• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Mad Backyard

menu icon
go to homepage
  • BBQ
  • Lawn
  • Patio
  • About
  • Shop
  • Pool
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • BBQ
    • Lawn
    • Patio
    • About
    • Shop
    • Pool
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Pool Care

    Published: Jul 23, 2020 · Modified: Oct 25, 2023 by Mads Martigan · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    The Ultimate Guide to Plunge Pools

    Plunge Pools are a popular new trend for those looking to enjoy all the benefits of a private swimming pool without the size, costs and headaches associated with a typical pool.

    a small plunge pool
    Have you considered all the benefits of a Plunge Pool?

    Looking for a small inground pool idea?

    How about a shallow exercise pool, or a pool that will even fit in your sunroom?

    Maybe your concerned about the cost to build, or how much space a conventional swimming pool will take up in your backyard.

    You might want to take a look at getting a plunge pool.

    Plunge pools are a hot trend today for many homeowners looking to maximize their space and budget, while still enjoying the benefits of a private swimming pool for their home.

    What is a Plunge Pool?

    The typical plunge pool, or lounge pool, these days is usually a shallower, compact version of a regular swimming pool.

    However, they can be made shallow, deep, indoors, outdoors, inground, semi above ground, or even above ground in a hot tub style.

    The average plunge pool ranges from small square pools that are 6’x6’ to rectangles around 7’ by 12’.

    The idea is for these small swimming pools to be enjoyed by 1-4 people at a time, much like a hot tub, making them ideal for single people or couples that want a small pool just for themselves.

    Types of Plunge Pools

    Plunge Pools can be customized in many different ways, including their shape and depth.

    Some people prefer a shallow pool just for lounging or for standing aquatic exercise, while others prefer a deep plunge pool to enjoy total body submersion.

    While the standard depth of a plunge pool runs from 51” to 60”, asking “How deep is a plunge pool?” is kind of like asking “What color is a car?”.

    With a custom plunge pool installation, the choice is entirely up to you!

    Indoor and Outdoor Plunge Pools

    For many homeowners the idea of installing a standard swimming pool indoors is completely out of the question. But not necessarily with a small indoor plunge pool!

    Because many small plunge pools are no bigger than a spa or hot tub, they are an ideal choice for an indoor pool you can enjoy year-round!

    Their modular construction makes them ideal for installing in spaces of your house that no other pool could ever go.

    Pieces can be brought in individually and then assembled onsite as the pool is constructed.

    Not sure you want a pool indoors?

    Small inground or above ground plunge pools can also be installed in a sunroom or on a covered patio in order to enjoy them semi-outdoors in any type of weather.

    Benefits of a Plunge Pool

    Small plunge pools can be purposed for many things including hydrotherapy, aquatic exercise, or simply relaxation by yourself or with a few close friends.

    Plunge pools are particularly popular among athletes who use them as part a post-workout recovery.

    The small amount of water used relative to a typical swimming pool makes them much faster and cost effective to heat and cool to your desired temperature.

    Cold plunge pools are a hot new trend for reducing muscle soreness and inflammation after a vigorous workout.

    Many senior citizens also enjoy the ease of entry and lower maintenance demands of a small plunge pool.

    Because of the buoyancy and hydrostatic effects provided by water, plunge pools offer convenient options for low impact exercise for those suffering from arthritis and joint pain.

    The last and most obvious benefit is the reduced cost to build and maintain a plunge pool.

    By decreasing the size of the pool and the amount of water and chemicals needed to maintain it, overall costs to build a plunge pool drastically decrease as well.

    What Does it Cost to Build a Plunge Pool?

    Ok, so how much is a plunge pool?

    How much a plunge pool costs to install will depend on a variety of factors including:

    • Your Local Market
    • The size and depth of the pool
    • Indoor vs. outdoor installation
    • How much control you wish to have over the temperature of the plunge pool

    Concrete vs Modular

    Because of their compact size, concrete plunge pools can sometimes be delivered in one piece for faster installation outdoors.

    Modular designs are more customizable and also more easily installed indoors. You will need to contact a local pool installation company for specifics and to find out what variations of small plunge pools they offer.

    Cost to Build a Plunge Pool

    As a general rule, while the typical custom inground swimming pool can cost upwards of $60,000 or more, expect a plunge pool to be closer to $20,000 depending on features, size, and where it is being installed.

    Costs to Maintain a Plunge Pool

    While a full-size swimming pool can hold anywhere from 15-25,000 gallons of water or more, the average plunge pool may only hold as little as 1-2,000 gallons.

    So the cost to heat, treat, and maintain these pools is significantly lower in the long run.

    Other Small Inground Swimming Pool Ideas

    small swimming pool ideas
    Limited on space for your swimming pool?

    Looking for something bigger than a plunge pool but limited on space? Here are some other ideas to consider:

    Follow the Contour of your House

    Lose the idea that you need a big patio or seating area outside and build the pool closer to your home.

    Follow the contour of your home to create the shape so that you don’t have wasted grassy or concrete areas that could otherwise be used for swimming.

     

    Incorporate a Wall

    Many people think that you need decking to run completely around the perimeter of the pool, but this is not the case.

    By building a wall as one side of your pool you can maximize the space to swim, and even incorporate a fun feature like a waterfall!

     

    Turn Stairs into a Tanning Ledge

    Stairs can take up a lot of valuable real estate in s small swimming pool.

    A popular trend today is to turn your top step into a tanning ledge for you to catch some rays, or allow the little ones to stand and play in the pool.

    By incorporating the tanning ledge, you get more usable area that would have otherwise been taken up by the stairs.

     

    Looking for Other Great Pool Ideas?

    Check out some of our most popular other articles below:

    • How to Keep Frogs Out of Your Pool
    • How to Keep Wasps Away From Your Pool
    • How To Level Ground For a Pool Without Digging: 3 Easy Solutions
    • How to Lower the Chlorine Level in your Pool: 5 Simple Solutions
    • How To Keep Bees Away From The Swimming Pool
    • What is Best Month to Open Your Pool?
    • How to Open an Above Ground Pool: Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

     

    More Inspirational Patio Ideas

    Need some more inspiration for your deck or patio?  Check out a collection of our favorite lists and How-to's to make sure have the coolest patio (or deck) on the block!

    Furniture and Accessories

    How to Choose the Best Patio Lounge Furniture for Your Outdoor Space

    Buying Modern Patio Furniture? A Guide to Fabrics and Materials That Will Last Past Labor Day

    10 Best Patio Coolers for 2022

    Choosing the Best Outdoor Bench with Storage Options: 6 Great Finds!

    Choosing the Best Wood for Outdoor Furniture: Top 5 Wood Types & Care Tips

    How To Hang String Lights Without Nails: 5 Simple Ideas

     

    Coverings

    Backyard Shade Ideas: 6 Fun Shade Solutions For Your Deck or Patio

    Our Review of the 7 Best Hardtop Gazebos for 2022

    Aluminum vs Wood Patio Covers: What are the Differences?

    Building an Outdoor Cooking Station? 12 Items to Consider

     

    Heaters and Firepits

    10 Best Electric Patio Heaters for 2022

    The Best Natural Gas Patio Heaters for 2022

    The Best Wood Fired Pizza Ovens for 2022

    The Best Fire Pit Accessories You Need for Your Backyard

    Natural Gas Fire Pits You'll Love in 2022: Our Top 5 Picks

    Rectangular Fire Pit Buying Guide

    Cleaning

    How to Clean a Brick Patio

     

    More Pool Care

    • an above ground pool with a ladder in front
      How to Open an Above Ground Pool: Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
    • bee near a swimming pool
      How To Keep Bees Away From The Swimming Pool: 9 Proven Solutions
    • opening a swimming pool
      What is Best Month to Open Your Pool? You May Be Surprised
    • woman swimming in well chlorinated pool
      How to Lower the Chlorine Level in your Pool: 5 Simple Solutions

    About Mads Martigan

    Mads is the founder of Madbackyard.com and has been a BBQ and Grilling enthusiast for the past 15 years. He loves to write about and make videos on smoking and barbecuing all kinds of great food.

    Primary Sidebar

    Robert "Mads" Martigan, the founder of Mad Backyard

    Hi, I'm Mads, the founder of Mad Backyard and an avid outdoorsman, barbecue/smoker buff, and pellet grilling enthusiast who loves to share my passion for outdoor living and outdoor cooking with the world.

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • pork shoulder on the grates of a pit boss pellet grill with a probe thermometer inserted in the meat
      Pulled Pork on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill
    • slices of smoked beef brisket on a cutting board
      Smoked Beef Brisket on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill
    • baby back ribs on the grates of a pit boss pellet grill
      Baby Back Ribs on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill
    • boston butt on the shelf of a masterbuilt electric smoker with a water pan beneath
      Smoked Boston Butt in a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker

    AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

    Thanks for visiting Madbackyard.com!  As outdoor living enthusiasts, we love to mention and link to various products we have used or researched.  Assume those links are affiliate links which means we may earn a small commission if you click and buy.  As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Seasonal Recipes

    • slices of smoked corned beef brisket on a wooden cutting board
      Smoked Corned Beef Brisket
    • smoked cabbage cut open on a cutting board
      Smoked Cabbage
    • Double smoked ham with a cherry glaze on a cutting board to show the slices of ham
      Pit Boss Smoked Ham with Cherry Fig Glaze
    • sliced leg of lamb roast on a white plate
      Smoked Leg of Lamb on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    For great baking recipes, visit our partner site You're Gonna Bake It After All.

    About

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms and Conditions

    More

    • Newsletter Sign Up
    • Shop our Store

    Contact

    • Contact Us

    As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020-2025 Mad Backyard