Any info would be greatly appreciated. I have a fairly small yard. Especially with the county setbacks for my lot. Seems like the largest pool i would be able to fit would be something around 18ft by 18ft. Give or take a few inches. Has anyone done a pool in this size? If so is it worth doing? I have 4 small kids and i am sure they would think it was fine. But in reality we are a family of 6 and i just cant visually see it working. We wouldnt be doing laps but we would all need to fit comfortably in the pool. Can anyone help with some ideas. Or maybe you have built a pool in similar size. Thanks in advance for all your help.
Small pool ideas? Is it worth it?
- Thread starter Tflood123
- Start date
steve1staf
Bronze Supporter
The BEST thing we ever did was put a small pool in our yard. People thought we were crazy putting an in-ground pool in our tiny triangle-shaped yard but now those same people seem to be over every weekend swimming in it!
Here is a before pick:
AND AFTER!
Our pool's surface area is only 216 sq ft (18 feet wide at the base and 24ft long). We fit plenty of kids and adults in the pool without an issue. If you can fit an 18x18 then that means you'll have 324 sq ft of surface area! More than enough, just make sure you maximize your decking area and don't over build the pool if it compromises places to sit and relax.
Here is a before pick:
AND AFTER!
Our pool's surface area is only 216 sq ft (18 feet wide at the base and 24ft long). We fit plenty of kids and adults in the pool without an issue. If you can fit an 18x18 then that means you'll have 324 sq ft of surface area! More than enough, just make sure you maximize your decking area and don't over build the pool if it compromises places to sit and relax.
The BEST thing we ever did was put a small pool in our yard. People thought we were crazy putting an in-ground pool in our tiny triangle-shaped yard but now those same people seem to be over every weekend swimming in it!
Here is a before pick:
View attachment 82219
AND AFTER!
View attachment 82220
Our pool's surface area is only 216 sq ft (18 feet wide at the base and 24ft long). We fit plenty of kids and adults in the pool without an issue. If you can fit an 18x18 then that means you'll have 324 sq ft of surface area! More than enough, just make sure you maximize your decking area and don't over build the pool if it compromises places to sit and relax.
Thanks for the info. It helps. Im sure there are a bunch of people who had to go small on here. The more info and pics the better. I appreciate it.
Here's a couple of folks on the forum who did small in serious style:
https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/106825-A-Houston-Pool-Build-Inside-the-Loop
https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/155373-Small-Pool-Build-Brisbane-Australia-emoji1037
https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/106825-A-Houston-Pool-Build-Inside-the-Loop
https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/155373-Small-Pool-Build-Brisbane-Australia-emoji1037
hollywoodfrodo
Silver Supporter
Our yard was pretty small too. You can see the picks in my build thread (Small Yard Big Pool Dreams is the title of the thread). When we were looking at houses I knew I wanted a pool and I wasn't thrilled about the size of the yard in the house we bought but it was what we could afford. So, we got creative with the design/layout and maximized the space of the pool as much as we possibly could and it's turning out pretty dang awesome.
No water yet - our plaster goes in tomorrow. I think all one depth is a good choice for a small pool - that's what we went with. And don't kid yourself thinking that small means cheaper! It might be a little less, of course due to less materials, but since the work is relatively the same compared to an average size pool, it can still be pricey - of course that depends a lot on where you live and what type of builder you use.
Our dog is gonna miss having a real yard (we're putting in a side dog run as her pee/poo area) but I wouldn't have it any other way - we're gonna get way more fun and enjoyment out of the pool then we did the small patch of grass!
No water yet - our plaster goes in tomorrow. I think all one depth is a good choice for a small pool - that's what we went with. And don't kid yourself thinking that small means cheaper! It might be a little less, of course due to less materials, but since the work is relatively the same compared to an average size pool, it can still be pricey - of course that depends a lot on where you live and what type of builder you use.
Our dog is gonna miss having a real yard (we're putting in a side dog run as her pee/poo area) but I wouldn't have it any other way - we're gonna get way more fun and enjoyment out of the pool then we did the small patch of grass!
I think 18 x 18 is not that small and absolutely worth doing. I agree that all one depth makes sense, don't think there is really room for a deep end. One thing that I see a lot on older houses around here is people who maxed out their pool and left no room for yard or deck. Sometimes the water's edge is really close to the door from the house. I think that is a mistake. If zoning allows, I would be fine with giving up the yard. But you need some pool deck to lounge around the pool, and a little room between the door and the water. You mention county setbacks. If they apply to the pool but not the decks, that is a good excuse to leave some room for decking. Why don't you post a picture of your yard, and give us an idea where the pool would be, how much space is left, and how much of that space can be paved. Then you woudl get more useful feedback.
We had a small pool built this spring, 12’ x 23’ and it is worth it for us. We live in SWFL with five solid months of hot weather. Having a pool makes it more enjoyable. A pool cage, along with the covered lanai, has given us a large, useable outside area. It’s a totally different house and feel now.
We liked this design best and it was the smallest pool out of the quotes we received. It fit the space better, gave us more deck space and left some room for landscaping. Most of the designs featured bigger pools, small deck areas and went to the allowed setbacks. I’m sure they wanted to get us the most bang for our buck. They were also giving what most people want: more pool.
Our neighbor used our designer to draw up plans for her, along with quotes from others. The designer told her up front, that while they could certainly build her a pool, she would not be happy with it. It could be long, but too narrow, and still be expensive. Our neighbor sold that house and bought one with a pool.
Get quotes and hopefully a good designer can tell you if that size will be reasonable for you and your family.
Our small pool that makes us ridiculously happy:
We liked this design best and it was the smallest pool out of the quotes we received. It fit the space better, gave us more deck space and left some room for landscaping. Most of the designs featured bigger pools, small deck areas and went to the allowed setbacks. I’m sure they wanted to get us the most bang for our buck. They were also giving what most people want: more pool.
Our neighbor used our designer to draw up plans for her, along with quotes from others. The designer told her up front, that while they could certainly build her a pool, she would not be happy with it. It could be long, but too narrow, and still be expensive. Our neighbor sold that house and bought one with a pool.
Get quotes and hopefully a good designer can tell you if that size will be reasonable for you and your family.
Our small pool that makes us ridiculously happy:
Pool decking will def not be a problem. The county setbacks are as follows
From the house 10 feet
From the rear yard 5 feet
From the side. Because i am a corner lot it has to he 15 feet.
So the decking will be plentiful lol. Here are a few photos. In thw photos i am standing right against the house on my steps. I had the area marked off where the pool would go but my dog pulled it up. I will try and do it again to give a better idea.
From the house 10 feet
From the rear yard 5 feet
From the side. Because i am a corner lot it has to he 15 feet.
So the decking will be plentiful lol. Here are a few photos. In thw photos i am standing right against the house on my steps. I had the area marked off where the pool would go but my dog pulled it up. I will try and do it again to give a better idea.
T,
Often corner lot setbacks can be waived by the city.. In most cases setbacks are for structures, like additional garages or shop buildings..
It can't hurt to ask.
In my case I am also on a corner lot and wanted to add a third car garage but had the same setback issue... I asked the city for a Variance and it was approved. Took about a month or so.
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
Often corner lot setbacks can be waived by the city.. In most cases setbacks are for structures, like additional garages or shop buildings..
It can't hurt to ask.
In my case I am also on a corner lot and wanted to add a third car garage but had the same setback issue... I asked the city for a Variance and it was approved. Took about a month or so.
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
Absolutely it’s worth it! Your pool will be almost twice the size of mine in width and a similar length.
- Apr 23, 2017
- 2,400
- Pool Size
- 22000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
What part of the country are you in (VA)? Which little ones will you fence off pool area or/and use a cover?
Do you plan to stay put for at least 5-10 years (not sure how I came up with that number)?
What do you use the space for now? Will there be room to incorporate an outdoor cooking area (doesn't have to be exotic but now would be the time to do it)?
How much sun does the space get daily? How deep are you thinking of going?
I would seek the help of at least 3 pool companies that will provide 3D type drawings to give you a god idea of what could be. Here in Texas just about every pool company I know will do this for free.
Best of luck...
Do you plan to stay put for at least 5-10 years (not sure how I came up with that number)?
What do you use the space for now? Will there be room to incorporate an outdoor cooking area (doesn't have to be exotic but now would be the time to do it)?
How much sun does the space get daily? How deep are you thinking of going?
I would seek the help of at least 3 pool companies that will provide 3D type drawings to give you a god idea of what could be. Here in Texas just about every pool company I know will do this for free.
Best of luck...
I live in Virginia. We just a fence so we dont really use the space for anything. I plan on staying here at least 20 years until I retire. The house is less than a year old. There will be plenty of space for furniture and grill space. The yard gets sun most of the day. Especially where the pool would go. Yea i have 3 companies lined up for the next few weeks to come out. Was thinking maybe 4ft or so for the entire pool.
- Apr 23, 2017
- 2,400
- Pool Size
- 22000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
All good stuff. Getting pool company drawings will give you a good feel. Getting a 4th is even better. VA can have some nasty winters with lots of snow so the shape of the pool could play a big part as it is easier to cover a rectangle than a freeform (just my 2 cents).
The pool renderings will have a wow factor and that is a way the pool companies reel you in. My feeling is the pool is part of the overall space and keeping things on the simple side can be a very good thing. Jazzing the pool area up with plants, rocks, low voltage lighting and well incorporated cooking/non pool entertaining area brings it all together. This approach helps you get it all instead of all the money spent on pool.
An aerial view of the space would be very helpful...
The pool renderings will have a wow factor and that is a way the pool companies reel you in. My feeling is the pool is part of the overall space and keeping things on the simple side can be a very good thing. Jazzing the pool area up with plants, rocks, low voltage lighting and well incorporated cooking/non pool entertaining area brings it all together. This approach helps you get it all instead of all the money spent on pool.
An aerial view of the space would be very helpful...
steve1staf
Bronze Supporter
From my own experience, I was able to get a low end and a 5.5ft deeper end. If you can do something like that it is highly worth it. My son is 7 and when he has his friends over they love jumping in on the deeper end. Also, he loves diving down for toys and rings. Just my 2 cents. Just keep an open mind during the entire process, that’s the best advice I received. Things definitely changed from my initial thoughts to the finished product. Good luck!
- Apr 23, 2017
- 2,400
- Pool Size
- 22000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Agree that having a 5.5' deep portion is a good thing and nothing less than 3.5' (4' preferred). The kids don't ever stay small
Ok. Ill try and get an overhead view. I have 3 companies scheduled to come out in the next few weeks. Will keep updating. Also i will into asking the county about setbacks. Maybe can at least get it down to 10ft on side. We will see. In the meantime i guess 325 sq ft of pool isnt all thay bad. Just hard to visualize it.
Thanks
Thanks