The Pros and Cons of Plunge Pools
- mike
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
The Pros and Cons of Plunge Pools
If you’ve been looking into inground pools but keep running into one problem…
“I don’t have the space (or budget) for a full-size pool.”That’s where plunge pools come in—especially models like the River Pools N16. At first glance, they seem like the perfect solution:
Smaller footprint
Lower cost
Clean, modern design
But here’s the truth most pool companies won’t tell you:👉 A plunge pool is either exactly what you need… or completely wrong for how you plan to use a pool. Let’s break it down the pros and cons of plunge pools honestly.
What Is a Plunge Pool (Like the N16)?
A plunge pool is a compact pool designed for cooling off, relaxing, and soaking—not traditional swimming.
The River Pools N16 is a great example:
Roughly 8’4” x 16’ footprint
Flat-bottom design for consistent depth
Built for relaxation, cooling off, and small spaces
👉 Think of it as a hybrid between a pool and a spa—without the jets (unless added).
The Pros and Cons of Plunge Pools
PROS
1. Fits in Almost Any Backyard
This is the #1 reason people choose a plunge pool.
👉 Small footprint = big flexibility
Tight urban lots
Side yards
Smaller suburban spaces
The N16 is specifically designed to fit where traditional pools simply can’t
2. Lower Cost (Upfront and Long-Term)
Smaller pool = smaller everything:
Less excavation
Less material
Smaller equipment
And ongoing:
Fewer chemicals
Lower energy use
Less maintenance
👉 Plunge pools are generally more affordable to maintain than full-size pools
3. Perfect for Relaxation
This is where plunge pools shine.
They’re built for:
Cooling off on hot days
Sitting and socializing
Quiet, low-key use
👉 The N Series is literally designed for “cooling off, unwinding, and quiet moments”
4. Faster Installation
Because they’re smaller and simpler:
👉 Installation is typically quicker and less complex
That means:
Less disruption
Faster time to enjoyment
5. Modern, Clean Aesthetic
Plunge pools—especially rectangular ones like the N16—have:
Clean lines
Minimalist appeal
Strong fit with modern homes
👉 They often look more like a designed feature than just a pool.
6. Great as a Secondary Water Feature
Some homeowners don’t choose between:
Pool
Spa
👉 They use a plunge pool as both (or alongside a larger pool)
The Pros and Cons of Plunge Pools
CONS
Now let’s talk about where people get it wrong.
1. You Can’t Really Swim
This is the biggest limitation.
👉 A plunge pool is not a swimming pool in the traditional sense
No lap swimming
Limited movement
Short length
Even River Pools is upfront:
👉 It’s not designed for active swimming or multiple users at once
2. Limited Capacity
Let’s be honest:
👉 You’re not hosting pool parties in a plunge pool
Best for 1–4 people
Gets crowded quickly
If your vision includes:
Entertaining
Kids + friends
This may not be the right fit.
3. Fewer Built-In Features
Compared to larger pools:
No large tanning ledges
Limited seating options
Minimal design variation
👉 Many plunge pools prioritize simplicity over features
4. Can Be Harder for Some Users to Access
Because of the compact design:
Entry/exit can be tighter
Less gradual transitions
👉 This can be a concern for:
Older adults
Very young kids
5. May Feel “Too Small” Over Time
This is where regret can creep in.
At first:👉 “This is perfect.”
A few years later:👉 “I wish we went bigger.”
Especially if:
Your family grows
You entertain more
Kids get older
6. Limited Activity Options
Plunge pools are not ideal for:
Pool games
Diving
Active play
👉 They’re built for stillness—not movement.
The Pros and Cons of Plunge Pools, who are they right for and who they are wrong for!
✅ It’s a Great Fit If You:
Have a smaller backyard
Want a simple, low-maintenance pool
Care more about relaxation than swimming
Prefer a modern, minimalist design
Want a cooling-off spot—not a full pool experience
❌ It’s Not a Great Fit If You:
Want to swim regularly
Plan to entertain groups
Have active kids
Want a feature-rich pool (ledge, benches, etc.)
Have space for a larger pool but are unsure
Plunge Pool vs Full-Size Pool (Simple Breakdown)
Plunge Pool (N16)
👉 Best for:
Relaxing
Cooling off
Small spaces
Full-Size Pool
👉 Best for:
Swimming
Playing
Entertaining
The Moral of the Story
Plunge pools like the N16 are growing in popularity for a reason:👉 They solve a very specific problem:“I want a pool—but I don’t have the space or need for a big one.”And when that’s your situation?
They’re a fantastic solution. But if you’re trying to make it something it’s not…
👉 You’ll feel the limitations quickly. The biggest mistake homeowners make isn’t choosing the wrong pool. It’s choosing the wrong pool for how they actually plan to use it. If your vision is:
Quiet evenings
Cooling off
Simple enjoyment
A plunge pool like the N16 might be perfect.
If your vision is:
Activity
Energy
Hosting
You may want to think bigger.
SHAMELESS CALL TO ACTION
If you are ready to dive in and explore the possibilities of fiberglass pool ownership don't hesitate to call Pool Pros today @ 920-771-0107. Our in house pool designers are waiting to help create the outdoor living area of your dreams. When Quality Counts, Count on Pool Pros.
AUTHOR BIO
Mike Bowers is the founder and owner of Pool Pros Inc. in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He has spent 29 years installing and servicing swimming pools throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Is an Advanced Certified Building Professional, Certified Service Professional, Licensed General Contractor, Father to 4 beautiful children and Husband to the one and only "PoolWife" Lysti.
HELPFUL LINKS
