More and more families in Australian families are turning to plunge pools to give their backyard or terrace more life and entertainment value, especially in hotter climates.
Where traditional swimming pools may need large amounts of space or big budgets, plunge pools are perfect modestly sized pools for relaxation, socialising, and having a splash around in.
Though you may have heard the term plunge pool being talked about, what exactly is a plunge pool, and how does it differ from other kinds of common backyard pools?
What is a Plunge Pool?
A plunge pool is a precast concrete pool in a compact design that sits below ground and can be tailored to suit your backyard size, architecture, and lifestyle needs.
Plunge pools are ideal for residences or even apartments where space is limited – and can be built with a full deck or functional outdoor living area, including coping or waterline tiles.
Australia’s premier manufacturer of plunge pools is Plungie, a Brisbane-based company specialising in plunge pool innovation and giving Australian families more opportunities for their children to remember growing up with a backyard pool.
The Benefits of Installing a Plunge Pool
There are many benefits to installing a plunge pool in your home. First of all, the overall price and ongoing cost. Plunge pools require less maintenance than traditional in-ground pools as they’re smaller in size. They’re also cheaper to maintain as you don’t need to add pool chemicals as often.
You also save on electricity costs as running filters or heaters is also reduced compared to a traditional full-size pool. Plunge pools also come in a variety of pleasing designs that suit your home’s aesthetic. Some plunge pools can serve a dual function as a hot tub or spa – and some plunge pools can be designed with a variety of materials.
A plunge pool also gives pool builders more control over their projects, which means it’s a faster and easier solution to other types of traditional pools – in fact, you could have a plunge pool installed in a matter of days, not months. They’re also much more functional and elegant than plastic or cheap above ground pools (although you can also install a plunge pool above ground, if you prefer.)
Plunge pools are also suitable for aquatic exercise and rehabilitation purposes. Using a smaller pool for exercise minimises tension and pressure on the body and reduces stress on joints compared with high-impact cardio or weights exercise.
How are plunge pools built?
Every plunge pool is made completely out of concrete and is pre-cast. Each plunge pool by Plungie is coated with an internal high-performance thermo polymer called ecoFinish. It’s a type of powder coating that’s heat-blasted onto the internal shell of the pool to form a completely sealed, flexible and waterproof membrane that feels luxurious and is highly durable.
The ecoFinishes are engineered to have non-slip capability with a range of feels such as semi-coarse sandstone to smooth porcelain. You can also add your own internal tiles, as you can request a plunge pool without ecoFinish so you can customise your pool to your liking.
What is a typical size of a plunge pool?
There are many prefabricated options for plunge pools by Plungie in a variety of sizes and configurations. That means they can be installed in home backyards, apartment terraces, unit yards, and other outdoor areas that can support a concrete pool.
Plunge pools can be as small as 3.5m in diameter to 6m by 3m. The internal height of a Plungie plunge pool is 1.59m.
The Arena 3.5m round pool is the most sophisticated and architecturally designed fully round pre-cast plunge pool in the world and offers arena-style bench space on the edge.
The Studio model is a compact pool for small spaces or terraces, at 3.6m long and 2.2m wide.
The Original Plungie is Australia’s most popular design and is found in the homes of many Australian families. The Original is 4.6m long and 2.5m wide, with about 2.2m2 of bench space, which is ample for entertaining.
The Max pool is the largest option at 6m long and 3m wide, which can accommodate more people with a 4m2 bench space and even some aquatic exercises or short laps for those who enjoy a more active lifestyle.
How much does a plunge pool cost?
Plungie plunge pools range from $16,990 for the Arena and Studio models, $19,990 for the Original, and $24,990 for the Max model.
Compare this to a modestly sized traditional in-ground pool which can cost anywhere upwards of $60,000 to $70,000.
Note that these prices do not include delivery or installation.
Are you ready for a plunge pool?
If you’ve been thinking of adding a pool to your home that’s both functional, stylish, and cost-effective, consider a plunge pool supplied and installed by East Coast Pools & Outdoor Living, Newcastle and Port Macquarie’s Plungie pool specialists. Contact us here for your free consultation.
