A pool may fit nicely into a smaller backyard if you combine it with existing hardscape features. For instance, if you have an existing concrete patio, you may be able to extend it far enough to use matching concrete around a square or round pool.
Will a pool FIT in a small backyard?
There re pools for even the smallest backyards, so let’s dive into it. Before even calling a pool builder out to evaluate your property dimensions to ensure that a pool will fit you will want to at least measure off a template of the space, and subtract the known easements and setback lines.
What are the best pool ideas for small spaces?
An endless pool is a great solution for small pool ideas, since it allows you to swim laps without having a large pool. This above-ground model rests on a solid concrete slab, and is surrounded by attractive cedar shake siding for a zen-like vibe.
How close to the house can I build a pool?
Note: Pools should never be installed less than 4ft away from the home foundation. This could cause, depending on the depth of the pool, the pool structure to interfere with the 45 degree bearing slope of the foundation of your home. Not to mention if the pool were any closer there would be little room to safely walk between the house and the pool.
Why choose a small swimming pool?
As an added bonus, because of their small size, you can heat the water to temperatures high enough to use in the middle of winter. And not only will your upfront costs be lower than with a full sized swimming pool, the smaller tank size means that your operational costs will be lower over the long run as well.
How big does my backyard need to be for a pool?
For the pools mentioned above, we recommend you have a yard at least 3 times bigger than their square footage. However, if you want to 'stuff' your pool in no matter the size constraints, we recommend you have at least 40 feet spare after the pool is installed to meet code requirements.
What is the smallest yard for a pool?
Most of the smallest in-ground pools across all pool types, on average, are around 12' by 24', 10' by 15', or even a 10' x 10' Spool/Cocktail pool!
How small is too small for a pool?
The average size inground swimming pool is larger than 600 square feet. A small, or 'boutique' swimming pool is typically considered to be one that is 600 square feet or less.
How do I know if I can put a pool in my yard?
Choose a spot that's at least 100 feet from any body of water. If you live near a lake, ocean, river, or any other large body of water, you should know that you probably can't build or install a swimming pool within 100 feet of it.
Can you put a pool in a small space?
If a backyard pool is your dream, but you don't want to spend a ton of money and time on installing and maintaining it, you might want to consider a small pool. That's right – it's totally possible to incorporate a pool into your design (and not just a portable pool), no matter how short on square footage you may be.
How close to a house can you build a pool?
A good rule of thumb is to position the pool at least 1000mm from the boundary. Homeowners usually choose to landscape within this boundary area to enhance the overall space. For pools in confined spaces, there is a much greater need to echo the overall style of the adjoining home.
How much does a small inground pool cost?
A premade fiberglass shell, which typically runs from $20,000 to $40,000, is the cheapest in-ground pool. A small vinyl pool that measures 12 feet wide and 24 feet long can cost between $25,000 and $35,000 for additional features like heating and fencing.
How much room do you need for a pool?
As a general rule of thumb, you want your pool and pool surround to occupy about 25% of the total available area. So, if your yard is either small or medium size (approx. 150 square meters), consider building a small pool of about 20-28 square meters with a suitable small pool surround area.
What is a small pool called?
Small pools can be called plunge pools or splash pools, but can also be used for therapy or exercise in addition to a quick dip on a hot day.
Where is the best place to put a pool?
The Pool placement should be where it gets most of the sunlight. It helps keep the right temperature and allows swimmers to stay in the water for a longer time. In most cases, pointing a pool south or west is best.
How much is pool installation?
The cost to install an inground pool is $35,000 on average and can range from $28,000 to $55,000 and sometimes upwards of $65,000 for special customizations and extra features. An added hot tub, for example, will cost $6,000 to $15,000 and pool lighting will be another $700 to $1,800.
What do I need to know before putting in a pool?
10 Factors to Consider Before Building a PoolKnow your zoning laws. ... Decide on the type of pool you want. ... Look toward longevity. ... Seek out a quality circulation system. ... Think about how much can you maintain. ... Weigh water features and lighting. ... Don't forget landscaping. ... Determine your budget.More items...•
Can excavators access my property to dig a new pool?
The largest heavy equipment needed to build a pool is the excavation machines, which typically need at least 5 ft width and 7 ft height clearance.
How much pool can fit into my backyard?
It depends on a number of factors including easements and HOA rules. Click this link to learn more.
Will adding a pool damage the fence?
In most cases, yes. Usually the fence needs to be taken down to allow access for equipment.
How to determine if you have enough room for a pool?
To figure out if you have enough room for a swimming pool, your first stop needs to be with your local property regulator. That said, most pool distributors are very familiar with local laws and should be able to give you the advice you need regarding size. The two main issues you need to look at are easements and setback rules. These will tell you how far your pool needs to be from property lines and existing structures and whether there are any areas on your property where you’re not allowed to build. Once you understand these limitations, you’ll know exactly how much space you have to work with. You should also find out if you need to build a fence to contain your pool and how much extra space will be required for its construction.
Can you heat a pool in the winter?
As an added bonus, because of their small size, you can heat the water to temperatures high enough to use in the middle of winter. And not only will your upfront costs be lower than with a full sized swimming pool, the smaller tank size means that your operational costs will be lower over the long run as well.
Is an inground pool cheaper than an above ground pool?
This could also alleviate any problems you have regarding space issues. Above ground pools are considerably cheaper and may require less time for installation.
Is it cheaper to build an above ground pool or a spa?
Above ground pools are considerably cheaper and may require less time for installation. If space and size are your main concerns, a swim spa might be a great alternative. They cost considerably less than a full sized, inground swimming pool and are much easier to install.
What Actually Is an Inground Pool?
An inground pool is constructed through the excavation of the ground to the required depth and shape. It is simply installed below ground level, with the water placed “in the ground” and thus, it is even with the backyard’s surface. Consequently, more often than not the pool complements the design of a house and its surrounding landscaping.
How Big Does a Yard Have to Be for a Pool?
When a homeowner dreams of owning a swimming pool in their backyard, probably no one imagines a compact water container that has just enough space to wade in. An ideal inground pool is often pictured as large and extending beyond the views of a lawn, fence, and the surrounding grounds.
What Small Inground Pool Sizes Are Available on the Market?
In general, small inground pools are far easier and less time consuming to maintain than similar pools of larger sizes. This is for the simple fact that the smaller a pool is the less the owner will have to vacuum, brush, and provide chemicals to clean it up.
What Is the Best Type of Inground Swimming Pools?
There are three different categories that exist for inground swimming pools. These are vinyl liner, fiberglass, and concrete. Each of them is classified by their specific material of construction with various pros and cons.
How to Choose the Inground Pool Depth?
Various factors influence the recommendations for the depth of an inground swimming pool. Individual choice, the pool’s purpose, and its users have an effect on the entirety of the design process.
Choosing the Location: How Far Does a Pool Have to Be From the House?
After you have selected your pool, you can start positioning your inground swimming pool in the right location in the backyard. Think carefully about how far you want the pool to be located from your house.
Most Popular Inground Pool Shapes and Designs for Small Yards
They have a classic shape and are most preferred by pool designers because this shape will never go out of style. Due to lack of space, most small backyards tend to adopt this shape for their swimming pools. Rectangular pools provide clean edges designed to reinforce the elegance of the property and to perfectly coordinate with its surroundings.
What is the smallest size inground pool?
Standard Pool Sizes. Often, the smallest size inground pool available is about 10×20 feet. Often, this size may just be slightly too big to work in the space you have. Unfortunately, since many in-ground pools are either factory pre-built or fiberglass, they are not customizable.
How big is a swim spa?
A small model is typically about 12 feet in length and 8 feet wide. What makes a swim spa unique is that it has a motorized current, which keeps a swimmer in place. Similar to a treadmill, a swimmer can swim in place without ever having to reach the wall and turn around, which in small pools can get annoying quickly.
Can you have an in ground pool in your yard?
One alternative to having an in-ground pool in your yard is using an above ground pool instead. As these are round, they usually take up less space and you have more control over where you can place it in your yard. Our smallest round above ground pools are 15’ and can fit into almost any small backyard.
What should I do with a concrete pool deck?
One option is to go with a concrete pool deck that’s large enough to safely hold a few chairs and decorative potted plants.
Can a circular pool be used in a small backyard?
Depending on how your cozy backyard is set up, you may find a circular pool works well in a way that doesn’t make your outdoor space feel cramped. This is just one example of how nontraditional pool shapes can fit into smaller backyards without taking up too much space. Freeform pools with irregular curves or flowing lines tend to be especially effective in smaller yards.
Can I put a pool in a small backyard?
A pool may fit nicely into a smaller backyard if you combine it with existing hardscape features. For instance, if you have an existing concrete patio, you may be able to extend it far enough to use matching concrete around a square or round pool. What’s also great about creative cozy pool designs like this is that you can have a multipurpose outdoor space that’s ideal for grilling, socializing, and taking a refreshing dip.
Types of pools for small backyards
The type of pool you choose affects your pool ownership experience in a major way. Certain pools allow for more freedom when it comes to design, while others require less maintenance and care. It all depends on the material they’re made from.
Small inground pool styles
Pools come in a variety of shapes. But to keep things simple, there are only two small inground pool styles you need to know about.
Advantages of small inground pool
Aside from taking up minimal space in your backyard, small inground pools also come with a few other advantages.
Disadvantages of small inground pools
It’s clear that owning a small inground pool is advantageous. But, to ignore their biggest shortcomings would be misleading. So let’s take a quick look at the disadvantages of small inground pools.
Pergola Paradise
Even if your pool is tiny, you can still sit by it in style. We’re obsessed with the outdoor couch and pergola setup adjacent to this petite pool.
Plunge Pool
This plunge pool is the perfect addition to a home on the Sunshine Coast of Australia. It’s approximately 12 feet by 7 feet, for reference.
Hollywood Glam
Everything from the lounge chair cushions to the swan pool float makes this pint-size swimming pool look like it’s straight out of a dollhouse. We love that there’s still plenty of room for sunbathing and sipping coffee.
Tiny Round Pool
This teeny round pool in a yard designed by DCLA is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day without taking up too much space.
Palm Springs-Inspired
This Portland home’s pool setup looks like it’s straight out of Palm Springs, the capital of mid-century modern. The mini greenhouse and vibrantly-colored accents bring major saturation to the oftentimes gray, rainy days of the Pacific Northwest.
Itty-Bitty Poolhouse
Looking to go beyond a traditional shed? If you’re not planning to have your pool take up your entire backyard, a mini pool house, like the one outside of this California home, is the perfect complement to a small pool. Think of it as a permanent cabana—it’s just big enough to fit a sofa and a set of side chairs.
Modern Cement Pool
Stepping outside the door of this cozy Houston home and into the backyard instantly introduces a spa-like vibe. That’s because of the pool. Its utilitarian silhouette and cement contrasts with the river rock walkways and natural wood patio furniture. The result is a calm and cool place to have a little fun in the sun.
Government Restrictions
While your inground pool might fit, there might be zoning issues. Adding a pool, whether inground or above, is a construction project that often requires multiple permits. On this page, we will focus on spatial challenges and potential solutions.
Is My Backyard Big Enough for a Pool?
If you intend to install a standard but small pool, you should have a minimum of 1,200 square feet of space. The 1,200 feet of space accounts for the size of the pool, a very small patio space, and a small setback.
What Is the Best Pool for a Small Yard?
If your yard has less than 1,200 square feet of space, the best pool will be a cocktail pool or an endless pool. If you are working with a bit more space, you will have a few more options. The "best pool" will ultimately depend upon the square footage of the yard and the size of your budget.
Alternative Pools for Small Backyards
If you are working with limited space, consider a quick Pinterest search for cocktail pools. Cocktail pools, sometimes called compact pools, are a category of extra small pools. The width and length of these pools are so small that some of them are comparable to a hot tub. The depth is often between 3 and 4 feet.
Related Questions
The smallest pools are around 10' x 10' or 8' x 8' if you want to push it. Technically speaking, it's entirely up to you. If you really want, you could dig out a backyard bathtub and throw a pool party.
