When it comes to quality of life, a swimming pool is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. Whether in Florida, Alabama, or Mississippi, pools provide endless hours of outdoor fun and a much-needed break from the hot weather.
Installing a swimming pool can also be a smart financial investment. Not only can a pool attract potential buyers, but you can also earn around 7% more when your home sells.
You don’t need an extra-large lot to accommodate a new pool. With the help of creative pool design, you and your family can enjoy a pool that looks beautiful and functions well, even in a small space.
How Small Is Small?
Smaller pools are perfect for compact yards, and they’re also popular with homeowners who want the benefits of a swimming pool without it taking over the entire yard. The average inground pool is around 15 feet wide by 30 feet long. Any pool under that size could be considered small.
Types of small pools include plunge pools, cocktail pools, and small inground pools that provide all the luxury and serenity of a full-sized pool.
Plunge Pool
A plunge pool is a deep pool made for taking a refreshing dip. They are ideal for cooling off and fit into the smallest backyards.
Cocktail Pool
A cocktail pool is meant for lounging and gathering. They are perfect for individuals who love to entertain and want a pool experience in a limited space. Cocktail pools can easily integrate into an existing deck or patio area.
Small Inground Pool
Creative pool design is the priority for small inground pools. They are typically customized to make the most of a small yard while providing features you might only expect in a larger model.
How Innovative Pool Design Makes the Most of a Small Space
Swimming pools don’t have to be long, narrow rectangles. Different shapes can make the most of a small or oddly shaped lot and may also work best to accommodate existing backyard features or those you plan to install. If your heart is set on a more formal-looking pool, square or differently proportioned rectangles can provide a symmetrical aesthetic while also fitting into a smaller yard.
Freeform pools are another option for small yards. A freeform shape is natural and organic, and the edges of a freeform pool can flow around the contours of the yard. This option gives the landscape a more fluid and tranquil look. Freeform pools mimic natural bodies of water, like lagoons and ponds.
An experienced pool designer can also incorporate some “special effects” to make a small pool look larger. For example, adding an infinity edge creates the impression that the pool merges into the surrounding environment.
Additionally, using reflective materials and strategically placed lighting in pool construction creates the illusion of more space. Reflective pools suit minimalist or modern landscapes where there are interesting or beautiful things to reflect.
Combining the best shape and visually expansive design elements will help you and your pool designer create a pool that enhances your yard and looks appropriate in the space.
Choosing the Best Features for a Small Pool
Spiraling waterslides and hidden grottos may not work for a small pool, but limited size doesn’t mean you can’t have unlimited fun. Even smaller pools can include innovative features that increase their function and add to their beauty.
Consider who will be enjoying your pool the most, as well as the way the pool is used, to choose the features that will provide the most bang for your buck. Some of the most popular features include:
Ledges and Built-In Seating
Adding built-in areas to sit and lounge increases the usability of a small pool. Built-in features provide extra places to relax without adding more square footage and are great for pool owners who love backyard entertaining.
Waterfalls And Jets
Days spent playing in the family pool create special memories for everyone. Homeowners who want their pool to be a fun place for children and a relaxing place for adults might consider adding water-moving features, such as jets and waterfalls.
These features can be used in plunge pools and can make small inground pools more interactive and dynamic.
Underwater Lighting
Strategically placed underwater lights not only make a small pool look larger, but they can also transform your pool into a stunning focal point. Creative lighting adds function, beauty, and safety to a small pool design.
The Benefits of a Small Pool
When the sweltering heat and humidity of a summer afternoon in the Gulf are getting you down, even a small backyard pool can feel like your personal oasis — and it is. In addition to personal enjoyment and a potential increase in your home’s value, there are several benefits to building a small custom pool in your yard, such as:
- Reduced stress
- Lower maintenance costs
- Less maintenance time
- Smaller initial investment
- Greater energy efficiency
- More room for other backyard activities
You can also take advantage of the health advantages that swimming and water exercise offer.
No matter the features you choose, small pools provide better flexibility in a limited space. A small pool is a smart investment for homeowners who want the best benefits of a large family pool with a fraction of the costs.
Is a Small Pool Worth the Investment?
Creative pool design makes it possible to have a “big” pool in a small yard. Choosing the best shape for your space can be as important as selecting the best size. Features such as infinity edge, built-in seating, or relaxing jets help make a small pool function better and look beautiful.
If you’re ready to start talking about pool designs for your small yard, the knowledgeable team at Blue Haven Pools on the Gulf. Our professionals can help you create a pool where family and friends will want to gather all year long. We make it easy to build your dream pool, including offering financing. Contact us to learn more today.