Ditch Traditional Pools: The Compact Style That Saves Yard Space

Many folks dream of relaxing by the pool with a drink in hand on a warm, sunny summer day. When you've got limited outdoor space, that dream can feel out of reach. While a small backyard or patio space presents undeniable challenges, adding a pool to your entertainment area isn't necessarily impossible. Some homeowners are skipping the traditional pool for a compact alternative: the cocktail pool.

Also known as plunge pools or spools (though they each have slightly different features), cocktail pools are small, shallow swimming pools typically less than 240 square feet. They are, on average, 3 to 5 feet deep. If you're considering designing the perfect pool for your backyard, love to entertain, and don't have a lot of space, a cocktail pool could be the right choice. It's also a good option for those who prefer a refreshing cold-to-tepid plunge rather than the heat and jets of a hot tub.

Cocktail pools are designed more for entertaining or quick cooling dips than for fitness. If you want to swim laps, a cocktail pool may not be the best option. However, if you want to add a leisure-enhancing feature to your outdoor dining or seating area where guests can drink, relax, and cool off, a cocktail pool is an attractive option. So, how much does it cost to install a cocktail pool? It's definitely an investment. Depending on the style and features, you could expect to pay around $20,000 on the lower end.

While a cocktail pool allows homeowners with small backyards to enjoy some of the benefits of a swimming pool, the feature isn't without drawbacks, mainly due to its smaller size. Unlike a traditional pool, cocktail pools aren't suitable for swimming or diving, and in most cases, they're unsafe for water slides. But what the cocktail pool lacks in recreational activities, it makes up for in socializing and aesthetics. They're meant for lounging or taking a quick dip to cool off — think a hotel spa or a private pool suite at a resort.

Most cocktail pools are shallow, with built-in seating, tanning ledges, jets, and water-safe LED lighting for nighttime use. Due to the smaller footprint, you can also likely afford premium finishes, like decorative tile that makes your small pool look like a resort pool. The small size also means less water usage, fewer chemicals, and lower maintenance to keep the pool looking and functioning properly. Of course, the main draw of these diminutive pools remains the same: they let you maximize outdoor space in a small backyard. With a cocktail pool, you really can have it all — a patio with outdoor seating and a BBQ, a garden, and a water feature you can actually use instead of just looking at.