Plunge pool: benefits, costs + experiences
On this page, you will learn what a plunge pool is, what is involved in purchasing it, why it is such a nice pool and you will hear what other users think of this type of pool.
You will also discover that there are plunge pools with countercurrent. This gives you the best of both worlds. This is because this gives you a small swimming pool (cheaper and more durable) where you can swim sportively and fully!
Table of Contents
- What is a plunge pool?
- How big is a plunge pool?
- Why a plunge pool [The benefits]?
- Disadvantage of this type of pool
- Small pool where you can swim fully and sportively
- Who is a plunge pool not suitable for?
- Can you build a plunge pool yourself?
- Where do you place a plunge pool?
- Buying a plunge pool [What's involved?]
- How much does a plunge pool cost?
- Plunge pool experiences
What is a plunge pool?
In short, a plunge pool is a small pool, or a mini pool.
But where does the name “plunge pool” actually come from? The term is derived from a waterfall. The bottom under a waterfall wears out slowly.
This creates an indentation where the water meets the bottom. This is where a small swimming pool is created. This natural phenomenon is called a plunge pool.
But what is the approximate size of such a 'small' pool? Read more about this in the next section.
How big is a plunge pool?
The maximum size of a plunge pool is 5x3 meters, with a standard depth of about 1.25 meters.
To give you an indication, these are the dimensions, the Intelligent Pool: 4 m x 2.25 m
Of course, you decide the ideal size of a swimming pool yourself. Find out what you expect from your pool and ask yourself the following questions:
- “How many people do I want to swim in it with?”
- “How much space do I have in my garden?”
Ask yourself these questions and decide which pool size best suited to your specific situation.
Why a plunge pool? The benefits
But why buy a plunge pool? There are many reasons for this. Read on to find out why a plunge pool is such a great pool.
A plunge pool has the following advantages:
- It costs much less money to build a (small) plunge pool heat. And using the pool all year round is finally an affordable option too!
- Filtering the water costs you less energy. Logical because there is less water to filter. All in all, a plunge pool is free sustainable swimming pool.
- A plunge pool is easy to serviced. A smaller size means less dirt and less time-consuming maintenance
- A plunge pool fits in almost any garden
- It is the perfect bath to relax and cool off, but also to relax in health to work (more about this in the rest of this blog).
Disadvantage of a plunge pool
Normally, you can't fully swim in a plunge pool. This provides an experience that is incomparable to swimming laps or swimming in open water. A plunge pool is often just cooling down and chilling (certainly not bad either!).
Just think about it. Do you think it's possible to swim properly in a pool of 4 to a maximum of 6 meters long?! You will hit your head on the side before you know it; not ideal for working laps.
But isn't a plunge pool for people who want to swim sportively? This is certainly no longer the case!
Nowadays, there are also plunge pools without this problem (see next section). These types of mini pools combine the benefits of a standard pool with the sporty swimming aspect of a large pool. A win-win situation, don't you think?!
Small pool where you can swim fully and sportively
With Swimm's swimming pools it suddenly becomes possible to swim sportively in a small pool.
But how is it possible to swim sportively in such a small pool? This is easy to explain: “countercurrent”. One counter-current swimming pool ensures that you swim like in a large pool. This countercurrent is generated via a propeller.
All in all, a lot of benefits.
Below is a handy overview of all the benefits of Swimm's compact pools:
- You can swim in it all year round, including in the winter
- Less construction costs than a long swimming pool where you can swim laps
- You can really swim on a small surface
- Easy and time-efficient exercise in your own garden.
In addition to these benefits above, a Swimm swimming pool offers you a great swimming experience. Curious about how one of the users experiences their Swimm pool? Watch the video and hear what other people think of the swimming experience.
Would you like to experience for yourself how such a swimming pool swims with a countercurrent? Come then test swimming without obligation with us.
Who is a plunge pool not suitable for?
Are you looking for a pool where you want to take a bath with a large number of friends? Then a plunge pool might not be the pool for you. It simply doesn't fit more than 5 males!
That does not mean that a plunge pool is not suitable for relaxing.
A plunge pool has many advantages, but is therefore not immediately suitable for everyone. The honest story is that a plunge pool is very different from a standard pool or a swimming channel for example.
Do you happen to have children? Then you know how they behave in and around the pool. Before you know it, you hear them “bomb!” shout. It's better not to jump into the pool hard in a plunge pool. This is because a plunge pool is quite shallow.
And have you come to the conclusion that a plunge pool is the perfect fit for you? Nice, but before you enjoy such a pool in your garden, you will first have to build your pool or have it moored, because how else are you going to swim in it? First, decide whether you will build the bath yourself or have it done by a professional.
Can you build a plunge pool yourself?
You can certainly build a plunge pool yourself. However, we do recommend that you seek advice from a professional.
It is possible to dig a hole in your garden yourself and turn it into a swimming pool. The question, however, is whether you should want this. When you take a moment to list everything it takes to build a plunge pool, it is often concluded that the DIY way is not the right one.
Plunge pools are small in size, but they are still swimming pools. The preparations and work involved in building a plunge pool are similar to those of a normal swimming pool.
The vast majority of people do not have the skills to install a plunge pool themselves.
Most DIYers want to save money. The reality is that it often costs more money in the long run! If things go wrong, a professional company must still be hired.
This party must then finish what you started, or, in the worst case, start all over again.
Starting such a major project without the right preparation or skills can have major financial consequences. So think carefully before you decide to build a plunge pool yourself.
When you hire professional parties, you can see your dream plunge pool realized without having to be in the mud yourself. But that's not the only advantage of calling in external help:
- The entire project will run much faster and smoother.
- There is no need to buy or rent required equipment yourself. That saves a lot of money. This cost is often underestimated by DIY enthusiasts.
- More attention to details. You have a sparring partner who can contribute ideas and give advice where necessary. Some of your own ideas may not be useful at all.
- Get help applying for permits or resolving other architectural restrictions. If you are on your own, this can cause a huge headache!
Where do you place a plunge pool?
You can place Plunge pools wherever you want. Please take into account the incidence of sunlight and surrounding trees.
This way, you ensure as much sunlight as possible and prevent all kinds of leaves from falling into your plunge pool. The latter saves you from maintenance.
You place your pool indoors or outdoors and you have the choice to place the pool both above and below the ground. All options are possible!
Do you place your plunge pool outside and in the ground? Then the foundation is essential. A good foundation prevents your pool from sinking and damaging your garden.
A plunge pool: the ideal pool for a small garden
At Swimm, we're a big fan of small pools. Small pools, including plunge pools, are ideal for people with limited space.
Many people, with a small garden, will think that a swimming pool will always be a dream for them. Fortunately, people with a small garden can also enjoy a swimming pool.
With the Swimm pools (with counter-current), you can swim fully and sportively even in your small garden. According to some users, swimming in the Swimm feels like swimming in open water.
Curious about examples of plunge pools/SWIMMS among people with a small garden in the middle of cities such as Haarlem? Take a look at the great examples below:
Buy a plunge pool. What's involved?
Here are the phases for buying a plunge pool:
- The orientation phase
- The purchasing phase
- The ordering phase
- The construction phase
- The delivery phase
But what else is involved in purchasing? First, ask yourself the following:”Am I buying a counter-current plunge pool or a counter-current plunge pool?“
Below is some extra information per option:
- At a plunge pool without countercurrent the entire project can often be outsourced to one party. This can be a contractor, gardener or swimming pool builder. He digs the hole, builds the pool and finishes it. So it's a total solution. But no countercurrent.
- At a plunge pool with countercurrent two parties are usually involved. A swimming pool builder who specializes in countercurrent installations and a local contractor or gardener who takes care of the architectural preparations. This includes digging a hole and possibly reinforcing the surface with a foundation. The foundation of your pool is essential and depends on the surface in your garden.
How much does a plunge pool cost?
A standard plunge pool costs you around €5,000.
The average plunge pool at Swimm sells for €50,000. At that price, this plunge pool has the most advanced swimming system available!
A plunge pool without countercurrent, or with a simple jet stream, can be purchased for considerably less money. Unfortunately, these pools don't offer you the perfect swimming experience like SWIMM's plunge pools do.
The price tag of a plunge pool can therefore vary considerably. It depends on many factors: What are the dimensions? Do you want a counter-current installation? Which water treatmentsystem is preferred?
Unfortunately, there is no clear answer to the question what a plunge pool costs.
Plunge pool experiences
A supplier of plunge pools will always praise its pool range. But doesn't it mean much more when the actual users are happy? Below, we let people speak about their plunge pool experiences with Swimm's bath:
Ranomi Kromowidjojo's experience:
“I can literally put on my bathing suit, walk out the door and jump into my own pool. I especially like that I can adjust the flow accurately to the second and that it doesn't only have three settings.”
Maarten van der Weijden's experience:
“When I first swam in the Swimm, I immediately searched the internet for records to break. The pool brings out the ingrained sense of competition in me.”
Jeroen's comprehensive story:
Are you curious about the comprehensive story of a proud plunge pool owner? Jeroen tells you his experiences below:
Interested in a counter-current plunge pool?
Do you like a plunge pool in your garden? Contact us and feel free to come test swimming. Our three Advanced models - and the coffee - are waiting for you!