Written by: Carl Trinkle
8 min read
Summer in the Capital Region of New York is magical. It’s a time of outdoor recreation, friendly gatherings, and memory-making. For homeowners in Upstate NY, many of these activities center around the backyard, where fun and relaxation thrive.
An inground pool is often the focal point of a beautiful, functional backyard in Upstate NY, serving as an attractive landscaping feature and versatile lifestyle piece. For those looking to upgrade their home with an inground pool, the potential can feel endless, with one primary question driving the conversation: what size and type of pool should you choose?
Small backyard plunge pools are growing in popularity, and for good reason. While the debate over plunge pools vs. swimming pools can be intense, there are many plunge pool benefits that make them compelling options. Read on to learn more about inground plunge pools and why one might be perfect for your Capital Region property.
Jump To:
Plunge Pools vs. Traditional Pools
Plunge Pool Benefits: Why You Should Choose an Inground Plunge Pool
The Lifestyle Impact of Plunge Pools
Cost Considerations and Maintenance Demands
Small Backyard Plunge Pools: Low on Space, Big on Benefits
How to Decide Between a Plunge Pool and a Full-Sized Pool
Inground Plunge Pool FAQs
Creating Your Dream Backyard with a Professionally-Installed Plunge Pool
What is a Plunge Pool?
Before we dive into the benefits of small pool sizes, it’s important to answer one basic question: what is a plunge pool? Simply put, an inground plunge pool is a compact swimming pool that is designed more for relaxation than it is for recreation or swimming laps.
This small size makes it ideal for homes with limited space, as well as homeowners who do not need a larger, more versatile pool. Budget can also be a factor in the plunge pool vs. swimming pool debate, with small pool sizes holding the advantage in both upfront cost and long-term maintenance.
Plunge Pools vs. Traditional Pools
Because traditional pools and plunge pools share a tremendous amount of overlap, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the difference between the two. Construction methods are often similar, depth can be identical, and the ways in which you use the pool can be the same.
So, what differentiates a small backyard plunge pool from a traditional pool?
The distinction is typically the overall dimensions of the pool. A plunge pool can be up to 20 feet in length, with most varieties checking in much smaller than that. Some plunge pools are as minuscule as eight feet long. Traditional pools, on the other hand, start at 20 feet and expand from there.
Also, setting inground plunge pools apart from their larger counterparts is a design intention. Plunge pools are not intended for swimming laps or hosting children’s pool parties; instead, they are intended to be compact and relaxing for more stationary moments.
Because of their reduced size and specific usage, they also tend to be more simplistic. Traditional pools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, often with numerous features that make them unique or specially-suited for your lifestyle. While plunge pools can be customized to your liking, they are more often rectangular, with an emphasis on space efficiency.
Plunge Pool Benefits: Why You Should Choose an Inground Plunge Pool
If you are considering adding a pool to your Upstate NY home, there’s a good chance that you already have a list of benefits in mind. Whether it’s staying in shape, creating a backyard oasis, or giving your kids the childhood of their dreams, your reasons for installing a pool provide a snapshot of the priorities informing your decision.
When it comes to the specific type of pool you choose, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Taking into consideration the many benefits of plunge pools demonstrates just how compelling an option they are for the right Capital Region homeowner.
The Lifestyle Impact of Plunge Pools
While not designed for swimming laps, plunge pools can serve as a valuable addition to your lifestyle. From health and wellness to indulgent summer afternoons, a small backyard plunge pool is a versatile upgrade to any Capital Region property.
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Expedite muscular recovery
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Boost your energy levels with a quick dip
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Improve your mood by relaxing poolside with a drink
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Enhance your exercise routine with low-impact workouts
In other words, compact design does not mean limited functionality. Even a small inground plunge pool can provide practically endless opportunities for health, fitness, relaxation, family fun, and more.
Cost Considerations and Maintenance Demands
The plunge pool vs swimming pool debate is sometimes decided by your budget, and there is no doubt that plunge pools are the more cost-effective option. While the upfront cost comparison is often viewed as the primary difference between the two pools, the long-term savings are what make plunge pools truly compelling.
Yes, plunge pools are more affordable to install than their traditional counterparts. This is primarily because they are smaller, but it can also reflect the complexity, such as curves or unusual shapes, that some larger pools include. However, that is not the only way that opting for a plunge pool will save you money.
Plunge pools also require far less maintenance, allowing you to save money on necessary chemicals, use less water, and reduce the amount of time, labor, and materials needed for more intense maintenance demands and repairs. This is especially impactful in Upstate NY, where the climate can play a significant role in seasonal pool maintenance.
Small Backyard Plunge Pools: Low on Space, Big on Benefits
Not every home in the Capital Region has an expansive backyard to facilitate a large swimming pool. For homeowners with limited room who still want to maximize their outdoor living spaces, plunge pools are the perfect solution.
Even if you do have enough area to install a larger pool, your lifestyle and priorities might lead you to choose a plunge pool over a swimming pool. Opting for a compact pool that provides you with a refreshing backyard oasis without consuming the entirety of your space is a logical choice for those with interests that lie beyond the boundaries of the pool.
Small pool sizes do not mean reduced fun and versatility. Plunge pool sizes may be compact, but they still allow you to enjoy nearly all of the benefits of a larger pool with a fraction of the footprint and expense.
How to Decide Between a Plunge Pool and a Full-Sized Pool
While some Upstate NY properties are simply too small for a full-sized swimming pool (making a plunge pool the only legitimate option), many homeowners will be faced with a choice between two great inground pools. If you find yourself in that position, there are a few things to consider that may help inform your decision.
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Space. Even if you technically have room for a traditional swimming pool, you may want to preserve some of your backyard space for other interests and landscaping features. Plunge pools allow you to do just that, giving you a wonderful addition to your property without overwhelming and dominating the space.
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Personal preferences and lifestyle. If you enjoy hosting large gatherings, intend to swim laps in your pool, or want to give your kids (or grandkids) ample room to play, a traditional pool is likely the better option. You may prefer a plunge pool if you simply want to relax, cool off, and do some light activity in the water.
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Budget. Plunge pools are almost always less expensive, both initially and long-term. If you want to save money, worry less about maintenance, and focus on relaxing instead of stressing over your checkbook, a plunge pool is probably right for you.
Inground Plunge Pool FAQs
How deep is a typical plunge pool?
Plunge pools vary in depth, ranging from around four feet deep to up to eight feet deep.
Can a plunge pool be heated for year-round use in New York?
Yes, you can heat your plunge pool and use it year-round in New York. Doing so is more cost-effective and realistic with a small plunge pool than a larger traditional pool, so if year-round pool use is important to you, you may want to consider a plunge pool.
What is the average size of a small backyard plunge pool?
Plunge pool sizes can be customized to your liking and to your space. However, the average plunge pool is around 8 feet wide by eight feet long. Other popular options are eight feet wide and 16 feet long.
Are plunge pools cheaper to maintain than traditional swimming pools?
Plunge pools are less expensive to maintain than traditional swimming pools. Much of these cost savings are a direct result of the reduced surface area and water content of the pool. Less water means fewer expensive chemicals and smaller mechanical requirements.
Can a plunge pool include jets, waterfalls, and other luxury features?
Of course! While many people choose simple plunge pools, you can add a variety of features that suit your lifestyle and vision for your backyard. Plunge pools can include jets, waterfalls, LED lighting, built-in seating, year-round heating, and a myriad of other amazing features.
Creating Your Dream Backyard with a Professionally-Installed Plunge Pool
Whether you opt for an inground plunge pool or swimming pool, working with a professional is the best way to ensure that your pool exceeds your expectations and provides the backdrop to your backyard memories for years to come.
Gallivan has been providing pool design and installation in the Capital Region and cities such as Saratoga Springs, Albany, and Clifton Park for decades, and we’d love to apply our expertise to your next project. From completely custom swimming pools to small backyard plunge pools, you can rest assured that our passionate design and installation team will set you up for success.
To learn more, fill out our consultation form. We can’t wait to hear from you and help transform your backyard into a plunge pool paradise.
