Hunting for the perfect pool can feel overwhelming, especially with so many choices on the market. Yet time and again, plunge pools have become a favourite among Australian homeowners thanks to their compact footprint, affordability, and lifestyle appeal. If you’re wondering what a plunge pool actually is, how they work, and whether they’re right for your backyard, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
What is a Plunge Pool?
The name plunge pool comes from the natural pools found at the base of waterfalls, traditionally believed to offer therapeutic and rejuvenating benefits. Modern plunge pools are designed with this same ethos in mind – they’re small-sized pools built primarily for relaxation, cooling off, and gentle movement rather than for swimming laps.
While sizes vary by manufacturer, plunge pools are typically around 6 metres long, 3–3.5 metres wide, and up to 1.2–1.6 metres deep. Their compact proportions make them ideal for small or narrow backyards, alfresco areas, courtyards, and urban blocks where a full-sized pool simply won’t fit.
Most plunge pools also include integrated bench seating, providing a comfortable space for lounging, hydromassage jets, or light water-based exercise.
In Australia, the two most common plunge pool construction types are fibreglass and concrete. Fibreglass is increasingly popular for its quick installation, durability, smooth finish, and low maintenance.
How Can You Enhance Your Plunge Pool?
A plunge pool can be as simple or as luxurious as you want it to be. Optional upgrades allow you to tailor the space to your lifestyle, aesthetic, and budget.
Spa Jets
Adding spa jets is one of the most popular enhancements. High-powered hydrotherapy jets create a spa-like experience at home, offering benefits such as reduced muscle tension, faster recovery, improved circulation, and stress relief. For many homeowners, jets turn a compact pool into a year-round wellness retreat.
Lighting
Heating
Swim Jets
While plunge pools aren’t designed for lap swimming, adding counter-current swim jets allows you to swim in place. This makes plunge pools suitable for fitness-focused homeowners or anyone wanting a compact pool that still supports cardiovascular exercise.
How Much Does the Installation of a Plunge Pool Cost?
The cost of a plunge pool in Australia varies depending on installation type, site conditions, materials, and features. Key cost factors include:
1. In-Ground vs Above-Ground
- Above-ground plunge pools are typically more affordable and quicker to install because they require little to no excavation.
- In-ground plunge pools offer a seamless, integrated look, which is why many homeowners prefer them, but they come with higher excavation and construction costs.
Your choice will depend on your site, budget, and the final aesthetic you want to achieve.
2. Site Conditions
Compact pools can fit into tight or irregularly-shaped backyards, but site access, soil type, and ground slope can influence cost. Challenging sites may require additional excavation, crane access, or structural support.
3. Pool Material
Material type also affects the pool installation cost:
- Concrete pools are custom-built on-site, making them the more expensive option.
- Fibreglass pools are pre-moulded and typically more affordable due to faster installation and lower ongoing maintenance.
The final price will depend on the size, depth, and design of the pool shell you choose. Fibreglass plunge pools are increasingly popular due to their durability, low maintenance and design options.
4. Optional Features
Extras such as heating, jets, water features, lighting, tiling, or decking contribute to the total cost of pool installation. These enhancements can elevate the look and functionality of your pool, but it’s helpful to prioritise which features matter most for your lifestyle.
Why Should You Choose a Plunge Pool?
1. Perfect for Relaxation
Plunge pools are designed with rest and rejuvenation in mind. Their compact size and integrated seating create an ideal environment for sitting back, unwinding, and enjoying the water without the effort required to maintain a full-sized swimming pool.
With options like spa jets, lighting, and heating, you can turn your outdoor space into a soothing wellness retreat that supports both mental and physical relaxation. Whether you’re cooling off after a long day or enjoying a quiet moment on the weekend, plunge pools truly shine as a space for tranquillity.
2. Cost-Friendly
Because of their smaller footprint, plunge pools offer significant savings compared to traditional pools. They require less excavation, use smaller filtration and pump systems, and consume far less water, all of which reduce upfront and long-term costs. Ongoing maintenance is also easier and more affordable, thanks to fewer chemicals, reduced energy consumption, and quicker cleaning times.
Opting for a fibreglass pool will also save on installation and excavation costs. For homeowners wanting the luxury of a pool without the full financial commitment, a small pool is an economical choice.
3. Ideal for Small Spaces
One of the biggest advantages of a plunge pool is its versatility when it comes to placement. They fit beautifully into courtyards, terraces, townhouses, narrow blocks, or yards where a full-sized pool would never be feasible. Even in large backyards, plunge pools create a bold architectural feature that complements landscaping and outdoor entertaining areas.
Their adaptability makes them an excellent choice for modern Australian homes, where lot sizes continue to shrink.
4. Wide Range of Styles
They come in an extensive variety of shapes, depths, and configurations to suit virtually any design preference. From clean, rectangular layouts to elegant curves and modern square designs, there’s a style to suit every backyard.
Fibreglass plunge pools, in particular, offer integrated steps, benches, and safety ledges built into the mould, creating a polished, designer look straight out of the box. With so many options, you can enjoy a pool that reflects your personal taste while fitting seamlessly into your outdoor space. Check out our pool range!
5. Environmentally Friendly
Plunge pools are naturally more sustainable than larger pools due to their smaller water volume and lower resource requirements. They use less water, often up to 80% less than a standard pool, making them an eco-conscious choice, especially in areas prone to drought or water restrictions.
Their compact design also means less power is needed to run pumps and heating systems, reducing your carbon footprint. Combined with fewer chemicals and lower maintenance demands, plunge pools offer an environmentally responsible way to enjoy backyard swimming.
6. Therapeutic Benefits
Beyond relaxation, plunge pools can provide genuine health and wellbeing benefits. Cooling off in refreshing water can reduce inflammation, aid in muscle recovery, and invigorate the body.
When fitted with heating or spa jets, the pool transforms into a hydrotherapy space that can soothe sore muscles, support rehabilitation, and ease stress. Whether you prefer cold plunges or warm immersion, the pool becomes a valuable part of your wellness routine.
7. Great for Light Exercise
8. Visually Appealing
Plunge pools add instant visual appeal to any backyard, becoming the centrepiece of your outdoor space.
Their compact design and clean lines make them a standout feature, especially when paired with high-quality finishes, modern lighting, or surrounding landscaping. This aesthetic lift can also boost property value and increase buyer appeal.
Benefits of Fibreglass Plunge Pools
Fibreglass plunge pools have become the preferred choice for many Australian homeowners due to their durability, affordability, and installation speed. Because the fibreglass shell is pre-made in a controlled factory environment, installation is typically much faster and more consistent than concrete pools.
The smooth, non-porous surface resists algae growth, making the pool easier to maintain and more comfortable to use.
Fibreglass plunge pools also offer a longer lifespan with less upkeep, and many come with integrated steps, bench seating, and safety features built directly into the design.
How to Choose the Right Pool Size
Choosing the ideal plunge pool size depends on how you plan to use your outdoor space. Start by assessing your yard’s layout, boundaries, and the surrounding environment.
Think about whether the pool will be used primarily for relaxation, hydrotherapy or entertaining, as this will influence size and depth. It’s also important to consider council regulations, access for installation, and how the pool will integrate with decking, landscaping, and pathways.
Planning ahead ensures your pool becomes a cohesive part of your overall backyard design.
Water Type Options: Salt, Mineral or Chlorine
Your pool can be paired with several water sanitation options, each with its own benefits.
- Saltwater systems are low-maintenance and gentle on skin, making them popular for families.
- Mineral pools offer a luxurious feel with magnesium or mineral blends that can assist muscle recovery and skin hydration.
- Traditional chlorine pools remain a cost-effective choice, especially for smaller pools where maintenance demands are already low.
The right choice depends on your budget, maintenance preferences, and the swimming experience you want to create.
Read our guide on saltwater vs mineral pools.
Installation Process
Installing a fibreglass plunge pool is often quicker and more streamlined than many homeowners expect.
- The process begins with a site assessment, where installers determine the best placement and identify any access requirements.
- Next comes excavation, followed by preparing the base and crane-lifting the pool shell into place.
- Once positioned, the team completes the plumbing and electrical work, backfills the surrounding area, and ensures the pool is structurally supported.
- The final step is to commission the pool, fill it with water, and complete finishing touches such as coping, tiling, or landscaping.
- The result is a ready-to-enjoy pool installed in a fraction of the time of a concrete build.
View a detailed guide on the pool installation process here.
Pool Landscaping Ideas
Landscaping can transform your plunge pool into a stunning outdoor feature. Timber decking, stone pavers, or polished concrete surrounds create a stylish and durable finish.
Privacy screens, feature walls, or vertical gardens help define the space and provide seclusion. Consider incorporating tropical plants, LED strip lighting, or waterfall features to elevate the atmosphere.
Even in compact areas, thoughtful design can dramatically enhance both functionality and visual appeal.
Plunge Pool vs Spa vs Full-Sized Pool
Plunge pools offer a unique middle ground between a small spa and a traditional swimming pool. Spas are ideal for hydrotherapy and warmth, but lack space for movement. Full-sized pools cater to swimmers, families, and entertainers but require significant space and higher upfront and running costs.
Plunge pools deliver the best of both worlds: deep enough for soaking and cool dips yet spacious enough for entertaining, all while remaining cost-effective and space-efficient. This balance makes them one of the most versatile pool choices available.
Read our guide on plunge pools vs lap pools for an in-depth comparison between these two pool options.
Running Costs & Maintenance Guide
Because plunge pools hold less water, they’re naturally cheaper to run than larger pools. Expect lower monthly energy bills, reduced chemical use, and less time spent on cleaning and maintenance.
Basic upkeep includes checking chemical balance, backwashing the filter, and periodically cleaning the pool surface. Adding a pool blanket or upgrading to an energy-efficient pump can further reduce running costs.
With proper care, plunge pools are one of the most cost-effective backyard features to maintain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a typical plunge pool?
Most plunge pools range from 2–6 metres long and 2–3 metres wide. You can opt for a fibreglass pool design to fit narrow yards, corner spaces, or unique layouts. Depths vary but generally sit between 1.2 and 1.6 metres.
How much does a plunge pool cost in Australia?
Costs vary based on size, design, site access, finishes, and equipment, but most plunge pools start from around the mid-$30,000s and increase from there. Add-ons like heating, custom tiles, lighting, or landscaping will influence the final price. Opting for a fibreglass pool will make the overall installation process significantly more affordable.
Are plunge pools warm enough to use in winter?
Yes. Because they require less water to heat, plunge pools warm up quickly and cost far less to run than a full-sized pool. Many homeowners install a heat pump so they can use their plunge pool comfortably year-round.
Do plunge pools require council approval?
In most Australian councils, plunge pools require approval because they are permanent, in-ground swimming pools. The process typically includes engineering, safety compliance, and barrier requirements. Your pool builder will guide you through this.
How long does installation take?
Fibreglass pools can often be installed very quickly compared to concrete pools. Once site preparation and approvals are complete, the pool shell can usually be delivered and fully installed within 1–2 weeks, making it one of the fastest pool installation options available in Australia. This quick turnaround also means less disruption to your backyard and a faster path to enjoying your new pool.
Are plunge pools safe for kids?
Yes, with correct fencing, self-latching gates and supervision, plunge pools can be a safe and enjoyable option for children. Many families choose designs with ledges or swim-out areas to enhance safety and comfort.
Can plunge pools increase property value?
A well-built plunge pool can improve both the functionality and aesthetics of your yard, making your property more appealing to buyers. Backyard pools often deliver strong resale appeal due to their lifestyle enhancement.
What’s the difference between a plunge pool and a spa?
A spa is usually smaller, hotter, and built specifically for relaxation. A plunge pool is larger and more versatile, designed for cooling off, gentle swimming, hydrotherapy, and year-round use. It is essentially a small swimming pool rather than a spa.
Why choose us for your plunge pool?
As specialists in fibreglass pools, we offer a wide range of pre-designed shells in various shapes, sizes, and finishes, with optional features like swim jets, heating, and integrated seating. Our pool builders manage the entire process, from site assessment and council approvals to delivery, installation, and finishing touches, ensuring a fast, efficient build and a high-quality pool that’s ready to enjoy with minimal maintenance.
Talk to Our Team About Your Ideal Pool
Ready to bring a fibreglass plunge pool to your backyard? Our team can help you explore the full range of shapes, sizes, and custom options to suit your space, lifestyle, and budget. From site assessment and design advice to fast installation and finishing touches, we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.
Get in touch today to discuss your ideal pool and request a personalised quote.
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