Do you dream of having a pool in your backyard, but figure you just don’t have enough yard space?
Maybe you grew up knowing someone lucky enough to have one, or maybe you spent your summers at the neighborhood pool, trying not to think too hard about the water chemistry while bobbing around with the crowd.
The good news? These days, you don’t need a giant yard to bring the pool experience home. Compact options like spas, hot tubs, plunge pools, cocktail pools, and even spools can turn almost any space into a backyard retreat.
Spas and hot tubs have become popular features in backyards of all sizes, particularly in colder climates where you’d rather warm up than cool off.
We have three spa add-on options: the RS08, the SP08 and the SS08, each of which holds slightly less than 900 gallons of water in roughly 72 to 80 square feet (8 by 8 or 9 by 9). Spas aren’t always heated, in fact, a spa can sometimes serve as a cocktail pool or spool.
A brief overview of cocktail pools and spools
What is a cocktail pool? The shorter answer is that it’s really just a small pool. “Spool” is a newer term used for cocktail pools with more traditional spa features, but in many cases, the two terms are essentially interchangeable.
We personally prefer the term “cocktail pool” because, unlike “spool,” it doesn’t sound like something your grandma might have at her sewing table.
Some cocktail pool designs can have heated jets (making them more like spas or hot tubs).
They can have bench seating.
They can be installed above ground, semi-inground, or inground.
They can be one part of a larger pool and patio area, or it can serve as the centerpiece of a smaller yard.
They can provide just about any feature you’d want from a full-size swimming pool, in a much more compact footprint.
However, cocktail pools have one major disadvantage: they tend to be shallow.
That’s where plunge pools come in.
What is a plunge pool?
A plunge pool, at the most basic level, is a smaller pool that’s still deep enough to “plunge” into. A cocktail pool size might be three or four feet deep. A plunge pool size could be six feet deep, or even deeper if you wanted it to be, but most plunge pools tend to have between four and five feet of depth.
Most folks sit in cocktail pools or spools. Many of those folks will have an occasional drink in their cocktail pools… hence the name.
But, plunge pools are meant to be a bit more active. You can stand in them to do aquatic exercises, and they serve as an effective and efficient compromise between a spa or cocktail pool and a full-size pool.
There aren’t any hard-and-fast rules for the dimensions of these pool types, which makes plunge pools a flexible option for many backyards.
Plunge pools, cocktail pools, and even infinity pools often get mixed up, and sometimes the lines between them blur. For example, our R20 model is sometimes called a cocktail pool, though it could also be considered a plunge pool since it’s deep enough for light exercise and play.
At the end of the day, what matters most isn’t the label, it’s choosing the pool that fits your space, budget, and lifestyle, whether that’s a compact plunge pool or something much larger.
What are the benefits of plunge pools?
Plunge pools are a great option for homeowners with limited space, and some even choose to install them in sunrooms or enclosed areas to enjoy a consistent environment for relaxation or exercise.
In hot, dry climates, a plunge pool can be the perfect way to cool off without overworking your air conditioner. Plunge pools do more than cool you off, they provide a refreshing, restorative escape, and well-built fiberglass plunge pool model can even add lasting value to your home.
Smaller plunge pools are great for aquatic exercise, and some come with jets that let you swim in place, an option used by everyone from casual swimmers to Olympians. Larger plunge pools, on the other hand, can host a few friends and make the perfect spot to stand, relax, and cool down.
Because they are smaller and (generally) simpler, plunge
pools are more affordable to maintain than full-size pools. They use less electricity to run the filter, require fewer chemicals to keep clean, and rely on smaller, less expensive equipment. From pumps and filters to robotic cleaners, everything costs a fraction of what you’d spend on similar equipment designed for maintaining a 20,000- or 40,000-gallon pool.
What are the drawbacks of plunge pools?
Plunge pools aren’t for everyone.
They’re compact and convenient, but plunge pools might not be the best choice for those of you with larger backyards and/or bigger pool party ambitions.
Plunge pools are deep enough to take a “plunge,” but this often comes at the expense of in-pool seating space. You’re unlikely to find a true plunge pool with a tanning ledge, either. If you prefer to sit or lie down in part of your pool, you might be better off with a cocktail pool or a full-size swimming pool.
Swimming with grandma, by Lars Plougmann
This lack of side-wall features can make plunge pools harder to use for folks with mobility issues. Small children and grandparents might have a tough time getting in and out of a plunge pool with no steps.
Some plunge pools may have built-in steps, or you may be able to customize your design to include them. However, you shouldn’t expect the easiest access to a smaller, deeper body of water that you might get from a cocktail pool or a full-size swimming pool with all the bells and whistles.
Ready to take the plunge on a new pool?
Every pool has its pros and cons, and plunge pools are no different. But if you have enough space and enough capital, you might not have to choose between a plunge pool and a full-size swimming pool.
Big backyards can accommodate quite a bit of pool, and you might even be able to install a full-size pool and still have a personal plunge pool nearby. Your pool options are ultimately only limited by your space, your willingness to spend, and your own imagination!
If you're shopping around for a fiberglass pool, feel free to take a look at our catalog of models, visit our extensive video library, try out our pool cost calculator, or request custom pricing using the button below.
Message from the River Pools Manufacturing Team:
When space feels limited, but the dream of a pool is still alive, plunge pools, spas, and cocktail pools can open up a whole new world of options. At River Pools, our fiberglass pools are available through independent installers across the country who are here to guide you toward the right fit for your space, budget, and lifestyle.
If you’re starting to picture what’s possible in your own yard, we’d love to help you explore the options.
Ready to start the conversation?
