Inground Pools for Small Backyards: Can It Be Done?

Crafting a backyard oasis is a distinctly personal experience. Your vision of paradise might differ from your neighbors’, leading to vastly different landscaping elements and overall outcomes. At the center of most high-end homeowner dreams, however, is a beautiful inground pool.

If you long for relaxing afternoons spent poolside or envision joyful weekends full of frolicking kids, you’re not alone. A pool for your backyard can completely transform your home and facilitate your ideal lifestyle. It is the ultimate feature that provides endless fun, gorgeous views, and uncompromising serenity.

Unfortunately, this dream can feel out of reach for homeowners with small backyards. You may question the logistics of installing a backyard pool or wonder if it is even possible. Thankfully, clever pool design and installation in the Capital Region and cities such as Saratoga Springs, Albany, and Clifton Park allow even the smallest of backyards to become home to a luxurious pool experience.

Jump To:

The Challenges of Small Backyard Pools
Small Pools for Small Yards
Mini Inground Pool Design
The Biggest Questions About Small Inground Pools
Build Your Dream Pool with a Local Expert

Can I Put a Pool in My Backyard?

If you dream of having a backyard pool but are concerned about the lack of space available on your property, we have good news: even small yards can accommodate a pool.

Chatting with Gallivan designer Richard Disharoon the other day, he mentioned that, sure, small backyards can be a challenge, but it’s all about how you look at it.

“Small backyards typically lead to a fantastic opportunity for creative design,” he told me. “We have extensive experience turning postage stamp yards into dream spaces with pools/fire features and kitchens. Any space can be extremely functional and highly aesthetically appealing. I typically get excited to work on these types of projects.”

So, before you give up hope on ever achieving your idyllic outdoor oasis, check out the following guide. With the right resources and a talented team in your corner, you may be able to transform your backyard more easily than you thought!

The Challenges of Small Backyard Pools

While nearly every backyard can accommodate a mini inground pool, there’s no question that a small backyard presents more challenges than a spacious property. Being aware of these unique challenges and learning how to address them properly is key to not only transforming your Capital Region home but also helping the project move forward as smoothly as possible.

Space Limitations

The first and most obvious challenge facing small pools for small yards is space. The backyard area you have is a huge limiting factor that determines the size and type of pool you select, the construction process, and even the cost. It also accentuates any other site-specific challenges, such as drainage or soil issues.

Space limitations may force you to compromise, cause construction to be more complex (and expensive), and even lead to more infrastructure demands (such as retaining walls). Understanding the potential consequences of space restrictions can help you set reasonable expectations and guide your decision-making throughout the pool design and installation process.

Design Restraints

A primary consideration when attempting to outfit a small backyard with a pool is the design constraints imposed by limited space. The selection of small pools available to you might be limited, leaving you to choose from a handful of options or opt for a custom design.

Remember, the pool itself is not the only thing that requires planning. You also have to account for utilities, filtration systems, adequate area to lounge, safety fencing, and so forth. By the time you add these and other elements to the discussion, you are left with even more design restraints than you may have initially imagined.

Lifestyle Factors

The vision you have for your backyard pool undoubtedly includes elements specific to your lifestyle. Whether it’s a gathering place for the neighborhood kids, the focal point of your backyard barbecues, or an oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle of life, the experience you desire shapes the view you have of your future pool.

Small pools for small yards can limit those lifestyle factors from coming to fruition. If not thoughtfully designed, they can feel claustrophobic, cramped, and nonfunctional. From making it impossible to use your favorite lounge chair to severely limiting swimming and play, the lifestyle constraints of small inground pools are one of the biggest challenges to overcome.

Small Pools for Small Yards

If you have your heart set on a mini inground pool, don’t be discouraged by the challenges that accompany your limited backyard space. Working with an experienced professional who specializes in pool design and installation in the Capital Region and cities such as Saratoga Springs, Albany, and Clifton Park can bring your dream to life, even with obstacles.

Among the various pool solutions for small backyards are small pools, plunge pools, lap pools, spas, and hot tubs. Each has its advantages, and your space and preferences will play a major role in determining which is right for you and your home.

Mini Inground Pools

For homeowners who crave a traditional pool experience, mini inground pools are the perfect small backyard solution. There are several pre-manufactured options available that are designed to fit smaller spaces, giving homeowners some flexibility even with size limitations in place.

Custom pools are also a great option for those with small backyards, as they can be designed to not only fit your limited space but also complement your unique property and fulfill the specific design and lifestyle preferences you have.

Plunge Pools and Lap Pools

Sometimes, a more traditional backyard pool is simply out of the question. In these situations, homeowners can opt for alternatives like plunge pools and lap pools, both of which have some unique advantages that make them great options for limited space.

Plunge pools maximize your minimal backyard space by offering depth in a small footprint. Despite their dimensions, they are deep enough to allow you to float, exercise, and otherwise enjoy many of the benefits of a larger pool.

Lap pools tend to be long and skinny, giving you the ability to swim laps. Like plunge pools, they seldom incorporate a shallow end, instead opting for a consistent depth that facilitates fitness and efficient use of space.

Hot Tubs and Spas

If you want to prioritize relaxation and therapeutic backyard experiences, opting for a hot tub or spa is a phenomenal way to maximize limited space. While many people think of aboveground hot tubs, you can create a streamlined inground oasis by working with a professional pool designer and installer.

Hot tubs and spas can vary dramatically in size and shape, giving you the flexibility needed to outfit your backyard as you desire. You can even choose a swim spa, which combines the benefits of a hot tub with the functionality of a small pool.

Mini Inground Pool Design

Due to the challenges of small backyards, the design phase of your mini inground pool project is of the utmost importance. Not only does the pool need to physically fit into the space, but it also needs to be functional, facilitate your use cases, complement your landscaping, and elevate your backyard aesthetic and experience.

For this reason, many small pools for small yards are custom-designed. While there are some pre-made options that may fit your space, opting for a custom design ensures that you experience all the benefits of the perfect pool specifically designed for you and your home.

Design a Custom Pool for Your Backyard

Layout concerns are among the most common hurdles associated with installing a pool in a small backyard. Sometimes, a standard rectangular pool or pre-made spa won’t fit the space correctly, and if it does, it may detract from the overall backyard appearance and functionality.

Custom pools maximize the functionality of your home while improving its visual appeal. From complementing the natural contours of your property to accommodating your outdoor kitchen, working with a professional pool design team ensures that the final result is as beautiful as it is usable.

Use Visualization Tools to Perfect Your Design

As you proceed through the pool design and installation process, it can be difficult to clearly visualize what the outcome will look like. Even with assurances from professionals, confirming the concept and having an accurate picture of the end result helps build confidence and peace of mind during this serious decision-making process.

Thankfully, modern visualization tools can give you an interactive 3D rendering of your project before you even break ground. This allows you to make adjustments, have meaningful conversations with the design team, and proceed with confidence in the plan.

The Biggest Questions About Small Inground Pools

Can I put a pool in my backyard?

Yes, almost always! While there may be certain barriers to installing a small pool, such as local zoning laws, the size of your yard rarely prevents you from installing a pool.

What’s the smallest pool I can install?

Outside of hot tubs and spas, plunge pools tend to be the smallest mini inground pools available. They can measure as little as 8 to 12 feet per side.

Do small pools have limited features?

Not necessarily. Many small inground pools can enjoy features seen on larger pools, including tanning ledges, waterfalls, bubbles, lighting, and more.

How long does a small pool project typically take?

The timeline for building a small pool is similar to that of a standard pool, typically between a few weeks and a few months, depending on a variety of factors. Considerations that influence your pool installation timeline include: weather, building permits, builder availability, and the complexity of the pool and its features.

Will a small pool increase my home’s value?

Inground pools increase your home’s value, making them an excellent addition to small backyards.

Build Your Dream Pool with a Local Expert

Even homeowners in the Capital Region with small backyards can enjoy the benefits of a pool. To ensure that your pool design works for your space and specific needs, it is best to work with a local professional who has the experience and expertise to guide you through the process and maximize the long-term enjoyment you receive.

At Gallivan, we have decades of experience and an excellent design team that will work with you to perfect your plan for a backyard paradise. Whether you have ample space or a mini-sized backyard, we can help you create the oasis you’ve always dreamed of. Fill out our consultation form today to discuss your vision and start your small pool project!