Plunge pools are smaller and shallower than traditional swimming pools, but they offer some great benefits. If you have limited space, a small backyard plunge pool is the perfect choice.
You can have an above ground plunge pool or an inground plunge pool, which one you choose will depend on your backyard and landscaping plan.
If you want somewhere to take a dip after a hot day or cool off after hitting the gym - without sacrificing too much space, money or time - a plunge pool is a great choice.
What is a plunge pool?
A plunge pool is a small swimming pool that is better suited for quick dips and plunges rather than full laps (unless you have a swim jet - more about that below). They usually have a constant depth - meaning there is no shallow or deep end, this makes them perfect for playing swimming games like tag or water polo with the family. A DIY plunge pool can be made from concrete, fibreglass, or vinyl liner.
What are plunge pools useful for?
Exercise and relaxation
Although you can’t do laps in a plunge pool, they are great for low-impact workouts and relaxation. Plunge pools are also ideal for aqua yoga and water aerobics. Or, if you’re not in the mood for exercise, simply float and soak in the water! When you use mineral salts in the water, you will get all the added benefits of magnesium which is known for its therapeutic properties, and swimming in a magnesium-enriched pool can promote relaxation and alleviate stress.
Areas with limited space
A plunge pool is perfect if you have limited outdoor space or a small backyard. Since they take up less space than conventional pools, you can enjoy the benefits of a pool without sacrificing precious space. They are also less expensive to set up, maintain, clean, and heat.
Adding style to your home
Plunge pools are a great addition to your backyard and add value to your home. They are highly customisable and can be adjusted to suit any style of home or yard.
“It’s really simple to customise the design, lighting, and features of a DIY plunge pool so that it matches your home. Doing this won’t just give you a better-looking pool - it will also increase the value of your property”.
Colm
Swimming Pool Kits Direct
How much is a plunge pool?
If you’re on a tight budget, looking at the cost of a classic in-ground pool will probably give you a sinking feeling. Thankfully, plunge pools are a fantastic low-cost option.
| Plunge pools are cheaper than regular sized swimming pools. Especially if you buy a DIY fibreglass plunge pool. An inground plunge pool kit costs between $12,500 and $16,000 (plus installation, which usually costs around $10,000-$15,000). This is much cheaper than the cost of having a concrete plunge pool installed, and quicker! |
The exact cost of a plunge pool depends on the size, shape, material, and extra features. You’ll find price estimates for plunge pools (and how they compare to other types of pools) in the table below - please note, some of these prices are for DIY plunge pool kits and do not include installation.
If you want more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a customised quote! An above ground plunge pool does cost more due to the extra support required in the shell but this cost is offset by the decreased excavation costs.
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What sizes do plunge pools come in?
Our fibreglass plunge pools come in three sizes - the 4m Cleopatra (4.4m*2.28m), 5m Ambassador (5.9m*2.28m) and 5m Nova (5.2m*3m). All three sizes are great for small backyards and come with step entry.
What extra features do plunge pools come with?
Having a smaller pool doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort and extra features. At Swimming Pool Kits Direct, we offer a great selection of pool heaters from just $3122.
Pool heaters are ideal if you want to get good use of your pool during the winter months. Since plunge pools are smaller than conventional ones, they are less expensive to heat, making them an attractive year-round option! You can also get spa jets and LED lighting systems installed if you’re looking for an extra element of luxury.
One of our favourite additional features for plunge pools is a swim jet. These jets provide a resistance current, which you can swim against to mimic doing laps in a lap pool! They are perfect for anyone who wants to do laps and keep fit but doesn’t have the space for a large pool.
What does a plunge pool kit include?
Our plunge pool kits come with everything you need to install your pool - including the pool shell, any additional features that you have requested, mineral salts and chemicals (no trips to the pool shop required!). We also include engineering drawings to make installation quick, intuitive and as easy as possible.
What is the cheapest type of pool?
Small above-ground pools are typically the cheapest pools you can own, but bear in mind that they will not add value to your home like an inground plunge pool will. When it comes to inground pools, DIY fibreglass plunge pools are the most cost-effective option, with a starting price tag of just $12,500. This is because plunge pools are smaller and shallower than traditional pools. Plus, fibreglass pools are easy to install and maintain, and can be set up in just a few weeks (unlike concrete pools, which are high-maintenance and can take up to 6 months to install!).
Can you put a plunge pool inground?
A plunge pool can be installed both inground and above ground. Above-ground pools are typically cheaper than inground, but they are not as long-lasting. Of all inground pools, plunge pools are the cheapest to set up. Our DIY fibreglass inground options can be installed in a span of days, and are built to last for years to come.
Factors that impact the cost of plunge pool
When it comes to figuring out how much a plunge pool costs, here are the factors you should keep in mind:
- The size of your backyard
- The type of installation - inground or above ground
- The material of the pool - concrete or fibreglass
- The type of pool
- Extra features (like water features, lights, pumps, pool covers)
What is the running cost of a plunge pool?
The running cost of a plunge pool depends on:
- The amount of water
- The size of the pool
- Weather conditions
- Heating
- Duration and frequency of use
- Efficiency of the equipment.
Based on these factors, a pool can cost anywhere from $800 to $2000 per year to maintain.
What to consider when comparing quotes for DIY plunge pools
When comparing quotes for your plunge pool, look into whether the pool is concrete or fibreglass, and also check the quality of the equipment included in the package (for a long-lasting pool, you need high-quality filtration equipment). You should also consider whether the pool comes with the mineral salts you need for the initial start-up. Additionally, look into whether the seller offers any add-ons or extra services like pumps or pool heaters. And last but not least, look into the warranty! A good manufacturer will always provide a long warranty for their products. If you’re interested in how much pools cost in general, read this article.
The bottom line - are plunge pools worth it?
A plunge pool is a great idea if you’re considering a small, budget-friendly oasis to cool off in the comfort of your home. With proper planning and maintenance, a plunge pool can be a great investment for your home and family. Plunge pools are kid-friendly, they don’t take up much room, they don’t cost much to run, they are compatible with all sorts of extra features, and overall they are the best way to have a pool without sacrificing too much space. Plus, if you get a good pool heater, you can use the pool all year round!
If you’re considering adding a plunge pool to your backyard - or just want to test the waters and ask us some questions about installing one in your yard - our experts are here to help! 
