Not every backyard has space for a full size swimming pool, and not everyone wants one anyway. A plunge pool gives you a compact place to cool down on a hot afternoon, unwind after work, or enjoy a peaceful weekend at home.
These smaller pools can bring serious style to all kinds of yards, from tiny city spaces to spacious outdoor retreats. With designs ranging from sleek modern lines to natural stone, warm wood, and lush greenery, a plunge pool can create a relaxing backyard oasis without the size or upkeep of a traditional pool.
Small White Moroccan Courtyard Pool
Carved wood and brass bring detail to the courtyard, where a door and lantern pendant accompany the sun exposure. The arrangement sits at a corner within the courtyard and is located in the sun-exposed area.
Punched-out wall details, carved doors, patterned tile, and a banana leaf plant bring texture to the courtyard. Large leafy plants support the textured all-white scheme too, as does the instruction to add texture to an all-white scheme.
Small Rectangular Pool in a Cottage Garden
The central feature is surrounded by one element, while another frames a separate element from behind the central feature.
The pool shape provides the structure here, while the landscaping does not provide the primary structure. A yellow umbrella, mismatched potted flowers, and a soft green cushion keep the garden elements from looking perfectly matched. For a cottage or romantic style, allow wild plants to grow.
Built-In Curved Fire Pit Bench and Geometric Pool
On an angled lot, a curved built-in fire pit bench wraps around a fire pit located near the pool, just steps from it. A stacked-stone chimney feature adds height and serves as a focal point.
In an odd-shaped yard, wide stone pool steps lead into the geometric pool and resemble a beach entry. Use stepped pool edges and angled benches to improve an awkward layout.
Rectangular Pool and Bluestone Patio
Green umbrellas sit on the lawn, where they contrast with the grass and bring a cheerful mood. The stone patio coordinates with the house’s stone chimney.
Natural stone is a safe choice for the border. A simple rectangular pool design has a timeless character and suits nearly any home style, so choose a classic rectangle if you are unsure which direction to take.
Minimalist Pool and Stone Seats with Sculptural Forms
At the pool edge, three oversized stone-look poufs provide seating. They combine sculpture and seating, so patio chairs are absent.
Carved-out niches in a white wall hold candles around the pool area, which can resemble an art installation rather than a backyard chore.
Round Galvanized Metal Stock Tank Pool
A simple wood deck supports the stock tank pool, while towering bamboo surrounds it like a wall. Even a galvanized metal pool can feel non-fancy.
Metal handrails at the pool entry support easy entry and exit. Place the stock tank in a green setting for a budget-friendly pool option.
Sleek Plunge Pool by a Lakeside View
Water sits beyond the lawn, while the pool frames both the lawn and the view beyond it. Clean lines, simple styling, and dark tile give the pool its finished look.
At the pool edge, a built-in wood bench provides a spot for drying off. The pool acts as a quiet frame, so it should avoid competing with the backdrop.
Sunken Square Plunge Pool with Glass Fence
The square plunge pool is sunken into a wraparound wood deck and fenced with glass panels, which support safety while preserving the view. Multiple round white lanterns are scattered around the pool and create a soft glow at night.
Tall hedges surround the sunken pool on all sides, creating a private enclosure. Because the pool keeps sightlines open and saves visual space, sink it into the deck instead of building it up in a small backyard.
Mid-Century Pool Design with Retro Energy, a Plunge Pool, Scalloped Tile, Two Woven Acapulco Chairs, and Crisscrossed Overhead String Lights
Two woven Acapulco chairs sit in the foreground of the plunge pool. Scalloped tile edges the pool, while crisscrossed string lights hang overhead and add to the design’s retro energy.
A yellow umbrella sits near the plunge pool, standing out against the muted wood tones. For a playful backyard, use curved or patterned tile along the pool edge to soften the pool-edge design and keep the style playful over formal.
Small Farmhouse Aerial Plunge Pool
Raised garden beds, lounge chairs, and a fire pit table wrap around the small plunge pool in a neat loop. The pool anchors the backyard layout.
A floating pool ring sits in the plunge pool, with seating, fire features, and plantings following around it. Work outward from the pool when planning the backyard design.
Tiny Mediterranean Plunge Pool
Terracotta pots sit around this pool, which is set on a white rooftop terrace. A large yard isn’t required for the tiny plunge pool, and its setting is associated with Santorini style.
Woven jute mats lead to the pool steps, and a rooftop pool is worth considering when ground space is limited.
Small Corner Plunge Pool and Waterfall Wall
The sound of moving water makes the space feel calmer. Built into a wall at the pool corner, the waterfall wall features the pool and makes it the focal point of the yard.
In a tight yard, use strong color to make the small space feel intentional instead of cramped. Bright red cushions, bold flowers, and red or pink accents stand out against gray stone.
Long Narrow Green Tile Plunge Pool
Warm travertine runs alongside the long, narrow plunge pool and contrasts with the almost-black dark home exterior. Green tile fills the pool and conveys quiet richness.
Deep green and black pool tile creates a cohesive appearance with the dark home cladding. Built-in steps lead to the outdoor dining area beyond the pool, while string lights are located nearby.
Narrow Stone Courtyard Pool and Fire Bowl
A narrow pool runs along the stone courtyard, with a fire bowl sitting beside it to support warm nights. Greenery on both sides and string lights overhead contribute to the privacy, while a setting that feels hidden adds to the sense of seclusion. Place the fire feature near the water to create a vacation feel.
Deck-Level Rectangular Pool with Slatted Fence
The rectangular pool sits flush against the wood deck, with two lounge chairs nearby. Tall palms and a slatted privacy fence stand close to the pool as well, creating a hideaway feel without needing more chairs.
In the background, a cottage-style house helps give the setting a cozy atmosphere rather than a flashy one. If privacy is the priority, pair a horizontal slat fence with tropical plants.
Infinity-Style Glass-Wall Plunge Pool
At the pool side, a glass wall forms the edge of the infinity-style plunge pool and permits a view through the water. The pool appears to float above the patio, giving the design a modern and unexpected look.
Behind the pool, lush greenery and a stone garden wall reduce the cold or industrial feeling. For a contemporary home, consider a glass-edge pool for high visual impact. It is described as worth the splurge.
Covered Outdoor Kitchen and Small Curved Plunge Pool
A grill on the kitchen side supports outdoor cooking. The curved plunge pool is only a few steps from the covered outdoor kitchen, keeping cooling off close by.
A tall privacy fence along one side keeps neighbors out of view while leaving the sun open. In backyard planning, prioritize flow by placing the pool near the kitchen, which reduces walking and supports lounging.
Massive Stone Fireplace beside a Rustic Plunge Pool
Stacked stone wraps the plunge pool, which sits beside a massive stone fireplace. The fireplace anchors the backyard, and the pool and fireplace share stone material even though they have different functions, creating visual cohesion.
A small cottage-like market table pairs with white cottage-like bistro chairs. In a home with a stone exterior, match the pool surround to the house for an integrated appearance.
Hillside Plunge Pool
A sloped backyard can accommodate a plunge pool, with granite steps leading to a lounge area nearby. Natural fieldstone helps reduce the engineered appearance, while an embedded stacked stone retaining wall adds structure to the setting.
Hydrangeas sit over the stone and soften the overall appearance. Using the slope in the yard makes this hillside pool more dramatic than a pool on flat ground.
Raised Plunge Pool Waterfall
Inside the stacked stone wall, the raised plunge pool combines a hot tub, pool, and water feature. A spillway is built into the wall, sending water from one side into the pool.
A dining table sits nearby, close enough for the waterfall sound to be audible in the background. Add a stone surround to the raised pool to give it more presence.