choose. These can be set above ground on a level spot or set into the ground, either level with the soil or slightly above. It’s a great choice if you want to test out the idea of a tiny pool without committing to a construction project.
You can simply fill the tank with water, but if you want the amenities of a true tiny pool, such as filters, pumps and heat, you’ll need to retrofit the tank to accommodate that.
Another option is a cowboy pool or stock tank pool. The size and depth will depend on the size tank you choose. These can be set above ground on a level spot or set into the ground, either level with the soil or slightly above. It’s a great choice if you want to test out the idea of a tiny pool without committing to a construction project.
You can simply fill the tank with water, but if you want the amenities of a true tiny pool, such as filters, pumps and heat, you’ll need to retrofit the tank to accommodate that.
Thrive Landscape and Design
Access. Setting the pool completely into the ground will help it blend into the landscape, presenting a seamless appearance. But this can present more of a challenge in entering and exiting, especially if the pool is on the deeper side and has a completely flat bottom.
A second approach is to have the edge sit a foot or 18 inches above ground. This allows easier access since people can sit on the edge before sliding in. Or they can simply sit on the edge to converse with those in the pool.
Both options will have similar overall costs, though allocated differently. “A pool that is somewhat above ground will require additional finishing work, but it will be only marginally more expensive,” Lasater says. Hageman adds that you’ll save money by not having to excavate as much, but she agrees that will be offset by the cost of building walls.
Access. Setting the pool completely into the ground will help it blend into the landscape, presenting a seamless appearance. But this can present more of a challenge in entering and exiting, especially if the pool is on the deeper side and has a completely flat bottom.
A second approach is to have the edge sit a foot or 18 inches above ground. This allows easier access since people can sit on the edge before sliding in. Or they can simply sit on the edge to converse with those in the pool.
Both options will have similar overall costs, though allocated differently. “A pool that is somewhat above ground will require additional finishing work, but it will be only marginally more expensive,” Lasater says. Hageman adds that you’ll save money by not having to excavate as much, but she agrees that will be offset by the cost of building walls.
Texas Tiny Pools
Adapting the bottom and sides of the pool can also facilitate easier access. A narrow shelf or bench can also serve as a step. A slope along one edge can make it easier to get in and out.
An above-ground pool, such as a stock tank or one on a deck or rooftop, may require a small step stool and possibly a railing or support to get in and out.
Adapting the bottom and sides of the pool can also facilitate easier access. A narrow shelf or bench can also serve as a step. A slope along one edge can make it easier to get in and out.
An above-ground pool, such as a stock tank or one on a deck or rooftop, may require a small step stool and possibly a railing or support to get in and out.
Anders Lasater Architects
Heating. Another consideration is whether you want an unheated pool or one that’s kept slightly warmer. A cool or cold pool creates a spot for a refreshing dip on a hot day.
A warm pool, while generally not as hot as a spa or hot tub, can be used year-round in most areas. It’s also good for easing sore muscles. “More than 90% of our clients choose to heat their pool so that they can enjoy the pool year-round,” Hageman says.
One option is to create two spaces, divided by a wall, with one side serving as a spa and the other as a plunge pool, as seen here.
Heating. Another consideration is whether you want an unheated pool or one that’s kept slightly warmer. A cool or cold pool creates a spot for a refreshing dip on a hot day.
A warm pool, while generally not as hot as a spa or hot tub, can be used year-round in most areas. It’s also good for easing sore muscles. “More than 90% of our clients choose to heat their pool so that they can enjoy the pool year-round,” Hageman says.
One option is to create two spaces, divided by a wall, with one side serving as a spa and the other as a plunge pool, as seen here.
dSPACE Studio
Bonus features. Hageman says many of the homeowners she works with decide to add therapy or massage jets — or swim jets to turn the pool into a workout spot.
Sufficient lighting is also important. You don’t want to over-illuminate the night sky, but you do want enough lights to be able to enter and exit the pool safely — and to keep it from turning into a dark hole that can trip someone up. You may want to add path lights to the pool if it’s not near the house.
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Bonus features. Hageman says many of the homeowners she works with decide to add therapy or massage jets — or swim jets to turn the pool into a workout spot.
Sufficient lighting is also important. You don’t want to over-illuminate the night sky, but you do want enough lights to be able to enter and exit the pool safely — and to keep it from turning into a dark hole that can trip someone up. You may want to add path lights to the pool if it’s not near the house.
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Janiece Snyder Designs
A fountain turns your pool into a water element when not in use. A surrounding area filled with plants or a stone or brick wall adds a sense of place and permanence that grounds the pool. A fire pit or fireplace nearby combines two relaxing features while nicely balancing the overall design.
A fountain turns your pool into a water element when not in use. A surrounding area filled with plants or a stone or brick wall adds a sense of place and permanence that grounds the pool. A fire pit or fireplace nearby combines two relaxing features while nicely balancing the overall design.
Adriano Pupilli Architects
Safety Considerations
A smaller size doesn’t mitigate the inherent safety issues that come with any water element. “Safety for kids and pets is a big priority for many of our customers,” says Hageman, who adds that tiny pools are easier to secure. Check your local safety requirements, including the need for fencing and alarms on both the pool and on doors that access the area.
You’ll also need to reinforce with both family and guests that absolutely no diving is allowed, even in the deepest plunge pool. The only entry is feetfirst. Sliding in is ideal, but your pool builder will be able to guide you on the advisability of jumping in if your pool is more than 6 feet deep.
These Steps Will Help Keep Kids Safe Around Pools and Spas
Safety Considerations
A smaller size doesn’t mitigate the inherent safety issues that come with any water element. “Safety for kids and pets is a big priority for many of our customers,” says Hageman, who adds that tiny pools are easier to secure. Check your local safety requirements, including the need for fencing and alarms on both the pool and on doors that access the area.
You’ll also need to reinforce with both family and guests that absolutely no diving is allowed, even in the deepest plunge pool. The only entry is feetfirst. Sliding in is ideal, but your pool builder will be able to guide you on the advisability of jumping in if your pool is more than 6 feet deep.
These Steps Will Help Keep Kids Safe Around Pools and Spas
Texas Tiny Pools
Another safety feature you may need or want is a pool cover. This has the bonus of holding in heat and preventing evaporation. Covers range from simple ones made of polyethylene, polypropylene or vinyl to decking systems such as the one seen here. The deck platform can slide to cover the pool while providing a surface for sitting, lounging or playing.
Permits and regulations. Always check with your city building department for the regulations and permits you’ll need. The professionals you’re working with can either help you with this or will take care of it as part of their service. If you’re part of a homeowners association, check to see if there are any requirements or restrictions you’ll need to follow. One other consideration is to check on any fees or additional property taxes you may need to plan for.
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Another safety feature you may need or want is a pool cover. This has the bonus of holding in heat and preventing evaporation. Covers range from simple ones made of polyethylene, polypropylene or vinyl to decking systems such as the one seen here. The deck platform can slide to cover the pool while providing a surface for sitting, lounging or playing.
Permits and regulations. Always check with your city building department for the regulations and permits you’ll need. The professionals you’re working with can either help you with this or will take care of it as part of their service. If you’re part of a homeowners association, check to see if there are any requirements or restrictions you’ll need to follow. One other consideration is to check on any fees or additional property taxes you may need to plan for.
More on Houzz
Read more stories about pools
Find a local landscape designer
See more pool photos
Shop for pool and spa products
What Is a Plunge Pool?
A plunge pool is a compact pool with room for several people to immerse themselves in water and move around, but it’s not large enough for a true swim. “It’s big enough to splash in,” architect Anders Lasater says.
Just like full-size pools, custom plunge pools are generally made of concrete, but you can also have a custom fiberglass or vinyl one made. There are also preformed plunge pools made of concrete, fiberglass and steel. Depending on your needs and wants, you can keep the pool cool or heat it.
Amy Hageman of Texas Tiny Pools notes that a tiny pool can incorporate many features you wouldn’t find in a spa or hot tub. It can be a small play area and low-key exercise spot for both children and adults as well as simply a place to chill. “It’s all about maximizing the usable space,” she says. Plunge pools usually, though not always, have a flat bottom and no seating ledges.