When you look at all the options available to you for some type of water relaxation unit for your backyard, one of the most overlooked and misunderstood options is the plunge pool. Why is this you might think? It’s because you need to think outside the box as to how you can maximize the use of a plunge.
The initial intent of this unit was simply to be a low-cost water vessel you could put in your back yard so you would have a place to go and cool off on those hot sunny days. Perfect description and this type pool and it need not be large. It may be as small as 8’X8’ or maybe as large as 12’X12’ or more, round, rectangular or square, any shape you choose.
So why wouldn’t I just go out and buy a small “cool pool” as we used to call them? Well, you could, however, that vinyl-lined above-ground style cool pools were nothing more than simply a small round pool, no versatility. Liners tore easily, didn’t last long, and honestly, they weren’t that pretty if you know what I mean. And don’t forget that the moment you make a purchase of one of those “cool pools”, they start to depreciate, just like a car or boat.
Plunge Pool
A permanently install “plunge pool” on the other hand, in most areas of our country can add equity value to your home, often at least an amount that would be enough to offset your investment maybe more, nothing wrong with that right?
So here is where I want you to consider the versatility of the “plunge pool”. Your plunge pool can also be what is called a cocktail pool, an exercise pool, a swim spa, and a hot tub! Like getting four amenities all wrapped in one. In case you never heard the term “cocktail pool”, here is an example of one type of this unit. A small water-filled unit, often with a shallow area big enough to set a few lounge chairs in the water for you and your friends to sit on and enjoy good conversation and a few “adult beverages”. It can also have a deeper section, deep enough to take a dip in and cool off on a hot day.
The deeper section can double as a standing water exercise area for low-impact aerobic exercise routines. Interesting you say, we’re just getting started here. How about we install a few wall anchors to be secure tethering points for a swim harness. Forget those over-the-top costly swim spas, I’ll show you ways to save tons of money and get the same results as any swim spa could give you. Here are a few plunge pool examples.
Let’s take it up a notch. You can also install any amount of spa or hot tub jets in any or all of the walls if you like. Like to have your water a little warmer? add a heater, want lights? add lights, any type you want. Fancy it up some, add a water feature. The idea is, get as creative as you want. There are no rules and no limits except for maybe space and your budget.
Ok so let’s touch on cost. Depending on what part of the country you’re in, if you do a majority of the work yourself, a basic “plunge pool” can cost you around $1500-$1800 on up to around $8000-$9000 depending on the amenities you add. But think about this for a minute, the upper range cost of a moderately decked out plunge pool is about half the cost of one of those manufactured swim spas. A decent quality swim spa starts in the range of about $13,000 on up to over $20,000, ouch! So the question is what do you want or maybe I should ask you what do you really need?
Before you decide what you might want, get a copy of my Spa Building DIY guide, go through all the options to give you a much clearer vision of what you want and what you can do yourself with my help. Visit, www.custombuiltspas.com. Many of the tips and procedures I reveal in my book will save you many more times the cost of the information package.
Thanks for the visit!
Gene Trumbull
Custom Built Spas
