We may be in the depth of winter but now is the time to start planning your DIY plunge pool. A plunge pool kit is the perfect option for an affordable pool.
Summer pools are made in winter - yep that's true! By the time the temperatures soar and you think about how nice it would be to jump in the pool to cool off, it's already too late to get your pool in before the summer’s gone. So now is the time to start planning for the perfect plunge pool to create your own backyard resort.
Plunge pools have become one of the best selling pools in the world. Their compact nature has led them to be increasingly popular for both couples and families. Backyards have become smaller over the years and a plunge pool offers the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day whilst not taking up too much of the backyard.
In this article, we'll walk you through the essential considerations and step-by-step process of selecting the ideal DIY plunge pool kit to suit your space and needs. From assessing your available area to understanding the various plunge pool sizes and features available, by the end of this you’ll have all your questions answered.
As with all projects, planning is key. Each backyard is different and you need to take the time to think about what will work best for your backyard.
It's essential to carefully examine your outdoor area and understand its unique characteristics. Aspect is vital for a pool so take a look at your backyard at different times of the day to determine the best site for the pool. In Queensland it may be better to have the pool in a shadier spot due to the intensity of the heat. However, in Victoria it may be more suitable to have the pool in the sun for a longer period of time. It really is up to you and the best thing to do is draw up a site plan and picture the pool and how it will look throughout the day. Use markers or lay out a temporary pool outline to visualise how the plunge pool will fit into your backyard. This can help you gauge the space it will occupy and how it integrates with the surrounding area. Asking friends and family for their advice is also a great idea, sometimes a different perspective can open your eyes to new ideas.
This is one of the biggest initial decisions in the DIY pool journey and you need to take various factors into consideration. Remember that the pool's size and shape should complement the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space. The most popular plunge pool sizes are 5m x 3m and 6m x 3m. With a plunge pool you have the choice of either a consistent depth or a plunge with a shallow and deep end. The depth of the pool depends on the length of the plunge, with a longer pool having a deeper depth. A 6m plunge pool can have a depth of up to 1.85m at the deepest end whereas a plunge with a 4m length has a depth of 1.29m.
The size plunge pool you choose will depend on the space available but also the way you want to use it. If you want children to be able to jump in then you would need to opt for a plunge pool with a greater depth. However, to play games like volleyball or chasing games, a flat bottom consistent depth pool is a great option. Another factor to consider is the cost to heat the pool. A smaller plunge pool like the Cleopatra 4.4m x 2.28m pool will be cheaper to heat and easier to maintain than a larger plunge pool. With a smaller heating bill, the pool can be used more often and you may be able to enjoy it year round!
Adding extra features to a plunge pool can make all the difference to its useability. Spa jets are a popular feature to add as they will turn your plunge pool into a Hydrotherapy spa which is ideal for relaxation. Spa jets create a soothing and therapeutic water flow, which can offer a relaxing massage effect on the body. The gentle pressure from the jets can help alleviate muscle tension, promote blood circulation, and reduce stress, making your plunge pool experience more rejuvenating.
Opting for a plunge pool doesn't mean you have to miss out on swimming laps. With a swim jet, you can swim against a current and turn your plunge pool into a full size swimming pool. These powerful jets provide the right amount of resistance to get an all over workout
Lighting is important for any pool and a plunge pool is no exception. In fact, a plunge pools lighting is more dramatic as it has a smaller space for the light to filter through. LED lighting can create a beautiful ambiance in the backyard at night and make a feature of the pool. Don’t just leave the lighting for inside the pool. Make use of solar power lights to illuminate any trees and plants around the pool to create a real wow factor in the backyard at night.
The size and shape of the plunge pool depends on the restrictions in the backyard.The placement of the pool is dependent on potential obstacles such as utility lines and underground pipes. Take a look at the house plans to assess if there are any underground pipes which will impact a pool. In some cases these pipes can be diverted, however it’s important to contact a professional to get an estimation of the costs involved. Overhead power lines are also a key consideration. The plunge pool will need to be craned into position so overhead powerlines can prove to be a challenge. However, if these obstacles are noted in the planning stage, they can be overcome so its crucial they are considered at the outset.
Another important consideration is the vegetation in the garden. Are there large trees that will be difficult for the crane? Think about overhanging trees as they will impact the maintenance of the pool, leaf litter will lead to more time cleaning the pool.
By carefully assessing your available space, understanding your needs, and exploring the options, you can choose the best plunge pool to create a backyard retreat that becomes a feature of your home. With the range of accessories available, you can have a plunge pool that will be used all year round.