Reggie Parry
Summer is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start thinking about installing a small in-ground swimming pool. If this has been a concern of yours, we’ve got great news: no matter how compact your space is, there’s a way for you to enjoy some fun in the sun and water.
Not only can we provide you with answers to all your FAQs, but our custom-made swimming pools can also be crafted to meet your unique specifications, delivering superior quality and durability at any price point. With value-adding features like lights, steps, tanning ledges and more, you can truly design the swimming pool of your dreams — even with limited space. Depending on the shape, size, and design, a small inground swimming pool could still be used for aquatic exercise, as well as purely for recreation. As you might be surprised to learn, as little as 1,200 square feet of backyard space provides enough room to install a stunning pool.
Not only is it possible to install a pool in a small yard, but with today’s innovative technology, there are more design options than ever before to choose from. We’ll talk about those design options in a moment — but before we go over the aesthetic possibilities, it’s important to review some basic safety considerations.
For example, in order to ensure safe installation and use of your pool, you’ll need to select a model that isn’t too large, small, shallow or deep.
Working with a design specialist to assess your property and demands will enable you to come to the right solution for your home.
The cocktail pool is a great option for the homeowner with a small yard who just wants to be able to take a dip. Their curvilinear designs actually pack more swimming area into less perimeter footage than a rectangular pool.
However, they do offer many places for seating, and the curves of the design lend themselves to the addition of decorative water features or a spillover spa (if you have the room). Again, these do have to be a little longer than the other designs on the list, but on the right plot of land a small lap pool is an excellent option.
In this section, we’ll answer your most commonly asked questions about small inground swimming pools, including:
Be sure to evaluate how much time you and your family anticipate spending in and around the pool, and how important it is that you have a grassy area within your yard where the kids are able to run and kick a soccer ball around. These types of things can help your designer to determine how the swimming pool should be laid out, what size restrictions there may be, and how to best optimize your landscape so that it’s tailor-fitted to suit your every whim. In addition to keeping you cool, you can also add waterfalls, streams, and spillways that allow it to double as an attractive water feature, or even build in a tanning ledge to save more space.
Small in size but big on fun, the compact Jamaica occupies less than 200 square feet of space. As we’ve explored, there are many small inground pool options that are perfect for compact yards, such as our Jamaica, Milan and Fiji models. To get the most enjoyment — and the best value — out of your new backyard investment, you should talk to a pool installation professional, who can help you use your space efficiently without sacrificing comfort or fun.
Depending on which design styles you prefer, whether you’d like the pool to feature seating, the shape of your yard, and other factors, our expert team can provide you with detailed sizing recommendations. While you want to make efficient use of your yard space, it’s important not to build your swimming pool too close to your home — otherwise, problems like leaking or splashing could lead to electrical safety issues. For example, under federal regulations, you are required to ensure a distance of at least 10 feet between the edge of your pool and the outer wall of your home.
These types of distance requirements automatically limit how large you can build, regardless of the size or shape of your yard. You’ll also need to be mindful of property lines, possible zoning issues, the need for deck or porch space, room for outdoor seating and even the placement of trees in your yard. If your lawn is larger than 1,200 square feet, you may want to consider installing a more spacious pool, subject to factors like your local zoning regulations. Whether your lawn is large or small, we recommend consulting an expert to help ensure that you choose an appropriate size for your needs.
