SMALL SPACE, BIG SPLASH: WHY YOU NEED A PLUNGE POOL IN YOUR LIFE
It's approaching swimming season in Australia, and swimming pools are a hot topic in the renovating world right now.
If you’re dreaming of a pool but don’t quite have the space for a full-sized version, don’t worry - you’re not out of options! Say hello to the plunge pool: the perfect solution for small backyards or homes with limited space. Not only do these small pools look amazing but they also pack a serious punch when it comes to relaxation, exercise, and entertainment.
A Plungie Studio pool (3.6 x 2.2 metres) provides hours of fun for kids and adults alike at Milly Hall’s Sydney Home
Let's dive [pun intended!] into everything you need to know about plunge pools and explore why one of these small pools might be the perfect fit for your backyard.
What is a Plunge Pool?
Think of it as the little sibling of the traditional swimming pool, designed for homeowners who want the benefits of a pool but don’t have the space (or budget) for something larger. These small pools give you the best of both worlds - a refreshing place to cool off or unwind without swallowing up your entire outdoor area.
📸 Milly Hall - Plungie Studio pool - 3.6 x 2.2 metres
📸 Amy Anderson - Compass Pools 5.0 Plunge - 5.0m x 3.39 metres
📸 Jess Canabou - 2.5 x 4 metres
📸 Krystal Giardina - 5.5 x 2.5 metres
Typically up to 5 or 6 metres long, plunge pools are ideal for smaller spaces. They offer the full pool experience, whether you’re splashing around with the kids, cooling down on a hot day or just bringing a dreamy water view into your yard. While they’re not built for Olympic laps, they usually have a shallow depth and wide bench seating, making them perfect for chilling out rather than serious swimming.
“Ours is 4 x 2.5 metres. I wish it was twice the size, but it was this or nothing and we love it, and use it to death!”
The Benefits of Plunge Pools
They're a total game-changer for those who crave a swimming pool but don’t want to sacrifice precious backyard space. These small pools are the perfect solution for homes with limited outdoor areas, offering all the perks of a traditional pool without the need for a huge footprint.
Entertainment in Style
Who says bigger is better? Plunge pools are perfect for entertaining - whether it’s a quiet, relaxing dip with the family or a lively summer BBQ with friends. They may be compact, but they pack a punch when it comes to fun. Our Reno School students rave about their small pools and how they’ve transformed their outdoor spaces into entertainment hubs. A pool, no matter how small, sets the scene for fun-filled afternoons and warm summer nights alfresco.
UP YOUR STYLE GAME
If you want to create an oasis in your backyard, there’s something about a beautiful pool that instantly elevates the character and style. Even in the tiniest yard, a pool adds water views and levels up your landscaping. Plus, let’s not forget that pools can be a big win for increasing your property value (scroll down for proof!). A well-designed plunge pool can make a small outdoor area feel like a luxurious retreat, adding that wow factor you’re looking for.
Relaxation (or Fitness) at Your Fingertips
Fancy a spa-like experience without leaving home? Plunge pools can offer just that. Because of their smaller size, they’re more economical to heat, so if you love bathing in warm water, you’re in luck! You can choose a mineral water system for hydrotherapy benefits and add in some spa jets, and you’ve created your very bath house. Picture sinking into warm, bubbling water, washing away the stresses of the day while enjoying the privacy of your backyard. Now that’s living the dream!
And if you want to kick things up a notch, you can even install swim jets, so you can swim against resistance for a killer workout.
Year-Round Enjoyment
Plunge pools allow you to make the most of your outdoor space all year round. Because they’re smaller, they’re easier and more affordable to heat, making them perfect for a heated dip on a chilly evening or cooling off in the summer.
Easy to Maintain
One of the best things about plunge pools? They’re super low-maintenance compared to full-sized pools. Less water means less cleaning, fewer chemicals, and less effort to keep it in pristine condition. You’ll spend more time enjoying your pool and less time maintaining it.
📸 Krystal Giardina - 5.5 x 2.5 metres
📸 Krystal Giardina
WHY Plunge PoolS ARE PERFECT for Small Spaces
One of the best things about plunge pools is their size! They’re perfect for small backyards or even narrow blocks. If your garden is a little on the petite side, here’s why one of these small pools could be the solution:
Compact Size: It won’t dominate your yard. Instead, it gives you that pool experience while still leaving room for other backyard essentials like your BBQ, outdoor seating, or garden.
Quick Installation: Choosing from a pre-manufactured plunge pool range from a supplier like Plungie (concrete) or Compass (fibreglass pools) means you can have your pool in place in no time at all! These pools are delivered to the site on a truck and craned into your yard so installation is usually fast and fuss-free.
Perfect for Narrow Blocks: Got a narrow block? No worries! A plunge pool could be the perfect solution to give you all the benefits of a pool without cramping your style… or yard.
📸 Reno Schooler Johanna van Mourik - this pool may only be 2.4m x 3.9m but it’s heated with a seat for a spa and a waterfall!
📸 Reno Schooler Johanna van Mourik - proving good pools come in small packages!
“Our pool is only 2.4m x 3.9m we have it heated and with a seat for a spa as well as a waterfall. Our whole outdoor area is 6 x 6 m we love it!”
FIBREGLASS VS. CONCRETE?
When it comes to choosing your pool's fabrication the two most common contenders are fibreglass and concrete.
Fibreglass Plunge Pools
Fibreglass plunge pools offer a range of advantages that make them a fantastic choice for many homeowners:
Cost-Effective: Historically, fibreglass plunge pools have been more affordable than concrete or tiled options, both in terms of the initial purchase and long-term maintenance. With companies now offering a precast concrete plunge pool range to shake up the market, we recommend doing your research and comparing costs for both options.
Low Maintenance: The non-porous surface of a fibreglass plunge pool means less dirt, grime, and algae sticking to it - hello, low maintenance! You’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your pool.
Heat Retention: Fibreglass pool shells retain heat really well, so if you want to keep your pool toasty with minimal heating costs, this is a great option.
CONCRETE 📸 Milly Hall
FIBREGLASS 📸 Amy Anderson
Concrete Pools
Customisable Design: Concrete plunge pools offer complete flexibility in design. You can create any shape, size, or depth to perfectly suit your backyard layout and personal style. Whether you want a unique curved design or an irregular shape to fit a tricky spot, concrete lets you customise every detail. Unless you choose a precast pool of course where you’ll be constrained by set sizes.
Durability: Concrete is one of the most durable materials for a pool. It can withstand various weather conditions and wear over time, ensuring your pool lasts for decades with proper maintenance.
Aesthetic Flexibility: With a concrete pool, you can choose from a wide range of finishes, including tiles, pebbles and glass beads in any colour of your choice. This allows you to create a truly bespoke look which is why some people consider concrete a more premium option.
PIMP YOUR POOL!
Don’t be fooled that a small pool means fewer features! It’s totally possible to tailor your small pool to suit your style. Here’s how you can make it one-of-a-kind:
Custom Colours and Finishes
Why settle for basic when you can have a pool that complements your outdoor aesthetic perfectly? From sleek, neutral tones that blend seamlessly into a minimalist backyard to vibrant colours that make a statement, you can choose a finish that enhances your space. Opt for smooth, pebble, or mosaic finishes for added texture and personality.
Add-On Features for the Wow Factor
Want to take your plunge to the next level? We’ve seen everything from waterfalls and water features to beautiful lighting that creates a dreamy atmosphere for evening swims. Do you want heating so you can enjoy your pool year-round? Spa jets for that luxe, hydrotherapy experience? Or maybe swim jet to get in your daily exercise?
Tailor the Size and Shape to Your Space
Your plunge pool need not be rectangular! If you’re pouring a custom concrete pool, the design possibilities are endless. While precast pools come with set dimensions, you can choose to tailor the size and shape of your pool to suit your look and lifestyle by opting for a concrete pool.
📸 Rebecca Travers - 2.5 × 5 metres
📸 Sharon Sierra - 4x2.5
📸 Julie Granger - The Plot at Binna Burra
“Ours is 2.5x5m, I would have loved bigger but we have easements that limited the size so it was small pool or no pool. I love our smaller pool.”
How Much DOES A Plunge Pool Cost?
That depends on a huge number of factors like material, size, shape, any additional features and the length of your 'must-have’ list.
According to hipages.com.au, in 2024 you can expect to pay between $8,000 and $25,000 for above-ground fibreglass pools, while an in-ground pool made from concrete could set you back anywhere from $15,500 to over $80,000.
Remember, that's just for the pool. You'll also need to factor in landscaping, fencing and any other works on top of this. Keep in mind that these pool prices can also be affected by your location and installation requirements.
Installation Process
When it comes to installing your new pool, there are a few different options and it's best to discuss these with a pool builder or a company that supplies plunge pools direct to find the ideal solution for your needs. Remember to do this before you get too far into the planning process to ensure your dream pool is possible.
Inground Pools: These are the most popular option and offer a seamless look that fits beautifully into your backyard. If your block is sloping, a partially inground pool might also be a good option to help avoid the need to level your entire yard.
📸 Alitta Clarke - Reno School Student - The Plungie Original 4.6 x 2.5 metres
Above-Ground Pools: If you’re after a quicker installation, above-ground plunge pools are a great choice. They still offer all the benefits of an inground pool, without the need for major excavation work. Pre-formed pools like the Plungie Studio pool which can be craned in, as is, have been a popular choice with our Reno School students over the past few years.
COULD A PLUNGE POOL MAKE YOU MONEY?!
Did you know installing a plunge pool can increase your home’s value? It adds a unique feature to your property that many potential buyers will love. Read Rach Walton’s amazing example of how her pool installation transformed her yard and boosted her home’s value through the roof…
“We had ours installed late last year and it was 6 x 3 metres and did the job perfectly fine! It also added $1.2m net onto our home (we also fully landscaped front and back) when we sold it 2 months later - and we only owned the home for 14mths so this was phenomenal. Pools (done right) are a win-win in my opinion!”
📸 Rach Walton: BEFORE her concrete magnesium pool installation
📸 Rach Walton: AFTER the plunge pool installation in her Mermaid Beach home
If you're renovating with selling in mind, check with your local real estate agent if a swimming pool is a desirable feature in homes in your area.
JUST DO IT!
So, if you’ve been dreaming of a pool but didn’t think you had the space, a plunge pool might just be the perfect addition to your alfresco oasis. They’re stylish, and functional, and offer all the benefits of a full-sized pool without taking over your entire yard. Whether you want to relax, exercise, or entertain, a plunge pool could be the perfect pool for you. Trust us, your kids will love it… and you will too.
“Ours is 2.7 x 5.5. Best thing we ever did. Now our house feels like a holiday home all the time, and our weekends seem more relaxed. The kids love it. I remember reading Lana Taylor’s story about how their pool changed her life, and it’s so true! We definitely spend more time together as a family, because it’s something we all love doing together. Do it!”