Dip, soak, swim, or recover—the possibilities are endless with your personal mini pool
The average cost to build a plunge pool is $20,000.
Location is key when planning and starting your DIY build.
Some homeowners turn their plunge pool into a cold plunge/jet pool.
In-ground plunge pools require permits; above-ground typically do not.
The plunge pool revolution has really taken hold for space-savvy and cost-conscious homeowners. A plunge pool can be the perfect happy medium if you like to soak on a hot summer day but don’t necessarily want to devote your whole backyard (or savings) to building a pool.
Think that might be you? Here’s more info on building a DIY plunge pool, plus some tips and ideas for planning your build.
Plunge pools, sometimes called dipping pools, are smaller pools designed for soaking, wading, cooling off, or even sometimes for water aerobics or muscle rehabilitation.
The popularity of plunge pools has risen in recent years, enabling homeowners to cool off or gently exercise at home without committing a large portion of their yard to building a pool. (Maintenance is much easier as a result, too.)
Installing a plunge pool costs $20,000 on average. If you want a concrete in-ground plunge pool, it could cost more—$35,000 and $50,000 is a good guideline to consider.
While these numbers may seem high, they are far lower than the cost to install an in-ground pool, which averages around $55,000.
Whether your home is on a smaller lot or you simply don’t anticipate swimming laps, there are plenty of pros to going the DIY plunge pool route—and some downsides to think about, too.
Here are some benefits and drawbacks to consider as you plan your project:
Benefits of a DIY plunge pool:
Requires little space.
Can be built to fit in most types of yards.
Doing it yourself saves money on installation costs.
Fewer ongoing maintenance costs.
The DIY build you choose can be modified to fit your budget.
It’s a great way to exercise.
Can be modified to meet your needs/goals.
Drawbacks of a DIY plunge pool:
Not big enough to swim laps (unless you install a jet).
Installing concrete may be difficult for some homeowners.
Elegant or combo designs may be hard to build yourself.
Keep in mind: depending on where you live, having an in-ground pool in your yard (no matter the size) may require additional liability steps and expenses, like erecting a fence around it or obtaining specific permits.
When it comes to building your own plunge pool, scouting out the right area in your yard is one of the most important steps.
The location of your plunge pools matters when it comes to:
Filling your plunge pool, as easy hose access will make it easier.
Topping off your plunge pool.
Draining your plunge pool (see below).
If you don’t build your plunge pool in an area with adequate drainage, you may need to invest in a submersible pump that can take it out of your yard. A good pool pump starts around $90, but you may pay a couple hundred for additional hose length or horsepower.
Technically, you should drain a plunge pool. While some pool owners think that shocking the pool every season is enough to keep it clean, many pool experts recommend you drain your pool every five years to prevent dirt and debris build-up and reduce TDS (Total Dissolved Solids, or the amount of inorganic compounds—chemicals— that build up in your water).
In a plunge pool, draining and refilling your pool once every year or two is more reasonable from a cost perspective—and probably a good idea.
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to building a plunge pool. Here are some of the variations homeowners choose to dip and soak in their yard:
In-ground plunge pool: typically built out of concrete or fiberglass; most costly.
Above-ground plunge pools: easiest DIY plunge pool option; most cost-conscious.
Concrete plunge pools: require the most excavation/building costs, but offer the most customization; may need to hire a contractor.
Fiberglass plunge pools: cheaper than concrete plunge pools; still may need to hire a contractor.
Plunge pool/hot tub combo: great backyard recreation pairing; in-ground hot tubs typically cost $4,000 to $15,000.
Cold plunge pool: good for overall health and injury healing; chilling devices start at a couple hundred dollars, but high-end devices cost tens of thousands.
The easiest (and most cost-conscious) type of dipping pool you can build yourself is an above-ground plunge pool. Above-ground plunge pools usually don’t require a permit, which can save you $400 to $1,800 alone.
From cost-conscious to “oooh, that water is cold!”, here are some DIY plunge pool options you might consider.
If your only priority is finding a way to soak in your yard with limited space, an above-ground plunge pool is probably the best choice.
For those on a budget, using wood and a 1,000 liter IBC tote container (Intermediate Bulk Container), which is a type of plastic designed for shipping liquids or even hazardous chemicals, is one cost-conscious option. The whole build could cost under $3,000.
A concrete plunge pool requires excavation, leveling, and ongoing maintenance. You may want to work with a local pool contractor to figure out the design and best area to install your plunge pool.
Concrete gives you the benefit of building an outdoor recreation area around your plunge pool. Installing a hot tub, a grill or outdoor kitchen, or other BBQ/hosting equipment are all options.
Your in-ground plunge pool can easily be converted into a lap pool with a swim jet.
Lap jets typically start at $2,000 and increase based on the size of your pool and horsepower you need. The high-end models can cost as much as $30,000.
Athletes and health advocates sometimes turn DIY plunge pools into a DIY cold plunge or ice bath. Cold therapy has been shown to ease sore muscles and reduce inflammation, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Cold plunge devices start at a couple hundred dollars but may cost as much as $19,000 for high-end chilling jet options.
