If you’ve always dreamed of having a pool in your garden or backyard but haven’t had the chance for a full-size option because of limited space, then a plunge pool is the perfect solution. With a plunge pool, you can create a beautiful place to cool yourself without the large footprint of a traditional swimming pool. Moreover, you get almost all the benefits of its conventional counterpart for a lower price and with a fraction of cleaning and maintenance efforts. 

Whether you’ve only learned about plunge pools or have been familiar with the concept for a while, buying the right option for your outdoor space requires considering several important factors. Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide including everything you need to know about plunge pools. 

Step 1: Understand What a Plunge Pool Is

While it may seem quite obvious, before you buy a plunge pool for your backyard, you must understand several important factors that set it apart. A plunge pool is smaller than a conventional pool, generally measuring from 4.4 m to 7 m in length, 2.35 m in width, and around 1.5 m in depth. It’s mostly used for cooling off, relaxing, and swimming but not sports. 

The much smaller size offers a distinct benefit over larger pools; a plunge pool can serve as a cool-down pool in the summer and a hot tub in the winter if connected to the appropriate pool equipment. However, it isn’t just another version of cocktail pools, which are much shallower and designed exclusively for wading or lounging. Plunge pools are deeper, making them suitable for exercise such as water aerobics and excellent for lounging and relaxing.

Step 2: Check the Pros and Cons

Is a plunge pool worth it? Evaluating the advantages and disadvantages is another important step in making any decision so it’s only logical to be the same case when deciding whether to buy a plunge pool or not. According to designers, requests for plunge pools have increased by 15% annually. Many believe their quick ascent in popularity is correlated with people’s desire for more useful areas in their yards and the fact they’re incredibly chic and contemporary.

Pros

• Small size. A smaller plunge pool offers all the cooling and relaxing advantages of a larger pool without taking up all the room in your garden for other entertainment and gathering areas.
• Modern look. Regarding appearance, they can also seem more contemporary and refined, giving your backyard the appearance of a chic spa or boutique hotel.
• Less water use. A plunge pool is the only practical choice in drought-stricken locations where residents must restrict water use and swimming pool size.
• Easy maintenance. These pools also demand less work in terms of maintenance—if you choose to heat them, they use less energy, and treating them uses fewer chemicals, which can save money over time. 
• Easy cleaning. They’re also simpler to clean because of their lower surface area. That’s an additional advantage for homeowners lacking the patience or time to manage a large pool.
• Better for the environment. It’s not that a plunge pool is the green solution that’ll solve all environmental problems. But, because it needs less of everything – water, energy to heat, and chemicals to maintain – it is better than large pools.

Cons

• Restricted use. A plunge pool’s depth and size limit the kinds of activities it can support. While great for water aerobics, it’s usually too tiny for lap swimming. It’s also too shallow for cannonballs and diving.
• Restricted capacity. The pool’s capacity is further constrained by its tiny size. There could only be enough room for a few people.
• Expert installation. Even with their small size, plunge pools nevertheless frequently need to be installed by professionals. Additionally, if you have little children, a surrounding fence is required for a pool this size. 

Step 3: Consider Your Needs, Space, and Features

Define Its Purpose

When selecting a plunge pool, start by identifying its purpose. If relaxation tops your list, choose models with spa jets, bench seating, and a calming design. Select shapes and finishes that complement your home to enhance your backyard’s aesthetic appeal. Health-focused options should support full-body immersion and temperature control, while entertainment-oriented pools benefit from wider steps, multi-level seating, and fun features like bubble jets.

Assess Your Space

Next, evaluate your available space. Measure the area carefully and visualise where the pool will fit without overcrowding the surroundings. Leave enough room for pathways, lounging areas, or a deck to ensure seamless integration with your garden’s layout. Also, external factors such as overhanging trees, power lines, or walls could affect placement.

Choose Materials Wisely

Finally, think about materials. Fibreglass is sleek, durable, and low-maintenance, making it a popular choice. Concrete offers the flexibility to create customised shapes but may require more upkeep over time. Vinyl liners are an affordable option with replaceable designs allowing periodic updates to the pool’s appearance.