Having your own swimming pool should be a dream within your reach, no matter how big or small your yard, or your budget.
Of course, everyone knows inground swimming pools are a major investment. You should also know a swimming pool can provide years of use, tons of fun, and a lifetime of memories for the whole family.
Have you been dreaming of getting a durable and low-maintenance inground fiberglass pool, but you're also currently dealing with the realities of a smaller budget or a tiny yard?
We specialize in fiberglass pools of all sizes and shapes here at River Pools, so we've written this guide to show you that you still have real options for lower-cost and smaller-sized pools that won't sacrifice fun or functionality in the least.
We want you to gain a better sense of the cost a small fiberglass pool, and whether or not fiberglass is the right type of pool type for your backyard.
Let’s start with some of the smaller-sized fiberglass pool models available today.
Small Fiberglass Pool Sizes
Fiberglass pools come in many sizes, from 10-by-20 foot pools to 16-by-40 foot pools. Some are similar in size to a cocktail pool, or may be a bit larger.
There are different terms for these smaller-sized pools, which might also be plunge pools or spools, which are spa-like pools. However, we consider all our fiberglass pool models to be true full-size, full-function inground pools, because you'll always be able to play with the entire array of pool options and pool accessories when putting together your perfect pool project.
For example, the smallest fiberglass pool we currently offer is the N16, which is 8 feet wide and 16 feet long.
The next smallest size that we offer is a 10x20 foot swimming pool, the R20 like pictured at the top of this article.
We offer a fiberglass pools in a variety of shapes in these smaller sizes, so let's look at some of the design options that are available to you when buying a small fiberglass pool shell.
You can also put together a customized pool project with our Design and Price tool, which can give you a rough estimate of the cost to install a small fiberglass pool with any bells and whistles you desire. Just click the button below to give it a try:
Small Fiberglass Pool Shapes
You’ll most often be choosing between a rectangular pool or a freeform pool when you're looking to install a smaller fiberglass pool in your backyard.
Remember: because fiberglass pools are created in manufacturing plants from a pre-designed mold, you won’t be able to customize the shape or alter the design of your pool once you've selected the model you want.
Small freeform fiberglass pools
If you’re looking for a smaller fiberglass pool shell with a freeform design, there are plenty of options on the market from quality manufacturers. In the River Pools line, the smallest freeform model is the I Series.
The I25 measures 12 feet wide by 25 feet long, with a maximum depth of 5’2”. It includes a tanning ledge and deep-end bench seating on both sides, making it a great fit for those who want a compact pool with built-in comfort.
For homeowners who want both a pool and a spa in one design, the modified I25s offers the same layout with a built-in spa. It’s an excellent choice for maximizing function in a smaller backyard. The picture below is a rendering of the I25, and you can also explore the full I Series model page for more designs in this line.
Fiberglass pool with tanning ledge
Small rectangular fiberglass pools
One major advantage of rectangular pools is that they can accommodate automatic pool covers. With hidden tracks built under the coping, an auto cover can slide into place seamlessly and no one will know it's there until you activate it. This isn't the case with freeform pools, since their irregular edges make it difficult for the fabric to fit properly.
Our R series model includes several rectangular models, all designed with bench seating on both ends and plenty of swim space, 20 to 24 feet or more, depending on the size you choose. The R20 is the closest model we offer to a fiberglass cocktail pool or a fiberglass plunge pool, providing at least 4 to 5 feet of depth despite its compact footprint.
Fiberglass pool with seats
For those who want added features, our D Series model has a rectangular 12x24 design featuring deep end bench seating and a spacious tanning ledge with plenty of room for your favorite in-pool furniture.
Fiberglass pool with tanning ledge and seating
Want to figure out what pool shape you should get? Our new Pool Shape Selector quiz will give you answers in just a few clicks. Tap the button below to start your personalized quiz:
What's the best small fiberglass pool for exercise?
Your laps may be a bit shorter, but you can get plenty of exercise and burn some serious calories in just about any small swimming pool, with the right exercise routine.
We think rectangular pools offer the most swim space for laps, especially if they don't have a tanning ledge taking up the entire width of one end of the pool.
For example, our D24 is a small fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge that spans the full width of one end. The D24 is still great for leisurely swimming, playing, and relaxing, but if lap swimming is more your style, the R24 provides a bit more space by swapping the tanning ledge for bench seating in the shallow end.
Choosing a model like this helps maximize your exercise area in a compact pool. And if you’d prefer a narrower, longer option that’s still budget-friendly, a shipping container pool might be worth a look.
What's the best small fiberglass pool for social gatherings?
If you’re looking to hang out with friends or entertain your family in a fiberglass pool, you might want to consider a model such as our I25s, remember the one with the tanning ledge, bench seating, and built-in spa?
If you'd rather have multiple entertainment options, from reading to playing games to relaxing in a spa, look for a fiberglass pool that has these types of features.
If you don’t want a built-in spa, you might nonetheless want to consider a model with bench seating and a built-in tanning ledge, like our D24, which is versatile and has something for everyone to enjoy.
How deep are small fiberglass pools?
Typically, small fiberglass pools up to 12 feet wide and 24 feet long will be a bit more than five feet deep. For example, our R20 (10'x20') swimming pool is 5’2” deep, and our D24 (12'x24') swimming pool is 5’3” deep.
Keep in mind that small fiberglass pool depths also vary by manufacturer, model, and size.
Ask the manufacturer for the exact dimensions of each model to compare and decide what's right for you. Dig specs with these should be readily available for every model.
How much does a small fiberglass pool cost?
Depending on where you live, your yard, and the installation package you choose, your small inground fiberglass pool might cost between $45,000 to $100,000 with most basic installations falling in the $45,000–$75,000 range. Advanced or “turn‑key” packages, including decking, landscaping, and automation, can drive the cost toward the higher end
Add-on features like coping, patios, or fancy materials may further increase your project cost.
Small fiberglass pool prices can vary by manufacturer, even if they're roughly the same size and shape, so please feel free to shop around so you can find the best pool for your price range.
We want to emphasize quality. We never recommend choosing your fiberglass pool based on its price alone.
Make sure you also do some research on the manufacturing process that goes into creating your fiberglass pool shell before you buy, and don't forget to ask questions about the warranty, the quality of any manufacturing materials, and anything else that might concern you.
How much space do you need to install a small fiberglass pool?
You’re going to need enough space for the pool itself, which will probably be between 10 by 20 feet or 12 by 24 feet for a small pool.
You'll also need to consider the space that you will need to walk around your pool as well as the patio area that goes next to it.
To give you an idea of the patio space requirements for an inground pool, most people want between 600 and 900 square feet of patio space next to and around their swimming pools.
Also, it’s important to consider any setback rules that apply to your property.
For example, you may be required to keep your pool at least 5 feet away from your property line, so this will be an important factor when choosing your inground pool placement.
You can check with your city or county development services to find out your area's setback rules.
See your first steps to getting an inground pool here.
How long does it take to install a small fiberglass pool?
One great thing about fiberglass pool installations - they can be lightning fast.
Okay, maybe not that fast, but they typically much quicker to finish than any other inground pool. In fact, your pool can be in the ground and full of water in less than five days.
To give you a better idea of the small fiberglass pool installation timeline, you might expect your fiberglass pool project to be 100% completed within 4 to 6 weeks for basic projects.
In comparison, vinyl liner pools may take 4-8 weeks to install, and concrete pools may take 3-6 months to build.
You can read more about fiberglass pool installations here.
Where can I get a small fiberglass pool?
If a small fiberglass pool sounds like the right fit for you, feel free to take a look at our catalog of models to see what kinds of options you’ll have in terms of shapes, sizes, and features.
Want to see about how much that cost will be with all your favorite pool accessories? Use our Design and Price Tool to walk through your options and approximate price!
If you want to learn more about how to get started on your journey to a fiberglass swimming pool, be sure to download your free ebook below. If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact us, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
From the Author: Jason Hughes
I’m Jason Hughes, partner at River Pools® Virginia, and I’ve been in the pool industry for more than 20 years. During that time, I’ve seen just how many families want the joy of a backyard pool but worry their yard is too small, or their budget won’t stretch far enough.
This article was written to show you that small fiberglass pools can still deliver big fun, style, and functionality. Whether you’re looking for a compact plunge pool, a family-friendly design with built-in seating, or simply a lower-cost option that still lasts, I hope this guide helps you feel confident about your next step.
Message from the River Pools Manufacturing Team:
At River Pools, we believe having a swimming pool should be a dream within reach, no matter the size of your yard or your budget. That’s why we’ve designed a wide range of small fiberglass pools that combine durability, low maintenance, and lasting value without sacrificing fun or functionality.
Our pools are available through independent installers across the country, and our goal is always to help you make confident, informed decisions about what works best for your home and lifestyle.
If you’re exploring your options, we’d love to help you find the right fit.
Ready to get started on your pool journey?
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