A small backyard can sometimes feel like you’re always making compromises. No room for a big garden. No sprawling lawn or entertaining areas. And no full-sized swimming pool to do laps in. So, what compromise can you make when you want somewhere to cool off and unwind – even if your backyard might be more modest than massive?
That’s where you might start wondering: are plunge pools better for small backyards than regular-sized pool?
The short answer is yes, plunge pools are absolutely worth it for small backyards. They offer the relaxation, the visual impact, and the lifestyle value of a full pool without owners having to sacrifice their entire outdoor space.
Let’s take a closer look at the specifics of plunge pools and what makes them such good options for small families, downsizers, inner-city homeowners, or anyone else who wants a stylish water feature that also doubles as a place to relax and cool off.
What is a plunge pool?
A plunge pool isn’t the same as a full-sized swimming pool that you’ll usually see take up the whole length of a backyard. It’s the opposite: a smaller, more compact pool that’s designed more for cooling off and relaxing instead of long-distance swimming.
Typically, plunge pools will often range in sizes between:
- 2-7 metres in length
- 2-4 metres in width
- 1-2 metres in depth
So, it’s common that the owner of a plunge pool wouldn’t use it for the same purposes as a full-size pool, like swimming laps or hosting large gatherings.
But since they still provide the enjoyment of water without the need for an expansive yard, it’s best that you make the most of what the smaller size of a plunge pool can offer you – like having a place to cool off during Queensland’s sweltering months, some light exercise or water resistance training, or just having a place to entertain friends in a more intimate setting.
Why do plunge pools make sense for compact yards?
Not everyone has the luxury of a huge outdoor space to play around with. And that means, if your lawn space is limited, you have to make every square meter count so you can still get the most out of it.
Plunge pools can be installed in backyards, in narrow side yards, in courtyards, close to the home, or even in elevated or challenging blocks (with the right structural design).
The benefits of choosing a plunge pool
They still leave room for everyday living
Plunge pools aren’t just a matter of size for people with small yards.
Since a traditional, full-sized pool will still take quite a chunk of your outdoor space, a smaller plunge pool can be the perfect option to still leave room for landscaping, patio areas, or simply to leave some space to move around comfortably.
And for Brisbane and South East Queensland homeowners in particular (where block sizes have gradually become smaller and smaller in newer developments), plunge pools can be just the practical option to maintain a good outdoor lifestyle without having your whole space taken over.
They’re more energy and water-efficient
A smaller-sized pool also means smaller overall water volume – which means lower water usage and lower heating and running costs, as well as reduced chemical and cleaning requirements.
So, if you’re trying to stay conscious of the long-term operating costs of having a pool, this will make a noticeable difference over time.
They add property appeal
Even a compact pool can make a huge improvement in street appeal and buyer interest – sometimes even as much as a full-sized pool, since, in warmer climates, we all know how much outdoor living still remains a strong selling point.
Also, with heating options, many homeowners can use their plunge pool more like a large spa during cooler months, which extends their usability for almost the whole year round.
So, are plunge pools worth it?
For most owners of small backyards, the limitations of plunge pools are all in all more practical than they are deal-breaking.
But if your goal is to find the simple relaxation and everyday enjoyment of a pool in the yard you have, then in our opinion, the limitations of plunge pools rarely outweigh their benefits. Especially when we build plunge pools that are designed specifically to make the most of your space instead of feeling like a compromise.
So, if you’re weighing up your options, the real question isn’t whether a plunge pool is worth it. It’s whether your backyard could benefit from one!
If so, call the expert team at Queensland Family Pools & Spas today. We design and build pools across Brisbane, Caboolture, and the Sunshine Coast, and would love to help you bring your perfect backyard pool to life.
