
Big Backyard Style in a Smaller Footprint
You don’t need a large backyard to enjoy the beauty and benefits of an inground swimming pool. A custom plunge pool from Aqua Pool & Patio can transform even a smaller outdoor space into a private retreat for relaxing, cooling off and entertaining.
As an experienced plunge pool builder serving Connecticut, Western Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Aqua Pool combines thoughtful design with the durability and flexibility of gunite construction. Every pool is custom designed around your property, lifestyle and vision—so you can make the most of the space you have.
What Is a Plunge Pool?
A plunge pool is a compact inground pool designed primarily for relaxing, cooling off and enjoying your outdoor space rather than swimming long laps. While plunge pools are generally smaller than traditional swimming pools, their compact footprint makes them an excellent option for homeowners with limited backyard space.
Typical plunge pools can range from approximately 6½ to 10 feet wide and 10 to 22 feet long, although custom gunite construction allows for much greater flexibility in size and shape.
That means your plunge pool can be designed to work with your property’s unique dimensions rather than forcing your backyard to accommodate a predetermined pool size.
Why Build a Plunge Pool?

Benefits of a Plunge Pool by Aqua Pool
Unlike plunge pools constructed with thinner poured-concrete walls, our gunite plunge pools are engineered for exceptional strength and long-term durability. Gunite is pneumatically applied under high pressure, creating a dense, reinforced structure with substantially thicker walls than many prefabricated or poured-concrete alternatives. That added strength is especially important in Connecticut and other cold-weather climates, where freeze-and-thaw conditions can put significant pressure on a pool structure.
Our gunite pools are designed to withstand the pressure created by winter ice, allowing homeowners to keep water in the pool year-round rather than draining it or maintaining it through the winter solely to protect the structure. The result is a stronger, more durable plunge pool built to perform in every season.
Custom Plunge Pool Design by Aqua Pool
Every Aqua Pool project begins with design. We visit your property, learn about your needs and consider your home’s architecture, property layout, desired aesthetics and how you want to use your backyard.
From there, we develop a pool design that balances style, functionality and safety.
Because Aqua Pool builds custom gunite pools, we’re not limited to a handful of standard shapes or sizes. Your plunge pool can be designed specifically for your property, whether you’re looking for a sleek geometric pool, a more natural freeform design or something completely unique.
Our experienced pool designers have a combined 90 years of experience in the Connecticut pool industry, giving homeowners the benefit of decades of design and construction expertise.
Plunge Pool Features & Design Ideas
One of the advantages of building a custom gunite plunge pool is the ability to personalize the design. Depending on your property and goals, your plunge pool may include:
- Custom geometric or freeform shapes
- Integrated spas
- Water features
- Pool lighting
- Custom interior finishes
- Patios and pool decks
- Landscaping
- Outdoor living spaces
- Self-cleaning systems
Aqua Pool can coordinate many of these elements as part of a larger backyard design, helping create a cohesive space rather than treating the pool as a standalone feature.
Plunge Pools Designed for New England Backyards
Building a pool in Connecticut, Western Massachusetts or Rhode Island comes with considerations that homeowners in other parts of the country don’t face. From changing seasons to local permitting requirements and challenging site conditions, your pool needs to be designed and built for the New England environment.
Aqua Pool has been designing and building pools throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island for more than 55 years. Founded in 1970, the company is a third-generation family-owned business with extensive experience in custom gunite pool construction.
That local experience matters when you’re making a long-term investment in your home.
Is a Plunge Pool Right for Your Backyard?
A plunge pool may be a great choice if you:
- Have a smaller or space-constrained backyard
- Want a pool primarily for relaxing and cooling off
- Prefer a lower-profile pool design
- Want to maximize your outdoor living space
- Are interested in a highly customized pool
- Want to combine a pool with a patio, landscaping or other outdoor features
The best way to determine what will work on your property is to have an experienced pool designer evaluate the space.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plunge Pools
How big is a plunge pool?
Plunge pools are generally smaller than traditional swimming pools. Common dimensions can range from approximately 6½ to 10 feet wide and 10 to 22 feet long, although a custom gunite plunge pool can be designed to suit the specific dimensions of your property.
Can a plunge pool be custom designed?
Yes. Gunite construction provides significant flexibility in pool size and shape. Aqua Pool can design a plunge pool around your backyard, home and preferred aesthetic rather than relying on a standard prefabricated design.
Are plunge pools good for small backyards?
Yes. One of the primary benefits of a plunge pool is its compact footprint. A custom design can make efficient use of a smaller or unusually shaped backyard.
Does Aqua Pool build plunge pools in Connecticut?
Yes. Aqua Pool designs and builds custom inground gunite pools for homeowners throughout Connecticut, as well as Western Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The company has served the region continuously since 1970.
How do I get started?
The first step is an in-home site consultation with an Aqua Pool designer. Your designer will evaluate your property, discuss your goals and help determine what type of plunge pool design will work best for your backyard.
Is an Aqua Pool plunge pool cost competitive?
Yes. While some online plunge pools may appear less expensive at first glance, the initial price doesn’t always tell the whole story. Once you factor in delivery, installation, site preparation, equipment, and other necessary components, the total cost of a professionally installed gunite plunge pool can be surprisingly comparable, while offering significantly greater strength, durability, and customization. Unlike many off-the-shelf plunge pools, an Aqua Pool gunite pool is built to withstand the freeze-and-thaw conditions of New England and can be customized to your property. In other words, when you’re comparing the complete, installed product, not just the price of the pool itself, a gunite plunge pool can be a very cost-competitive option that delivers considerably more value and flexibility.
















