Cocktail pools are becoming extremely popular among homeowners who want a relaxing outdoor space without needing a huge yard. These compact, stylish pools offer comfort, beauty, and great functionality, making them a perfect fit for modern backyards. Whether you want a cozy place to unwind, a beautiful feature for your landscape, or a social spot for guests, a cocktail pool delivers all of that with less space and less cost.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, including cocktail pool cost, designs, sizes, installation, and how they compare to plunge pools. We’ve also included tables to make the information easier to digest.
A cocktail pool, sometimes called a conversation pool, is a small swimming pool designed mainly for relaxing, cooling off, and socializing. It’s larger than a hot tub but smaller than a traditional pool, making it the perfect in-between option.
Most of what cocktail pool searches focus on are its defining features, which usually include:
Here’s a quick overview:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Typical Size | 10–16 ft long, 6–10 ft wide |
| Depth | Usually 3–5 ft |
| Purpose | Relaxing, chilling, socializing |
| Heating | Optional |
| Seating | Often built-in |
Many people search for a cocktail pool vs. a plunge pool because both are small pools, but they serve different purposes.
Plunge pools are deeper and mainly used for cooling down.
Cocktail pools are shallower and built for comfort, lounging, and conversation.
| Feature | Cocktail Pool | Plunge Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | 3–5 ft | 6–8 ft |
| Purpose | Relax & socialize | Cool down quickly |
| Seating | Yes | Rare |
| Heating | Common | Less common |
| Ideal For | Small gatherings | Quick dips |
If you have a small backyard, a cocktail pool or cocktail pools for small backyards can help you enjoy all the benefits of a pool without sacrificing your entire outdoor area.
They easily fit into tight spots, narrow yards, corner areas, and even spaces with unusual shapes. This flexibility is one of the biggest reasons people search for cocktail pool size before buying.
Common Cocktail Pool Sizes
| Size Category | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Small | 10×6 ft |
| Medium | 12×8 ft |
| Large | 16×10 ft |
One of the biggest homeowner concerns is how much a cocktail pool costs. Because these pools are smaller, they cost less to build and maintain.
Most cocktail pool cost estimates depend on materials, add-ons, and the complexity of installation.
Average Cocktail Pool Cost Breakdown
| Type of Cost | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Basic Fiberglass Cocktail Pool | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Custom Concrete Cocktail Pool | $35,000 – $50,000+ |
| Heating System | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Water Features | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Lighting | $500 – $2,000 |
Because they use less water and fewer chemicals, long-term maintenance is also cheaper.
Cocktail pools can be built in almost any style. From modern designs with clean lines to natural lagoon-style pools, you can personalize every detail.
Popular add-ons include:
This makes cocktail pools not only functional but also visually appealing.
These pools are often called “conversation pools” for a reason. Their size encourages close gatherings, making them perfect for friends, family, and small parties.
Adding seating, jets, and mood lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere that’s great for evenings and weekends.
Many homeowners begin their research with How much does a cocktail pool cost or cocktail pool installation.” The price varies based on size, material, features, and labour.
| Installation Type | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Basic Installation | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Standard Install (Most Homes) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Premium Install (Custom) | $20,000 – $30,000 |
When planning your cocktail pool installation, remember to consider:
Many homeowners search for cocktail pools for small backyards because they want to maximize space without giving up comfort.
Combine your cocktail pool with:
This creates a compact but luxurious outdoor living space.
Use plants, trellises, and vertical garden walls to add greenery without using floor space.
Built-in benches, floating loungers, and even a small swim-up ledge can make the area more relaxing and social.
A cocktail pool is a versatile, beautiful, and budget-friendly way to transform your backyard into a personal retreat. With their compact design, flexible customization, and lower maintenance costs, cocktail pools are an excellent choice for homeowners who want relaxation without the hassle of a full-size pool.
If you’re planning to install one, understanding the cocktail pool cost, ideal cocktail pool size, and the differences between a cocktail pool and a plunge pool will help you make the best decision.
Ready to take the next step?
Epic Watershapes in West Palm Beach offers free, no-obligation estimates. We design and build custom cocktail pools tailored to your space and lifestyle. Let us help you bring your backyard ideas to reality.
