A full-size inground pool has always been the default answer to “I want a pool in my backyard.” But for a significant number of Rhode Island homeowners — those with smaller yards, tighter budgets, or simply different priorities — a full-size pool isn’t the right fit. That’s where plunge pools have stepped into the conversation in a meaningful way.
Plunge pools in Rhode Island have grown in popularity steadily over the past several years, and not just because of smaller lot sizes. Many homeowners who could put in a larger pool are actively choosing a plunge pool because it delivers what they actually want: a refreshing, beautiful water feature that’s easy to maintain, fits the space they have, and serves the way they actually use it.
Here’s what plunge pools are, who they work best for, and what to think about before you commit.
What Is a Plunge Pool?
A plunge pool is a small, deep pool — typically between 6 and 14 feet long and 6 to 8 feet wide — designed primarily for cooling off, relaxing, and hydrotherapy rather than swimming laps. They can be installed inground or semi-inground and are available in both fiberglass and vinyl liner construction.
The compact footprint is the defining feature. A plunge pool requires a fraction of the yard space that a standard inground pool demands, which opens up the option to homeowners who’ve written off a pool entirely because of their lot size.
Pools Plus works with Latham plunge pool designs that can be installed quickly — often within a few days to a few weeks depending on site conditions and permitting — and can be customized with features like steps, built-in seating, lighting, and water jets.
Who Is a Plunge Pool Best For?
Plunge pools aren’t the right fit for everyone, but they’re the right fit for a very specific and growing group of homeowners:
Smaller yards. If your backyard simply doesn’t have room for a full-size pool, a plunge pool can fit comfortably in spaces that a standard pool can’t. Many Rhode Island properties — particularly in older neighborhoods with mature landscaping, or in towns with tighter lot configurations — fall into this category.
Couples or empty nesters. If you’re not hosting pool parties for large groups, a plunge pool provides everything you need at a fraction of the footprint. Most plunge pools comfortably accommodate two to four people.
Homeowners who want lower maintenance. Less water volume means fewer chemicals, faster heating, and simpler ongoing care. The reduced maintenance demand is one of the most commonly cited reasons homeowners choose a plunge pool over a full-size option.
People who prioritize relaxation over recreation. If your vision is a cool retreat after work or a place to decompress on a summer evening rather than an athletic lap pool, a plunge pool matches that use case perfectly.
Plunge Pool vs. Hot Tub — What's the Difference?
This question comes up regularly. A plunge pool and a hot tub serve related but distinct purposes. Hot tubs are heated and use jets for hydrotherapy. Plunge pools are typically cooler or at ambient temperature and are designed primarily for immersion and relaxation.
Some homeowners install both — a plunge pool for summer cooling and a hot tub for year-round soaking. If that appeals to you, Pools Plus carries a full range of hot tubs and spas from Cal Spas and Strong Spas that pair well with a plunge pool installation in a well-designed backyard.
What Does a Plunge Pool Installation Look Like in Rhode Island?
The installation process follows the same general path as any inground pool. It begins with a site assessment, design selection, and permit filing with your municipality. Permitting timelines in Rhode Island vary by town, so building this lead time into your planning is important.
Once permits are in hand, excavation is scheduled, the pool shell (for fiberglass) or the structure and liner (for vinyl) is installed, plumbing and electrical are connected, and the surrounding area is finished to your specifications. The compact size of a plunge pool actually makes site access easier in many cases — useful for backyards where larger equipment would struggle to get in.
The Pools Plus plunge pool team guides you through the full process from initial design through final installation, including the permit coordination that trips up many homeowners who try to manage it on their own.
Don't Overlook the Hardscape Opportunity
One of the things that makes plunge pools particularly compelling in a smaller Rhode Island backyard is the opportunity to build something that feels complete and intentional. A plunge pool surrounded by a well-designed patio, some low-maintenance plantings, and thoughtful lighting can transform a modest outdoor space into something that genuinely feels like a retreat.
The Pools Plus Hardscapes Division specializes in designing patios, walkways, and outdoor features that integrate seamlessly with pool installations. If you’re thinking about a plunge pool, think about the full outdoor picture at the same time — it’s easier and more cost-effective to design it all together than to try to add hardscaping later.
Is a Plunge Pool Worth It?
For the right homeowner in the right situation, absolutely. The combination of lower installation cost compared to a full-size inground pool, reduced ongoing maintenance, smaller footprint, and the genuine enjoyment of having a private water feature in your backyard makes plunge pools a smart investment for a growing segment of Rhode Island homeowners.
If you’re not sure whether a plunge pool, a full inground pool, or another option makes the most sense for your specific yard and lifestyle, reach out to Pools Plus for a consultation. The team has been building backyard water features across Rhode Island for over 30 years and can help you make the right call.
