Can an Inground Swimming Pool Be Placed in a Small Backyard?

Many homeowners assume they won’t be able to install an inground swimming pool in their backyard because of how small it is. While regulations and easements can present a problem, there are ways to work within them and build your pool to code.

Beyond local regulations, there are other properties and considerations to look at before getting started on the project.

Before contracting an inground swimming pool for your backyard (no matter the size), you should consider:

1. Yard space constraints can be restrictive.
2. Pool size and depth are important considerations.
3. Pool type can affect the overall process.
4. Fiberglass and vinyl are beautiful but have specific constraints.

Now that you understand the basic considerations, let’s go into the specifics.

Yard Space Constraints Can Be Restrictive

Beyond budget and design constraints, the biggest restriction when installing a new inground pool is yard size. While the pool itself can be built to be relatively small, the pool builder will need space beyond just the footprint of the pool itself when planning.

In general, small inground pools come out to around 12 feet by 24 feet. Even if your yard can’t fit that size, though, the pool contractor could make some creative adjustments and potentially fit a smaller pool.

Pool Size and Depth Are Important Considerations

As Bob Vila notes, the size and shape of your pool will depend on your specific desires, your overall budget, and the area that you have available in your backyard. If your yard is on the smaller side, it’s important that you go into this process willing to make some compromises.

Try to note down the absolute limit for you when it comes to pool size and pool depth, and compare that with what your ideal pool would look like. Your pool contractor will then be able to work to get as close to your ideal specifications as possible.

Pool Type Can Affect the Overall Process

Not all pool types work the same, even in comparable spaces. While deciding on your ideal pool size, depth, and shape, you might also want to consider if you have a specific pool type in mind as well.

If you’re open to a variety of pool types, your pool contractor will have an easier time fitting the pool to your yard. If you’re set on a specific pool type, this may present some problems down the line should that type not be compatible with your yard.

Fiberglass and Vinyl Are Beautiful but Have Specific Constraints

Fiberglass and vinyl pools are what come to mind for many people when they think of inground pools. Both types are aesthetically beautiful, but they do have some specific constraints that you should keep in mind.

Fiberglass pools are limited by very particular mold sizes and styles that come directly from the factory. This isn’t a problem if you have enough space in your yard, but will prove impossible to accommodate if you don’t. Vinyl pools also come in premade kits, but you can make some alterations to them. With that said, these changes will add to your overall cost.

Conclusion

One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner could make would be to assume that their backyard is too small for an inground pool. While size and space constraints do impact the overall build process, the right pool contractor can take these into consideration and get creative in their approach to ensure that you end up with the inground swimming pool of your dreams!

Sources

• https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2464-swimming-pools-101/