Maximizing Your Outdoor Space: Luxury Swimming Pool Design Ideas for Small Yards and Challenging Spaces 

If you are planning a pool project and dealing with tight property constraints, you’re not alone. We know that right-sized spaces are intentionally planned and include all the luxury features you’d want without going big. Compact outdoor spaces challenge us to make the most of every square foot and design pools that are innovative showpieces that help maximize outdoor space.

You can maximize your outdoor space with a luxury swimming pool design specially made for small yards and challenging spaces. There’s no skimping with a small pool design. We’re telling you that yes, you can have your cake, ice cream, and a cherry on top.

Here are some of the best small pool design ideas and how they enhance your outdoor experience.

First, Let’s Talk About Small Pool Benefits

Feel like you’re settling with a small pool? Think again. Small pools require less energy to power filters, heaters and lighting. You will use fewer chemicals and water; a small pool heats up faster and save on energy bills, pool service and space. We will showcase some stunning small pool designs, but first, let’s address why going small is a big win.

Maximize Outdoor Space – Small Luxury Pool Design Ideas

There are different strategies for accomplishing small pool design. The first question is, do you want a small pool that looks big? If so, we might suggest addressing the pool location by pushing it up against a fence line or wall or “cornering” the pool so you can utilize the rest of your outdoor space for other purposes.

Another strategy is looking for “found space” in your yard to accommodate an irregularly shaped swimming pool. The shape is another factor —  opting for a sleek square small pool that looks modern vs. the traditional rectangular pool. Also, darker-colored tile and surroundings can make a pool look deeper and larger.

Here are some of our favorite approaches to small pool design.

 

 

Plunge Pools

What is a plunge pool? Unlike the lap pool, the plunge pool is designed for just that: taking a plunge. These pools are usually deeper than cocktail pools or spools, ranging from 4 to 7 feet in depth, so you can exercise and even include high-powered jets that provide resistance. Plunge pools can be any shape. They typically run from 6½ to 10 feet wide and 10 to 22 feet long.

Cocktail Pools and Spools

Also referred to as dipping pools, these trending pools are space savers and ideal for relaxing in the sun, chilling with a beverage, or immersing in warm water to reduce stress and enjoy the outdoors. If you do not plan on water aerobics or lap swimming, a 4-foot-deep dipping pool/spool is your speed. And here, shapes vary from circles and squares to rectangles and kidney-shaped cocktail pools. Consider the surround and how you can accent a cocktail pool with a ledge that doubles as a countertop.

 

 

Lap Pools

A standard lap pool is usually 40 feet or longer, but who’s looking at standard? Lap pools can be sized for small spaces, and you can still get a workout by adding swim jets that deliver a swift current. Lean, rectangular lap pools easily fit against a property line, deck, patio or in a “found space” like a courtyard. You can position a lap pool alongside a downward slope with views against a wall or fence — you get the idea.

Square Pools

A small pool can be any shape. A traditional rectangle is the most popular pool shape, but thinking small opens up creative possibilities. Square-shaped pools require less space and look more modern. They fit nicely into a property’s corner and in the center as a visual anchor surrounded by other outdoor living features like greenery, dining space and a firepit seating area.

 

 

Inground Spas

A custom inground spa is ideally suited for small outdoor spaces and offers the luxury of year-round use. You can decide on just the inground spa or build the spa into a small pool as a floating “insert.”

Not sure whether to choose a spa or spool? A spool is more versatile if you will not integrate a spa into the pool. Spools include jets that can be turned on or off for the spa experience, so you decide. You can adjust the temperature. While you can allow a spa to cool down, these tend to be smaller than spools, so they function differently.

Even if you have a small outdoor space, you still have three options: a small pool with a built-in spa, a spa alone or a spool.

Jump Into a Luxury Small Pool with Neave Group

Our innovative luxury pool and spa designs integrate seamlessly into your New York or Connecticut outdoor living space – no matter the size. A custom pool is an investment that will increase your property value and provide years of enjoyment.

We are here to help. Check out our FAQs page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your ideas. Just fill out this simple contact form, and we will contact you.