The plunge pool is one of the Fastest Growing “Must Haves” for Gen X and Baby Boomers!
I don’t know anybody who doesn’t enjoy relaxing in a nice clean body of water, warm or cool. And, it’s pretty common knowledge that for most of us, water provides one of the best environments for relaxing and exercise that you can do for yourself. Water exercise is low impact, less strain, good for tired or injured muscles and suitable for just about everyone, regardless of what age they may be or what shape they may be in.
A low-intensity water-type workout is excellent for anyone starting or on their journey of getting back in shape. Maybe you’re just looking for a means to do a low-impact cardio-type workout. A refreshing water environment is one of the most perfect means to accomplish both a low-impact workout and low-impact cardio exercises. Best of all you can just stop, float and relax anytime you want.
So… just what is a Plunge Pool anyway? Simply put; a plunge pool is much like a hot tub, swim spa or exercise pool, but typically without the jets. It can be smaller or sometimes shorter than a typical swim spa. Just because of the smaller size alone, you can save as much as $3000 to $5000 over the cost of a quality swim spa unit.
A plunge pool can be anywhere around 8’ to 10’ square, round, rectangular water vessel, (often larger), with a water depth anywhere you want it, generally, it’s somewhere around 48” to 54”. Some users might want a little more depth, I say go for it, there are no rules for the size, shape or depth of a plunge pool. It’s not uncommon to have access steps on one side, but still giving you ample room to relax, cool off or do many routine water exercises.
A plunge pool may or may not be heated, but it will have a water circulation and filtration system to keep the water clean and clear. Normally seats are not installed in a plunge pool but you certainly could have them. And some people opt to install a few water jets as an option. A light is another common option that is popular in a plunge pool.
So why wouldn’t you just go out and buy a small above-ground portable pool to relax or exercise in? You certainly could, however, many above-ground pools lack the strength and integrity required for a true plunge pool or exercise pool. The above-ground pools, even the smallest ones are can be larger in size than what you would need or want. Therefore, the cost of cleaning, filtering and heating an above-ground unit, (if you heat it), will cost you more per month than most built from scratch plunge pools. Most above-ground pools only offer two shape options, round or oval. And above ground pools don’t offer a lot of “curb” appeal for those who want to dress up their backyard environment with something unique and different as a focus point.
Above-ground pools will always have a marketplace, but that market tends to be younger families who realize that taking vacations with children can be an expensive proposition. Kids generally love a backyard pool and what’s the first they do when you go on vacation where there is a pool? They go to the pool right, and they want to play in the water. The money parents can save by not going on a couple of expensive vacations most likely will pay for a backyard pool for their kids.
We all know that the money spent on an above-ground pool is rarely recovered in the future value of a home, it’s a depreciation asset. That’s just the way it is with most portable amenities. The value is in the use you get out of it and enjoy while you have it.
Let’s take a look at the plunge pool now. More likely than not the person wanting a plunge pool or that’s interested in a plunge pool is going to be a little older, they want something much nicer than a “vinyl filled puddle” in the backyard and they what it to be a functional part of their back yard theme. Additionally, a plunge pool is going to be a permanent fixture that certainly could add equity value to a home. Thus, it is an investment or justified expense that could generate a return.
Below are just a few examples of a Plunge Pool, ones I think really hit the mark!
Interesting fact: An 8’ square masonry-built plunge pool 54” deep holds about 2100 gallons of water. A 14’ foot round above-ground pool, 4’ deep, holds over twice as much water. That means at least twice as much water to heat and treat compared to the masonry built Plunge pool built to a size exactly the way you want it.
Custom Built Spas DIY Plunge Pool building manual is now available and part of our DIY Spa and Hot tub building information package. I’ll teach you the basics of building a Plunge Pool, I show you a basic cost breakdown that will definitely surprise you, (in a good way)! Plus, I can supply you with all the equipment you need to operate a plunge pool. Visit Custom Built Spas now and get your information package. I can’t wait to help you get started on your project!
Thanks for the visit!
Gene Trumbull
Custom Built Spas
