Pools for Small Yards: Tips for Building a Your Backyard Oasis (2024)

Some of you out there have waited a long time to build the pool, but you needed to have a bigger backyard before it was possible.

One thing that shouldn’t hold you back is the size (or lack thereof) of your yard. You might’ve thought that your yard is too small for a swimming pool to fit comfortably.

In reality, pools for small yards are great because they maximize the space that you have and make use of everything around it.

Here are several tips on building a pool for a small yard, or spools, and what you should consider heading into the planning phase.

Do You Want a Scenic Backyard With It?

When many people say “I want a backyard pool”, they aren’t just referring to having a backyard that contains a pool. They want the whole experience which means a new patio and possibly an outdoor kitchen or bar.

So the question that you have to ask yourself is what “building a pool” means in your eyes.

If your idea of a backyard pool does include other amenities, then that’s perfectly acceptable. After all, it is your dream oasis.

However, if you’re going to be including other amenities in a small yard, you’ll need to adjust your pool plans accordingly.

For example, a nice co*cktail-style pool might be a tremendous addition to your outdoor kitchen party/tailgate setup. It’s perfect for the kids to play in or the adults to sit back and drink in.

To catch more inspiration for the atmosphere you want to create around your pool, be sure to check out some dream small pool amenities and layouts.

What’s Your Dream Theme?

Everyone has an inspiration that they draw from at the beginning stages of designing their dream pool. It’s one of the first questions that your pool builder will ask you.

Some people want their backyard pool to have a tropical theme, while others are merely looking for a resort-type of setup for both themselves and their visitors to enjoy.

Before you start planning everything, be sure to do some research to find out what pool themes you enjoy.

Sometimes this theme can be found by thinking of how you’re primarily going to be using the pool. For example, if you’re going to be using it as a getaway from the real world and as a place to relax, then you’ll enjoy a spa-theme.

Maybe you’re interested in using it for pleasure as well as a way to add pool workouts into your daily regimen. Whatever your intentions for the pool might be, there’s a theme that can be achieved from it.

Pools for Small Yards: Tips for Building a Your Backyard Oasis (1)

Maximize All of the Space You Have

If you’re going to commit yourself to finally installing that pool that you’ve always wanted in your backyard, then commit to it 100 percent.

Many people try to limit themselves to building a pool that’s half the size of their backyard so that they can still have the other half for other improvements. However, with a small yard, the pool size will suffer significantly.

Be sure to have someone measure out the square footage of your backyard, as well as reasonable areas they’d suggest that you install the pool.

Don’t place the pool smack dab in the middle of your yard. Set it off to the side so that you can maximize the spacing in other ways.

You can use the rest of the space for a nice gazebo, awning, or for that outdoor kitchen that you’ve been considering as well.

Imagine being able to watch the big game from the comfort of your swimming pool because you pushed the pool just enough to the side to fit an outdoor patio as well.

If You Have Kids, Then Prioritize Them

Plain and simple, if you have kids, then you need to be prioritizing them in the pool plans that you make.

Why? Because they will hands-down become the ones in your household that use the pool the most.

Don’t create a pool that’s 5-feet deep all around if you have kids that are 5 years old or below. At the very least incorporate a pool that starts a bit shallower and then descends to 5 or 6 feet.

Also, you’ll want to avoid a lot of different objects that they could potentially climb on or trip over and hurt themselves. You don’t want your dream pool to cause any unwanted trips to the hospital.

Lastly, you might want to consider rounding off the pool rather than placing one with sharp edges.

Be as Innovative as Possible

The best part of building your dream pool is that you can build something that’s entirely unique to your home.

If you have a backyard that’s mainly on a significant slope, then think of a way you can level out a portion of it and bring a “spa on the mountains” type of feel to it.

Do you think your backyard is too small to have both a pool and a kitchen or bar as well? Nonsense! You can create a swim-up bar to maximize the entire layout.

Take These Tips for Building Pools in Small Yards to Heart

Now that you’ve seen some of the most crucial tips for building pools for small yards, it’s time to find the right fit for your pool builder. California Pools has the experience and the know-how to complete your dream pool project.To get your questions answered contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

Pools for Small Yards: Tips for Building a Your Backyard Oasis (2024)

FAQs

What is the best type of pool for a small backyard? ›

Space Optimization: Fiberglass pools are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and depths. As a result, this makes them highly versatile for small spaces. Whether you have a narrow backyard or a compact courtyard, there's a fiberglass pool design that can fit your available area.

How much does it cost to build a backyard oasis? ›

The national average cost of an outdoor living space is about $7,670, with a typical range between $4,150 and $11,185. The cost of a specific project can range from $300 for a simple hot tub to $18,000 for a green house. Other popular outdoor improvements include a covered patio and kitchen with a fire place.

What is the smallest size inground pool you can get? ›

Standard small inground pool dimensions

Most small inground swimming pools are around 10 to 12 feet wide and no longer than 26 feet. Small swimming pools are also usually around 4 to 5 feet deep, with most being no deeper than 5.5 feet.

What are small inground pools called? ›

Plunge pools are cost-effective to install and maintain as they measure between 6 to 12 feet wide and 10 to 22 feet long and require less installation materials, water and cleaning supplies than standard swimming pools.

What is the cheapest type of pool to build? ›

Vinyl liner pools are generally the cheapest inground pools with regard to upfront costs; however, their costs can increase significantly based on a number of factors. A ballpark figure on the lower end for an inground 12' x 24' vinyl liner pool with installation is around $42,000.

What is the cheapest type of pool to put in? ›

Vinyl liner pools are typically the least expensive option, and that makes them excellent for anyone who wants to stick to a smaller budget. But before you start looking for pool builders in your area, we want to give you a quick overview of some potential vinyl liner pool pros and cons.

How do I turn my yard into an ecological oasis? ›

The key is to select native plant species to adorn your yard. By opting to surround your home with native plants you not only ensure that your garden is more resilient, but you also support local wildlife and potentially endangered species.

Is a 12x24 pool too small? ›

For example, the average small in-ground pool is about 12 feet wide and 24 feet long. If you already know that your yard is too small for that, an in-ground pool will likely still be an option (in-ground pools are often much smaller than 12x24), but your pool designer/builder will need to get creative.

How deep should a small pool be? ›

The ideal depth of your pool depends on its intended use. For a recreational pool, 91 to 152 centimeters (3 to 5 feet) is ideal, 91 to 183 centimeters (3 to 6 feet) for active swimming and water sports, and 76 to 107 centimeters (2.5 to 3.5 feet) to ensure a safe area for children.

What is the easiest inground pool? ›

Fiberglass pools are widely regarded as a great choice for small inground pools because they tend to be lower-maintenance with lower lifetime costs, and they can be quicker to install.

What's a co*cktail pool? ›

co*cktail pools, most simply, just look like scaled-down swimming pools, but they can be so much more than just "Swimming Pool, Jr." You can add elements such as spa or hot tub features (such as seating, jets, and heaters) to your co*cktail pool. You can also spice up a co*cktail pool with other water features.

What are the cheapest small pool options? ›

According to HomeAdvisor, above-ground pools are the most affordable option. Above-ground pools run around $5,000 on average compared to an in-ground vinyl pool which runs around $35,000 on average.

What is the best size pool for a backyard? ›

Six to eight people will comfortably share an 18-foot by 36-foot pool. This pool size is spacious for larger groups with enough room for games. Five or fewer people would fit a 16-foot by 32-foot pool. This pool size allows for swimming and casual use.

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