37 Stunning Plunge Pool Designs to Transform Your Backyard Into a Cool Summer Retreat
You don’t need a massive swimming pool to create the perfect backyard oasis that keeps you cool all summer long.
Plunge pools offer all the refreshing benefits of a traditional pool while fitting beautifully into smaller spaces and budgets.
These compact water features can transform any outdoor area into a luxurious retreat where you’ll love spending time with family and friends.
01. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Water Feature
Credit: Design by Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop / Photo by Chad Mellon
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You’ll love how this modern plunge pool creates a stunning connection between your indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Fold-away doors make it easily accessible from inside, while flowing curtains provide privacy and protection. The neutral design becomes a captivating focal point that elevates your entire patio area.
02. Multi-Level Spa Experience
Credit: Design by Ashby Collective and Furman + Keil Architects / Photo by Clay Grier
Your backyard can accommodate multiple relaxation zones when you design it with different levels in mind.
This brilliant combination of a plunge pool and hot tub creates a luxurious spa-like atmosphere that gives you options for every mood and season.
03. Year-Round Mountain Retreat
Credit: Kendall Wilkinson Design
You can enjoy your plunge pool even in colder weather because smaller pools are much easier to heat than large ones.
This above-ground design proves that snowy mountain settings become even more magical when you have a warm water retreat waiting just outside your door.
04. Luxurious Bedroom Suite Addition
Credit: Tiffani Baumgart Interiors / Photo by Jenny Siegwart
Your master bedroom becomes incredibly luxurious when you add a plunge pool visible right from your bed.
This waterfront design features tempered glass walls for protection and a semi-enclosed patio that creates an intimate, resort-like atmosphere you’ll never want to leave.
05. Dramatic Fire and Water Combination
Credit: Kate Marker Interiors
You can create a breathtaking statement piece by incorporating fire elements directly into your plunge pool design.
This dramatic feature not only serves as stunning visual focal point but also provides practical heating for your pool during cooler evenings and seasons.
06. Modern Mediterranean Elegance
Credit: Fantastic Frank
Your traditional Mediterranean home gets a contemporary upgrade with a sleek concrete plunge pool that matches your courtyard flooring.
This above-ground design with integrated decking creates beautiful contrast while maintaining the timeless charm of classic architectural styles you love.
07. Custom Mosaic Masterpiece
Credit: Artaic / Soake Pools
You can transform your plunge pool into a work of art with custom mosaic tiles that create timeless elegance.
Surrounded by lush greenery and shaded by mature trees, this design shows how thoughtful tile selection makes your pool feel like a classic, sophisticated retreat.
08. Complete Entertainment Pavilion
Credit: Design by Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop / Photo by Chad Mellon
Your covered patio becomes the ultimate entertainment space when you combine a plunge pool with a cozy fireplace and lounge area.
Add neutral outdoor furniture and a mounted TV, and you’ve created the perfect spot for both relaxation and hosting memorable gatherings.
09. Tranquil Backyard Paradise
Credit: Soake Pools / Kittery Point Landscaping and Stoneworks / Photo by Jon Caron
You can create multiple activity zones in your backyard with thoughtful planning and complementary design elements.
This setup includes matching blue lounge chairs with umbrellas, a charcoal fire pit, and a beautiful pergola-style cabana for the complete outdoor living experience.
10. Narrow Lot Solution
Credit: Fantastic Frank
Your small urban space can still accommodate a stunning plunge pool with smart design choices and materials.
This Mallorca townhouse design mixes modern white finishes with warm wood and ancient stone, while drought-resistant landscaping adds natural beauty without requiring constant maintenance.
11. Multi-Level Stone Integration
Credit: Soake Pools / Photo by Murphy Foto Imagery
You can maximize a sloping lot by creating stepped walkways that connect different outdoor zones seamlessly.
This corner-fitted plunge pool uses the same stone as the patio and retaining walls, creating a cohesive design that feels completely integrated into your landscape.
12. Affordable DIY Stock Tank Pool
Credit: Dazey Den
You don’t need a huge budget to enjoy a refreshing plunge pool in your backyard this summer.
This bright orange round stock tank from a DIY kit proves that creative paint choices and coordinating accessories can turn simple materials into stylish focal points.
13. Integrated Wooden Deck Design
Credit: Soake Pools / Photo by Murphy Foto Imagery
You can make your plunge pool feel completely integrated by adding a small wooden deck for sunbathing and relaxation.
Dark interior tiles help this design blend seamlessly with the surrounding patio, creating a sophisticated look that feels custom and intentional.
14. Easy-Access Above-Ground Option
Credit: @houseofharvee / Instagram
Your above-ground plunge pool becomes much more accessible and attractive when you surround it with wooden decking.
Add a large daybed with a standing umbrella for shade, and you’ve created plenty of space for lounging and enjoying sunny afternoons.
15. Rustic Stone Fire Feature
Credit: Design by Soake Pools / Photo by Murphy Foto Imagery
You can create a luxurious backyard retreat by pairing your above-ground plunge pool with a matching stone fireplace.
Using the same rustic stone for both features creates a cohesive look that transforms your spacious backyard into an elegant outdoor living room.
16. Natural Meadow Landscaping
Credit: Astronaut Images
You can create a relaxing, natural atmosphere around your plunge pool with casual landscaping that feels effortless.
Plant low-lying grasses and wildflowers around the perimeter to achieve that beautiful meadow feel that makes your space feel like a peaceful countryside retreat.
17. Unique Geometric Pool Shape
Credit: @ann.living / Instagram
Your backyard gets instant visual interest when you choose a hexagonal plunge pool instead of traditional rectangular shapes.
This above-ground design uses matching wood for both the pool exterior and attached deck, creating an integrated feel that looks custom and professionally designed.
18. Colorful Mediterranean Water Feature
Credit: Fantastic Frank
You can turn your plunge pool into a stunning focal point with vibrant teal tiles that pop against neutral surroundings.
Add a modern water feature for relaxing sounds and porcelain wood-like tiles for warmth, creating a Mediterranean-style retreat in your own backyard.
19. Nighttime Landscape Lighting
Credit: Design by Soake Pools / Photo by Murphy Foto Imagery
Your backyard plunge pool becomes usable after dark when you incorporate thoughtful landscape lighting into your design.
This stone retaining wall features integrated lighting that illuminates the entire space, creating beautiful ambiance even when the outdoor fireplace isn’t lit.
20. Minimalist Townhouse Courtyard
Credit: Fantastic Frank
Your small urban courtyard can accommodate a refreshing saltwater plunge pool without overwhelming the minimalist concrete patio design.
This Spanish townhouse features an old well and planted olive tree, proving that simple elements create the most timeless and elegant outdoor spaces.
21. Cozy Poolside Lounge Space
Credit: Design by McMillan Builders / Soake Pools / Photo by Madison Weaver
You can create an inviting seating area beside your plunge pool that feels like an outdoor living room.
This wooden North Carolina deck features a comfortable outdoor rug that adds coziness and defines the space, making it perfect for relaxing and entertaining guests.
22. Budget-Friendly Integrated Stock Tank
Credit: Alyssa Vela
Your deck can accommodate a budget-friendly stock tank pool when you cut out a space for seamless integration.
Built-in steps provide easy access while the custom cut-out makes this affordable option look like it was professionally designed and installed.
23. Tropical Palm Tree Paradise
Credit: ti_to_tito
You can create your own tropical staycation by planting palm trees around your small backyard plunge pool.
These beautiful trees provide natural shade while instantly transforming your outdoor space into a resort-like retreat that feels like vacation every day.
24. Colorful Coordinated Pool Design
Credit: Dazey Den
Your simple stock tank pool gets major personality when you paint it in colors that coordinate with your home’s exterior.
This salmon pink and sage green color scheme creates a cohesive feel that ties your pool deck beautifully into your overall home design aesthetic.
25. Stacked Stone Above-Ground Pool
Credit: Design by Soake Pools / Photo by Camden Maley
You can make a freestanding above-ground plunge pool feel completely integrated by finishing it with stacked stone cladding.
This modern pool design creates beautiful contrast against the traditional New Hampshire home while blending seamlessly with the natural backyard patio materials.
26. Family-Sized Plunge Pool
Credit: Maite Granda
Your large family can enjoy a plunge pool together when you maximize the size while keeping the compact footprint.
This Dubai patio features Arabic arches and strategic lighting on a partially covered pool deck that creates an elegant, spacious feeling for family gatherings.
27. Small Space Corner Solution
Credit: Linda Raymond
You can turn any corner of your small backyard into a refreshing escape from hot summer temperatures.
Set up simple black outdoor furniture for a chic look and hang twinkle lights overhead to create magical ambiance for evening relaxation and entertaining.
28. Thoughtful Landscape Integration
Credit: @ladylandscape / Instagram
Your backyard plunge pool feels completely natural when you surround it with thoughtful landscaping and complementary hardscaping materials.
This generous design combines decking and paver patios with touches of natural greenery to create an inviting, integrated outdoor living space.
29. Mixed Stone Texture Interest
Credit: Design by Soake Pools / Photo by Camden Maley
You can add visual interest to your above-ground plunge pool by mixing cool and warm stone cladding materials.
Position your pool at the deck’s edge to take advantage of beautiful views while creating texture contrast that makes the design feel sophisticated and custom.
30. Convenient Lakeside Addition
Credit: PC Photography
Your lake house benefits from a small plunge pool that gives you convenient cooling options without jumping in natural water.
This square design integrates beautifully into the landscape near your covered patio and outdoor kitchen, making it easy to use during entertaining and daily relaxation.
31. Outdoor Living Room Integration
Credit: @ladylandscape / Instagram
You can make your small plunge pool part of a complete outdoor living room with multiple functional zones.
This raised dipping pool sits alongside seating, dining, and sunbathing areas, creating a comprehensive backyard retreat that serves all your outdoor entertainment needs.
32. Bohemian Hollywood Hills Retreat
Credit: Design by Joshua Smith Inc. / Photo by Lisa Romerin
Your plunge pool deck gets bohemian flair when you hang ornate weathered metal lanterns from stucco walls.
This Hollywood Hills space features aged brick and lush greenery that creates a luxurious, haven-like feel despite its compact proportions and urban setting.
33. Flexible Shade Solution
Credit: Fantastic Frank
Your townhouse backyard becomes a glamorous retreat with a small plunge pool and smart shade solutions.
Install a large retractable umbrella to provide shade when needed without building permanent structures that might overwhelm your compact outdoor space.
34. Space-Saving Floating Furniture
Credit: Design by Living With Lolo / Photo by Life Created
You can maximize your small backyard plunge pool area by choosing floating lounge chairs instead of bulky deck furniture.
Retaining walls planted with mixed greenery and flowers provide privacy while keeping the space feeling open and airy rather than cramped.
35. Luxury Custom Waterfall Feature
Credit: moodboard
Your plunge pool can range from budget-friendly to luxurious depending on the custom features you choose to include.
A built-in waterfall creates a modern organic feel while adding the soothing sound of flowing water to your backyard retreat experience.
36. Dedicated In-Ground Installation
Credit: Harmony Design Group / Soake Pools
You can create a dedicated cooling spot by building your plunge pool into a wood deck with low stone retaining walls.
This suburban New Jersey installation shows how professional design creates a polished look that becomes a permanent part of your outdoor living space.
37. Covered Patio Protection
Credit: Thomas Barwick
Your plunge pool stays comfortable in hot climates when you locate it beneath a covered porch or patio roof.
Use similar finishes to match your pool with the walls and flooring of your outdoor space, creating a cohesive design that feels intentional and elegant.
Final Thoughts
Adding a plunge pool to your backyard is an excellent way to stay cool during summer without the space and budget requirements of a full-size pool.
While costs vary depending on your design choices and local labor rates, plunge pools remain significantly less expensive to build and maintain than traditional swimming pools.
Whether you choose a simple stock tank or custom installation, you’ll create a refreshing retreat that transforms your outdoor living experience.
