Plunge Pools A plunge pool may be the best option for your backyard and budget. Whether you have a small backyard, fixed budget or just want to create a relaxed space, Jim Hinson Pools can design your dream plunge pool. Fill out the free quote request form to get started or continue reading to learn why a plunge pool may be the right fit for your backyard.
About Plunge Pools
A smaller footprint doesn’t mean a smaller impact; it just means a smarter design. And thatâs where Jim Hinson Pools comes in. Our pool design experts will provide a free 3-D rendering to show you exactly how your new plunge pool would look in your backyard.
What is a Plunge Pool?
A plunge pool is a compact, deep-water pool designed for cooling off, unwinding, and making a serious design statement, all in a small space.Â
You may have heard plunge pools called by other names; for example: cocktail pools, spools, or garden pools. The terms are largely interchangeable, though each hints at a slightly different personality.
50 Years of Craftsmanship. One Vision: Yours.
Each project is a unique reflection of the families and businesses we work with
â crafted with precision and quality, with the ultimate goal of creating spaces for fun, connection, and relaxation.
Is a Plunge Pool Right
for Your Yard?
If your lot is narrow, shaded, sloped, or simply smaller than you’d like, a plunge pool, cocktail pool, or spool is worth a serious look before you rule out a pool altogether. As your most trusted local pool builder, we’ve helped countless homeowners turn modest backyards into private retreats.
Don’t let a small yard hold you back. Request your free quote today and find out what a custom plunge pool could look like in your backyard.
Cocktail Pools
Cocktail pools lean into entertaining. Think a sleek, tiled basin just off the patio, built for evening gatherings, string lights, and a glass of wine at the water's edge rather than laps.
Spools
Spools -- part spa, part pool -- blur the line between these two popular design types, and are often built with integrated jets, a raised spa ledge, or heating that lets you use the space year-round.
Garden Pools
Garden pools emphasize integration with the landscape. These pools are designed to feel like a natural extension of your plantings, hardscape and outdoor living space, rather than a stand-alone feature dropped into the lawn.
Elevating Outdoor Living
Throughout The Following Areas
Jim Hinson Pools proudly brings our legacy of excellence and unparalleled craftsmanship to discerning homeowners throughout:
Maryland
Potomac, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Annapolis, Baltimore County, Montgomery County
Virginia
Northern Virginia (McLean, Great Falls, Fairfax, Arlington), Charlottesville, Richmond, Loudoun County
North Carolina
Raleigh, Charlotte, The Triangle area (Durham, Chapel Hill), Asheville, Wilmington
The Jim Hinson Experience
Through Our Clients' Eyes
Real stories. Genuine moments. Hear from the families and businesses who trusted us to bring their visions to life.
Let's Make Waves Together!
Ready to transform your outdoor living space into a signature aquatic escape? Connect with our team to discuss your vision and begin your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a plunge pool, exactly?
A plunge pool is a small, deep-water pool, typically 10 to 20 feet long, designed for cooling off, soaking, and relaxing rather than swimming laps. It goes by several names, including cocktail pool, spool, and garden pool, depending on its size, features, and how it’s used.
Are a cocktail pool, spool, and garden pool actually different pools?
Not fundamentally. A cocktail pool, spool and garden pool all describe a small-format pool. The names just emphasize different uses: a cocktail pool is built for entertaining, a spool blends in spa features like jets or heating, and a garden pool is designed to sit closely within your landscaping. During your free consultation, our team will help you land on the combination of features that fits your yard and your lifestyle.
How much space does a plunge pool actually need?
A plunge pool needs far less space than a traditional pool. Many homeowners fit a plunge pool into side yards, narrow lots, or spaces beside a patio that couldn’t accommodate a full-size pool. Request a free quote and we’ll assess your specific property to confirm what will fit.
Can you actually swim in a plunge pool?
You can move around and get real exercise in a plunge pool. Some homeowners add resistance jets for swimming in place, for example, but a plunge pool isn’t built for lap swimming. It’s designed for standing, soaking and quick cooling off rather than distance swimming.
Do plunge pools cost less than a full-size pool?
Generally, yes, plunge pools will cost less. A smaller water volume typically means lower excavation, material and equipment costs, along with lower ongoing costs for chemicals, water and energy to heat. Exact pricing still depends on your site conditions, finishes and any added features like spa jets or water features, so we recommend requesting a free quote for numbers specific to your project.
Can a plunge pool include a spa or heating?
Yes, and this is exactly what makes a spool a spool. We can integrate spa jets, a raised spa spillover and heating so the pool is usable well beyond peak summer, giving you more months of use out of a smaller space.
Will a plunge pool work on a sloped or shaded lot?
Oftentimes, yes, a plunge pool will work on a sloped or shaded lot. Because the footprint is smaller, our team has more flexibility to place and shape the pool around mature trees, grade changes, drainage areas, etc. We may also recommend raising the pool above grade on more challenging sites.
Do I need a permit or HOA approval for a plunge pool?
Most municipalities require a permit for any inground or permanently installed pool, regardless of size, and many neighborhoods have HOA design guidelines as well. As part of our process, we handle permitting and can help you navigate any HOA requirements before construction begins.
How long does it take to build a plunge pool?
As an award-winning, top-rated pool building company, Jim Hinson Pools has built a reputation as the most trusted local pool builder for homeowners who want expert craftsmanship at any scale. Whether you want a compact garden pool or a full backyard resort, Jim Hinson Pools can provide you with the pool of your dreams. Every project starts with a free, no-pressure quote so you know exactly what to expect.