12 Small Backyard Pool Ideas on a Budget

Having a small yard can make you think that the nice, cool feeling of splashing into your own swimming pool is off limits.

Well, we’re here to break the mold with 12 stunning pools that are appropriate for a small backyard.

Take a glance at these 12 amazing pictures to get inspired on how to start your backyard pool with a small footprint.

We have a ton of creative, functional, and affordable designs to spark your creative thoughts.

Have fun!

Incredible in-ground pools for small gardens

In-ground pools have a reputation for large standard sizes, but many reputable in-ground pool suppliers are edging into the smaller pool market.

A small in-ground pool is less expensive and quicker to install than a larger one, and it is an awesome addition to a small yard, although it, like semi in-ground pools, also may have some phenomenal problems.

Take a look at these sweet designs.

In-ground plunge pool design

In ground plunge pool design

Little pools are a perfect chance to play with interesting shapes, and this small plunge pool looks brilliantly embedded in some paving as it’s a bit smaller.

The paved surface keeps everything clean in this smaller area, and the step levels provide the option to sit on the ledge or dip your toes in.

The pool design also creates an interesting opportunity to place this plunge pool offered around the corner of the garden where the foliage and vegetation create a feeling of privacy and the underwater light make it a real hideout!

Maya pool by Riverpools and Spas

Maya pool by Riverpools and Spas

The Maya pool by Riverpools and Spas is a gorgeous in-ground pool that can fit into any compact setting.

This is an amazing cocktail pool design, which features a tanning ledge to give a little gradient to a small pool’s capacity.

You can also shop for a pool with a built-in Baja shelf, instead of a gradient, to maximize your limited space.

Olivia mini pool by Waterair

The Waterair Olivia mini pool is an adorable and trendy little backyard pool.

It’s a perfect alternative for smaller gardens with a footprint of only 9 square meters.

Also easy to maintain! This flat bottom pool has smart pool steps and can be lined with bland grey sliver or marble.

Stylish plunge pool by Seaway

The Escondido plunge pool, by Seaway, is a beautiful compact plunge pool designed for a small garden.

It is also an affordable choice and very easy to maintain.

The digging and disruption associated with an in-ground pool will also be less.

You can also customize plunge pools with dark linings, currently a popular trend.

Amazing above-ground pool ideas for a small backyard

Above ground pool

Above-ground pools are more typical small pools and you can see from these awesome designs how versatile they are.

They can be in-built into decking or feature attractive wood framework that fits in with your garden design.

Check out the following fabulous designs.

An Endless Pools R500 RECSPORT® pool

Endless Pools creates little backyard swimming pools for stationary swimming.

But how can you swim without swimming? That’s the magic of the backyard swimming pools, which create a propulsive current that you can swim against for as long as you want!

Although it’s small, it’s the only pool in the world where you never have to turn around!

Concrete backyard pool by Aquascape

If you have a courtyard garden, a concrete backyard pool, like the one by Aquascape is an attractive option.

A well-designed above-ground concrete pool can be a great option; poured concrete is extremely adaptable, and can be no more than a raised section integrated into your landscaping in several ways.

Provided your setback rules and easements are flexible, there are plenty of pool contractors available who will find a way!

A Water Well by Endless Pools

Take a look at this partially in-ground pool by endless pools, this is a WaterWell.

The WaterWell is an indoor and outdoor pool solution designed to provide a usable pool in limited space.

You can do all the fitness, recreation and relaxation as you would do in a full-sized pool.

This awesome plunge pool features a submerged treadmill or aquabike, allowing you to workout submerged, which is easier on muscles and joints.

Urban Wooden Pool by The Wooden Pool Store – UK

This small pool design is an ingenious answer for a small yard and isn’t as pricey as you’d expect.

This above-ground pool has a wood-clad exterior and comes with a safety cover, underwater lights, and fittings including a skimmer, pump, ladder, and plant box.

Its smallest size is 4.2 by 3.5 meters and is a full, contained design that won’t dominate a smaller garden.

Cool circle pools for tiny gardens

Cool circle pools for tiny gardens

A circle pool is ideal for a small garden so even if you only have a little space, it can easily be made to work.

They are affordable too with temporary pools that can be put up in no time for pocket money.

So go on, check out the circle pools!

Round white plunge pool

This beautiful white plunge pool uses vertical height instead of horizontal space to create a cool swimming experience, even in a small garden.

The pool area deck is gated, and the built-in seating makes it a secluded haven!

Bestway round inflatable pool

A super cheap solution which is budget friendly is a classic inflatable pool.

These are inexpensive and easy solutions for a summer of splashing paddling family fun that can even be set up in a super small back garden temporarily.

As with any swimming pool, the water has to be sanitized.

Make sure you are adding chlorine, a pH balance and some algaecide to keep you and your little ones safe! You should also invest in a pool pump and filter to keep your water circulating.

Intex metal frame above-ground pool

Hey, remember when mom or dad pulled one of these out of the shed when school let out for summer?

Well, you can have a good time in your small garden with a traditional metal frame pool for your own staycation.

They are more long-lasting than inflatable pools, so can endure your children in a whirpool of splashing water.

There can be simple instructions on putting a metal frame pool together, it is quick and easy and would be a great family project on a weekend in the summer. Most come with filters and pumps too.

Round wooden pool sunk into decking

Round wooden pool sunk into decking

This little gem is an octagonal pool sunk into the decking.

A few smaller pools can be purchased as a kit (DIY) which you could install yourself to save money.

It’s a great alternative to a full size pool and finishes off an unused area in your yard!

Rounding Up 

You can see this even the tiniest yard can have a lovely pool and still stay on a budget.

A small pool can have benefits in a bigger garden, they are easier to take care of and cost less to install.

If you have the smallest of gardens, don’t forget to consider getting an inflatable or metal-frame pool that can be taken down easily to cool down on hot summer days!

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