Featured image: Soake Pools

Everyone wants a home with a swimming pool. It’s one of the most commonly coveted features of prospective homebuyers entering the market. But even in a city with the unparalleled urban sprawl of Los Angeles, yard space can be a hot commodity. If you can fit a swimming pool in your backyard, you might not have any yard left. But a new trend is giving new life to the backyard pool fantasy. They’re high-quality, low-cost mini pools, commonly referred to as plunge pools. 

A Pool for Virtually Any Backyard

Photo credit: Plungie

What are plunge pools? It’s a surprisingly complex answer, so we’ll start with the short version. Plunge pools are simply pools that are more space-efficient than traditional backyard swimming pools. Because of this compact design, plunge pools aren’t really ideal for swimming laps or doing cannonballs. Yet, though they may be better suited for cooling off after a long day, these compact pools can be used for exercise. We’ll get back to that in a bit. But now that you have a basic idea of what defines a plunge pool, we’re going to go into the longer definition.

Plunge Pools vs Spool Pools vs Cocktail Pools

Experts tend to add a further layer of distinction to the term “plunge pool.” The term shares a meaning with the depression formed by the constant water erosion at the base of a waterfall. The constant deluge of a waterfall creates a pocket of considerable depth; one into which you could reasonably dive. In observing this natural parallel, swimming pool purists believe that a plunge pool must be of a depth allowing for complete submergence. 

Then, there are “cocktail pools”; shallower models designed with pure leisure in mind. Cocktail pools conjure exotic daydreams of friends seated upon submerged ledges, leisurely sipping tiki drinks in the summer sunshine. And we can’t forget “spool pools”; miniature pools that adopt many of the features commonly attributed to heated spas. While some people adhere to these minor distinctions, many others consider these terms interchangeable. For simplicity’s sake, we’ll be considering spool pools and cocktail pools as both under the banner of the plunge pool term. 

What Dimensions Constitute Plunge Pools? 

Photo credit: Plungie

Regardless of what you want to call them, size does matter for plunge pools. But where’s the line between a plunge pool and a run-of-the-mill swimming pool? While there’s no hard rule, plunge pools typically range from 8 x 8 ft on the small side to 20 x 10 ft on the large side. In most cases, a plunge pool’s depth would allow you to totally submerse yourself in its soothing waters. This means a standard plunge pool offers a depth of about four to six feet; shallower than a swimming pool. 

Again, none of this is set in stone. If you wanted a smaller or deeper pool, your bank account would speak louder than any of these guidelines. But just going by expectation, a plunge pool should seat at least two people with plenty of space to spread out and relax. 

Additional Plunge Pool Features

The basic design of plunge pools incorporates a small step for easing into the water. Due to the relatively shallow depth and the seating ledge that often runs around the interior, these tiny pools rarely incorporate ladders. Professionals can add spool pool features like heating and bubbling spa jets. You can also opt to install more powerful jets to create a current to swim against since laps are out of the question. If you want to add a touch of the exotic to a plunge pool, you can do so simply by outfitting the pool with colored lights. You could even elevate the mood of relaxation by adding a waterfall or rainwall.

The Obvious Benefits of Plunge Pools

Photo credit: Soake Pools

Plunge pools offer a myriad of benefits with some more obvious than others. For example, you don’t have to look too hard to see how a plunge pool could bring you plenty of leisure time relaxing outdoors with family and friends. The built-in seating ledge is quite the temptation after a long day in the urban heat. Add in a waterfall and you could be enjoying meditative levels of stress-relief. Then there’s the space you’ll be saving by investing in a smaller pool model. Even with a meager yard, you’ll likely have some extra lawn left over to enjoy a firepit, patio area, or a lovely garden. 

The Not-So-Obvious Benefits of Plunge Pools

What may not be immediately apparent is how much more financially economical a plunge pool can be. Because of its smaller size, it requires less water to fill, less energy to heat and pump, and fewer chemicals to maintain. Even the upfront price is typically far less than a standard swimming pool. 

But perhaps the real reason why plunge pools are so in vogue is because of the purported health benefits they offer. These tiny pools are perfect for water aerobics; a way to consistently exercise without putting unnecessary stress on your joints. And it’s easier to stay on top of an exercise routine that’s waiting for you in your backyard. If you turn the heat off, you can also enjoy a cold water plunge which is reported to provide a plethora of health and wellness benefits. These include:

• Bolstered immune system
• Constricted blood vessels
• Eased aches and pains
• Improved blood circulation
• Reduced swelling

Photo credit: Soake Pools

Is it Worth It?

But even with its host of benefits, a plunge pool isn’t for everyone. Some may use it on the occasional triple-digit day or as a hot tub in the cooler months, but leave it sitting untouched for the rest of the year. And even though it’s more affordable than a traditional pool, it’s a pricey conversation piece. There’s a reason why everyone wants a home with a swimming pool, but not everyone has a home with a swimming pool. But if the only thing holding you back from a soothing soak is yard space, a plunge pool could be just what you need.