How To Install a Plunge Pool

A plunge pool can transform your outdoor space, providing a luxurious and refreshing oasis without sacrificing your entire yard. In the video above, This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada meets with a manufacturer from Soake Pools and experts from Phoenix Precast Products to explore the process of creating and installing a custom plunge pool. Below, we cover some must-know information about installing plunging pools, their benefits, expected costs, and more.

*Unless otherwise noted, costs in this article reflect an average of prices that our team found from hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and on Amazon.com.

What Are Plunge Pools?

Plunge pools are small, deep bodies of water designed for cooling off and relaxation rather than swimming laps. These compact pools are gaining popularity among homeowners who want the benefits of a pool without dedicating a large portion of their yard to it. 

Plunge pools offer several advantages over traditional swimming pools. They’re space-efficient, have lower maintenance costs, are more customizable, and use less water and energy. Heated plunge pools also have year-round usability.

Their depth is usually between 4 to 8 feet, but the exact depth can be customized based on the homeowner’s preferences.

According to This Old House Magazine, a plunge pool is often described as the “Goldilocks pool”—bigger than a hot tub, yet shallower than a traditional in-ground pool. Its just-right dimensions are roughly 4 to 5½ feet deep, in sizes as small as 7 by 7 feet and as large as 20 by 12 feet. A heater can also be added to warm the water, making it a soothing option for achy muscles as well as a refreshing cool-down spot in summer.

The Plunge Pool Manufacturing Process

Creating and installing a plunge pool is a custom and professional job. You’ll have to work directly with the pool manufacturer to discuss dimensions, tiles, seat placement, and more.

Pool manufacturers make plunge pools with concrete. The shell is formed using high-quality concrete that meets the dimensions and specifications requested by the homeowner. Rebar is placed between two panels to reinforce the structure. Concrete is mixed and poured into the mold with a crane-operated bucket until the mold is completely filled.

Once the concrete has cured for 24 hours, the form is stripped, and the concrete is left to cure further over the next two to four weeks. A waterproofing membrane is applied to prevent leaks, with fabric in the corners for extra protection. A copper bonding wire is also installed for electrical safety.

Finally, the finishing touches are added. This could include porcelain tiles—the exact design depends on the homeowner. A strong thinset and epoxy grout are applied for additional waterproofing and to keep the tiles in place.

During the waterproofing stage, a fabrication team first smooths the interior surface of the cured concrete shell. Then a tiler rolls on the waterproofing membrane to all four sides and the bottom. In the corners, he reinforces them with a fabric layer and then paints more waterproofing membrane over that, providing extra protection against leaks at the most vulnerable joints.

How To Install a Plunge Pool

Once you’ve placed your order for a plunge pool and the pool has been manufactured, it’s time to prepare the yard and install it. Homeowners will be working with the pool manufacturer, an excavator, and landscapers during this process. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Prepare the Site

An excavator digs a hole slightly larger than the pool’s dimensions, and the area is laser-leveled for a perfectly flat surface. Approximately 18 inches of crushed stone is poured and compacted in the hole for stability.

Compacting the crushed stone in thin layers is essential for a stable base. As explained during a This Old House project at the Brookline House, you should spread the material about six inches at a time, wet it down, and compact each layer with a hand compactor before adding the next. “If you put two or three feet at once, you’d never get the proper compaction,” the project team noted. Building up the base incrementally ensures it can bear the full weight of the pool without shifting.

2. Place the Pool

Before the pool arrives, the foundation must be properly engineered to handle the load. As This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explained during a recent project, the pool itself may weigh around 4,000 pounds, but once you add the weight of the water—another 16,000 pounds or more—you’re looking at 20,000 pounds of weight pushing down constantly. A structural concrete pour tied into the foundations ensures nothing moves over time. A drainage system along the sides should also be installed so any water that gets below the pool drains into existing systems and doesn’t build up.

A flatbed truck and crane are needed to carefully deliver, lift, and position the plunge pool into the excavated site as it can weigh up to 18,000 pounds. 

Pro Tip: Once the pool is hovering over the excavation, don’t rush the final set. As Karen, a pool manufacturer representative featured on This Old House, advised during an installation: “Now we just want to get it squared up with whatever we’re squaring to and get it centered so that when he sets it down, it’s where we want it.” Taking time for these final adjustments while the pool is still suspended ensures precise placement before it’s committed to the foundation.

3. Install Pool Equipment

To make the plunge pool operational, certain components are needed, including a pump and filter system for water circulation and cleanliness. Homeowners can also opt for an automation panel for smartphone control and a heater if they’d like to use the pool year-round. These components should come pre-assembled.

4. Backfill and Landscape

Once the pool and equipment are in place, the surrounding area will be backfilled and stairs can be added for easy pool access. Homeowners then work with the landscaping team to add the finishing touches. Some common additions include patio areas, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens. Landscaping elements, such as flowers and shrubs, can also be installed.

Pool Cost Considerations

A plunge pool is usually less expensive than a traditional pool, but it’s still a significant investment. On average, plunge pools cost $28,000, according to Angi. However, the price can range from $3,000 to $75,000, depending on the size, materials, and additional features. Homeowners can see a return on investment by adding a pool, too, as homes with a pool often sell for about 8% more than those without.

Our Conclusion

Installing a plunge pool offers a unique way to enjoy water features in your backyard without sacrificing space or breaking the bank. With proper planning and professional installation, a plunge pool can provide years of enjoyment and even add value to your home.