Pools

While the size and price of the average American home are growing, there is one major aspect that isn’t on the rise. And that is your lot size. In fact, 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 are voluntarily buying new homes with larger square footage but smaller lot areas, with the hopes of expanding as they grow. 

Clearly, a shrinking lot significantly decreases how much space you’ve got to play with when it comes to 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? The fact is that not everyone has space on their lot for a 40-foot or even a 26-foot pool these days. However, with clever designs and some 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. If architects can help their homeowners build vertical gardens, we can certainly pack some pool space onto smaller lots.

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 if you live in a region with long, cold winters
• Many households opt for a more petite pool that blends seamlessly with other outdoor elements like decks, patios, or even mini outdoor kitchens

Now, not all pools are built the same — nor do they go by the same name when they’re 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:

• Against the Home — Build a small deck and place the pool flush against one of the sides of the home. As a bonus, you can access this pool much easier and it’s better for supervision if you have young kids. Hint: you can even build a large deck and integrate the pool right at the edge of the deck!
• The End Zone — If you set the pool in a corner of your backyard, it’s tucked away from the major central spaces, and, as a bonus, it becomes its own “zone.” If you’re opting 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 right in the middle of the backyard space you have. If you choose this orientation, great! Now, 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 own vision or a theme for your outdoor space, your pool will need to work well with that.

For example, if you’re choosing 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. In this case, 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 on is which shape you’re going to go for and what the ideal cost is for your family. Be sure to contact a reputable pool builder to help create the perfect pool for your home and family.