Swimming pools add beauty and luxury to a home, but not every property is designed to accommodate a sprawling pool. Plunge pools, as an alternative, have become popular with homeowners who want the sparkling and refreshing benefits of a pool but lack the space for a traditional one.

Have you considered putting a pool in your yard? Maybe a plunge pool is the right choice for you. Part of the beauty of these unique swimming pools is that they’re fairly adaptable to any space. You can create a square, rectangular, or circular plunge pool to fit almost anywhere—a small yard, patio, or deck. But, although plunge pools are generally easier and cheaper to construct than a standard pool, there’s much to know about them before you build.

So let’s dive into what you need to know before putting in a plunge pool—what it costs, the benefits, and how much maintenance is involved. First, though, let’s clarify what a plunge pool is and how it differs from a regular swimming pool. After you’ve read what you need to know about plunge pools, you may be ready to break ground or decide that one of these pools is not the luxury you thought it was.

 What Is a Plunge Pool? 

A plunge pool—sometimes called a dipping pool—is a shallow and compact pool designed for light swimming but mostly for cooling off and relaxing. You may have seen a plunge pool at a spa or resort; many luxury villas have private plunge pools in every accommodation.

Plunge pools are becoming popular in residential settings. They can be more space-appropriate and affordable than traditional swimming pools, and they often require less time to construct.

Plunge pools come in various sizes, shapes, and depths, which are easy to customize if you find the right pool builder. You can even personalize a plunge pool with the finishes you like, such as black rock for the pool’s bottom or imported title around the edge.

 How Does a Plunge Pool Work? 

Since a plunge pool is essentially a smaller version of a standard pool, you use it in many of the same ways: cooling off, swimming (light), and splashing around. Plunge pools can sit above or in the ground, and they’re constructed of materials similar to a regular pool, such as concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass.

A plunge pool will have a filtration system like a large pool—a pump pulls water through a skimmer and drain, then through a filter and back to the pool via return water jets. You’ll find chlorine and salt-water versions of plunge pools, just like bigger pools.

 What are the Benefits of Plunge Pools? 

Plunge pools offer many benefits in terms of design, use, cost, and time. Here are some of the reasons why plunge pools are popular with homeowners.

 Require Less Space 

A plunge pool is only slightly larger than a hot tub—typically no more than 20 feet long and eight feet wide, and less than five feet deep with a flat bottom. Many homeowners who don’t have the space for a large swimming pool can easily fit a plunge pool into a small backyard.

 Cheaper to Install 

Plunge pools take less materials and labor to install than a regular pool since they’re generally less than half the size. You may be able to find a builder who’ll construct a plunge pool for as little as half the price of a traditional pool. Highly customized plunge pools can set you back a bit of money, however.

 Cheaper to Maintain 

Ongoing maintenance is cheaper for a plunge pool. You’ll use less water, chemicals, and energy to run the pool’s pump or the heater during cold months. And, since plunge pools don’t circulate as much water through the filtration system as a large pool, they experience less wear and tear on parts.

 Easier to Care For 

Plunge pools require less chemicals than larger pools, so you won’t spend as much time monitoring chemical levels. Also, you won’t have to set aside as much time cleaning leaves, debris, and insects from the water.

 Better for Certain Situations 

If you want a pool for physical therapy, a plunge pool may work wonderfully for you. They offer a great hydrotherapy experience since you can change the small amount of water from warm to cold and back to warm again fairly easily. Plunge pools can be great for families with kids since the water is shallower than a regular pool (however you should never leave a child alone in any pool, even if they can see above the water when standing on the bottom or if they can swim).

 What Are the Drawbacks of Plunge Pools 

While installing a plunge pool has many benefits, there are some drawbacks. You may find that plunge pools:

• don’t have the same visual impact as a traditional pool

• fit fewer people than you prefer (especially if you like to entertain)

• aren’t great if you’re an avid swimmer (you can do meaningful laps in a plunge pool)

• add too much to your property’s energy and maintenance costs

Generally, a well-maintained plunge pool can add enjoyment and value to a home (properties with saltwater plunge pools tend to sell 1.5% faster than homes without a pool). You can build a plunge pool sustainably with eco-friendly materials and LED lights, cutting down on energy usage when compared to a traditional or non-sustainable plunge pool. Homeowners can pay for a plunge pool in many ways: cash purchase, vendor finance, or personal or home-equity loan.

Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® walk you through the process.