A backyard pool can be a great addition to your home, as it can provide hours of fun for your family and friends, and make the perfect spot for your next family get-together, party, or staycation.
However, if you have a smaller backyard or working with a tighter budget, the large traditional inground pool surrounded by yards and yards of concrete might not be the best fit.
As these types of pools require large backyards and deep pockets.
As large inground pools can cost anywhere from $30,000 to more than $100,000, depending on how big the pool is and how it’s finished out.
But not to worry, because that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of a backyard pool.
As small backyard pools are a great alternative to the large traditional inground pool.
As they provide all the benefits of a swimming pool, but take up much less space and cost half as much, if not less.
So if you’re working with a small backyard or don’t want to spend a small fortune, check out the below small backyard pools.
As we’ve highlighted 17 amazing small backyard pool ideas on a budget that have definitely taken small pool design to the next level.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best small pool ideas.
Small Backyard Pool With Wood Decking
This small swimming pool is the perfect example of how you can have a luxurious pool without spending a small fortune.
As it’s surrounded by beautiful wood decking and a privacy wall covered in plants.
And while it may be small, it still has plenty of room for lounge chairs, umbrellas, and other poolside furniture.
Small Pool with Pergola and Poolside Day Bed
If you’re looking for small backyard pool ideas that will make your backyard the ultimate oasis, then look no further.
As this small pool with a pergola and poolside day bed is everything you need to relax and enjoy the summer sun.
And I can’t think of a better place to take an afternoon nap.
Compact Pool with Stone Pavers and Built-In Bench
This small pool is surrounded by beautiful stone pavers, as opposed to standard concrete.
Which gives the pool a high-end look and makes a great alternative to concrete.
As paver installation makes the perfect DIY project, which can save you thousands in labor compared to a poured concrete patio.
And with the potential money savings from the paver installation, you could upgrade the pool with a built-in bench, like this pool offers.
Which makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a cold drink or bite to eat while soaking up the sun.
Shallow Depth Tile Pool with Water Feature
If you’re looking for small backyard pool ideas that will make a big impact, then this shallow depth tile pool might just be the perfect fit.
As this mini pool is perfect for small backyards or courtyards, as it takes up very little space.
And while small, it still features a beautiful water feature and tile finish that makes it look like a million bucks.
Plunge Pool with Plant Vegetation Privacy Wall
This small backyard plunge pool is the perfect solution for those who want to enjoy a backyard pool but don’t want their neighbors looking in.
As it’s surrounded by a privacy wall made up of plants and vegetation, which provides both privacy and beauty.
And while it may be narrow, it’s still long enough to do laps or enjoy a game of pool volleyball, thanks to its rectangular pool shape.
Small Pool with Built-In Beach Ledge and Pool Lighting
If you have a small backyard, you may think that a pool is out of the question. But with some clever design, even the smallest yard can accommodate a pool.
As you can see from this small compact pool with a built-in beach ledge for lounging and enjoying the water.
And when the sun goes down, a lighted small pool can provide the perfect ambiance for poolside drinks or a late-night cocktail party.
Partially Submerged Budget Fiberglass Pool
A popular choice for those looking for a small-budget backyard pool is the fiberglass pool, due to its affordable cost and ease of installation.
As small fiberglass pools cost a fraction of what traditional concrete inground pools cost.
However, despite their more affordable price, fiberglass pools can still offer a very premium look.
As is evident by the above stylish fiberglass pool.
The key to making these types of pools look their best though is dressing them up with decking and landscaping.
Aqua Blue Tile Pool with Wood Patio Decking
This small backyard pool is the perfect example of a pool that doesn’t sacrifice style for size.
As it features beautiful aqua blue tile and wood patio decking that makes it look like a luxurious resort.
And while small, it still has plenty of room for an overhead pergola, wicker lounge chairs, and numerous potted plants.
Which adds a lot of visual interest and design to this small pool.
Modern Narrow Lap Pool
This small modern backyard pool is the perfect solution for those who want to swim laps but don’t have a lot of space.
As its long and narrow design makes it the perfect size for swimming laps.
And while small, it still features plenty of patio space for sitting and hanging out around the pool.
Making it both functional as well as beautiful.
Small Backyard Tropical Pool
This small backyard pool is the perfect example of a tropical oasis.
As it’s surrounded by palm trees and other tropical plants, as well as weathered wood decking and thatched-roof structures, which gives you the feeling that you’re on an exotic tropical vacation right in your own backyard.
Plus the multi-colored blue tile bottom gives the pool a really cool natural look.
Small Backyard Tropical Pool with Wide Steps
Another great example of a tropical pool design in a small backyard is this small inground pool, which really gives off that resort vibe.
Thanks to the dense foliage and palm trees around the pool and large rustic thatched-roof huts.
Which provides the perfect place to relax and get out of the sun when not in the pool.
And thanks to the pool’s ultra-wide steps, getting in and out of the pool is a breeze.
Above Ground Pool with Wraparound Wood Decking
The most affordable small background pool option is the above-ground pool.
However, just because it’s an above-ground pool that doesn’t mean it can’t still be stylish and trendy, as this stylish above-ground pool shows.
As this above-ground pool offers spacious wraparound wood decking, which not only gives the pool a much more finished and professional look but also adds a lot of functionality to the pool.
As it provides plenty of room for relaxing and sunbathing.
Narrow Backyard Swimming Pool
Often one of the best options for small shallow backyards is a narrow swimming pool.
As this slim pool design allows you to maximize the pool area in a shallow backyard.
And allows the pool to still be very functional despite its smaller size, as the longer length provides plenty of room for swimming laps.
Plus a narrower rectangular pool design can also leave extra room for larger and more spacious patios and seating areas.
Mini Traditional Backyard Swimming Pool
This small pool is a great example of how you can still have a traditional-style pool even in a small backyard.
As it features all the classic elements of a traditional pool, such as a wraparound concrete patio, dual walk-in entrances, and even a pool screen enclosure.
But thanks to its small pool size, it doesn’t overwhelm the small backyard.
And still leaves plenty of room for other backyard activities and landscaping.
Small Above Ground Lounge Pool
If you want an above-ground pool that’s both stylish and functional, then this small lounge pool is a great option.
As this pools, extensive tile work and wood decking gives it a very high-end look and feel.
And the small ledge around the pool also offers a perfect place to sit poolside with your feet in the water or a great place to sit drinks and snacks.
Natural Small Backyard Pool
This pool is another prime example that you don’t need a big backyard to have a relaxing enjoyable backyard pool.
As this pool takes up a very small footprint that’s approximately 8 feet wide by 16 feet long.
Allowing this mini pool to fit in even the smallest of backyards.
However, just because the pool is on the smaller side, that doesn’t mean it has to lack style and high-end design.
As this pool does a great job of creating a luxurious high-end look despite its smaller size.
Thanks to the pool’s ample surrounding vegetation and premium wood decking, which gives the pool a more natural look that blends into its surrounding.
As opposed to your standard pool, which is often surrounded by a sea of concrete.
High-End Square Pool with Infinity Edge
If you want to go all out, and looking for a small pool that makes a statement, this high-end small backyard pool is a great option.
As it features an infinity edge design, which gives the pool an illusion of being much larger than it actually is.
Plus, it’s surrounded by both wood decking as well as large premium stone pavers, which provide a lot of different textures and colors to the pool.
And because this pool is perfectly square it makes it ideal for pool parties and entertaining, as it gives everyone plenty of room to spread out.
What is the Cheapest Type of Pool to Install?
While you can pick up a small inflatable pool from your local big-box store for around a hundred bucks.
The cheapest pool you can install is the traditional above-ground pool, which ranges in price from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the size and shape of the pool.
Different Pool Types and Their Average Cost
If you’re curious about what other types of pools cost though, and how they compare to the cost of the cheapest type of pool.
We’ve highlighted nine different types of pools below and their average cost.
- Inflatable Pool ($100 – $1,000)
- Traditional Above Ground Pool ($2,500 – $10,000)
- Steel Frame Above Ground Pool ($5,000 – $15,000)
- Semi-Inground Pool ($8,000 – $20,000)
- Plunge Pool ($10,000 – $25,000)
- Shipping Container Pool ($15,000 – $40,000)
- Fiberglass Inground Pool ($15,000 – $50,000)
- Vinyl Liner Inground Pool ($45,000 – $65,000)
- Inground Concrete Pool with Plaster or Tile ($50,000 – $100,000+)
What is the Cheapest Pool Shape?
The cheapest pool shape is a uniform shape, such as a circle or rectangle.
This is because these types of pools require much less labor and are much easier to design and build.
As opposed to nonuniform shapes, which often require much more labor as well as design input, adding considerable cost to the pool installation.
How Small is too Small for a Pool?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on your individual needs and wants.
However, generally speaking, most people find that anything below 100 square feet is too small for a pool.
As anything less than 100 square feet and the pool starts to lose functionality as well as usefulness.
As sub 100 square foot pools don’t provide enough room for more than a few people to comfortably swim and lounge in the pool at a time.
Is a Small Pool Worth it?
For many people, the answer to this question is, yes.
As small pools can provide a lot of enjoyment and relaxation for a fraction of the cost of installing a larger pool.
Plus, small pools are perfect for those that don’t have a lot of space in their backyard.
However, small pools do have their downsides as well.
Such as they often don’t have enough room for swimming laps and can get dirty quickly if not properly maintained.
So, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of small pools before making a final decision.
Wrap Up
If you’re on a budget but still want to install a backyard pool, there are plenty of small affordable options to choose from.
As we’ve demonstrated from the 17 different small backyard pools showcased on this list.
So, whether you’re looking for an above-ground pool or something more luxurious like a high-end inground pool, we hope you’ve found inspiration for your own backyard oasis.
Thanks for reading!