A swimming pool in your backyard offers a great opportunity for leisure, relaxation and spending quality time with family and friends, as well as being an attractive design feature. But what happens if you want your own swimming pool, but do not have a lot of space in your backyard?
These days, a smaller backyard does not have to be a problem, as there are many small pools available for yards of various shapes and sizes. Here we take a look at the popularity of small pools, and look at the different swimming pool options available for smaller backyards. The type you choose should depend on the size and shape of your backyard, the condition of the ground, and the individual usage needs of you and your family, such as whether you want a pool for serious swimming or are more concerned with leisure and relaxation.
What are the different types of small pools?
If you are thinking of investing in your own swimming pool, but space in your backyard is limited, there are a number of great solutions on the market which enable you to have the backyard pool you have always wanted.
1. Small swimming pool
Many swimming pool construction companies offer smaller versions of their full-sized pool designs, to suit backyards which do not have a lot of space. These are designed and built to the exact same standards as the full-sized versions, but the length and width measurements are smaller. An average small pool has dimensions of approximately 6m x 3m, although sizes can vary greatly. Lengths can range from as little as 2.8 metres to up to 7 metres.
Small pools tend to be built into the ground of your property, just like their larger versions. If you choose a fibreglass pool, this comes as a prefabricated shell which can easily be installed in a process taking about a week from start to finish. This is a less costly option which enables you to enjoy your pool more quickly.
Concrete pools are the other most popular options for small swimming pools in Australia. These are not pre-made in a factory, but are built from scratch in your backyard. Because of this, they can be customised in practically limitless ways, enabling you to have a concrete pool designed in just about any size and shape you choose, to suit your property. However, this means the construction process is more complicated, so it is more costly. It also takes longer, so it might be a matter of weeks or even months before your pool is complete and ready to use.
A small pool offers all the features of a larger swimming pool, but with less swimming space. It is ideal for relaxation and exercise, but might not be the right choice for serious swimmers who want to concentrate on achieving serious laps.
2. Plunge pool
Plunge pools are becoming increasingly popular across Australia. These pools have a smaller surface area than a small swimming pool, but they tend to be deeper. They also offer plenty of seating so you can truly relax in the water, and enjoy a great place to cool off during the hot weather.
Relaxation tends to be the primary function of a plunge pool, as there is insufficient space for serious swimming. However, plunge pools are ideal for low-impact exercise in the water such as stretching and toning the muscles. They can also be equipped with swim jets, which provide a current, enabling you to swim on the spot by pushing against the resistance of the water. This means you can still enjoy the benefits of cardio.
Additionally, some plunge pools are fitted with spa jets, so you can enjoy hydrotherapy treatments as you would in a spa. This is ideal for helping muscular injuries to recover more quickly, as well as easing pain and helping to combat stress and anxiety.
Like small swimming pools, plunge pools are usually installed in-ground. The construction process is the same, but as plunge pools are smaller, they are cheaper to build, easier to maintain and more cost effective to run, as they require a lot less water. Their smaller size means that they also need less chemicals and heating, so they are a kinder choice for the environment. However, having a plunge pool installed is still a major construction project on your property, and can take time to complete.
3. Above-ground small pools
Above-ground small pools are a highly convenient option for people with smaller backyards. Above-ground pools sit on the ground rather than having to be sunk into the yard, so there is a lot less excavation work involved. This has a number of advantages:
- It is more cost effective as the pools are cheaper to buy, and only minimal construction work is required. They can be easily added to your site e.g. during the home renovation or repair project.
- Your pool arrives practically ready to go. It simply needs to be plumbed and wired in by professionals, then it is ready to fill with water and use.
- If you move house at any point in the future, an above-ground pool can sometimes be taken with you, depending on the model of pool and the way it has been installed.
- As an above-ground pool can be ready to use in a matter of hours, there are no contractors on your property for days or weeks, so it is a far less disruptive option which also creates less noise and mess.
An above -ground pool can be an ideal option for those who are unsure whether to invest a large amount in having a swimming pool built into their backyard. It offers you flexibility and freedom, has plenty of space for swimming, and comes with a much lower price tag than a plunge pool or a smaller version of a regular pool.
This is where the Little Pools concept fits into the market of small pools, as an above-ground, easy and convenient solution suitable for people who do not have a lot of space in their backyards and want a pool which is quick to install and easy to maintain.
What are the various types of above-ground small pools?
A number of swimming pool construction companies in Australia are now concentrating solely on small above-ground swimming pools, as there is a growing market for them due to the convenience they offer. Many home owners are looking for a swimming pool solution which is cheaper to buy, easier to maintain, and has lower running costs. They may also be looking for a pool that they can take with them should they choose to move house at some stage in the future.
There are three main types of small pools available which can be installed above-ground.
1. Vinyl-liner pools
These are the least expensive of all swimming pool solutions. They come as complete kits, with a pre-fabricated pool shell usually made of durable resin and steel, but they require a pool liner made of vinyl.
Companies such as Clark Rubber Pools offer a variety of sizes of above-ground, vinyl-liner pools, some of which can also be installed in-ground if that is your preference. These pools are inexpensive to buy, and they are sold as ready-to-go solutions. However, they do still require some installation work, as the ground has to be 100 percent level for the pool to comply with Australian standards.
The main problem with vinyl-liner pools is that the liners are not as durable as fibreglass or concrete pool interiors. A vinyl liner can be damaged with regular use, and is likely to need repairing during its lifetime, so the maintenance can cost more than you think. The liner is also likely to need replacing altogether at least every 5- 10 years, so this is a cost you should factor into your budget.
2. Shipping container pools
Shipping containers are now being put to all kinds of uses, and several companies are now turning them into above-ground swimming pools. Shipping containers are long and narrow, so they are an ideal shape if you want to swim laps, and they can provide a durable pool exterior with a fibreglass insert making up the interior of the pool.
These are more expensive than vinyl-liner pools, as they are much more durable. However, they can be difficult to transport, so the cost of delivery and installation is not usually included in the price of the pool.
Additionally, the shape of a shipping container is a little restrictive, as they come only in a narrow rectangular shape, which will not suit all backyards.
3. Little Pools
The Little Pool Co aims to provide a complete service for people who want an above-ground swimming pool, but do not have a large amount of space in their backyard. These pools are designed to be easy to install and maintain, and are a cost-effective solution compared to an in-ground swimming pool. However, thanks to the technology used to create Little Pools, they offer a cost-effective solution which does not compromise on quality.
Little Pools use the same technology as full-sized fibreglass composite swimming pools, so the quality of the product is guaranteed. They are designed to be strong and durable, so they will cope with all Australian weather conditions and last for many years. They also maintain their appearance, as the gelcoat surface protects the pool’s interior from sun and chemical damage, keeping your pool looking fresh and in great condition for a long time to come.
Additionally, Little Pools come in a choice of two different shapes, so you can choose a style that complements the shape of your backyard and provides an attractive design feature.
Find out more about Little Pools
If you would like more information about the Little Pools concept, or are looking to buy a Little Pool of your own, please contact us. Our specialist team will be happy to answer all your questions and give you the information you need.
