Not every backyard has room for a sprawling family pool and increasingly, that’s not actually what people want anyway. As Perth blocks get smaller and outdoor living spaces become more about quality than sheer size, compact “plunge-style” pools have become one of our most requested options.
If you’ve been hesitant about getting a pool because your backyard feels too small, here’s why a smaller footprint might be exactly the right fit.
There’s no strict definition, but generally, a plunge pool refers to a more compact pool – shorter in length than a traditional lap or family pool with a consistent depth or a ‘flat bottom’ – designed primarily for cooling off, relaxing, and lounging rather than swimming laps. Despite the smaller footprint, plunge-style pools can still comfortably fit multiple people, include built-in seating or sun shelves, and look every bit as polished as a larger pool.
Our plunge pool range is a great example of what’s possible in a smaller footprint. They’re designed for blocks where space is at a premium – narrow side yards, courtyards, or backyards where a large pool would simply dominate the available outdoor space – without compromising on the quality, certification, or finish options available across our larger ranges.
For many Perth homeowners, a plunge pool represents the sweet spot: enough pool to genuinely enjoy on a hot day, while leaving meaningful space for outdoor furniture, landscaping, or an alfresco area.
Standard suburban lot sizes. Many established Perth suburbs have blocks where a large family pool would mean sacrificing most of the usable backyard. A compact pool lets you have both – a pool and a backyard.
Narrow side and rear yards. Some of Perth’s more central suburbs have classic narrow block configurations, where a smaller or slimline pool fits naturally into the available space in ways a larger pool simply couldn’t.
Lower running costs. A smaller body of water means less to heat, less to chemically treat, and generally lower ongoing running costs – appealing if you’re balancing pool ownership with other priorities.
Faster installation. Smaller excavation and a smaller shell generally mean a quicker on-site installation process – useful if you’re working toward a particular timeline.
If you’ve been told (or assumed) that your block is “too small” for a pool, it’s worth a second look. A compact style like the Monaco Plunge Pool can fit in spaces that would rule out a larger pool entirely. For many households, particularly those using the pool more for relaxing and entertaining than serious lap swimming, a smaller pool delivers everything they actually wanted, in a footprint that leaves the rest of the backyard usable too.
Curious whether a compact pool could work for your block? Get in touch for a chat about the Caprice range and what’s possible for your backyard.
A plunge pool is generally more compact in length with a consistent depth, designed primarily for relaxing, cooling off, and entertaining rather than lap swimming, but can still comfortably accommodate multiple people and include features like seating and sun shelves.
Absolutely. Features like built-in seating, sun shelves, water features, and coordinated paving and landscaping can make a compact pool a genuine feature of the backyard, not just a smaller version of a larger pool.
Generally, yes. A smaller volume of water typically means lower costs for heating, chemicals, and pump running time compared to a larger family pool.
In many cases, yes. Compact ranges like the Monaco Plunge Pool are specifically suited to narrow side yards and smaller backyards where a larger pool wouldn’t be practical.
The best way to know is to enquire online for a site assessment, but as a general rule, if you’ve been assuming your yard is “too small,” it’s worth getting an opinion, as compact ranges fit into spaces many people don’t expect.
With three display centres around Perth, there is always someone close by to answer any questions you have on our fibreglass pools and to show you our extensive range of pools.
