The Best Pools for a Small Home

It was once the case that if you owned a small property, having a swimming pool constructed was simply impractical, if not impossible.

Aside from the expense of having a pool built at your home, the limiting nature of construction techniques meant that it simply wasn’t possible to get a swimming pool in a smaller property. But as technology has advanced and swimming pool solutions have improved, it has become both possible and easy to have a pool constructed for properties of almost any size. So even if you are limited on space, you can still have the pool of your dreams.

If you are looking into having a pool built in a smaller home, it’s a great idea to do your research into different design ideas. Undoubtedly, the best pool for a small home is the pool that is most suited to the needs and requirements of its owner. There is such a broad variety of options available from stunning infinity pools to chlorine-free natural pools, inground swimming pools and more, you can opt for the pool that best fits your lifestyle and what you are looking to get from it. Here are some top tips for choosing a fantastic pool to suit a smaller home.

A pool in keeping with your home

Some homeowners mistakenly believe that when it comes to swimming pools, bigger means better. But when it comes to a feature as expensive and important as a swimming pool, the truth is that size is not necessarily an important factor. It is worth pointing out that if you have a small home, it makes sense that you would have smaller swimming pool. While a swimming pool is a fantastic feature piece for your property, a huge swimming pool in a small house can completely overwhelm the space and feel out of place.

A smaller pool that is in-keeping with the aesthetic and size of your home is a much better idea – a small, well-designed pool will add more value to your property than one that dominates the exterior space. This is especially true if your pool will actually take over much of the garden space; some buyers will much prefer a decent garden as well as pool over a disproportionately sized pool.

So when you come to look at the different pool options available, don’t assume that the best thing to do is to use up as much space as possible. There are actually much smarter ways for you to utilise your space.

Use your space effectively

If you have a smaller space to work with, you might need to get creative with the room that is available. Some people have misconceptions about what a pool has to be, which can make them believe that a pool wouldn’t suit their property. In reality, your pool can be whatever you need it to be in order for you to get as much out of it as possible.

There is no rule, for instance, to say that a pool needs to be rectangular. Nor one that requires it to be symmetrical. If you have got an awkward garden space, a pool can be created to fit within it. If you garden is long but not especially wide, it is possible to have a pool designed that effectively acts as a swimming lane. A lap pool can fit into surprisingly tight spaces while still being a lovely addition to your home.

You might be interested in a classic pool shape such as a Roman pool or a kidney-shaped design, but if you are working within a limited space it can make more sense to opt for a free-form pool instead. This can allow you to enjoy both a larger pool in a small space, and retain a good look for your property.

What is your pool for?

Remember that there are many different types of pools that you can have constructed at your home from exercise pools to natural pools, which don’t use chlorine. While a large pool can have multiple functions and uses, a small pool typically needs to be specialised.

So to make the right decision on a swimming pool for a small home it is necessary to establish exactly what you are going to use your pool for. There are a number of different reasons that you might want to have a pool on your property. Let’s take a look at why you are interested in having a pool, to help you decide which option is best for you.

A place for a dip

It might be the case that you are just interested in somewhere to take a dip after a long hot summer day. In this case it could be that you simply need a plunge pool to get what you’re looking for.

Swimming

For many homeowners, it is the joy of swimming that convinces them to invest in a pool. If this is important for you it is best to opt for a lap pool. But what if you don’t quite have the space for a swimming lane? It is still possible! Check below for details on swimming in a small pool.

Entertaining and relaxation

You may want a pool as a feature piece for your property so you can entertain guests or relax in the evening. It could be the case that you will find you don’t actually need a full size pool at all – would a hot tub be a better option?

Add value to your home

A high quality pool can add significant value to your property. If you have got one eye on the property market when it comes to buying your pool, the most important thing is to choose a pool that fits with the aesthetic and style of your home.

Plunge pool

When you think of compact swimming pools for smaller spaces, the idea of a plunge pool comes instantly to mind. Plunge pools are larger than a spa or Jacuzzi, but not as large as a fully-fledged swimming pool. If you are only planning to use your pool as a place to go for a quick swim after work, this is a perfect option.
Plunge pools can be loaded up with features to ensure a great swimming experience, and this can be customised entirely to your taste. From water features and waterfalls to massage jets, plunge pools can have all the functionality of a normal swimming pool, with the added advantage that they fit in a much smaller space.

Lane swimming in a small pool

One thing that can put homeowners off the idea of buying a smaller pool is that they want to be able to actually swim in their swimming pool. Obviously a smaller space can make it difficult to enjoy a swimming in the same way as a full-size pool. But that doesn’t mean you need to abandon the idea of getting a pool altogether – innovative technology offers a solution that allows you to do as much swimming as you like in the smallest of pools.
Fastlane by Endless Pools pumps a steady flow of water at you. As you swim against the current, the jet will keep you in the same place. It provides the feeling of natural swimming but you aren’t actually moving. With 52 different speed settings, the flow can be made stronger or weaker to suit your swimming pace, allowing you to effectively have lane swimming in a small pool.

The hot tub option

It might be the case that for your needs, you don’t actually need a full size swimming pool at all, and a hot tub would be just as good. A hot tub can be a great option if you have always wanted a pool but lack the space. Far more space efficient than a pool, and requiring a far less arduous building process, a hot tub is ideal for relaxing or even entertaining guests.
Naturally, it is not quite the same as having a pool, but this can be a suitable replacement for those properties that really don’t have the available space for a swimming pool.

Inside or outside?

This leads on to another decision that you will need to make about your pool – will it be indoors or outdoors? The vast majority of home pools are installed outdoors due to factors like cost and complexity. And this is certainly the case when it comes to smaller properties too (unless you have a large supply of interior space and relatively little outdoors).
If you are going to opt for an outdoor pool it could also be worth looking into a covering to make it possible to use the pool in any weather. This will certainly add to the cost of the overall project, but it can provide the pool with more usability.

In ground or above ground?

Additionally, it’s worth pointing out that if space is a factor in your decision, you could look into both in-ground and above ground options. It may be the case that an above ground pool can be constructed in way that makes a better and more creative use of space within your garden. Yes, this can typically be a more expensive option than simply having the pool built in an excavated hole in the ground, but it can make it possible to have a pool that is closer to what you are looking for.

Three key benefits for a smaller pool

Many homeowners looking into getting a swimming pool constructed will be limited by the physical space available to them. Still, you might be tempted to opt for a larger pool over a smaller design when it comes to the actual construction process. But it is vital here to remember that just because it is bigger, it doesn’t make it any better. In fact, many homeowners are finding that there are benefits in choosing a smaller option. Three important benefits of a smaller pool are:

1 – It’s cheaper to build

There’s no doubt that one of the major benefits of smaller pool is that it is much cheaper to build. And it’s not just the cost that you need to think about – there will be a shorter construction time, meaning less disruption to your property over the course of the build.

2 – It’s more environmentally friendly

If you are interested in remaining as ‘green’ as possible and reducing your carbon footprint, there’s no denying that a smaller pool is the better option. Small pools use less water and fewer chemicals than their larger counterparts. This makes it an obvious choice if you are interested in protecting the environment.

3 – It’s easier to maintain

One of the real challenges of owning a pool is the level of maintenance that is required. If you are interested in a pool that is easier to drain, faster to clean and uses fewer expensive chemicals, then it will definitely make sense for you to choose a small pool.
If you would like to learn more about pools for small homes, the team of expert pool builders at Compass Pools would be happy to provide you with details. With our years of expertise, we have worked on pools both big and small for properties of all sizes, and we would be happy to pass on our knowledge to you. Get in contact with us today.