At Plunge Pools Perth Builders, we specialise in plunge pool installation for Perth homeowners, helping them create beautiful, space-efficient backyard retreats. With years of experience, we know how to design and install high-quality plunge pools that suit your space, budget, and lifestyle.
This guide breaks it all down—costs, benefits, design hacks, and how plunge pools stack up against traditional pools. By the end, you’ll know if a plunge pool is the best investment for your home. Let’s dive in.
What Is a Plunge Pool and Why Are They Gaining Popularity?
Think of a plunge pool as the ultimate backyard hack—all the perks of a pool, minus the space, cost, and upkeep. It’s small, deep, and built for relaxation, perfect for cooling off, hydrotherapy, or even light exercise. Whether you’ve got a tight backyard or just want a low-maintenance option, a plunge pool gets the job done without the hassle.
How Do Plunge Pools Stack Up Against Full-Sized Pools and Swim Spas?
- Size – Smaller. Deeper. Built for backyards where every metre counts.
- Functionality – Less about laps, more about relaxation and recovery. Add swim jets and you’ve got a compact training tool.
- Maintenance – Less water, fewer chemicals, lower costs, and less work.
- Cost – A fraction of what you’d pay for a full-sized pool. More affordable upfront. Cheaper to run long-term.
Why Perth Homeowners Are Choosing Plunge Pools
Perth summers are brutal. Space is tight. Full-sized pools? Expensive and high maintenance. That’s why more homeowners are switching to plunge pools—they’re compact size, cost-effective, and built for year-round use.
Here’s why they’re taking off in Perth and across WA:
- Perfect for small backyards — no wasted space, just pure functionality.
- Boosts property value—adds a luxury feature without dominating your yard.
- Cools you down fast—ideal for scorching Perth summers.
- Great for hydrotherapy & exercise—relax, recover, and stay active without a gym.
Are Plunge Pools a Smart Financial Investment?
Yes. Full-sized pools cost a fortune to install and maintain. A plunge pool? Less space. Lower cost. Minimal upkeep. You get all the benefits of a pool—without the ongoing expenses draining your wallet. Smarter choice. Better investment.
How Often You Use the Pool Matters More Than Its Size
Whether a plunge pool is worth the investment comes down to usage, not dimensions.
From our experience installing plunge pools for Perth homeowners, the strongest outcomes come from households that use their pool regularly. These owners cool off after work, relax on weekends, and use the pool as part of everyday life. For them, even a small plunge pool delivers excellent value.
Where disappointment tends to occur is when a pool is installed for occasional use or purely for perceived resale value. In those cases, even minimal maintenance can start to feel unnecessary if the pool is only used a handful of times each year. Over time, the value feels diminished, not because plunge pools perform poorly, but because they don’t align with how the household actually lives.
A plunge pool is a smart investment when it replaces something you already enjoy doing at home, not when it’s added “just in case.”
Backyard Design Ideas: Making the Most of a Small Space
Got a small backyard? That’s no excuse to skip a plunge pool. With the right design, it won’t just fit—it’ll transform your outdoor space into a sleek, functional retreat. It’s about smart placement, multi-use layouts, and killer aesthetics.
When an Outdoor Entertaining Area May Be the Better Option
For some homeowners, a plunge pool is not the best use of limited backyard space. If your lifestyle centres more around entertaining, cooking, or hosting, a covered outdoor area or kitchen may deliver greater day-to-day value.
The best plunge pool outcomes occur when the pool complements how the space is already used. If installing a pool would remove valuable entertaining or relaxation areas, alternative backyard upgrades may be worth considering.
Choosing a plunge pool because it fits your lifestyle, rather than because it feels like a required feature, leads to better long-term satisfaction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a Plunge Pool
- Skipping Council Approvals
Always check local regulations before installation. Unapproved pools may face fines or resale issues. - Poor Site Selection
Placing the pool in high-traffic zones or under trees can lead to debris buildup and limited usability. - Underspending on Heating or Covers
Perth’s climate is hot, but a heated plunge pool extends usability into winter. Skipping a thermal cover can increase heating costs. - Neglecting Drainage & Landscaping
Improper drainage can damage your yard or foundation. Professional landscaping ensures the pool integrates seamlessly. - Choosing Aesthetic Over Function
A sleek design is great, but always prioritise safety, ease of access, and functionality for your lifestyle.
Corner Placement: Maximise Every Metre
Tuck your plunge pool into a corner to keep the rest of your yard open. This lets you add:
- Seating areas for lounging
- Garden beds to soften the look
- An outdoor dining setup for a resort-style feel
Multi-Functional Backyard Layouts: More Than Just a Pool
A plunge pool isn’t just for swimming—it’s an entertainment hub. Pair it with:
- Decking for a seamless, modern look
- A pergola for shade and style
- Built-in seating to merge relaxation with functionality
Why Built-In Seating Increases Everyday Use
In smaller backyards, plunge pools with integrated seating consistently see higher use than plunge pools designed only for standing or cooling off. Seating transforms the pool into a social space, allowing adults and children to use it together without needing to swim.
Well-designed plunge pools often comfortably accommodate several adults and kids at once, making them ideal for casual gatherings, family afternoons, or quiet relaxation. This design approach shifts the pool from a feature into a functional part of the outdoor living area.
Landscaping That Elevates the Whole Space
A well-placed plunge pool can turn a small yard into a private oasis. Boost the vibe with:
- Hedges or vertical gardens for privacy
- Natural stone or timber decking for a premium finish
- LED lighting to keep the space inviting after dark
Health & Lifestyle Benefits of Plunge Pools
A plunge pool isn’t just a space-saving water feature—it’s a game-changer for your health. Whether you want pain relief, low-impact exercise, or just a place to unwind, a plunge pool delivers year-round wellness right in your backyard.
Hydrotherapy & Muscle Recovery
Soaking in warm water isn’t just relaxing—it’s therapy. A plunge pool helps:
- Ease muscle tension & joint pain
- Improve circulation & speed up recovery
- Soothe arthritis & chronic pain
Some homeowners upgrade to magnesium water for added skin and stress-relief benefits.
Low-Impact Exercise Without the Gym
Plunge pools aren’t just for cooling off—they’re perfect for fitness, too. Try:
- Water aerobics for strength & flexibility
- Swim jets for resistance training
- Aquatic stretching for mobility & recovery
Great for older adults, injury rehab, or anyone who wants a full-body workout without strain.
Stress Reduction & Relaxation
Water is scientifically proven to lower stress. A plunge pool gives you:
- Instant relaxation after a long day
- A quiet retreat, right in your backyard
- A spa-like experience without leaving home
Use It Year-Round—Not Just in Summer
Unlike full-sized swimming pools that sit unused for months, a plunge pool works in all seasons:
- Cool & refreshing in summer
- A heated retreat in winter
Lower Running Costs Make Regular Use More Practical
Because plunge pools hold significantly less water than full-sized pools, they are far cheaper to heat and operate. Many Perth homeowners choose to heat their plunge pool only when needed, such as on weekends or during cooler months, keeping energy use under control.
When combined with solar systems or energy-efficient heating, running costs remain low while still allowing year-round enjoyment. This flexibility is one of the key reasons plunge pools are used more consistently than larger pools that become costly to operate outside peak summer.
Are Plunge Pools Family-Friendly?
Absolutely. Plunge pools are a perfect mix of fun and safety for families—compact, easy to manage, and designed for all ages. With the right features, it’s a safe, kid-friendly addition to any backyard.
Built for Safety: Ideal Water Depth for Kids
Unlike traditional swimming pools, plunge pools are shallower, making them safer for young swimmers. Many models come with varying depths, so kids can splash in the shallow section while adults relax in deeper areas. Add non-slip surfaces, safety rails, and gradual steps, and you’ve got a setup designed for family use.
Kid-Friendly Features That Make a Difference
- Secure pool covers to prevent unsupervised access
- Heating options for year-round comfort
- Seating ledges so kids can rest between swims
- Gentle water circulation to keep the experience calm and enjoyable
Plunge Pool vs. Traditional Pool vs. Swim Spa: Cost Breakdown
| Feature | Plunge Pool | Traditional Pool | Swim Spa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation Cost | $20,000–$35,000 | $40,000–$90,000 | $25,000–$50,000 |
| Annual Maintenance | $300–$600 | $1,000–$2,000 | $500–$1,000 |
| Water Volume | 3,000–6,000L | 30,000–50,000L | 5,000–10,000L |
| Heating Costs | Low (small volume) | High | Moderate |
| Footprint | Compact (3x2m) | Large (8x4m+) | Medium (5×2.5m) |
| Ease of Installation | High | Moderate/Low | High |
Figures are estimates for Perth installations. Actual prices vary based on design, materials, and features.
Do Plunge Pools Add Value to Your Property?
Beyond family fun, a plunge pool is an investment. It’s not just about lifestyle—it’s about property value.
How a Plunge Pool Can Increase Home Value
- Enhances outdoor living – A well-designed plunge pool turns any small backyard into a relaxing retreat.
- Ideal for smaller properties – Many buyers prefer low-maintenance pools over full-sized options.
- Luxury without the hassle – A plunge pool adds a high-end feature without overwhelming the space.
Best Ways to Enhance Value with Landscaping & Add-Ons
A small swimming pool isn’t just a backyard feature—it’s a selling point. But to maximise its impact, it needs the right design, functionality, and upkeep.
How to Boost Property Value with Smart Landscaping
- Seamless integration – Decking, greenery, and outdoor lighting turn a plunge pool into a backyard centrepiece.
- Year-round usability – Adding heating or cooling systems makes the pool more functional, no matter the season.
- Ongoing maintenance – A well-kept pool is a high-value asset—a neglected one? A liability.
For Perth homeowners, a plunge pool isn’t just about luxury—it’s a smart investment that appeals to buyers in WA’s hot climate.
What to Expect During Plunge Pool Installation
Installing a plunge pool is typically faster and less disruptive than building a full-sized pool, but it still follows a detailed process to ensure quality and compliance.
Installation Steps:
- Site Assessment & Design Consultation – 1–2 weeks
A builder visits your property, assesses access, and discusses custom design options. - Approvals & Permits – 2–4 weeks
Depending on your council’s requirements in Perth, this phase includes submitting plans for approval. - Excavation & Foundation Prep – 1 week
The site is excavated and prepped with proper drainage and base support. - Pool Delivery & Installation – 1–2 weeks
The plunge pool (typically pre-fabricated) is delivered and installed into position. - Plumbing, Electrical & Finishes – 1 week
Connections for heating, filtration, and lighting are completed. - Landscaping & Final Touches – 1–2 weeks
Surrounding landscaping, decking, and lighting are finalised for a polished finish.
Total Timeline: Approximately 6–10 weeks, depending on complexity and approvals.
Conclusion
If you want a pool without the space, cost, or maintenance of a full-sized one, a plunge pool is the answer. Whether you’re after a relaxing retreat, an at-home fitness hub, or a modern backyard upgrade, a plunge pool delivers style, function, and value.
With affordable installation, energy-efficient heating, and year-round usability, it’s a no-brainer for homeowners looking to maximise their outdoor space. Plus, it enhances property value, making it an investment that works for both your lifestyle and your home’s future.
Ready to make it happen? Plunge Pools Perth Builders specialises in professional plunge pool installation, helping you design the perfect setup for your space, needs, and budget. Get in touch today and turn your backyard into the ultimate retreat.
What’s Next To Do?
Before investing in a plunge pool, it’s important to understand the upkeep involved. In our previous article, Do Plunge Pools Require a Lot of Maintenance?, we break down how much time, effort, and cost go into keeping your plunge pool clean and running efficiently, to help you decide whether a plunge pool is the right choice for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best small backyard designs with plunge pools?
The best small backyard plunge pool designs use corner placement, built-in seating, and space-saving decking. Adding vertical gardens, LED lighting, and a water feature enhances relaxation. A heated plunge pool with a pergola creates a year-round retreat, perfect for Perth’s climate.
How much space do you need for a plunge pool?
Most plunge pools fit in as little as 3m x 2m, making them ideal for small backyards. If you have a tight space, consider an above-ground model or a custom shape to maximise your area.
What are the benefits of a plunge pool in a small backyard?
A plunge pool turns a small backyard into a private retreat. It’s affordable, low-maintenance, and perfect for relaxation. With heating options, it’s usable year-round. Plus, it adds value to your home without the upkeep of a full-sized pool.
Can a plunge pool be used for exercise?
Absolutely! Swim jets create resistance, making a plunge pool perfect for low-impact workouts, hydrotherapy, and water aerobics. Whether you want gentle rehabilitation or an at-home fitness solution, a plunge pool offers a compact yet effective way to stay active.
How do you maintain a plunge pool?
Plunge pools are easy to maintain with automatic filtration, mineral water options, and pool covers. A quick weekly check of the water balance and occasional cleaning keep it crystal clear.
