What is a plunge pool? Everything you need to know about Australia’s favourite small pools

If you are thinking of buying a swimming pool for your backyard, you have probably heard about plunge pools. These small pools are becoming more and more popular, particularly in the cities and surrounding suburbs. So could a plunge pool be what you are looking for?

Local Pools & Spas is here to help you make your decision, offering you everything you need to know about the plunge pool, from what it is to what it costs, and how it can improve your quality of life.

Plunge pool definition

If a swimming pool is less than 6 metres in length, it is classed as a plunge pool. However, some plunge pools are as long as 7 metres, or as short as 2 metres. Their width tends to be between 2 and 3.5 metres, and their depth can vary from shallow to deep, depending on your needs.

Basically, a plunge pool is a compact pool with a relatively small surface area. It is designed more for relaxing than swimming, including large seating areas for resting in comfort, although it does have enough room for one person to swim in comfortably.

Plunge pool designs are extremely varied, with numerous sizes and shapes available, so it is now easier than ever to find a plunge pool which suits your property. They have become extremely popular not only Sydney NSW, the whole Australia but also worldwide, including the U.S. where people started discovering the above ground fibreglass plunge pools.

Plunge pool features

A variety of features are available to make a plunge pool more versatile and increase its functionality, despite its small size. These include:

1. Swim jets

Swim jets are ideal for those who want to use their plunge pool for more intensive exercise. They enable you to swim in one place by increasing the resistance of the water, so even in a small plunge pool, you can achieve the same fitness benefits as swimming laps in a full-sized pool.

2. Spa jets

Spa jets let you recreate the spa experience in your own backyard. These hydrotherapy jets assist with relaxation by easing knotted muscles and relieving pain and tension throughout the body. They are particularly beneficial for people who suffer from painful conditions like arthritis, and they also speed up your recovery from muscular injuries.

3. Heating systems

Due to the small plunge pool size, they require a lot less energy to heat than larger pools. However, an appropriate heating system will make your plunge pool a more comfortable and relaxing environment. It will also enable you to get more usage out of your plunge pool, as you will be able to use it all year round, not just when the weather is hot.

4. Lighting

There are plenty of LED lighting systems available for plunge pools. These also increase the amount of time you can use your pool, as they illuminate the pool after dark, so you can continue to swim and relax in the water long into the evening. The right lighting will also have the added benefit of making your plunge pool look even more attractive.

5. Self-cleaning systems

These are perfect for those with busy lifestyles, as they take the stress out of owning a plunge pool, circulating the water so that every area of the pool is cleaned for you. This creates a much healthier environment and also leaves you with more free time to spend in the pool instead of cleaning it.

One of the most advanced self-cleaning systems is the Vantage in-floor self-cleaning system, which is exclusive to Compass Pools fibreglass plunge pools, and can be supplied by Local Pools & Spas.

How much do plunge pools cost?

How much your plunge pool costs will depend on a wide range of factors, such as the type (fibreglass or concrete plunge pool) and installation you choose, the shape and size of your backyard, and the range of features you want to include.

The installation process is particularly important here. If you are looking to lower the plunge pool cost, you can choose a cheap plastic or rubber above ground plunge pool. This sits on top of the ground, so there is very little building work required.

Your pool shell can be filled as soon as it has been positioned and the relevant electrical work has been completed, so it is an extremely quick solution. As the installation is so easy, this type of above ground plunge pool is relatively cheap, costing on average between $2,000 and $7,000, depending on the size you choose.

If you are looking for a DIY pool of higher quality, above ground self-standing, ready to go fibreglass pools called Little Pools, manufactured by Compass Pools Australia, are a great choice. They are prefabricated in the factory, coming in a selection of models, sizes, colours, cladding, and features. Prices for these great looking self-standing above ground pools start at $16,250 for a nude pool.

Installing an inground plunge pool is more complicated. Your backyard has to be excavated so the pool can be built into the ground, and as plunge pools are often installed on smaller, more awkward sites, this can be a difficult and time-consuming job which needs to be completed by a specialist pool builder.

Because of this, you can expect a small plunge pool to cost around $25,000 if you want it built inground, but the plunge pool costs can be higher if you opt-in for high-quality fibreglass pool such as Compass Pools. With all the available features and intelligent pool control system, the price can go as high as $50,00 as the installation work involved is basically the same as installing a full-sized pool.

You can reduce the costs if you choose to do it yourself. There are a range of DIY plunge pool kits available at low prices, but this is a task you should not undertake unless you have experience and you really know what you are doing. Mistakes can be dangerous and expensive.

In addition, DIY plunge pools are often not particularly good quality, so they are unlikely to last more than a few years. A professionally installed plunge pool from a reputable manufacturer will last a lifetime. For example, a Plunge Pool from Compass Pools is made from fibreglass with an extra-tough ceramic core, capable of withstanding any weather conditions. It also has a gelcoat surface which protects the appearance of the pool and prevents structural damage from water, so this is a plunge pool you can rely on.

Reasons to consider a plunge pool

Australian plunge pools are becoming more popular, and there are a number of very good reasons for this. Space is now at a premium in cities including Sydney and its many suburbs, so homes are being built and sold with smaller blocks. This means many backyards are not large enough for a full-sized swimming pool.

A plunge pool gives you the opportunity to enjoy your own swimming pool no matter the size of your backyard, as the small plunge pool size is ideal for fitting into a more compact space. It gives practically everyone the chance to experience the benefits of a pool in the peace and privacy of their own backyard.

Installing a plunge pool will also make your backyard more attractive and your property more desirable. A pool of any size is seen as a luxurious feature, and it provides a centrepiece for your landscaping design.

Plunge pool ideas are practically endless thanks to the compact size of the pool, making it easier to create a design which looks stunning and offers all the functionality you need from the outdoor area of your property.

Compared to a full-sized swimming pool, a plunge pool is much kinder to the environment, which is something we all need to be more concerned about. It uses less water and requires smaller amounts of chemicals to keep clean, making it more sustainable and safer for the environment. It also takes less energy to heat, so it is about as green as a swimming pool can get.

The benefits for your health and wellbeing are also considerable. Whether you are a committed swimmer or you prefer to relax in the water, owning a plunge pool in your backyard gives you the motivation you need to exercise every day and spend more time out of doors. It is also ideal for kids, as the small size of a plunge pool makes it easy for you to supervise them at all times in the water.

Your backyard will be transformed into your own personal oasis by installing a plunge pool. It looks great from every angle, inside and outside the home, giving you a beautiful view to enjoy looking out on every day, and a special leisure facility which you can use whenever and as often as you choose.

Want to know more about plunge pools?

If you are considering a plunge pool for your own property, and you are based in Narellan or the South Sydney suburbs, Local Pools & Spas are happy to help you. We offer top-quality fibreglass plunge pools from Compass Pools, which come in two different designs and a variety of sizes to suit your needs.

They are also available with all the latest features exclusive to Compass Pools, including the Vantage self-cleaning system for the ultimate convenience.

If you would like to know more about plunge pools, please contact our team, and we will be happy to discuss your requirements with you.