A pool can be a wonderful addition to your Connecticut home. Pools come in several different sizes and shapes, ranging from traditional pools to smaller pools, such as plunge pools CT-based. There are many reasons to install a pool and, with proper and professional pool design installation, you can make your property more versatile and more fun. When installing a pool, one of the most important considerations is what type of pool to have. As pools are way more varied than many people think, it can take time to narrow down your choices. Often, the final choice for many homeowners is between a traditional pool and a plunge pool. Here is a broad overview of each and a direct comparison.
Plunge Pools Versus Traditional Swimming Pools
A swimming pool is a common sight in many backyards. Swimming pools are large and offer plenty of room for swimming, exercise, and relaxation. Typically, swimming pools offer a variety of shapes and come with a shallow and deep end.
Plunge pools, by comparison, are smaller and more compact. These pools have a uniform depth and many come with seating for relaxation. A plunge pool is great for relaxation and cooling off. You can also add a pool heater to your plunge pool which can provide a warm, relaxing dip or the use of hydrotherapy.
Comparing These Two Pool Types
- Size: an advantage of plunge pools is that they take up less space. The average plunge pool is 8×8 feet to 8×16 feet in size with depth ranging from four to eight feet. This small size can be advantageous if you have a small backyard, your yard is an unusual shape, or you are already using a lot of your yard space for other things. Swimming pools are bigger but do offer more options for design and the overall functionality of the pool. This allows for greater customization.
- Exercise: many homeowners install a pool to increase physical activity. Luckily, both plunge pools and swimming pools can be used for this goal. A plunge pool can be used for water aerobics and hydrotherapy using both cold and hot temperatures. Hydrotherapy improves circulation and reduces stress, both of which improve your overall well-being. A swimming pool, due to its larger size, can be used for traditional water exercises such as swimming and activities such as pool volleyball.
- Installation and Costs: typically, plunge pools are cheaper than swimming pools to install due to the fact plunge pools are smaller and require less work and fewer materials. Maintenance and upkeep costs also have to be considered. Size again plays a role as plunge pools use less water and, due to this lower volume, need fewer chemicals to keep clean and safe. There is also a reduced expense in running pumps, heating, and filter use. Cleaning also requires less effort and time. Swimming pools, simply due to size, require more effort, time, and costs to keep clean and often need more complex cleaning methods and tools.
Making The Right Choice
When picking between a plunge pool and a swimming pool, it is important to keep your goals in mind. A pool should suit your needs and what you are looking to accomplish. Plunge pools offer many advantages and, due to their small size, can be easier to install and maintain.
However, as a smaller pool, they are more suited for relaxation, wading, and hydrotherapy than swimming or having large groups of friends over. By comparison, a swimming pool offers more room for swimming, exercise, and large gatherings. The drawbacks of a swimming pool are the need for more room, a more involved installation process, and greater upkeep and care expenses.
In addition, swimming pools often require additional safety needs such as a fence. Considerations aside from use also include the space you have available, your budget, and the amount of upkeep costs and time you want to spend keeping your pool clean. Properly assessing your goals and unique situation ensures you get exactly the type of pool you’re looking for.