20 Smart Options For Small Backyard Pool Ideas
Creating a small backyard pool is like having a personal oasis tucked away in your own space. You don’t need acres of land to enjoy the luxury of water relaxation.
In fact, with the right planning, design, and creativity, a small pool can maximize fun, aesthetic appeal, and even your property’s value.
Let’s dive into 20 smart options that will make your backyard pool both practical and stunning.
1. Plunge Pools
A plunge pool is the superhero of small pools—compact yet mighty. Typically 6–12 feet long, these pools are perfect for cooling off on hot days or enjoying a quick swim without needing a full lap. The beauty is in their versatility: you can install them in tight spaces, and they are often more affordable to maintain.
Plunge pools are perfect for adding a water feature like a small waterfall or fountain. Imagine sipping iced tea while the soft sound of trickling water becomes your personal spa soundtrack. They are also ideal for small families or couples who want luxury without the maintenance headache of a full-size pool.
2. Infinity Edge Pools
Yes, infinity pools are not just for sprawling estates. Miniature infinity edge pools can fit snugly into small backyards while still offering that jaw-dropping visual. The trick is using one side with a lowered edge where water flows into a hidden basin, giving the illusion of an endless horizon.
Stats show that properties with visually appealing pools can increase resale value by 7–10%, making an infinity pool a smart investment for aesthetics and market appeal. Think of it as turning your backyard into a private five-star resort.
3. Lap Pools
If you love fitness, a lap pool is your personal gym. These long, narrow pools fit into tight spaces and are designed for swimming laps. They are usually 8–12 feet wide and up to 40 feet long. For a small backyard, you can scale this down to a 6–8 foot width, enough for a solid swim workout.
A lap pool is not just for fitness fanatics—it’s also a stress reliever. Swimming has been shown to reduce cortisol levels by 20–25%, which means fewer stress wrinkles and a happier you. Installing one is a smart way to combine exercise with luxury.
4. Spa-Style Pools
Why settle for a pool when you can have a spa-style experience? These pools are typically shallow, with built-in jets for hydrotherapy. They are perfect for small backyards and are highly versatile—they can function as a pool during the day and a spa at night.
I once visited a friend who had a 12-foot spa-style pool tucked into a corner of their backyard. At night, with floating candles and soft music, it transformed the space into a serene retreat, proving that size doesn’t dictate luxury.
5. Raised Pools
Raised pools are like putting your pool on a pedestal—literally. They can be installed above ground, making them ideal for uneven terrain or areas with limited space. A raised design also allows for creative deck integration around the pool, perfect for lounging and entertaining.
One smart trick: you can use the sides for planters or storage, effectively making your pool part of a multi-functional backyard design. It’s an elegant solution for small spaces.
6. Concrete Pools
Concrete pools are the chameleons of the pool world—they can be molded into virtually any shape, size, or design. Even for a small backyard, a custom concrete pool can mimic a natural lagoon or geometric modern aesthetic.
While they require higher upfront investment, concrete pools are extremely durable and long-lasting, with a lifespan of 25–30 years. Their flexibility allows for unique features like built-in benches, waterfalls, or tanning ledges without cramping your backyard.
7. Fiberglass Pools
For a quicker, low-maintenance solution, fiberglass pools are ideal. Pre-fabricated and available in various sizes, they can be installed in a fraction of the time compared to concrete pools.
They are also smooth to the touch, which reduces algae buildup and chemical use by up to 30%, according to pool industry stats. If you want a ready-to-swim option that doesn’t compromise on style, fiberglass is your go-to.
8. Lap + Plunge Combo
Why not have the best of both worlds? A lap + plunge pool combo offers a narrow lap lane for exercise alongside a shallow plunge section for relaxation. This layout is perfect for small backyards, optimizing every square foot.
Think of it as having a gym and a spa in one compact space. This option works best if you want a multi-functional backyard, catering to both activity and leisure.
9. Infinity Plunge Pools
Mixing infinity edge pools with plunge pool dimensions creates a luxurious look in a small footprint. This design is particularly striking when paired with cityscapes, hills, or forested backyards, where the water seems to extend into the horizon.
Beyond aesthetics, the small volume of water makes it cheaper to maintain while delivering a high-end look. You get the drama of an infinity pool without the sprawling space requirement.
10. Lap + Spa Combo
If you’re short on space but don’t want to sacrifice fitness or luxury, consider a lap + spa combo. A lap section satisfies swimming enthusiasts, while a spa section offers a relaxing soak with jets.
This is a smart move for couples or families who have varying pool needs. You could even use the spa section for hydrotherapy after a workout, enhancing both health and enjoyment.
11. Natural Pools
Want a pool that feels like it was plucked from a forest or mountain stream? Natural pools are chemical-free and use plants and biofilters to maintain water quality. They blend seamlessly with the landscape and are ideal for eco-conscious homeowners.
A small natural pool can double as a backyard sanctuary, complete with fish or water lilies. It’s a visually stunning choice that reduces chemical use by up to 100%, offering both health and environmental benefits.
12. Small Geometric Pools
Geometric pools are sleek, modern, and perfect for small backyards. Rectangles, squares, and L-shapes maximize space while giving a contemporary feel. Their straight edges make decking, furniture placement, and landscaping straightforward.
One design tip: combine a geometric pool with a raised deck or planters to create layers and depth, making the space feel larger than it actually is.
13. Compact Freeform Pools
If rigid lines aren’t your style, a freeform pool offers a natural, flowing aesthetic. These pools can curve around trees, rocks, or garden features, making your backyard feel like a secret retreat.
Even small freeform pools can have subtle depth variations, built-in seating, or waterfalls. The organic shape allows you to maximize usability without making the space feel crowded.
14. Corner Pools
A corner pool is a genius space-saver. By tucking the pool into a previously unused corner, you free up the rest of your backyard for seating, BBQs, or play areas.
One of my friends did this with a 10×15-foot corner pool, adding a small waterfall along the outer edge. The result? A functional and visually striking design that didn’t compromise the rest of the yard.
15. Indoor-Outdoor Pools
If you live in a region with unpredictable weather, an indoor-outdoor pool can extend your swimming season. Small pools can be partially enclosed with retractable roofs or sliding glass walls.
This setup gives you flexibility—you can enjoy sunshine in the summer and warmth in the winter. Stats indicate that pools with seasonal enclosures see 30–50% more usage, making it a smart investment.
16. Raised Hot Tub + Pool Combo
A raised hot tub integrated into a small pool is a clever use of space. You can create a multi-level effect where the hot tub spills into the pool, offering both relaxation and swimming in one compact footprint.
The visual appeal is remarkable, and it allows for temperature control zones, ideal for families with children or multiple users.
17. Reflecting Pools
Reflecting pools are shallow, serene, and incredibly stylish. While not designed for swimming, a small reflecting pool adds a touch of elegance to your backyard.
They can be paired with minimalistic landscaping, sculptures, or lighting to create a meditative space. Sometimes, less is more, and a reflecting pool proves that you don’t need depth for drama.
18. Vertical Pools
When horizontal space is tight, go vertical. Vertical pools use walls or narrow configurations to fit a small backyard, often incorporating water walls or cascading features.
These pools are perfect for urban settings where width is limited but height can be exploited. The waterfall effect also adds soothing sound and movement, turning a tiny backyard into an immersive sensory experience.
19. Swim Spas
A swim spa is like having a treadmill in water form. These compact pools generate a current for resistance swimming, often in a footprint as small as 8×12 feet.
Swim spas combine fitness and relaxation, with jets for strength training and seating areas for lounging. For small backyard owners who want both exercise and leisure, this is a winning choice.
20. Seasonal Pools
For those who don’t want a permanent installation, seasonal small pools are smart and cost-effective. Above-ground options or modular pools can be set up for summer and stored in winter.
Modern designs include durable frames, quick-fill options, and even heating systems. This allows you to enjoy a pool without committing to year-round maintenance or renovations.
Conclusion
Creating a small backyard pool is about smart design, creative use of space, and understanding your lifestyle needs. From plunge pools and lap pools to natural and geometric designs, there’s a solution for every homeowner.
The key takeaway: small doesn’t mean limited. Thoughtful planning, multi-functional features, and a touch of aesthetic flair can turn even the tiniest backyard into a luxurious retreat. Whether your goal is fitness, relaxation, or a private oasis, one of these 20 options can transform your space, elevate your lifestyle, and even boost your home’s value.
By combining innovation, practicality, and style, your small backyard pool doesn’t just exist—it thrives, becoming the heart of your outdoor living.
