18+ Inspiring Small Backyard Plunge Pool Ideas

Dreaming of a refreshing plunge pool but worried about your small backyard? Fear not, because even the tiniest of spaces can transform into a luxurious retreat with the right design.

1. Incorporate Eco-friendly Solutions

Sustainable enjoyment with eco-friendly solutions.
Sustainable enjoyment with eco-friendly solutions.

Use solar heating or a pool cover for sustainable enjoyment. My solar panels keep my pool warm without increasing energy bills.

Try these:

  • Solar Pool Heater: Harness solar energy to warm your pool efficiently and reduce energy costs sustainably.
  • Pool Cover Reel: Easily manage your pool cover, reducing heat loss and keeping your pool clean.
  • Solar Pool Cover: Maintain pool warmth and minimize evaporation with this eco-friendly solar pool cover.

2. Embrace a Modern Aesthetic

Chic and contemporary with a modern aesthetic.
Chic and contemporary with a modern aesthetic.

Clean lines and minimalist designs create a modern feel. My plunge pool’s simple design is both chic and easy to maintain.

May just do the trick:

  • Minimalist Outdoor Lounge Chairs: Enhance your poolside with sleek lounge chairs, perfect for relaxation and a modern appeal.
  • Modern LED Pool Lights: Illuminate your plunge pool at night with elegant LED lights for a stylish ambiance.
  • Contemporary Planters: Add a touch of greenery with chic planters, effortlessly blending nature with modern design.

3. Install Ambient Pool Lighting

Warm and inviting with ambient pool lighting.
Warm and inviting with ambient pool lighting.

Enhance evening ambiance with ambient pool lighting. My pool’s lighting creates a welcoming glow that’s perfect for nighttime gatherings.

Products that could assist:

  • Outdoor String Lights: Create a cozy evening glow around your pool with these charming outdoor string lights.
  • Solar Pathway Lights: Illuminate the path to your pool with eco-friendly solar pathway lights for stylish safety.
  • Underwater LED Pool Lights: Enhance nighttime swimming with colorful underwater LED lights easily installed in any pool.

4. Go for a Rectangular Design

Sleek and space-efficient rectangular plunge pool.
Sleek and space-efficient rectangular plunge pool.

A rectangular plunge pool maximizes space efficiency, fitting snugly against property lines. My own backyard has one, and it’s perfect for a quick dip without overwhelming the space.

Might be a good match:

  • Rectangular Pool Cover: Protect your plunge pool with a durable cover, ensuring cleanliness and safety year-round.
  • Poolside Loungers: Enhance your relaxation space with stylish poolside loungers for ultimate comfort and leisure.
  • Compact Pool Heater: Enjoy warm water all season with a compact pool heater, perfect for chilly evenings.

5. Add Privacy with Greenery

Create a private haven with lush greenery.
Create a private haven with lush greenery.

Use tall plants or bamboo for a private haven. My backyard feels like a secluded retreat thanks to strategically placed greenery.

Consider these options:

  • Tall Outdoor Bamboo Planters: Enhance privacy effortlessly with elegant bamboo planters, creating a lush, secluded backyard retreat.
  • Artificial Boxwood Privacy Hedge: Transform your space with easy-maintenance boxwood hedges, adding beauty and privacy instantly.
  • Tall Grass-Like Plants for Privacy: Create a serene oasis with tall grass plants, providing a natural screen for ultimate tranquility.

6. Install a Sliding Deck Cover

Dual-purpose sliding deck cover for your plunge pool.
Dual-purpose sliding deck cover for your plunge pool.

A sliding deck cover adds functionality by turning the pool area into a patio when not in use. It’s been a game-changer for hosting outdoor gatherings in my backyard.

These products might help:

  • Retractable Pool Cover System: Transform your pool area with a retractable cover, adding safety and visual appeal instantly.
  • Weatherproof Outdoor Decking: Enhance your pool area with weatherproof decking, ideal for hosting gatherings and outdoor relaxation.
  • Telescopic Pool Cover: Maximize space with a telescopic pool cover that extends your backyard’s functionality effortlessly.

7. Create a Botanical Screen

A botanical paradise around your plunge pool.
A botanical paradise around your plunge pool.

Surround your pool with lush plants for privacy and a tropical feel. I love how my banana trees and hibiscus create a natural, calming screen.

A few helpful options:

  • Outdoor Planters: Enhance privacy and aesthetics with stylish outdoor planters perfect for your poolside oasis.
  • Tropical Plant Seeds: Transform your backyard with vibrant tropical plants. Easy to grow for a lush landscape.
  • Garden Privacy Screen: Boost your backyard privacy with a durable, attractive garden screen that blends with nature.

8. Add a Spa Feature

Relax and unwind with spa features.
Relax and unwind with spa features.

Incorporate spa jets for a relaxing hydrotherapy experience. I often unwind in my pool’s spa section after a long day.

Items that may come in handy:

  • Spa Jet Kit: Install spa jets to enjoy a soothing hydrotherapy experience in your plunge pool.
  • Underwater LED Light: Enhance your pool’s ambiance with colorful underwater LED lights for a relaxing evening dip.
  • Inflatable Spa Pillow: Relax in comfort with an inflatable spa pillow designed for ultimate neck and head support.

9. Incorporate Fire Features

Fire and water: the perfect evening combination.
Fire and water: the perfect evening combination.

Add a fire pit near your pool for evening ambiance and warmth. My friends love gathering around the fire after a refreshing swim.

A few relevant products:

  • Outdoor Propane Fire Pit Table: Transform your poolside evenings with a versatile fire pit table for warmth and ambiance.
  • Patio Gas Fire Bowl: Enhance your backyard gatherings with a stylish gas fire bowl for cozy evenings.
  • Stone Finish Fire Pit: Add a rustic touch to your backyard with a stone finish fire pit, perfect for chilly nights.

10. Install a Glass Pool Fence

Safety with style: sleek glass pool fencing.
Safety with style: sleek glass pool fencing.

Glass fencing keeps the view open and airy while ensuring safety. It’s been the perfect choice for maintaining an unobstructed view of my garden.

Explore these options:

  • Glass Pool Fence Panels: Enhance your backyard with sleek glass panels, maintaining safety without obstructing your view.
  • Stainless Steel Glass Fence Spigots: Secure your glass panels with durable spigots, providing stability and a modern look.
  • Pool Fence Gate Latch: Install a reliable gate latch to ensure ease of access and added security for your pool area.

11. Mix Materials for Texture

Dynamic textures with mixed materials.
Dynamic textures with mixed materials.

Combine wood, stone, and metal for a textured aesthetic. My pool area feels dynamic and inviting thanks to a mix of materials.

Some ideas to consider:

  • Natural Stone Pool Coping: Enhance your pool’s edge with natural stone for a rustic and enduring finish.
  • Wood Deck Tiles: Transform your space with wood deck tiles for a warm, inviting poolside ambiance.
  • Stainless Steel Pool Ladder: Ensure safe and stylish access to your pool with a durable stainless steel ladder.

12. Add a Waterfall Feature

Enhance your pool with a calming waterfall feature.
Enhance your pool with a calming waterfall feature.

Incorporate a waterfall for an extra touch of luxury and soothing sounds. I installed a small cascading waterfall that not only looks beautiful but also masks urban noise.

Useful items to consider:

  • Waterfall Spillway Kits: Transform your pool with a sleek spillway kit, enhancing luxury and aesthetic appeal outdoors.
  • Outdoor Waterfall Pumps: Ensure your waterfall flows smoothly with a durable pump designed for continuous operation.
  • LED Waterfall Lights: Enhance evening ambiance with LED lights, offering colorful illumination to your waterfall feature.

13. Create a Multi-functional Space

Maximize utility with a multi-functional space.
Maximize utility with a multi-functional space.

Design the pool area to serve multiple purposes, like dining or lounging. My backyard feels like an outdoor living room with these dual functionalities.

Possibly handy products:

  • Outdoor Patio Dining Set: Transform your backyard with a stylish dining set, perfect for hosting meals by the pool.
  • Adjustable Chaise Lounge Chairs: Enhance relaxation with adjustable chaise lounges; ideal for sunbathing or reading poolside.
  • Retractable Canopy Pergola: Add shade and style to your pool area with a versatile retractable canopy pergola.

14. Opt for Underwater Lighting

Enchanting evening swims with underwater lighting.
Enchanting evening swims with underwater lighting.

Underwater lighting enhances the pool’s allure, especially at night. My pool’s LED lights create a magical glow that’s perfect for evening swims.

Some handy options:

  • LED Pool Lights: Illuminate your pool with vibrant LED colors, creating a mystical nighttime swimming experience.
  • Submersible Pool Lighting: Enhance your pool ambiance with submersible lights for a dazzling underwater glow.
  • Remote Control Pool Lights: Easily change your pool’s mood with remote control lighting for seamless brightness adjustment.

15. Choose Natural Stone Surroundings

Timeless elegance with natural stone surroundings.
Timeless elegance with natural stone surroundings.

Natural stone creates a seamless transition between the pool and garden. I used stone to blend my pool into the landscape, giving it a timeless look.

A few choices to try:

  • Natural Stone Pool Coping: Enhance your pool’s edge with natural stone coping for a seamless, elegant finish.
  • Garden Pathway Stone Pavers: Create stunning walkways with stone pavers that blend beautifully into your garden landscape.
  • Natural Stone Retaining Wall Blocks: Build sturdy retaining walls using natural stone blocks for a cohesive garden design.

16. Use Wooden Decking

Warmth and style with wooden decking.
Warmth and style with wooden decking.

Wooden decking adds warmth and a natural touch to your pool area. I love how my cedar deck complements the greenery and feels great underfoot.

A few things you might like:

  • Outdoor Decking Tiles: Enhance your pool area with easy-to-install decking tiles for a natural and warm look.
  • Weatherproof Deck Sealant: Protect your wooden deck with a weatherproof sealant, ensuring lasting beauty and durability.
  • Cedar Deck Cleaner: Maintain the pristine look of your cedar deck with an effective cleaning solution.

17. Integrate Seating and Lounging Areas

Relax in style with built-in seating.
Relax in style with built-in seating.

Incorporate built-in seating for a cozy relaxation spot. My pool has a corner bench that’s perfect for sitting with a book or catching up with friends.

Give these a look:

  • Outdoor Chaise Lounge Chair: Recline and unwind by the pool with these comfortable outdoor chaise lounge chairs.
  • Weather-Resistant Outdoor Cushions: Add a splash of color and comfort with weather-resistant cushions for outdoor seating.
  • Adjustable Patio Umbrella: Ensure shade and style with an adjustable patio umbrella for your backyard oasis.

18. Opt for a Curved Shape

Soft and organic with a curved pool design.
Soft and organic with a curved pool design.

Curved pools offer a softer, more organic look. My backyard feels more fluid and natural with a rounded pool design.

You might like:

  • Garden Edge Landscaping Stones: Outline your curved pool with these stones for a refined and natural look.
  • Curved Pool Lounger: Relax poolside with this sleek, curved lounger designed for ultimate comfort.
  • Solar-Powered Pool Lights: Enhance your curved pool’s ambiance with eco-friendly, solar-powered lighting.

Text: Joyce Peterson