Do you daydream about entertaining poolside, but your yard isn’t big enough for a standard-sized swimming pool? Latham has your answer with the “cocktail pool”! Sometimes called “plunge pools,” these compact pools are stylish options designed to provide a beautiful, comfortable place to relax on smaller properties. They can be outfitted with benches, lighting, and spa features, making them perfect for hosting a backyard cocktail party.
Our Latham fiberglass cocktail pool measures 10’ x 16’ — perfect for a yard where space is at a premium. What’s more, it has one full-width set of steps and perimeter benches, giving it plenty of seating for guests.
What Makes Cocktail Pools Unique: Size, Layout, and Function
Cocktail pools are small, shallow inground pools designed with lounging and entertaining in mind. They vary in size, depth, and design to accommodate a wide range of yard layouts. This more compact design makes these pools an intimate space where guests can sip cocktails and relax vs. a larger pool made for rowdy pool parties and swimming laps.
Cocktail pools are typically around 10’ x 16’ with a depth of 3 to 5 feet, although they can be designed with flexibility to accommodate slightly shorter and longer dimensions. Fiberglass cocktail pools offer a sleek, sophisticated design with enhanced durability against structural challenges that can come with concrete.
For example, fiberglass cocktail pools have flexible shells that are constructed from algae-resistant materials. This means they can withstand the fluctuating groundwater that is the result of extreme heat and humidity in areas of the Southeast and Southwest U.S. that could otherwise cause a concrete pool’s foundation to crack.
Here’s a quick look at some typical cocktail pool dimensions:
| Feature | Typical Range | Benefit |
| Length | 10-16 ft | Ideal for small backyards where homeowners want space for other activities, such as playgrounds, gardens, and grill areas. |
| Width | 9-13 ft | Being narrow helps these pools accommodate many different backyard layouts. |
| Depth | 3-5 ft | With no deep end, these shallow pools are perfect for standing, lounging, and sipping cocktails. |
Benefits of a Cocktail Pool
A cocktail pool provides a variety of benefits for pool owners looking for a place to relax and easily entertain. Vinyl liner and fiberglass cocktail pools offer a high-end, stylish look without the long installation timelines of concrete, while also providing the same elevated durability and lower maintenance as their standard-sized counterparts.
Some of the benefits you can expect from your Latham fiberglass or vinyl liner cocktail pool:
- Space-Efficient: A cocktail pool delivers the same luxurious feel as a standard-sized pool while keeping your backyard’s proportions balanced. This makes them perfect for urban areas where small yards are the norm, giving you room for a pool and the other amenities, such as fire pits, grills, and landscaping.
- Low-Maintenance: Because of their compact size and lower water volume, cocktail pools are easier to maintain. With a small surface area made from non-porous materials that resist algae growth, you can clean walls and steps, balance water chemicals, and skim debris significantly faster than you would with a concrete pool.
- Energy-Saving: Cocktail pools often require smaller, less complex filtration systems and can be heated more efficiently. They are also installed ready for automatic covers, which offer even greater energy savings and safety benefits.
- Versatile Use: A cocktail pool is made for year-round enjoyment, serving as a multi-purpose backyard centerpiece, acting as an outdoor spa, aquatic gym, entertainment space, and private lounge all in one. Despite being shallower than a standard pool, cocktail pools can also be used for light exercise, such as water aerobics and stretching. Adding a heating element can extend the use of your cocktail pool well into cooler months, giving you more moonlit nights under autumn skies or hosting friends poolside at the start of football season with a big outdoor screen.
- Cost-Effective: Cocktail pools generally require less water, chemicals, and energy to maintain compared to conventional pools, making them a long-term cost-effective option.
How Much Does a Cocktail Pool Cost?
The cost of a cocktail pool varies depending on the specific size, shape, and amenities you choose during design and installation. However, cocktail pools generally start at prices much lower than standard-sized pools by virtue of their smaller size and lower water volume.
Fiberglass models, such as the Latham Milan Collection, provide comparable long-term value to conventional fiberglass pools because of their increased durability, algae-resistant materials, and lower chemical costs. Because these pools require less water and have smaller, more efficient equipment, you can also usually expect savings on utility expenses like energy for filtration and heating.
Cocktail Pool Design Ideas & Features
A cocktail pool is the focal point of your space, acting as a social hub, a relaxing getaway, and the heart of your backyard. When you’re designing your pool, think about it as an extension of the beauty and serenity of the rest of your home.
For instance, stylish decking can be a seamless way of transitioning from your back door and patio to the surrounding pool area. Rows of low-maintenance plants like agave, sago palms, elephant ears, and hibiscus provide pops of color and organic architectural interest that can also double as a privacy screen from neighboring yards.
In the pool itself, water features like cascades, jets, and fountains can add an air of sophistication and elegance that makes the pool even more appealing as an entertaining area. Tanning ledges and loungers can be relaxing additions where you can enjoy lying out in the hot sun with the cool relief of sparkling pool water.
Are Cocktail Pools Worth It?
A cocktail pool is an excellent solution for homeowners who want the benefits of pool ownership but have limited backyard space or want a lower time and maintenance commitment. Because fiberglass cocktail pools are made from the same non-porous, flexible material as standard-sized fiberglass pools, they can withstand groundwater fluctuation and resist algae better than concrete. Beyond performance, the smooth surface of a fiberglass pool offers eye-catching aesthetic appeal with a range of vivid colors and dazzling finishes to choose from. Their lower water volume also often results in long-term savings for energy costs and heating, allowing homeowners to enjoy their pools for a longer season.
This combination of beauty, durability, and cost-effectiveness makes cocktail pools a practical option that can provide near year-round enjoyment at a lower cost than conventional pools.
Is A Cocktail Pool Right for You?
Cocktail pools are an addition to your backyard that combines the most desirable features of a pool and a spa. They can flex between functioning as a calming space where you can relax after a long day or as the heartbeat of your entertaining space — all with lower maintenance and space commitment when compared to a standard-sized pool.
If you’re looking for a gorgeous place to enjoy time with your closest friends and family, the intimacy of a fiberglass cocktail pool can be the perfect marriage of form and function. Beautiful, cost-effective, and durable, it can be the centerpiece of your parties for years to come. Want to learn more? Explore Milan designs or connect with a builder today.
Your Cocktail Pool Questions, Answered
Have more questions about fiberglass cocktail pools? Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions:
Can I add spa features like jets or heaters to my cocktail pool?
Yes, cocktail pools are often referred to as “spools” (spa + pools) because features like water jets and heaters allow them to combine the functionality of an outdoor spa and a traditional pool. In fact, adding a heater to a cocktail pool often allows it to function like a hot tub, meaning you can enjoy your pool early in the spring and fall, or even year-round in warmer climates.
How much space do I need for a fiberglass cocktail pool?
Fiberglass cocktail pools are perfect for small yards where a traditional pool can feel cramped or not fit at all. Most cocktail pools are around 10’ x 16’ with a shallower depth of 3 to 5 feet. They are designed to comfortably fit small groups of 10 people or less, making them ideal for intimate gatherings.
Can a cocktail pool include a tanning ledge or built-in seating?
Yes, cocktail pools are designed with relaxation in mind, and features like tanning ledges and built-in seating are perfect additions to maximize your pool’s comfort and practicality.
How long does installation take for a fiberglass cocktail pool?
Installation times will vary depending on your pool’s exact size, shape, and design. However, fiberglass cocktail pools can often be installed much faster than concrete, allowing you to begin enjoying them just a few weeks after installation.
What maintenance is required for cocktail pools?
Cocktail pools still require the same weekly maintenance tasks as standard-sized pools, such as:
- Skimming for debris
- Brushing and scrubbing pool walls and steps
- Filtering
- Balancing water chemicals
However, because of their compact size, these maintenance needs can often be completed much faster than is possible for larger pools. Because they have a lower water volume, they also typically require fewer chemicals than large pools.
Can I install a cocktail pool indoors or under a screened enclosure?
Yes, cocktail pools can be installed both indoors and under screened enclosures. While installing your pool indoors or under a screened enclosure can provide temperature regulation, which means you can enjoy your pool year-round, an automatic pool safety cover is still essential for securing your cocktail pool when children and pets are in the area.
