Small Pools for Small Spaces

While the average American home’s size and price are growing, one major aspect isn’t rising. And that is your lot size. The average size of lots is on the decline. Compared to a home of 40 years ago, lot sizes are down 13%. To keep their dream of homeownership alive, Americans voluntarily buy new homes with larger square footage but smaller lot areas, hoping to expand as they grow. 

A shrinking lot significantly decreases the space you can play with when building a pool. But is it really a matter of size and space or simply a mental expectation that we have about pools needing large outdoor areas? Only some people have space on their lot for a 40-foot or 26-foot pool. However, with clever designs and unique styling options, you can fit a fantastic pool in your backyard and enjoy it as both a leisure space and a stunning visual effect. 

How Do You Create Space for a Small Pool?
Whether it’s a small or narrow lot, deciding where to put the pool can present a challenge — not insurmountable, but certainly a design decision. We can pack some pool space onto smaller lots if architects help their homeowners build vertical gardens.

People are getting creative with their pool options. Just consider some of these spaces for pools:

• Some families choose to make their pool a part of an enclosed entry courtyard
• Others close off a wing within the house or install it in a central courtyard patio area, surrounded by the rest of the home.
• Small pools are even better indoors in a region with long, cold winters.
• Many households opt for a more petite pool that blends seamlessly with outdoor elements like decks, patios, or even mini-outdoor kitchens.

Not all pools are built the same — nor do they go by the same name when creatively “adjusted” like this. You may know them as “spools,” “plunge pools,” “cocktail pools,” and “wading pools.”

So how do you create space for any of these pool options? Here are a few spots you might consider:

• The End Zone — If you set the pool in the corner of your backyard, it’s tucked away from the major central spaces, and, as a bonus, it becomes its own “zone.” If you opt for this design, insert a few dividing walls to create “areas” between wading pools, thermal pools, and the main swim spot.
• Traditional — This is when you place the pool in the middle of your backyard space. If you choose this orientation, great! Every other design decision, like pool chairs and dry-off areas, revolves around your pool.

What is the Best Small Pool Design for a Small Yard?
There are many creative small pool designs you can go for, and quite a few factors you have to consider. Every backyard orientation and make-up is different. Besides that, if you have your vision or a theme for your outdoor space, your pool must work well with that.

For example, if you choose a kidney-shaped curvy pool, you’ll lose some water space because of its irregular shape. However, this shape gives you more potential for deck space. Or, if you plan to have a lounge chair, you’ll need at least seven feet of decking in that area.

However, some want a more contemporary pool. You may forgo the curvy pool shape and opt for a more sleek, geometric design. And if you have a more narrow backyard, a traditional lap pool might work perfectly!

Or you could opt for a vertical with water features. So this might be a design that includes a large wall with a rock waterfall set against it or a shelf containing multiple fountains, which then tumbles into a smaller but comfortable seating area.

It’s Time to Get Creative
So, is your creativity muscle flexed and ready to go? Smaller pools still retain all the novelty and benefits of having a pool in your backyard without eating up too much overall space. All you have to decide is which shape you’re going for and the ideal cost for your family. Contact the Katy pool building experts at Cypress Custom Pools to schedule your design consultation today. We’re excited to help create the perfect pool for your home and family. 

About the Company

Cypress Custom Pools is a luxury custom pool builder in Tomball serving Cypress, Houston, The Woodlands, Conroe, Katy and the surrounding areas. We specialize in custom-designed inground pools, pool renovation, and outdoor living design & construction. We take pride in providing our clients with quality construction, luxurious pool designs and superior customer service whether we’re building a new pool, renovating an existing one or creating a gorgeous outdoor living space. 

To learn more about our pool design and construction process, be sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, Pinterest and Houzz, or subscribe to our YouTube channel.