Thunderbird Pools & Spas is committed to providing a backyard oasis for your Phoenix, Arizona home. As a custom pool builder, we offer options and flexibility to accommodate any design vision or environment. If you have a smaller yard or simply want a more compact alternative to a traditional swimming pool, a plunge pool could be the perfect option for you.
A plunge pool is a small, normally deep, pool designed for relaxation, cooling off, and light exercise. Essentially, it offers all the benefits of a regular-sized pool, minus the size.

Standard pool dimensions are generally around 12’ x 24’, 15’ x 30’, 16’ x 32’, and, at the larger end, 20’ x 40’, depending on the pool shape. Anything below 12’ x 24’ could be considered a plunge pool, with the most popular sizes being 8’ x 16’ and 10’ x 20’.You can also compare them in terms of area, with plunge pools normally ranging from 100-300 square feet versus traditional pool square footage of 400-800.
The depth of a plunge pool is one of its most defining characteristics, as a plunge pool is normally one uniform depth throughout, as opposed to a traditional pool with deep and shallow ends.
As their name suggests, plunge pools are generally 4-6 feet in depth to allow swimmers to submerge themselves completely, perfect for cooling off in the Arizona heat. Taller swimmers might opt to go even deeper, generally up to 8 feet, but greater depths are possible if space permits.
There are several factors at play when it comes to determining the price of a custom pool, size being one of them. For that reason, smaller pools like plunge pools are often a more cost-effective option when compared to standard pool sizes.
Whereas a traditional pool can easily start leaning into six figures, especially some of the more premium options Thunderbird Pools is known for, plunge pools can be a bit more budget-friendly, costing tens of thousands of dollars.
While Thunderbird is known for luxurious pool designs, we strive to help homeowners throughout Maricopa County get the backyard of their dreams where their families can make memories for years to come. Don’t hesitate to contact us and we can help you explore custom pool options for you.
As discussed above, there are several benefits to investing in a plunge pool for your Phoenix backyard. The only drawback could come from realizing you wanted a larger pool.There are several factors at play when it comes to determining the price of a custom pool, size being one of them. For that reason, smaller pools like plunge pools are often a more cost-effective option when compared to standard pool sizes.
- Size: their compact size is perfect for smaller properties where yard space is limited
- Cost: their smaller size allows for a smaller budget or reallocating that budget to other pool features
- Maintenance: requiring less water and chemicals, plunge pools are, naturally, easier to maintain
- Not ideal for swimming/exercise
- Not ideal for children

Thunderbird has been building and remodeling custom pools in the Phoenix Metropolitan area for decades. With over 20 years of experience, we can help you determine the perfect combination of size, shape, and features to both fit your budget and your design vision. Contact us today.
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