A few years ago, almost every pool we installed was a full-size family pool. Today, plunge pools are one of our most requested options. Blocks are smaller, people want to spend less on maintenance, and many families have realised they mostly cool off and relax rather than swim laps.
So which is right for you? Here is an honest comparison.
Key takeaways
- Plunge pools suit small yards, cool-offs, relaxing and quick, low-cost heating.
- Full-size pools suit active families, games, swimming and teenagers.
- Plunge pools cost less to buy, install and run.
- Compass pools can go in-ground, part above ground or fully above ground.
What counts as a plunge pool?
A plunge pool is a compact pool designed for cooling off, relaxing and light play rather than swimming laps. In the Compass Plunge Range, sizes start under 3 metres long and run to around 7 metres, with depths of about 1.2 to 1.7 metres. Some are uniform in depth, which makes them feel more like a large spa. Others have a shallow and a deep end.
A full-size pool, for our purposes, is a family pool from around 7 metres long upwards, like the Sanctuary, Vogue or X-Trainer.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Plunge pool | Full-size pool |
|---|---|---|
| Typical length | Under 3 m to around 7 m | 7 m to 12 m+ |
| Best for | Cooling off, relaxing, small yards | Swimming, games, active families |
| Space needed | Small | Medium to large |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Install time | Fast | Fast (fibreglass), but more site work |
| Heating cost | Low; heats quickly | Higher; more water to heat |
| Chemicals and filtration | Less | More |
| Laps | No | Yes, in longer models |
| Above-ground option | Yes | Yes, with engineering |
Plunge pool sizes in the Compass range
| Model | Length | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plunge 2.8 | 2.85 m | 2.10 m | 1.20 m |
| Plunge 3.8 | 3.87 m | 2.13 m | 1.20 m |
| Relax 4.0 | 4.00 m | 2.28 m | 1.36 m |
| Plunge 5.0 | 5.00 m | 3.39 m | 1.42 – 1.65 m |
| Relax 5.2 | 5.24 m | 2.28 m | 1.36 m |
| 6.1 Refresh | 6.00 m | 2.40 m | 1.42 m |
| Plunge 6.2 | 6.20 m | 3.40 m | 1.42 – 1.70 m |
| 7.0 Oasis | 7.03 m | 2.48 m | 1.18 – 1.74 m |
Selected Compass plunge models. See the Plunge Range page for the full list.
When a plunge pool is the better choice
- Your yard is small. Courtyards, townhouses and new-estate blocks often cannot fit a full-size pool with room left to live around it.
- You mostly cool off and relax. If the honest picture is sitting on the steps with a drink on a hot afternoon, a plunge pool does that beautifully.
- You want a long, warm season cheaply. Small volumes heat fast. Add a heat pump and cover and the pool can stay warm for much of the year. See our pool heating guide.
- You want less maintenance. Less water means fewer chemicals, less filtration and less to clean.
- Your block is sloping or rocky. A plunge pool can be set partly or fully above ground, often with a deck around it, avoiding expensive excavation.
Who we see choosing plunge pools
Across Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast, plunge pool buyers tend to fall into a few groups:
- Downsizers moving to smaller blocks who still want water in the garden, without the upkeep of a big pool.
- Young families in new estates who want a pool now but need to keep lawn for the kids and the dog.
- Coastal holiday homes where a quick-heating pool that is easy to leave for a few weeks makes sense.
- Wellness-focused owners who use the pool for a morning dip, stretching and a warm soak at night.
What they have in common is a clear idea of how they will use the water, and a preference for a pool that fits their garden rather than taking it over.
When a full-size pool is the better choice
- Your kids are active swimmers, or will be in a few years.
- You want to swim laps for fitness. Look at the X-Trainer or a dedicated Fastlane lap pool.
- You entertain big groups and want room for everyone in the water.
- You have the space and still keep a usable garden around the pool.
Cost: the full picture
A plunge pool saves money at every stage. The shell is smaller, there is less to excavate, the fence and paving runs are shorter, and running costs are lower for life. That is why plunge pools are often the most affordable way to get a quality fibreglass pool. For a full breakdown of project costs, see our fibreglass pool cost guide, and for ongoing costs, what a pool costs to run each year.
In-ground, above ground or in between
Compass pools are engineered with a reinforced Maxi Rib structure, which allows them to be installed fully in-ground, partially above ground or fully above ground. That opens up some great options for plunge pools:
- a raised plunge pool set into a deck off the living area
- a pool built into a slope, with one side exposed and finished in cladding
- a fully above-ground pool where rock or services make digging impractical
A raised pool edge also doubles as seating, and on some sites it can form part of the safety barrier design. Your building surveyor will confirm what is compliant. Our pool fence rules guide explains the basics.
Design ideas for plunge pools
Because plunge pools are compact, the surrounding design does a lot of the work. A few approaches that work well in Geelong gardens:
- Deck-level plunge. Set the pool into a timber or composite deck that runs straight off the living room. It feels like an extension of the house.
- Courtyard feature. Treat the pool as a water feature you can also swim in. Pair it with a feature wall, a water spout or bold planting.
- Raised edge seating. A raised wall around part of the pool doubles as bench seating for guests.
- Coastal look. Light paving, a pale water colour and hardy coastal planting suit Torquay, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads homes.
- Warm-water retreat. Add a heat pump and treat the plunge pool as a large spa for much of the year.
Our landscaping and paving guide covers materials and planting in more detail.
How long does installation take?
Once permits are approved and the site is ready, a plunge pool installation is usually quick. The shell is delivered complete, craned into place, levelled, plumbed and filled. Because there is less excavation, it is often faster again than a full-size fibreglass pool. Fencing, decking and paving then follow. Approvals, weather and trade availability affect the overall timeline, so we plan the program with you at the quote stage.
The same applies to full-size fibreglass pools. Both are far quicker than concrete, as our fibreglass vs concrete comparison explains.
What about a swim spa?
If you like the compact footprint of a plunge pool but want to swim, a swim spa with a counter-current might be the answer. They are a different product with different trade-offs. We compare them in swim spa vs fibreglass pool, and you can see the range we sell on our Sapphire Spas page.
Still deciding? Ask yourself these questions
- On a typical summer day, what will we actually do in the pool?
- Who will use it most: young kids, teenagers, adults, grandparents?
- How much of the yard do we want to keep for lawn, garden and play?
- Do we want to swim most of the year? (If yes, smaller is cheaper to heat.)
- Is anyone a keen swimmer who needs laps?
If most answers point to relaxing and a long warm season, a plunge pool is probably your pool. If they point to activity and swimming, go full-size. Our pool sizing guide can help you narrow it down.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in a plunge pool?
You can swim a few strokes, float, play and cool off, but a plunge pool is not designed for laps. If swimming fitness matters, look at a longer pool or a swim spa with a current.
How much cheaper is a plunge pool?
The pool itself, excavation, fencing and paving are all smaller, so the total project is usually noticeably less than a full-size pool. Running costs are lower too because there is less water to heat and treat. The exact saving depends on your site.
Can a plunge pool be heated?
Yes. Because the volume is small, plunge pools heat quickly and cheaply, which makes them excellent for a long season. Many owners treat them as a warm-water retreat for much of the year.
Can a plunge pool be installed above ground?
Compass pools can be installed in-ground, partially above ground or fully above ground, which suits sloping blocks, decks and sites where digging is difficult. The installation is engineered for the site.
Is a plunge pool good for kids?
For younger children who mainly splash and play, yes, and the shallower depth can be reassuring for parents. Teenagers who want to dive and swim may prefer a full-size pool. Every pool, whatever its size, needs a compliant barrier and supervision.
Does a plunge pool add value to a home?
In smaller yards, a well-designed plunge pool can add appeal because it delivers a pool lifestyle without sacrificing the whole garden. Integration with decking, paving and planting makes the biggest difference.