Plunge Pools

What is a plunge pool?

Plunge pools, also referred to as dipping pools, are the ideal compromise if space is at a premium in your garden. They are a compact swimming pool that’s slightly larger than a hot tub, typically measuring up to 7 metres in length and 3 metres in width. They tend to be just over a metre deep. Since they’re compact, they’re great if you don’t have enough space for a full-sized swimming pool but still want to enjoy the opportunity to take a dip or relax in the sunshine during the summer.

Here at Compass Pools, we offer a wide range of pool styles and designs to suit any garden, regardless of how much space you have to work with. We operate across the UK with dedicated contractors who happily provide their knowledge and expertise to each of our clients’ plunge pool installations.

But what exactly is a plunge pool? And what are they for?

Plunge pools are small, shallow pools built for the purpose of lounging, wading and cooling off, rather than swimming and exercising. That’s not to say you can’t exercise in a plunge pool though, because you can if you install a swim jet system such as Fastlane by Endless Pools. However, due to the size of these pools, most people use them as a refreshing area to relax.

The dimensions of plunge pools mean they’re fairly small and shallow, but there are various styles you can choose to elevate the design. At Compass Pools, we offer a wide range of designs to choose from, depending on how deep or shallow you want the final pool to be, and whether you want a classic design or something more visually eye-catching.

Types of plunge pool

The common feature of plunge pools is that they’re smaller than a traditional swimming pool, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to make the design your own. These are a few of the styles you can choose from to create a plunge pool that suits your needs:

Deep or shallow – shallower pools are great for lounging or stationary exercises while a deeper pool is better suited to complete body immersion that’s more akin to a standard pool.
Infinity edge pools – these give the illusion that the water disappears into the surrounding landscape. The edge of the pool is a fraction shorter than the water level which allows it to flow over into a basin to be pumped back through to the main pool.
Indoor or outdoor – plunge pools are typically installed outdoors but they can also be installed as indoor pools too. Since they’re space-saving, they’re a great option if you want a pool but don’t have the room for a full-sized swimming pool.
Lap pools – lap pools are plunge pools which have resistance jets installed to create a current that you can swim against.

Benefits of a plunge pool

There are many reasons to choose a plunge pool, including:

Less space is needed – plunge pools are great if you want to relax and cool off in a pool, but you don’t have the outdoor space for a standard swimming pool. They’re a flexible solution that can be combined with decking, fire pits or water features to maximise the space you have available.
Easy to maintain – since plunge pools are smaller, there’s less space to clean and a smaller space for debris to build up, so they’re easier to maintain. In most cases, you can clean a plunge pool by hand with a scoop net or a manual vacuum.
Cheaper to install – Again, since there’s a smaller area to clear and dig out, and fewer materials needed, plunge pools are typically cheaper to install.

What are the Pros and Cons?

Plunge pools offer a variety of benefits over other swimming pool options. These typically include:

Pros

Lower building cost.
Easier to maintain.
Can still exercise in them.
Reduced water requirements.
Space-saving design.
Can be built inside or outside.
Faster installation time.
Can offer therapeutic benefits.

Cons

Smaller design.
Less well-suited to exercising.
Still require maintenance costs.
Exercise and heating systems come at an extra cost.

What features can I include in a plunge pool?

There are many ways you can customise your plunge pool to make it more luxurious and spa-like. For example, if you want to create a hydrotherapy pool that’s relaxing, heating can create a wonderful environment for lounging and means you can use your pool comfortably into the evening or when the seasonal temperatures dip. Lighting is another way to customise your pool, making it more visually appealing and also enhancing safety by making the pool more visible. Finally, swim jets make your pool more versatile, making it possible to exercise in the space as well as relax.

We offer a great selection of features and designs you can choose from when creating your perfect plunge pool. For more information on how you can customise your plunge pool, please call us on 0333 4567 111 to speak to an experienced member of our team.

Fast plunge pool installation

One of the major benefits of choosing a Compass pool is the fast installation time we can offer. Most of the swimming pools built in the UK are constructed using concrete, which can be much more costly to repair and maintain. Our plunge pools, on the other hand, are created with a patented carbon ceramic composite shell that provide a number of advantages over concrete, including improved strength and durability.

Our shells are also much less likely to be affected by poor weather and are impenetrable to bacteria, meaning you won’t have to spend as much on chemicals or repair work costs. Our installation service is very quick and seamless as well: we simply lower the specially designed shell into a previously excavated hole and then connect all the plumbing and heating systems up. It really is as simple as that.

Available at affordable prices

Compass plunge pools are typically cheaper than standard concrete pools due to the fact that the carbon ceramic composite shell is delivered in one-piece. Our pools typically start from around £25,000, but the cost really varies depending on the exact style and design you choose. The price can also be affected if the build process is more challenging than usual – for example, in terms of digger access.

Another thing to consider when purchasing a plunge pool is any additional features you might want to include. For example, if you’re looking to exercise, a Fastlane swim jet system is a great addition. This provides a constant stream of water that you can swim against without changing position. Alternatively, if you’re after more of a hot tub feel, adding a heating system is essential. These can reach temperatures of up to 40^oC so are perfect for the winter. Either of these options will increase the price, but they are really worth the extra money.

If you are interested in finding out more about the range of pools we offer, why not call us today on 0333 4567 111?

Our team would be delighted to help you with any questions or queries you might have, and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as we can.

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