Can You Put an In-ground Pool in a Small Backyard?

• Is your backyard super tiny?

• Is it more of a courtyard than a backyard?

If you are dreaming of getting an in-ground pool but think your backyard is too small, you've come to the right place. People tell us all the time that they don't think an in-ground pool will fit in their backyard, but they're often surprised to learn that they too can have a decent sized pool.

We will be answering all of your questions about building a swimming pool in a small backyard to give you a better idea of whether an in-ground pool is a good option for you.

Let's begin…

Can you put an in-ground swimming pool in a small backyard?

Most of the time, the answer is yes, however, it depends on your property and local regulations. The most critical issues to look at first are your setback rules and easements.  Setbacks determine how far away from the property line and the house the pool needs to be, and knowing this can help you decide whether getting a pool is feasible. It can also help you choose the right in-ground pool size for your home.

For example, in some areas, the pool needs to be at least 6 feet away from the property lines and 5 feet away from your home. Keep in mind that these rules will vary depending where you live.  You can find out about your setback rules by contacting your city or county development services.

If you have any easements on your property, this can also limit the usable space in your backyard. An easement is an invisible line that you can't build on, most commonly due to underground or overhead utilities. You can find out if you have easements by contacting your city or county records offices or checking with the utility companies.

Aside from the rules and regulations, there are a few more things that you'll need to think about:

Space

Space is clearly the number one consideration when deciding if your yard is big enough for a pool. For example, the average small in-ground pool is about 12 feet wide and 24 feet long. If you already know that your yard is too small for that, an in-ground pool will likely still be an option (in-ground pools are often much smaller than 12x24), but your pool designer/builder will need to get creative.

Pool Size

Take a moment to consider whether you're willing to compromise on the size of your pool. If your yard cannot accommodate the pool size or depth that you want, is it still worth it for you to get a swimming pool? Think about whether the result will be worth your time and money if you have to downsize.

Pool Type

The type of pool that you can build (i.e., fiberglass, vinyl liner, or concrete) may also be limited if you're working with a tiny area. Let's explain that in more detail.

Fiberglass pools in small backyards: Not all spaces can accommodate a fiberglass pool. This is simply because the pool shapes and sizes are pre-built in a factory and are not customizable.

For example, let's say that a 10x20 foot pool shell model, is a few feet too large for your backyard. Unfortunately, there's no way for us to shave off those few feet without completely redesigning the pool molds.

Vinyl liner pools in small backyards: On average, the smallest vinyl liner pool kits available are around 12 feet by 24 feet or 12 feet by 20 feet. You might be able to customize the size and shape of a vinyl liner pool, but that often comes at an added cost. You'll need to contact your vinyl liner pool manufacturer directly to find out how small they can make your pool and whether they can customize the size.

Concrete pools in small backyards: In our opinion, concrete wins for customization. Of course, we may be biased due to the fact that we only build concrete pools here at Aquascape.  You can build a concrete pool in any shape or size that you like, and that includes very small inground pools (sometimes referred to as Spools or cocktail pools).

Of course, we encourage you to explore your options and get several opinions before choosing so that you can get the best in-ground pool for your needs. 

Is my backyard big enough for a pool?

This will depend on the size of your yard and the size of the pool that you want. For example, you should probably have a minimum of 1,200 square feet of space to install a small in-ground pool that's around 12 feet by 24 feet (this includes around ten feet on all sides to account for setbacks and patio). Keep in mind that this does not include space for water features, a spa, slides, or extra patio work around the pool.

If your backyard space is smaller than 1,200 square feet, you may still be able to get an in-ground pool, but it likely will not be bigger than 12 feet by 24 feet. However, it's difficult to say how much space you need without seeing your yard, knowing how large you want your pool to be, or knowing your setback requirements. A custom pool design is often the first step.  Click here to contact us.

You can contact us to find out if the pool you want will fit in your backyard and request pricing.

How small can an in-ground pool be?

Most of the smallest in-ground pools across all pool types, on average, are around 12’ by 24’, 10’ by 15’, or even a 10’ x 10’ Spool/Cocktail pool!

In-ground pools can be even smaller. But no matter how small your pool is, you'll still be able to relax and cool off in the summertime, which is how people spend most of their time in the pool anyway.

Small Backyards with Small Pools

Curious about what your backyard might look like with a small swimming pool? Here are a few pictures of our concrete pools in small backyards.

Overall, a small backyard shouldn't keep you from getting an in-ground swimming pool if you're willing to be flexible and make compromises. A super small yard might present a problem, but you may still have some good alternative options.

Click here to contact us today to start creating your very own “Small” Backyard Paradise!

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