Plunge and small-yard pools for Southern California homes.
Big enough to cool off, float and sit in. Small enough for a tract-home backyard. Estimated $31k–$39k in our designer.
The pool you'd actually use, in the yard you actually have.
A lot of newer homes across Southern California, from Inland Empire tracts to infill lots in Orange and LA counties, have backyards with block walls on three sides and not much depth. A full-size family pool can technically fit, but it leaves no patio, no lawn for the dog, and nowhere to put a grill. A plunge pool solves that.
Most plunge pools are roughly 6–10 feet wide and 10–16 feet long, with a bench along one side and a depth that lets adults stand and float comfortably. They're built the same way as a full-size pool (gunite, plaster, tile and coping), just smaller. That smaller volume means it heats faster, uses less water and fewer chemicals, and costs noticeably less to build.
Add a heater and a few jets and it works as a spa in winter and a cool-off pool in summer. What a plunge pool doesn't do is laps; if swimming is the goal, look at the Modern Lap instead.
What a plunge pool costs here.
From our designer's price book for the pool itself. Heaters, jets and a larger patio are extra.
| Design | Size | Estimate* |
|---|---|---|
| Cocktail Plungebench seating | 14 × 8 ft | $31k – $39k |
| Classic Kidneyconcrete deck | 30 × 15 ft | $53k – $67k |
| Classic Ovalfamily pool | 30 × 16 ft | $57k – $73k |
*Planning estimates from our 3D designer for the pool itself (design, permits, excavation, steel, plumbing, gunite, plaster, coping and a narrow deck), including a safety margin. Spas, water features and bigger decks are extra. Example monthly payment is an illustration only (8.99% APR, 15 years), not a loan offer. A licensed builder confirms your price in writing after a site visit.
Small-yard ideas that work.
- Bench + sun shelfA shallow ledge for kids or a lounge chair, and a deeper area to sit and cool off.
- Spa-style plungeHeater and jets so it doubles as a hot tub in winter.
- Turf + plungeA strip of artificial turf next to the pool keeps the yard usable for kids and dogs.
- Water feature wallA sheer descent on the back wall adds sound and hides the block wall.
- LightingColor LEDs make a small pool the centerpiece at night.
- Compact deckPorcelain pavers or travertine keep a small space feeling finished.
Plunge pool questions.
Didn't find yours? Send us a message or email [email protected]. A real person answers.
How big is a plunge pool?
How much does a plunge pool cost here?
Can a plunge pool be heated like a spa?
Do plunge pools need permits and safety features?
Will a plunge pool fit my yard?
Bigger yard? See all new pools
See your pool before anyone digs.
Type your address. We model your yard in 3D, you pick a design, and you see an estimate before you give us your number.