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Short on backyard space? Pint-sized pools are making a big splash

November 8, 2022 by viridity

The Australian backyard was once a place where big swimming pools reigned supreme. As the demand for pools continues to soar, things are starting to look a little different.

Home owners are increasingly turning away from the more expansive pools of their childhood and opting for smaller sized ones that fit seamlessly into outdoor areas without dominating the yard.

Some are limited by space constraints in small inner-city blocks and courtyards. Others just want a compact and affordable solution that adds value and enjoyment to their home without the hassle of having to install and maintain a full-size pool.

‘Small pools’ defined

“Spools”, cocktail pools, entertainer pools, plunge pools and swim spas – the terms used to describe smaller pools are varied, as are their designs. Made from concrete or fibreglass, in or above ground, they’re often up to just five metres in length or diameter. As well as using less water and being easier to heat and maintain, the prospect of a quick build or faster installation time is sealing the deal for a lot of people.

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Small pools have become just as popular as larger ones when it comes to ‘delivering the backyard dream’. Photo: Lights4fun

According to Lindsay McGrath, chief executive of Swimming Pool and Spa Association Australia, small pools and spas have become as popular as their larger counterparts as a way to “deliver the backyard dream”.

“Innovation in small pool design has been increasing for about a decade. With smaller and cost-effective options now on the market, almost every space can have a pool or spa,” McGrath says.

“And with travel options now limited, the industry has seen a large spike in consumers wanting to invest in their backyard as an alternative. The staycation becomes a reality when you look holistically at a space and design your backyard to enhance your time outdoors and make the most of what you have.”

The lifestyle benefits of small pools

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Kate Lainson from Cronulla Pools says small pools are cost-effective and efficient. Cronulla Pools and Stone Lotus Landscapes. Photo: Capture Creative

Savvy pool companies have tapped into the trend and are catering to the growing number of home owners who are rejecting the “bigger is better” mantra. 

As Kate Lainson, co-owner of Cronulla Pools says: “Blocks are getting smaller. We’ve seen the duplex boom take over a lot of Sydney, so there’s a space issue. Also in terms of maintenance, not having to look after a large body of water is more efficient and cost-effective.”

Lainson points out that as a lifestyle asset, a pool should integrate with, rather than overpower, its surroundings. She says, “Outdoor living is such an important part of Australian culture and people are creating entertaining areas with fire pits or trampolines for the kids. You don’t just have the standard ‘backyard with a pool’ set up anymore.”

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