A small plunge pool, carefully crafted for relaxation, acts as a cozy water retreat. It’s perfect for folks who enjoy easygoing times by the pool, savoring a cold glass of iced tea while sitting on the steps in the summer. Even though it’s not ideal for swimming laps, the compact size of a plunge pool opens the door to various activities, like playing in the water.
Plunge pools, ranging from 13 to 23 ft and 7 to 10 ft wide, are a bit larger than the typical hot tub. It can be put on the ground or above it and it will come in fiberglass or concrete. These little pools give a lot of choices for where to install them.
Plunge pool: Types
Some plunge pools go deep, up to 8 ft, giving you a more immersive swimming experience if you’re into that. You can put plunge pools indoors, like in a sunroom or basement. They’re small, so you can enjoy swimming all year round, even in places like pole barns.
Surprisingly, there are plunge pools that sit above the ground that might look like a long pool or a big tub, great for relaxing or even having therapeutic cold baths. Lap pools are made for gentle exercise with strong jets that make it a bit hard to swim, good for your joints. Depending on the height of the person one can do exercise in the pool.
For a fancy touch, there’s the infinity plunge pool which is a small pool that looks like it goes on forever. You can have it on a deck or a hill, and the water spills over the edge, making it seem like the pool goes all the way to the horizon.
Benefits of plunge pools
Improving blood flow: When you dip into cold water, it helps boost the blood circulation in the arms and legs and thus it helps with a lot of overall health, especially for the heart.
Easing stress: Spending time in water can be super calming and these small pools with seats are perfect for chilling out after a tough day which helps to relax, reduces stress, and makes the mind, body, and soul fresh.
Gentle exercise: We all know exercising regularly is important, but it’s tough to find time for the gym so the good news is that without going to the gym, one can stay healthy by doing simple exercises inside these pools which are just located behind the backyard of the house.
Recovering from injury: Getting better after an injury takes a long time, especially as you get older. A plunge pool can help ease pain and speed up recovery. It does this by reducing swelling, opening up blood vessels, improving circulation, and giving you quick relief from pain.
Factors in calculating plunge pool cost
Size and shape of pool – A small plunge pool costs usually less than a bigger one. A pool can cost you about Rs 2,000 per sqft to 900 per sqft.
Type of pool – Plunge pools can be either above the ground or on the ground. The price for an above-ground plunge pool starts from Rs 3,000/sqft, depending on the size and special features.
Material of the pool – The material of the pool is a big factor in the cost. Usually, vinyl and fiberglass pools are more budget-friendly than concrete ones.
Location of the pool – Where you want to put the pool matters, especially if it’s hard to get machinery in for digging. This difficulty can increase the costs of getting the site ready and installing the pool.
Labour – The people building the pool charge anywhere from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000. This depends on what material the pool is made of. This payment doesn’t cover digging, landscaping, or extra pool decorations. Also, vinyl and fiberglass pools usually get put in faster, so the labor costs are lower than concrete pools.
Plunge pool vs. regular pool
A plunge pool is designed for a handful of individuals to comfortably relax in the pool, not to swim but to make the mind and body feel stress-free and allow them to move around freely. When appropriately linked to a pool heater it can be made a winter hot tub which will offer a cost-effective alternative due to its smaller water volume, making it more economical to heat to hot tub temperatures than its larger counterpart.
In stark contrast, a conventional pool surpasses the dimensions of a plunge pool, providing ample space for varied activities and, if adequately deep, accommodating diving endeavors. The versatility of a regular pool extends to the incorporation of accessories like fountains, automatic cleaners, and water slides.Â
However, the expansive size renders it less practical for hot tub use, as the elevated cost of heating a more substantial body of water becomes prohibitive. Additionally, the complexity of the pool system increases with the addition of accessories, contributing to higher long-term maintenance expenses, a consequence of managing a significantly larger water volume.
FAQs
Is it advisable to consider installing a plunge pool?
Certainly, opting for a plunge pool emerges as a superior choice over a conventional swimming pool, particularly when space is a constraint. The compact and easily installable nature of plunge pools ensures minimal occupancy in your backyard, translating to a more economical investment compared to a standard swimming pool.
What drawbacks should one be mindful of with a plunge pool?
It's essential to acknowledge that the size and depth limitations of a plunge pool restrict the range of activities it can accommodate. Although well-suited for water aerobics, the modest dimensions often fall short for those desiring a pool for lap swimming.
What is the financial investment involved in acquiring a plunge pool in India?
The cost varies, commencing at Rs 10 lakh and extending up to Rs 35 lakh based on the model selected. Plunge pools, being smaller in size than conventional pools, cater to a specific audience interested in recreational wading and lounging, making them an economical choice for those who want to host gatherings without the expansive costs of larger pool installations.
Is swimming a viable option in a plunge pool?
While the primary focus of a plunge pool is on relaxation, it can indeed serve the purpose of a traditional swimming pool for exercise and leisure. Despite limited space, the length is generally sufficient for a calming and moderate workout.
What limitations come with a plunge pool?
A plunge pool's dimensions and depth impose restrictions on the range of activities it can support. While suitable for water aerobics, its size often falls short for those desiring to swim laps.
Is a plunge pool beneficial for individuals?
Certainly, individuals seeking an effective cardiovascular boost can derive significant advantages from the cold plunge pools found in wellness centers, sports clubs, and spas. The cold stimulation imparts a sense of refreshment and revitalisation.
What is the price range of plunge pools in India?
The cost ranges from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 35 lakh, contingent on the specific models. Typically smaller than conventional pools, plunge pools are tailored for wading or leisure. They present an attractive option for hosting poolside gatherings without the expenditure associated with larger pools.
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