
Have you ever read those real estate listings advertising a “pool-sized backyard”? Wouldn’t it be great to have an acre of lush land for an Olympic-worthy swimming pool?
If you don’t have a large backyard, fear not—you don’t have to give up on your poolside fantasies. Swimming pools come in all shapes and sizes, and bigger isn’t necessarily better.
To make the most of the space you have, consider the unique advantages of installing a small backyard pool:
Intimate Spaces

A small inground pool offers a cozy space for relaxation, whether you’re swimming alone or with your special someone. You can tuck a smaller pool into a corner of your yard or adjacent to your patio, where you can accent the structure with exquisite architecture and landscaping features—think tropical flowers, a shade-giving umbrella, or a trickling rock fountain.
Tiny Tip:
Water features like fountains and waterfalls will give your pool a refreshing aesthetic, and you don’t need a huge pool to incorporate them into your design.
Creatively Constructed for Layered-on Luxury Let your creativity take the helm when designing a smaller pool to make the most of your space. Smaller pools cost less, which means you’ll have more money left for luxury features.
Make your backyard a private resort with a small tile pool. A suspended bed with an all-weather mattress is the perfect place to bask in your personal paradise. A fire bowl centerpiece will warm you and your guests up on chilly nights.

Imagine relaxing in a palm-shaded chaise lounger while listening to the gentle fall of water over a vanishing edge in this comforting pool.

Install a fire feature beside your inground pool for dramatic night swims. Connect your pool to your patio or deck with a series of in-water stone steps that serve both artistic form and useful function.

A small freeform pool provides enough room to stretch out or get cozy with friends around a small tile table. Don’t forget your favorite drink and a seasonal fruit tray.

If you’re looking for the intimacy and relaxation of a hot tub, but need a little extra room, combine the features of a spa and pool to create a “spool”.

This average suburban backyard fits a swimming pool, spa, and outdoor dining area into an elegant package.

Tiny Tip:
Working with limited budget? An above ground pool has a small footprint and lower price tag. Dress it up with custom-built decking and tropical plants.
A little creativity combined with a small stretch of backyard can result in a beautiful oasis. As you lounge in the refreshing waters of your own private retreat, you’ll wonder why you ever doubted your backyard’s potential. After all, small yards—like small children—have plenty of wonder to share.
Small Pools for Training and Exercise
You aren’t confined to lounging in a small pool. There are plenty of options available for the athletically inclined to make the most of a small space:
If you have a long, thin slice of land available, a lap pool will allow you to work on your freestyle stroke without the need for a natatorium.

If a small square is all you can spare, check out a hydraulic current generator like the Fastlane® system by Endless Pools. You aren’t confined to swimming— work out those paddling muscles by kayaking in-place.

Looking for more backyard makeover ideas? Check out our inspiration gallery for new and timeless designs that look great at any scale.
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