23 Small Backyard Pools Ideas
So your backyard is more postage stamp than football field—does that mean you can’t have a pool? Absolutely not.
In fact, a small yard can be the perfect canvas for a personal oasis. You don’t need acres of land to make a splash.
With smart design and a bit of creativity, a compact pool can feel like a luxurious retreat.
I used to live in a tiny craftsman bungalow in Arizona.
The yard was so tight, my neighbor’s dog would often drop by uninvited—through the fence.
But one summer, I installed a plunge pool barely larger than a walk-in closet. It changed everything.
Suddenly, I had the most popular hangout on the block. Size? Totally irrelevant. Smart design and intention were what mattered.
If you’re daydreaming about that same refreshing escape, this guide is for you.
Let’s walk through 23 small backyard pool ideas that pack a serious punch.
No fluff, just straight-up inspiration, guidance, and a few clever tricks from someone who’s been there.
Plunge Pools: The Power Nap of Pools
Plunge pools are compact, often just 6 to 10 feet long, and built for dipping rather than laps.
Think of them as the espresso shots of the swimming world—small, intense, and instantly energizing.
These pools are ideal for tight spaces. Their minimal water volume means lower maintenance and utility costs.
According to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, plunge pools use up to 80% less water than standard pools.
They’re also perfect for therapeutic use. Add jets, and you’ve got yourself a spa-like experience without ever leaving home.
Cocktail Pools: Small in Size, Big on Style
These stylish little numbers are essentially a hybrid of a spa and a pool.
Usually under 400 square feet, they’re ideal for sipping margaritas, soaking up sun, and feeling like a rockstar.
A cocktail pool often includes built-in seating, mood lighting, and water features. Add a heater and you’ve got year-round use.
They’re like the tuxedo of pools—tailored and classy.
My friend Greg calls his “The Mojito Lounge.” It’s about 12×7 feet and sits snugly in the corner of his urban garden.
It’s not big enough for cannonballs, but perfect for soaking under the stars.
Spool (Spa + Pool): The Best of Both Worlds
The “spool” is what happens when a spa and a pool fall in love. It’s larger than a hot tub, smaller than a pool, and totally fabulous.
Spools are often custom-built with jets and heaters.
They serve multiple purposes: relaxation, hydrotherapy, and even light exercise. If you’re into aqua yoga or water aerobics, this is a win.
And here’s a bonus—spools cost about 40% less than traditional in-ground pools, according to HomeAdvisor.
Plus, you can install one in as little as 2–4 weeks.
Shipping Container Pools: Industrial Chic
Yes, actual shipping containers. It’s a growing trend that’s as cool as it is unconventional.
You get a sleek, rectangular pool with modern vibes and eco-friendly upcycling points.
These pools are pre-fabricated, which means faster installation and fewer headaches. They’re also portable, making them ideal if you ever move.
Companies like Modpools have taken this idea mainstream.
Their standard 8×20 ft container pool includes WiFi controls, LED lights, and even a hot tub divider.
Stock Tank Pools: The Instagram Darling
Stock tank pools are the unofficial mascots of summer creativity.
Originally designed for livestock, these galvanized metal tubs are now the darling of DIYers everywhere.
All you need is a level surface, a water filter, and a dream.
Oh, and maybe a splash of paint or some cedar trim to give it that “boho-chic farmhouse” look.
With installation costs under $500 in many cases, they’re incredibly budget-friendly. And on hot days? An absolute game-changer.
Above-Ground Pools: Not What They Used to Be
Forget the big blue monstrosities from the 90s. Modern above-ground pools are sleek, durable, and surprisingly elegant.
With improved materials like resin and steel, and options for surrounding decks or landscaping, they can blend beautifully into any yard.
The key? Placement and design integration.
Build a raised platform, add some potted plants, and you’ve got a space that rivals many in-ground setups.
Natural Plunge Pools: Zen in a Small Package
Think of this as your personal backyard pond—but swimmable, filtered, and serene.
Natural plunge pools use aquatic plants and bio-filters instead of chlorine.
They’re eco-friendly and stunning, especially when integrated with landscaping. Butterflies may visit. Frogs might croak.
It’s like living in a nature documentary.
Installation costs vary, but ongoing maintenance is often lower than traditional pools.
Corner Pools: Tuck It Away
Have an awkward backyard layout? A corner pool can be a genius solution. These pools are shaped to fit neatly into a 90-degree angle.
They’re typically triangular or L-shaped and use the space efficiently, leaving room for dining or lounging elsewhere.
You’re basically reclaiming forgotten real estate in your yard—and turning it into your personal water feature wonderland.
Glass Wall Pools: Drama in Every Drop
This idea is small pool meets big drama. One or more sides of the pool are made of glass or acrylic, creating a transparent effect.
Not only does it visually expand the space, but it also creates a luxurious, high-end feel.
It’s a splurge, but if your yard is on the smaller side, it’s a stunning focal point.
I saw one in a 500-square-foot backyard in Palm Springs, and it felt like walking into a boutique hotel.
Infinity-Edge Plunge Pools: Endless Vibes
An infinity edge makes even the tiniest pool feel like it stretches into forever.
The water flows over one or more sides into a lower basin, creating a visual illusion of depth and distance.
This is ideal for backyards with views—city skylines, wooded landscapes, or just your neighbor’s hydrangeas.
The design tricks the eye and adds major wow factor.
Indoor-Outdoor Flow Pools
If your yard is adjacent to a sliding door or patio, consider creating a flowing transition between your interior and pool.
Design the decking or tile to continue seamlessly, and your small backyard suddenly becomes part of your living space.
This works especially well with plunge or cocktail pools.
Add a sliding glass door and you’ve got your own spa retreat a step away from the couch.
Raised Deck Pools
Building a raised deck around a pool does wonders for small spaces.
It defines the area, adds seating opportunities, and makes maintenance easier.
This is perfect for sloped yards where digging an in-ground pool isn’t feasible. Think treehouse vibes, but with water instead of squirrels.
Include built-in benches, railings, and even planter boxes for added style.
Japanese Soaking Tubs (Ofuro)
If you’re after serenity rather than splashing, a Japanese soaking tub might be the ticket.
These small, deep tubs are designed for upright soaking, not swimming.
Typically made from cedar or hinoki wood, they offer a rich sensory experience. Add a tea light or two and you’ll be mentally on Mount Fuji.
They’re compact—perfect for tiny courtyards or shaded corners.
Heating them takes minimal energy, and they double as cold plunge baths in summer.
Retractable Pool Covers: Smart Space Savers
Space at a premium? A retractable pool cover turns your pool into a patio when not in use.
Some designs even support the weight of furniture, so your dinner party doesn’t miss a beat.
It’s not cheap, but if you need to justify every square foot, this is a game-changing feature.
Geometric Mini Pools
Square. Rectangle. Triangle. Clean lines and crisp shapes. Geometric pools work well in small spaces because they’re efficient.
They also blend better with modern architectural styles. Less wasted space. More room for lounging around the edge.
These are the LEGO blocks of backyard design—simple, modular, and full of potential.
Hidden Pools Under Decking
James Bond would approve. Some small pools can be built with sliding or hydraulic covers that conceal them completely when not in use.
One client I met in Austin had a wood-paneled patio that slid open to reveal a soaking tub below.
It was like discovering buried treasure, but with bubbles.
L-Shaped Pools for Tight Corners
The L-shape is an underused but super-effective option. It allows you to wrap the pool around landscaping, patios, or awkward yard dimensions.
You also get a shallow and deep area more naturally divided, which is great for families with young kids—or adults who like to cannonball without apology.
Indoor Courtyard Pools
If your home wraps around a tiny courtyard, drop in a small plunge pool. It will completely transform the mood and feel of your home.
This is popular in Mediterranean and Moroccan architecture, but adaptable anywhere. Use terra cotta tile, mosaics, or stone to add flair.
Pro tip: Install an outdoor shower nearby. The combo is heavenly.
Lap Pools for Narrow Yards
Got a long, narrow side yard? Turn it into a lap pool lane. These can be as slim as 6 feet wide, but up to 40 feet long.
Perfect for swimmers or fitness junkies. Add a swim jet if you don’t have the length but still want resistance training.
This turns unused side yards into full-on utility zones—no more wasted real estate.
Mirror Pools: Reflective Illusion
A mirror pool is designed with still, flat water and dark finishes to reflect the sky and surroundings.
It’s not for cannonballs—but for style and reflection (literally).
The trick? Keep the design minimal. No bubbling jets or splashing fountains. It’s all about calm elegance.
These look incredible in small gardens or near minimalist architecture.
Rooftop Pools: Defying Limits
Got a flat roof or garage with structural strength? Go vertical with a rooftop plunge pool.
This trend is booming in urban areas. You’ll need engineering checks and permits, but the result? A next-level view and unparalleled privacy.
Add greenery, lights, and soft furniture, and you’ve got an elevated escape from the everyday.
Indoor Sunroom Pools
No yard at all? Install a plunge pool inside a sunroom or enclosed patio. It keeps the elements at bay and allows year-round enjoyment.
This also lets you control humidity and privacy, and you can style it with indoor plants for a tropical vibe even in February.
DIY Modular Pools
Modular pool kits allow you to build a pool piece by piece, like IKEA but with chlorine.
You can choose shape, size, features, and placement.
Costs are lower, and installation time is short. Many systems even offer DIY options if you’re handy.
These are fantastic for renters or those who want flexibility and customization.
Final Thoughts
A small backyard is not a limitation—it’s a design opportunity. Every inch becomes part of a thoughtful, intentional space.
Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek spool or a rustic stock tank, the key is to embrace your space’s personality.
Here’s the takeaway: You don’t need a mansion to feel like royalty. Just a few square feet of water, a little imagination, and the courage to dip your toes in.
So, what kind of pool are you imagining in your backyard?
Want help picking the perfect one for your space?
