How to turn your backyard into a relaxing oasis without breaking the bank

In the past 40 years, urban Australia has witnessed a surge in the popularity of small plunge pools. As of 2018, 2.7 million Australians already enjoyed a backyard pool, according to Roy Morgan. 

With long, hot summers being the norm in many regions, Aussies are seeking innovative ways to beat the heat and create a sanctuary within the confines of their own homes. Smaller pools have become much more than mere backyard additions; they epitomise the perfect blend of style, relaxation, and functionality, redefining the way Australians enjoy their outdoor areas while conserving space and water.

Additionally, contemporary architectural and interior design trends have contributed to a surge in the popularity of these intimate aquatic havens. Emphasising clean lines, minimalism, and functionality, plunge pools seamlessly blend into modern landscapes, turning ordinary backyards into captivating retreats. Homeowners and designers alike have embraced this trend, discovering that even the smallest of outdoor areas can be transformed into a visually stunning, tranquil escape.

“One trend that we've seen in the market, particularly over the last ten years, is an increased interest in plunge pools, particularly for homeowners with small properties, couples with adult children or empty nesters,” says  Compass Pool’s Steffan Hudson. 

Read why people love their small pools

In the traditional sense, a plunge pool is a small backyard pool predominantly used for therapy reasons and muscle relaxation. Nowadays, the concept of a plunge pool is less about therapy and more about having an oasis of relaxation in your backyard to float in and relax after work or enjoy a bubbly spa experience. 

“A lot of people are now realising that they don't need a 10x4m swimming pool, especially when the kids have grown up or moved out,” explains Steffan.

For those people, the Compass Pools’ small pool series is the perfect alternative. It has been specifically designed for smaller backyards and suits those people who enjoy a quick dip on a hot summer's day without having to leave the house. The Plunge and X-Trainer designs have all the features and benefits of bigger pools while fitting into smaller spaces. 

The Plunge comes in different sizes ranging from 2.85m to 6m in length. It is extra deep (up to 1.65m) for floating and relaxation. The wide bench on one side and the ledges on the other provide seating options and enable easy access.  

The X-Trainer was designed for fitness and fun and suits contemporary homes with its many style options. It features an unobstructed swimming corridor, a place to rest and a shallow to deep floor. 

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Small pools come with multiple benefits. They are large enough to do some swimming and exercise and leave the daily grind behind. On the other hand, they are small enough to watch the kids and keep them safe while swimming, which makes them an option for families with small backyards as well. 

What’s great about a Compass spa or plunge pool are the modification options. Whether people want the benefits of an exercise or therapeutic pool, have some ‘me-time’ or enjoy a relaxing spa massage while having a glass of bubbles, Compass pools are highly customisable and deliver the best of both worlds. 

Another excellent advantage to small pools is lower costs, as they are easier to heat and require less power consumption than a large pool.  

Overall, small pools make a design feature with a huge aesthetic appeal that will add value to any home. 

When it comes to designing the pool, there are many pool design options available to help homeowners find the right pool for their needs. The Compass experts help with material choices, colour options, and shapes and sizes. They also provide answers on water tanks, pool capacity and free-standing pool options.

Even if a backyard is a particularly awkward shape, Compass Pools can still provide a beautiful pool design. With its exclusive Maxi Rib technology, pools can be installed on virtually any site.

Discover the world of small Compass Pools on ArchiPro.