Plunge pools are now incredibly popular in backyards all across Australia. They offer all the benefits of owning a swimming pool, in a compact little package which looks great and fits into practically any backyard, no matter the size or shape. So if you are considering purchasing a swimming pool, you should take a look at plunge pools to see if this is an option which could suit you.
Here we help you out by providing the lowdown on plunge pools – what they are, what they cost, how they are installed, and what the many benefits can be for you and your family.
Introducing the plunge pool concept
So, what is a plunge pool? It is basically a very small swimming pool, usually no more than six metres in length and two or three metres in width. Depths vary greatly; many plunge pools are relatively shallow, but some pool companies choose to make their plunge pools deeper, so you can get as much benefit as possible from your small pool.
Plunge pools are designed with relaxation in mind, so they tend to be extremely comfortable spaces with large seating areas and plenty of safety features. They are not ideal for serious swimmers, but they are perfect for those who want the ability to relax in the water in their own backyard, giving you a comfortable and compact private pool to sink into at the end of a busy day, or plunge into to cool off when the weather is hot.
Plunge pools may be small, but they can be incredibly versatile, thanks to the range of features which are available for them. If you want the ultimate relaxing experience, you can install spa jets, which give you all the benefits of hydrotherapy treatments in your own backyard. These jets are ideal for relieving stress and anxiety, promoting healthy sleep, and easing the pain caused by muscular injuries or painful conditions such as arthritis.
Alternatively, if you do not have space for a larger pool but you still want to work on your fitness, you can choose swim jets, which add resistance to the water, so you can swim the equivalent of a long distance within a small space. This gives you the intensive workout you need, improving overall health, fitness and muscle tone, and giving you a better quality of life.
Some plunge pools are even available with self-cleaning options, such as the Vantage self-cleaning system from Compass Pools, which circulates the water in an innovative way so every area of your plunge pool is cleaned and treated. This leaves you with much more free time to enjoy your pool as it required very little maintenance.
The options now available for Australian plunge pools are vast and varied, so you can basically design your ideal plunge pool by including the features which appeal most to you.
Why choose a plunge pool?
Plunge pools are ideal swimming pool options for many homeowners, for a variety of reasons:
1. They enable you to have a pool in a small backyard
Newer homes in Australia tend to come with smaller backyards, especially in the major cities and the highly populated areas surrounding them. Many residents of these areas want to enjoy all the benefits of a backyard swimming pool, but feel they lack the space to install one. Plunge pools mean that this no longer has to be the case
Plunge pool sizes are small enough that they can fit into practically any backyard, no matter the lack of space. Even if your backyard is an awkward shape, a small plunge pool can fit into it nicely, increasing the functionality of your property and giving you all the benefits of owning a private pool.
2. They increase the design appeal and value of your property
For your property to achieve maximum value, it has to look as attractive as possible. A plunge pool makes a beautiful addition to even a very small backyard, creating a focal point around which you can design the rest of your landscaping. It gives you a view that you will never tire of looking out on, and adds a touch of luxury to your backyard.
The possibilities when it comes to plunge pool ideas are basically endless. You can customise them to suit your own tastes and personality by adding lighting and water features, and with a wide range of plunge pool designs now available, you can create a unified look which ties in your pool with the rest of your backyard and the style of your home. This makes your property look as if more thought and care have been given to it, so prospective buyers will be prepared to offer a higher price due to the visual appeal.
3. They are kinder to the environment than larger pools
These days we are all more concerned about the effect we are having on the planet. We want to preserve the natural environment and we are changing our habits accordingly. A plunge pool helps you to make a difference, as it is much more environmentally friendly than a larger swimming pool. For a start, it uses less water, so it is more sustainable. It also requires fewer chemicals to clean it, because of its smaller size, helping to create a cleaner and safer environment.
In addition, plunge pools use less energy, as their pumps do not need to be so powerful, and they require less energy to heat. This lowers your carbon footprint and reduces your energy bills.
4. They are safe for children
If you have children, you need to know they will be safe in the pool at all times, especially when they are very young or if they are not strong swimmers. A plunge pool can be ideal for families, as plunge pools tend to contain large seating areas and plenty of safety features, so the kids can get used to the water gradually, knowing they always have a safe place to rest whenever they get tired.
The small size of plunge pools also makes it much easier for you to supervise the kids when they are in the pool, as there are no hidden corners or areas which are hard to see.
5. They are good for your health
Whether or not you are a keen swimmer, spending time in the water is good for your health. Even from the point of view of relaxation, reducing stress and lowering your blood pressure, a plunge pool offers a wide variety of benefits for your mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Plunge pools do not contain a large amount of swimming space, but there is still enough room for you to swim, which is a great form of exercise. Having access to your own plunge pool at all times will encourage you to get outdoors more often and spend more time in the water, improving your health and overall wellbeing.
Plunge pool costs
As there are such a variety of plunge pool design and installation options, it is difficult to give an accurate cost estimate, because each pool is different. However, the cost will depend on the type of pool you choose and the way you want it installed.
Plunge pools are usually made of either concrete or fibreglass, both of which are extremely strong materials, giving you a pool which is built to last. However, concrete plunge pools tend to be more expensive as they are custom-built on your property to your specification. Fibreglass plunge pools are prefabricated, so once you choose the pool shell you want, it is then delivered complete to your property, making the installation process quicker.
Inground plunge pools tend to be preferred by many homeowners, because they tend to look more attractive. They are built into the ground, creating a more streamlined look. However, due to the amount of work involved, inground plunge pools are more expensive than above ground plunge pools, which sit on top of the ground and require very little installation work.
You can purchase a cheap above ground plunge pool for between $2,000 and $7,000. If you would prefer an inground plunge pool, good quality models tend to start at around $25,000 for the smallest plunge pool sizes, rising to as much as $35,000 – $50,000 for a larger high-quality fibreglass plunge pool professionally installed.
It is inadvisable to be tempted by the DIY plunge pools on offer. These are much cheaper, but they are usually made of quite flimsy materials, so they tend to need replacing regularly, and they do not provide good value for money. Pool installation is a specialist job which should always be left to the professionals, so it is advisable to spend a little more and ensure you have a plunge pool which is safe and durable as well as looking more attractive.
Find out more about plunge pools
If you are interested in plunge pools and would like to know more, please contact us. We can supply and install ceramic-core fibreglass plunge pools from Compass Pools, along with all the features exclusive to Compass, providing you with a state-of-the-art plunge pool which is perfectly suited to your needs.
