Smaller and more intimate than a standard swimming pool, a plunge pool serves the same purposes as its larger counterpart.
What is a Plunge Pool?
Plunge pools are smaller swimming pools that are suitable for locations with restricted space. Plunge pools are often longer, 13–23 feet, and narrower, 7–10 feet, than a regular hot tub. Plunge pools are available in a variety of materials and configurations, including in-ground installation, above-ground use with fiberglass pools, or in-ground installation with concrete pools.
Plunge pools are ideal for hydrotherapy and low-impact exercise, as well as for wading into and cooling down in the heat. Hot tub- or swim spa-style elements, such as spa jets and heated water, are not standard in plunge pools but can be added.
When constructing a plunge pool, what steps should be taken?
- Plunge pools, whether in-ground or above-ground, are constructed in a fashion similar to that of regular swimming pools of a greater size. The labor and material costs of installing a plunge pool into the ground are far higher than those of an above-ground pool, which is why the latter is the more affordable alternative. The construction of an in-ground plunge pool is comparable to that of a more substantial swimming pool.
- Because they can be customized to fit the needs of the homeowner, concrete plunge pools have become increasingly popular. A professional concrete pool installer can take your plunge pool plans and turn them into a one-of-a-kind addition to your garden. An item of this caliber might be extremely luxurious and desirable.
- However, because the pool shells are manufactured, customization options are more limited with fiberglass plunge pools. However, there is a wide variety of plunge pool designs to choose from, allowing you to make the pool uniquely yours through the use of color, lighting, and water elements.
- Whether you go with concrete or fiberglass for your plunge pool, you can rest assured that it will last a lifetime. However, this is rarely the case with do-it-yourself plunge pool solutions, which are typically constructed from inferior materials and last only a few years before they need to be replaced. It is also important to do routine maintenance and repairs during this time. DIY plunge pools are rarely cost-effective, so it's wiser to pay a little more for a professionally-built pool.
Plunge Pools Come in 4 Diversities
Plunge pools have the trait of being compact. However, there are a few distinct types:
- The depth of a plunge pool can be as similar to that of a swimming pool or as shallow as a wading pool, making the latter ideal for resting or immobile water training.
- Second, the infinity edge is a feature unique to infinity pools, in which water flows over the edge and into a catch basin below, where it is collected and reused. This is mainly aesthetic and may be done without affecting the flow of water in your pool.
- Plunge pools are fantastic for the backyard, but their compact design also makes them suitable for indoor installation in places like a sunroom.
- The fourth type of swimming pool is the lap pool, which is a type of plunge pool in which resistance jets are inserted to create a strong current against which swimmers can exercise. Smaller swimming pools, such as lap pools, are ideal for water aerobics.
Does Plunge Pool worth it?
A plunge pool is a great addition to any room for several different reasons. Read the benefits of plunge pools below.
- One advantage of a plunge pool is that it requires less room than a standard swimming pool or a whole backyard. To create a luxurious outdoor living environment on a smaller piece of real estate, homeowners can combine a plunge pool with decking, water features, and fire pits.
- Second, a smaller pool is less likely to gather dirt and debris, so keeping it clean is less of a chore. Plunge pools are simple enough to maintain by hand; all you need is a manual vacuum or a scoop net and a simple pool cover to keep the water in.
- Because there is less ground to level and dig, the expense of installing a plunge pool is substantially lower. DIY installations for plunge pools can be far more cost-effective than hiring a professional installer like a pool builder or pool contractor.
Plunge Pool Design Factors
There are a few situations in which a plunge pool would be inappropriate:
- First, there is less room to swim and play in a plunge pool, so lap swimming and water games are out. Plunge pools are smaller; thus, they can't accommodate as many swimmers as standard pools.
- Children may be tempted to dive or jump into a small pool, which poses a safety risk. If your plunge pool isn't deep, this could be a serious risk.
- Third, less room for unique shapes along the pool's perimeter means fewer design alternatives for smaller pools.
