Plunge Pool Design Ideas

Plunge pools can be a great, relaxing addition to your backyard environment. They are small but come in so many creative design concepts. Below are some of my favorites. Looking for more basic information about plunge pools? Check out my intro to plunge pools.

Cool Plunge Pool Designs

Plunge pools are usually built to fit your home’s aesthetic and landscaping. They can be accessorized with features such as waterfalls or jets to create the desired image.

This frothing plunge pool with a waterfall fits perfectly into the background of a beachside or open landscape:

This plunge pool would go great with Spanish architecture:

This pool is very similar to a miniature of the classic backyard swimming pool, which makes it perfect for someone who likes that aesthetic but doesn’t have space:

If your pool landscaping is more Oriental or Asian in theme, this plunge pool with sharp, cool edges might be the perfect complement:

This plunge pool is located on an upper story. It makes the perfect addition to homes with only an upstairs deck or patio for outdoor access:

Additional Features for Your Plunge Pool

Plunge pools can be heated just like larger swimming pools. A heater can take the chill off a pool that would otherwise be unbearably cold or be used to warm the water temperature to something comfortable to lounge around in. Unless the pool is designed to be a spa as well, however, it will generally remain a cool body of water.

Some plunge pools have hot tubs attached to them, allowing you to go back and forth from hot to cool water. This is a popular Asian practice that is used by athletes and supposedly improves mood. It is also possible to have jets installed in your plunge pool, either for the aesthetic value of a churning water surface or to act as massagers.

Waterfalls are popular attachments to plunge pools. Some are merely decorative, while others can be played in by children or sat under by adults. Most plunge pools are too small for other play equipment, such as waterslides or fountains, but a few of the larger designs can accommodate these.

Sometimes referred to as a ‘spool,’ there are plunge pools that do double-duty as spas. These pools can be maintained at normal swimming temperature some of the time and turned into hot tubs at other times. Many of these also feature strong jets for lap swimming, although not all do.

Plunge Pool Covers

Because plunge pools are usually such an important part of the aesthetic of a home or yard, it is equally important that the cover be attractive as well. Luckily, there are several inventive options out there for covering up your plunge pool when it is not in use:

This attractive rolling cover provides a wooden decking appearance when the pool is covered up:

This raised wooden deck is actually the automatic cover for a small plunge pool in the backyard:

This sleek, rolling safety cover is practical but still blends nicely into the colors of the yard:

This automatic cover slides into place and fits perfectly with the surrounding color scheme:

Just like covers for larger pools, covers for plunge pools come in a variety of types as well as appearances. Safety covers protect children and pets from accidentally falling into the water, and automatic covers offer a quick, push-button option for closing the pool when it is not needed. Covers for plunge pools serve much the same function as larger pools: to keep out wildlife, dirt, debris, children, and pets. I can also make any cover lockable!

Have Other Ideas?

Do you have other ideas for creative plunge pool designs? Let me know, and I will add them! Make sure to scroll through my favorite ideas for other pool designs as well.