Finally, the summer season is on its way! It would be nothing wrong to say that we miss so many things about summer. Those balmy nights, endless lights, and the ice cream delights - the summer seasons bring them all. Above all, everybody misses lounging in the pools and, of course, parties by the poolside!
Who does not want a small pool at the convenience of their own backyard? Today, modern pools are not just old rectangular-shaped, big-sized water bodies. They can be found in every shape and size, along with other luxuries incorporated with them like waterfalls, spas, surrounding landscapes, etc.
The Plunge Pool
Having a small or a compact backyard space does not mean that you have to say goodbye to your pool building idea! The rapidly growing trend of having compact backyard sizes has given rise to hundreds of options for plunge swimming pools. Therefore, a plunge pool is a fantastic way to enjoy all privacy, like a swimming pool in your own house. It would not cost you an arm or a leg to maintain and would also not dominate a vast space in your yard.
Making a dreamy plunge pool in home
The first thing to remember when designing a plunge pool for your backyard is that there are no definite rules that you should stick to. It is all about building a water body that perfectly fits your space, complements the surroundings, and fits within your estimated budget. So, here are a few suggestions to make a stunning plunge pool in your backyard space.
Plan out a functionally fabulous and sensational plunge pool.
When making a plunge pool at home, you should remember not to overcomplicate the design by adding too many features. Make sure to keep things as minimalistic as possible. However, these small pools require lots of pre-planning. The more effort you put in planning out your plunge pool, the better the result will be. You cannot do a few basic things in a plunge pool like a standard rectangular pool like diving or swimming laps. But this does not mean that plunge pools are no fun. A small-sized pool is an excellent source of entertainment, so you just need to adjust your expectations accordingly.
Integration with the home aesthetics.
A good, simple design is paramount when building a small plunge pool. Your water body needs to be in harmony with your home aesthetics and the pool's surroundings. Your pool requires to own the space it is being built in; therefore, planning the proportion and designing complementing aesthetics of your plunge pool is an essential step before the implementation begins.
Make your plunge pool a multi-purpose one.
If you are making a plunge pool for your compact outdoor space, you should consider adding some decorative features to your water body when it is not being used as a pool. For example, you can add aesthetic features like a water wall, a facade, spout or a subtle fountain, built-in planters, or even fire pits. All these elements have the power to transform your simple plunge pool into a gorgeous oasis that is stunning to look at all year round.
Build your plunge pool deep rather than long.
This is an excellent idea for compact spaces. If you have limited space in your backyard, there is no need to drop your idea of having a beautiful swimming pool. All you need is to focus on making your plunge pool deeper rather than increasing its size or width. Ensure to install safe step ledges on each side of the plunge pool.
How about a spa?
Adding a luxury element to your plunge pool always works best. How about you want to add something that greatly complements your small pool? Nothing can be a better answer other than adding a spa or a jacuzzi to your pool. The benefit of adding a spa or a jacuzzi to your plunge pool other than just a luxury element is that you can save a lot of space by installing built-in seating inside the pool, thus reducing the surrounding deck's size. Another benefit of having a built-in jacuzzi in your pool is that you can use it all year long, even in colder seasons, with its heating feature.
Long but lean.
If space is not a problem, you can always build a long plunge pool. However, we suggest keeping the width lean to develop a long swimming pool. This way, you can enjoy everything you can do in a standard rectangular swimming pool. Plunge pools that are longer in length can serve as beautiful and decorative water bodies if enhanced with innovative structural features like fencing and planters.
The access to your plunge pool.
Plunge pools are called plunge pools for a reason. These pools do not have full perimeter access like regular, big pools. Instead, you can dip into your small pool only through single access, like stairs going into the water or other single-sided access.
Infinity plunge pool.
The idea of building a small infinity pool is at the top of today's pool trends. However, creating an infinity pool entirely depends on the elevation and position of your property. You can build an infinity plunge pool by blurring the boundaries of the main pool and by adding another water body below. This would give an illusion of a mini infinity pool while making your plunge pool appear larger than it actually is.
The construction material.
Concrete, fibreglass, or vinyl? There is no correct answer to what material would work best to construct a plunge pool. You just need to research which material would offer you the most benefits. However, we recommend going for a custom-designed plunge pool made of concrete, as they are more flexible when it comes to shape and sizes and would be the best option for compact outdoor spaces.
Giving your plunge pool that 'dreamy' element
Today, swimming pools are not just used for sunbathing and swimming. They are now great sources of entertainment, design, and adding style to your outdoor space. Here are a few ideas to help you make your plunge pool look dreamy and stunning all year long.
Add waterfalls and dramatic lights.
Adding a water facade or a waterfall can enhance the look of your plunge pool pretty instantly. However, you need to work out the waterfall setting to blend perfectly with your pool instead of giving an odd feel. Furthermore, if you want to give your pool and your outdoor space a more dramatic sense, consider adding some low lights inside the water to make your pool appear subtle and soothing even at night.
Think about a poolside fireplace.
Adding fireplaces or fire pits is an excellent way to use your plunge pool all year long. There is nothing better than sitting near your pool with a warm fire and a stunning view all around. This way, you can keep yourself entertained throughout the year, even if you cannot go into the water because of cold weather.
Natural vibes are the best.
If you do not like the idea of an overly manicured pool, then keeping it as natural as possible would be a great idea. You can keep the perimeter stone narrow and allow the flora to grow freely with a bit of care and cultivation. The plants and trees surrounding your plunge pool would not only provide fresh oxygen but would give excellent nature vibes in every season.
FAQS related to making a plunge pool
Here are some frequently asked questions when designing a plunge pool in your home.
What should be the size of my plunge pool?
The size of your plunge pool totally depends on the size of your outdoor space. However, the most common sizes for plunge pools are 5 x 3 metres and 4 x 4 metres.
How can I choose a location to make a plunge pool?
To choose the best location for building a plunge pool, you can start by marking the most eligible sites in your backyard, like shady or sunny spots, depending on your preference. We recommend building the pool where you can view it from indoors as well.
How can I make my plunge pool more functional?
Along with building some entry stairs, you can install large underwater ledges or seats to relax. As mentioned above, to add a luxury element, consider adding a spa or a pool heater.
What tile material should I choose to build my plunge pool?
Porcelain is one of the most famous choices to build swimming pool tiles because of its durability and strength. Opt for blue hues for the tiles and add a dramatic touch by using black or any other darker shade.
How can I secure the pool area from toddlers?
Since plunge pools are more on the deeper side than long, securing your pool area from children and toddlers is essential. You can do this by adding some adequate fencing.
Conclusion
Plunge pools are literally the best addition one can make to their outdoor space. As we have covered almost everything you need to know about making a plunge pool in your home, we would like to add that plunge pools are equally as versatile as any regular huge-sized swimming pool. They also have other excellent benefits. For example, they can fit into a compact outdoor area, and since they are smaller in size, it naturally means that plunge pools are much cheaper to build than traditional swimming pools. They are also cost-effective for maintenance like heating, cleaning, and filtration. You may not see much of the savings initially, but these saved money add up to a noticeable amount after a few years.