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9 Inspiring Plunge Pool Ideas for Maryland Backyards

October 18th, 2023 | 3 min. read

By Phil Parsons

You’re interested in a plunge pool, but you aren’t sure where to start. Your outdoor living vision includes a space to swim and relax, but you aren’t sure how to realize that vision. 

At KP Contracting, we’re experts in breathing life into your outdoor inspirations. But, our expertise needs your vision to make something real. These ideas will spark your innovation, and get your landscape juices flowing. You don’t need a big backyard to get a big transformation from a plunge pool.

In this post, you’ll preview some appealing plunge pool designs. You’ll sample the range of plunge possibilities, and take inspiration from the ways a plunge pool can transform your backyard.

A Plunge Pool Idea That Stretches a Backyard

If your Maryland home has a long, narrow lot, plunge pools are a perfect fit. A 15x8 plunge pool nestles into a backyard, still leaving extra space. In the idea above, a plunge pool is complemented by a lawn, a floating deck, and a sitting area. 

The plunge pool creates a long line that accentuates the backyard’s length. The backyard looks larger as a result. The water’s light, reflective surface also creates the impression of greater space. The depth of the plunge pool also creates more functional vertical space. 

 

A Plunge Pool Idea that Blends Fire and Water

Even the smallest yard can be an oasis for its owner. Two seating areas flank this plunge pool, providing twin opportunities to soak or relax. A fire pit adds ambiance to one sitting area. 

Glass-panel fencing separates the spaces, and ensures your pit won’t get soaked. The glass-panel fences also provide safety to kids or pets. 

A Plunge Pool Idea That Ties the Backyard Together

Plunge pools are great because they’re a feature, rather than the feature. 

Full-size pools command their space, both practically and visually. Plunge pools fulfill the visual and functional purposes of a traditional pool, but permit space for other ideas.

Unless you’re a competitive swimmer, you want more out of your backyard than a pool. Plunge pools like the 10x20 above leave room for a sunning area, an outdoor bar, a fire pit and patio, and a dining area and grill.

A Plunge Pool Landscaping Idea

Many people with big yards do want big pools, however. And, big pools have definite advantages. A pool party in a plunge pool would be pretty awkward. However, plunge pools perform purposes traditional pools can’t.

Plunge pools can double as retaining walls. A plunge pool built into a sloped lawn in the above design prevents erosion, while providing a restorative space. A full-size pool would require an extra retaining wall built, costing from $10,000 to $20,000 extra. 

A Round Plunge Pool Idea 

Plunge pools are great at transcending limitations. This plunge pool and deck combination rises above the constraints of space and style. The mixture of round pool and straight deck creates a multi-purpose backyard space in an otherwise narrow lot. Projecting part of the deck over the pool makes the round shape look more functional and less like a kiddie pool. Adding rocks to the other side of the pool further crafts a landscape from a small area. 

A Plunge Pool Idea With a Putting Green

Plunge pools make a backyard into a country club. A rectangular plunge pool still allows room for a sitting area and a putting green. A wet bar on the ground floor and a second-story deck provide room to entertain. Plunge pools anchor a lot of luxury in a small space, and expand possibilities regardless of how much room you have.

 

A Plunge Pool Idea That Blends Form and Function

Plunge pools extend the purposes of form and function. A glass-panel fence with LED lighting creates ambiance while keeping kids safe. Seats in the plunge pool face a row of bar stools, making the space social and recreational. The wall beside the stools is 42 inches tall, which meets safety requirements. 

Plunge Pools Bring the Indoors Outside

Plunge pools complement the contemporary trend of extending indoor living spaces to the outdoors. This idea shows a full set of living room furniture combined with a pool. A pergola provides shade and structure to the seating area. The pool provides a place for relaxation or activity. That combination still leaves half the yard available for other uses. 

A Plunge Pool Idea That Creates Balance

Plunge pools create well-rounded living areas in your outdoor spaces. Here, a plunge pool counterbalances a full deck. The pool is parallel but staggered from the deck, creating the impression of a complete world in your backyard. The pool provides recreation or relaxation, while the deck provides a space to sit, eat, or watch the kids play in the pool.

This design demonstrates how plunge pools anchor outdoor lifestyles. Multiple seating areas, one under cover, provide social spaces. A covered dining area beside a fire pit offers multiple options for where to eat. A full deck is great for parties, or just enjoying the weather as spring arrives. A plunge pool and accompanying hot tub balance the deck area. 

More plunge pool possibilities

Plunge pools can be a great fit, but are they the right fit for your backyard? If you want to know more about how plunge pools suit your needs, check out these plunge pool pros and cons to see if they’re a fit for your outdoor living goals. If you’re interested in speaking with us about your outdoor living possibilities, reach out to us here, or give us a call at 240-266-5900.

Phil Parsons

Phil Parsons is an owner at KP Contracting with 20-years’ experience in custom remodeling and the development of outdoor living spaces that bring friends and family together. He is a degreed engineer, and his work has been featured on HGTV.