Skip to Content

18 Gorgeous Small Inground Pools for Your Backyard Hideaway

Posted on  - Last updated:

Categories Pools

Choosing the right small inground pool can turn your backyard into something truly amazing. Make sure to check out small pool number 8 on our list!

One of many small inground pools ideas

There is nothing better than being able to step into your own backyard and jump right into a refreshing swimming pool. But what if your backyard or your budget is small? Well, if you’re like most people you’ve probably looked at small inground pools as at least one of your options.

Continue on as we go over some of our best small pool ideas and review the cost of a small inground pool.

Table of Contents show

Types of Small Inground Pools

The great thing about small pools is that they come with just as many options as their larger counterparts. You can find a small pool design that’s just about any shape and of course, small can mean many things. Maybe you want a tiny pool that’s really just for sitting in. Maybe you want something you can still swim in.

Here are a few types of smaller pools you may want to consider:

  1. Small Fiberglass Pool
  2. Small Vinyl Pool
  3. Small Concrete Pool
  4. Tiny Pools
  5. Mini Pools
  6. Cocktail Pools
  7. Plunge Pools
  8. Spool
  9. Swim Spa

Whatever you’re looking for, there are many styles and pool designs available. You can choose just about anything you want. Of course, it also depends if you’re putting in the pool yourself or hiring someone to do it. If you want to install the pool you need something you can buy in a store. If you’re hiring someone they may be able to customize a pool just for you.

One thing to keep in mind about small pools is how much space you really have. Just because you’re thinking something is small doesn’t mean it’s as small as you need. A small backyard shouldn’t be dwarfed by a swimming pool. You want to keep the pool comparative to the amount of space you actually have.

How Much Does a Small Inground Pool Cost?

In general, the cost of a small inground pool starts at around $20,000. There are several factors that may increase the cost of your pool such as the exact size, pool shell material (Vinyl, Fiberglass, or Concrete), coupling, decking, and additional lighting or water features.

There are quite a few costs associated with an inground pool of any type. That’s because there’s a lot of work involved in the process and most states require pool contractors to carry a general contractors license. If you choose to purchase a smaller pool it can help to keep down costs. That’s because there are fewer materials needed, and smaller pool pumps for keeping your swimming pool clean, but the labor cost difference is minimal.

For an average-sized pool, you’re looking at around $34,000 for an inground pool. For something small, however, you may be able to cut down on that cost. You’re not going to get it for half price (most likely) but you will get it for less money. That’s important if you don’t want to spend a fortune to get what you’re looking for.

Small Inground Pool Ideas

There are plenty of pools out there to choose from for your backyard. If you have unlimited money you can have something made for you without having to worry. If you need to save a little more you may want to look at something available in a pool store or custom pool manufacturing showroom.

PRO Tip: For mini inground pools, many spa companies offer a combination of a pool and spa called a spool.

Check out our article all about spools.

Here, we’ve found some of the best small pools so you can get a good idea of what’s available. We want to help you find a great quality pool and feel comfortable. We also want to make sure you know what you should be considering for yourself. There are a whole lot of options and each one can be tweaked a little to fit your needs.

This pool is actually a little large but that's because it's long and narrow. It's great for swimming laps and the stonework on the outside gives it a stylish appearance at the same time.
This small backyard pool is actually a little large but that’s because it’s long and narrow. It’s great for swimming laps and the stonework on the outside gives it a stylish appearance at the same time.
With this kidney bean <a href=
With this kidney bean-shaped pool you get just enough space to swim around a little and relax, plus the steps are built right in. No need for anything extra if you don’t want it.
This one is sort of a <a href=
This small backyard pool is surrounded by flat rocks and gravel. This look makes the pool look like a natural summer oasis.
This spool is inground with a large seating area and is surrounded by stamped concrete for the decking.
This small fiberglass pool with gravel rocks as couping is an inexpensive pool option that can easily be removed in the future.

A small pool is an awesome way to cool off on a hot summer day and not break the swimming pool budget.

A plunge pool is a great way to keep cool in the summer relax around the pool, and have a relatively low-maintenance backyard pool.
This one may not exactly be considered 'inground' but it's close enough. The deck is actually built up so that the pool itself is flush with it to create the same type of style with a safe enclosure to go with it.
This one may not exactly be considered ‘inground’ but it’s close enough. The deck is actually built up so that the pool itself is flush with it to create the same type of style with a safe enclosure to go with it.
This small <a href=
This small pool has a unique shape but plenty of seating for everyone. The stairs are built right in and all you have to do is sit on the underwater bench and let your troubles melt away.
A couple small waterfalls make this little hot tub feel a whole lot more fun. When it comes to small <a href=
This cocktail pool has a beautiful tile surround with brick coupling and spa jets. The rock waterfall feature backs up to palm trees and serves as both a bench seating area and shear descent, which is a nice option for a corner pool.
If you want to get a great quality pool, this type of <a href=
If you want to get a great quality small pool, this type of plunge pool is great. It’s only large enough for a couple of people but it’s deep enough that you can relax and it has built-in stairs.
This rectangle pool is small enough to fit in any backyard but large enough to really enjoy. It has benches and built in stairs to make it easier to use and it's surrounded by greenery.
This rectangle pool is small enough to fit in any small backyard but large enough to really enjoy. It has benches and built-in stairs to make it easier to use and it’s surrounded by greenery.
If you want a small pool that's also elegant then this is where you want to be. It looks like a shrine with the shape, the beautiful water and the plants. Plus it's got some great tiles and spouts.
If you want a small pool that’s also elegant then this is where you want to be. It looks like a shrine with the shape, the beautiful water, and the plants. Plus it’s got some great tiles and spouts.
This pool has a bathtub shape to it but it's going to be a whole lot more fun than just a bath. That's because it's large enough to relax with a couple friends and it has a nice surround to go with it.
This pool has a bathtub shape to it but it’s going to be a whole lot more fun than just a bath. That’s because it’s large enough to relax with a couple of friends and it has a nice surround to go with it.
This small pool is still deep enough to let you dive, which can be a whole lot of fun when you're hanging out with friends. All you need here is a couple people to invite because it may be a small yard, but you've got a great experience.
This small pool is still deep enough to let you dive, which can be a whole lot of fun when you’re hanging out with friends. All you need here is a couple of people to invite because it may be a small yard, but you’ve got a great experience.
This square pool lets everyone have some fun at the same time and even though here it's in a large yard, it doesn't have to have one. It also has a few sprinklers to go along with it.
Concrete pools like this one let everyone have some fun at the same time and even though here it’s in a large yard, it doesn’t have to have one. It also has a few sprinklers to go along with it.
What could be better than a pool with a fountain built right in? This pool is a blast for anyone and it's going to keep everyone coming back for more.
What could be better than a pool with a fountain built right in? This pool is a blast for anyone and it’s going to keep everyone coming back for more.