Creating the Perfect Pool for Small Backyards With Canyon Oak Pools’ Guide to Small Space Luxury

A sheer decent water feature on a 25x14’ custom pool.

Perfect Pools for Small Backyards

When you’re dreaming of your perfect backyard oasis, space constraints can sometimes seem like an insurmountable challenge. But guess what? At Canyon Oak Pools, we believe that size should never be a barrier to luxury. With thoughtful design and innovative solutions, we can turn even the smallest of backyards into your personal retreat. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how we do it, sharing our insider tips and expertise.

The Beauty of Small Pools

When you picture a luxurious backyard pool, you might imagine a vast, resort-style expanse of sparkling blue water. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a growing trend toward smaller pools, and it’s not hard to see why. At Canyon Oak Pools, we’re all about embracing the charm and potential of compact spaces. As a family-owned business serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, we know firsthand that the magic of a pool lies not in it’s size, but in the joy and relaxation it provides.

Small pools, also known as plunge pools or cocktail pools, have a unique charm. With their compact size, they offer a sense of intimacy that larger pools often can’t replicate. Imagine slipping into your private oasis at the end of a long day, the tranquil waters offering a much-needed respite from the Texas heat. You’re not swimming laps; instead, you’re sinking into the cool waters, letting the day’s worries float away. That’s the beauty of a small pool - it’s all about relaxation and tranquility.

Small on size but BIG on luxury!

Moreover, small pools are easier to maintain compared to their larger counterparts. With a smaller surface area, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying. Heating a small pool is quicker and more energy-efficient, which can be a significant advantage during the cooler months. Plus, the water chemistry is easier to manage in a small pool, keeping your maintenance costs down.

But perhaps the greatest benefit of small pools is their versatility. Even if your backyard is tight on space, a small pool can fit perfectly. Whether nestled in a cozy corner or taking center stage in your yard, a small pool can transform your outdoor space into a stunning retreat.

At Canyon Oak Pools, we specialize in customizing pools to fit your space, style, and needs. With a small pool, the possibilities for customization are endless. You can opt for a modern, minimalist design, or add features like a waterfall or jets to create your mini spa. You can incorporate a bench or a tanning ledge for lounging in the water, or add ambient lighting for a dramatic night-time effect.

In the hands of our skilled designers and contractors, a small pool becomes much more than a place to cool off. It becomes a unique focal point that adds character and elegance to your backyard, turning the smallest of spaces into your personal haven.

So, if you’ve been holding back from realizing your dream of backyard bliss because of space constraints, it’s time to think again. With the right design and a dash of creativity, a small pool can deliver big on luxury and relaxation.

Consider Your Pool’s Purpose

When planning a pool for a small backyard, one of the most important steps is to consider it’s purpose. As simple as it may sound, understanding what you want to achieve with your pool will significantly influence its design, features, and overall feel. This understanding will guide us as we bring your dream to life, ensuring we create a pool that not only fits your space but is perfectly tailored to your lifestyle.

Are you envisioning a tranquil spot where you can unwind at the end of a busy day? Then perhaps a serene plunge pool with a calming water feature and soothing spa jets will help you create that peaceful oasis you crave. We could even integrate a built-in spa or a cozy corner bench where you can sit back, relax, and let the warm waters ease your stress away.

A “bubbler” water feature.

Maybe you’re a fitness enthusiast seeking a convenient and enjoyable way to stay active. In this case, we could design your pool with fitness in mind. A swim spa or a pool with resistance jets could be just the thing you need. While compact in size, such pools can provide a powerful workout, proving that you don’t need a lap pool to stay fit. Additionally, water aerobics and exercises are great for building strength and flexibility without putting too much strain on your joints, making your pool a fantastic fitness and recovery resource.

If your goal is to create a fun and safe place for your kids (and pets) to play, we can incorporate child-friendly features into your small pool. This could mean creating a tanning ledge - a shallow, flat ledge within the pool, perfect for kids to play or adults to lounge. We could also consider adding a cascade waterfall or bubbler fountains for an extra fun element that the kids will love.

Or perhaps, you’re the entertainer of your group, and you see your pool as an extension of your entertainment space. Picture this: a beautiful summer evening, your friends are lounging by the pool, burgers on the grill, the sound of laughter fills the air. A small, stylish pool with built-in seating or a swim-up bar could be the perfect centerpiece for such gatherings, making your backyard the place to be.

At Canyon Oak Pools, we believe that every pool should be a reflection of the people who use it. By understanding your goals, your lifestyle, and your needs, we can create a small pool that brings you endless joy. Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful retreat, a personal gym, a family play area, or a chic entertaining space, we’re here to turn your vision into reality. Remember, no dream is too big for a small pool!

Sneak-peek of the gift bag given to all of our homeowners.

Maximizing Your Space with Smart Design

The real magic of creating the perfect pool for a small backyard lies in smart design. We pride ourselves on our ability to make the most of every inch of space, turning even the tightest spots into luxurious escapes. Let’s delve into some of our tried-and-true design strategies:

Vertical Features

Check out the tile on this spa spill way!

If you can’t expand horizontally, why not go vertical? Adding vertical features like waterfalls, fountains, or elevated spa areas to your pool can create a sense of depth and dimension without needing extra horizontal space. For instance, imagine a cascading waterfall flowing from an elevated spa into the main pool, or a tall fountain that sends droplets dancing in the sunlight. These elements not only create a captivating visual spectacle, but they also draw the eye upward, giving the illusion of a larger space. Plus, the soothing sound of falling water adds a calming ambiance to your backyard.

Custom Shapes

Who said pools have to be rectangular? With Gunite pools, we have the flexibility to create custom shapes that fit your unique backyard layout. Perhaps your backyard could accommodate a long, narrow lap pool along one side, or maybe a free-form pool that winds around your existing landscaping. This design freedom allows us to maximize your available space while creating a pool that complements your backyard’s existing aesthetics.

Integrated Features

Integrating your pool with other elements can save space while adding functionality and visual interest. For example, a built-in spa within the pool saves space and offers a relaxing spot to unwind. A sun shelf, a shallow area within the pool, is perfect for lounging, and it also provides a safe place for young children to play. With strategic design, these integrated features can enhance your pool experience without requiring additional space.

Transparent Edges

One of our favorite design tricks for small pools is using transparent edges. Glass or acrylic pool walls, particularly on the sides facing your home or outdoor living areas, give the illusion of more space, making your pool seem larger and more open. Plus, they add a modern, sophisticated touch to your pool design.

Continuity with Home and Landscape

Ensuring your pool design is continuous with your home architecture and landscaping helps create a sense of expansiveness. This can involve using similar materials or design themes, or designing your pool as an extension of your home, perhaps by connecting it directly to your patio or outdoor living area.

Save on space but not on beauty and functionality!

By using these smart design strategies, we can turn your small backyard into a stylish, functional, and luxurious pool area. Remember, it’s not about the amount of space you have; it’s about how you use it. We’re masters of space utilization, and we’re passionate about creating small pools that feel anything but small.

Utilizing the Right Materials and Finishes

Choosing the right materials and finishes for your small pool can make a world of difference in how it looks and feels. We use Gunite for our custom pools. Gunite is a type of concrete that is extremely durable, versatile, and ideal for creating custom shapes and designs. This makes it perfect for small pools, where customization is key to maximizing the space.

The interior finish of your pool not only impacts its aesthetics but also its durability and maintenance needs. A popular choice for Gunite pools is plaster, which provides a classic, smooth look and is available in various colors. However, for a small pool, you might want to consider an aggregate finish or glass tile finish. These finishes come in a multitude of colors and textures, allowing you to customize your pool to perfectly match your design vision.

Crushed abalone shells added by hand to increase the sparkle and shimmer.

Aggregate finishes combine plaster with small pieces of quartz, pebbles, or glass beads, creating a textured, luxurious look. The texture not only adds visual interest but also makes the pool surface less slippery, enhancing safety. And if you want to add a bit of sparkle to your pool, a finish with glass beads might be just the thing. When the sunlight hits the glass beads, they sparkle and shimmer, creating a stunning, vibrant effect in your pool.

Glass tile is another option that, while more expensive, can create a truly spectacular look. Small pools can benefit from the use of glass tiles as they reflect light and can make the pool seem larger. Plus, glass tiles are available in a wide variety of colors and can even be arranged into patterns or mosaics, allowing for truly unique design possibilities.

Pictures can’t even do this tile justice!

Choosing the right deck material is also crucial as it affects the look, feel, and safety of your pool area. Poured concrete is a popular choice due to its durability and versatility. It can be stamped or colored to mimic other materials like stone or brick. Natural stone, such as travertine or flagstone, offers a beautiful, high-end look, and it remains cool to the touch, even under the hot Texas sun, making it a comfortable choice for pool decks.

Your pool’s coping, the material used to cap the pool shell wall, also plays a significant role in defining its look. You can opt for a seamless look with the same material as your deck, or you could use a contrasting material to add a design accent.

At Canyon Oak Pools, we understand that the materials and finishes you choose for your small pool can dramatically influence its appearance, functionality, and maintenance needs. We’re here to guide you through the selection process, ensuring that every element aligns with your vision and contributes to creating a pool that you’ll love for years to come.

Maintenance and Upkeep of Small Pools

One of the many reasons homeowners choose small pools is the ease of maintenance and upkeep compared to larger pools. However, it’s important to understand that while small pools require less work, they aren’t maintenance-free. Just like their larger counterparts, small pools need regular care to stay beautiful, safe, and enjoyable.

The good news? At Canyon Oak Pools, we’re not just about building pools; we’re about empowering you to take care of them. So let’s dive into some key maintenance aspects of small pools:

Mike Woodfin, Audrey Woodfin, Larry Parnell, Susan Parnell, and David Maia. Family-owned and operated!

Cleaning

Even though small pools have a lesser surface area, they can get dirty pretty quickly. Leaves, dirt, and debris can accumulate, making your pool look unappealing and potentially clogging your filtration system. Regular skimming and vacuuming, along with occasional brushing of the pool walls and floor, can keep your pool sparkling clean. Remember, a clean pool is not only more enjoyable but also healthier for you and your family.

Water Balance

Keeping your pool’s water chemistry balanced is crucial. Improper balance can cause problems like algae growth, cloudy water, or even damage to the pool materials. Regular testing and adjustment of the pool’s pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels will keep the water clear and safe. For small pools, this process is usually quicker and less complicated due to the lower water volume.

Equipment Check

Your pool’s pump, filter, and heater are the heart of your pool system. Regularly checking these components ensures they’re working efficiently. With small pools, you often have smaller or less equipment, making this process relatively straightforward. Always lookout for any unusual noises, leaks, or performance drops, and don’t hesitate to call a professional if you suspect any issues.

Winterizing

If you decide to close your pool during the winter, you’ll need to prepare it correctly to avoid any damage due to freezing temperatures. This involves tasks like adjusting the water balance, lowering the water level, and covering the pool. Given their size, small pools can often be winterized faster and with less effort.

Professional Inspection

We recommend having your pool professionally inspected at least once a year. A pool professional can spot potential issues early and ensure all systems are working correctly. An annual check-up can extend the life of your pool and save you money in the long run.

Regular Updates

Small pools, while cozy and charming, can benefit greatly from periodic upgrades or renovations. Whether it’s updating the pool finish, adding new features, or modernizing the pool technology, staying current can significantly enhance your pool experience.

At Canyon Oak Pools, we believe in building relationships that last well beyond the completion of your pool. We’re here to provide guidance, support, and resources to keep your small pool in top shape. After all, a well-maintained pool is a happy pool, and a happy pool means a happy you!

This family will be lounging for life now!

The Big Impact of Small Pools

After discussing the practicalities, we come to the heart of the matter - the big impact that small pools can have on your life. It might be easy to overlook the potential of a compact pool, but we at Canyon Oak Pools have seen firsthand the tremendous joy, relaxation, and fun these petite retreats can provide.

Aesthetic Appeal

Small pools can turn an otherwise ordinary backyard into an oasis of style and serenity. With the right design and materials, your pool can become a centerpiece that enhances the aesthetics of your entire property. Picture the azure water shimmering in the sunlight, the sound of a gently cascading waterfall, the sparkle of glass tiles... There’s an undeniable charm to these scenes that can elevate your everyday life and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Health and Wellness

The health benefits of swimming and water exercises are well-documented. Regular swimming can help improve cardiovascular fitness, build strength, enhance flexibility, and even boost mental health by reducing stress. Even if your small pool isn’t large enough for traditional laps, you can still reap these benefits through exercises like water jogging, resistance movements, or simply treading water. Not to mention, the hydrotherapy benefits of a built-in spa, perfect for soothing aching muscles or unwinding after a long day.

Quality Family Time

In today’s busy world, finding quality time with your family can be a challenge. A small pool can become a gathering spot for your loved ones, encouraging everyone to put down their devices and enjoy each other’s company. Whether it’s fun pool games, relaxed swimming, or simply lounging by the water, these moments can help create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.

The grandkids have even more reason to come over now!

Staycation Paradise

Who says you need to travel for a vacation? With a small pool in your backyard, you have your private retreat right at home. You can sunbathe by the pool, enjoy a refreshing swim, have a BBQ cookout, or indulge in a romantic starlit dip. It’s a staycation paradise that’s always just a few steps away.

Home Value

Last but not least, a well-designed and well-maintained pool can increase your home’s value. While the exact value increase depends on various factors, there’s no denying the attractiveness of a beautiful pool to potential homebuyers. Even a small pool can provide a significant return on investment.

At Canyon Oak Pools, we believe in the transformative power of small pools. They might be compact in size, but their impact is anything but small. Whether it’s enhancing your home’s beauty, promoting your health, bringing your family together, or providing a personal retreat, a small pool can bring big joys into your life. We’re here to help you discover and realize these joys - one backyard at a time.

Transforming Your Dream into Reality by Creating the Perfect Pool for Small Backyards

This “cocktail” pool is summer-ready!

As we’ve journeyed through this exploration of small pools, we hope we’ve illustrated the incredible potential of these compact aquatic retreats. From design ingenuity to space optimization, from material selection to regular maintenance, we’ve seen how each aspect is woven together to create a pool that’s not just a structure, but a sanctuary.

At Canyon Oak Pools, our mission is not merely to build pools; it’s to craft experiences. We understand that your pool is an extension of your home and a reflection of your lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking a place for relaxation, fitness, family fun, or all the above, we’re dedicated to bringing your vision to life with precision, creativity, and a personal touch.

As a family-owned business, we approach each project as if it were for our own home. Our team takes the time to understand your needs, your backyard, and your dreams. Then, we harness our expertise and passion to create a pool that fits seamlessly into your space and your life.

However, our commitment doesn’t end when your pool is complete. We’re here to guide you through the maintenance process, offer tips for making the most of your pool, and provide resources to keep your pool in top shape. We believe in building relationships that endure, just like the pools we construct. We are blessed to say that so many of our homeowners are now our friends.

Choosing to add a small pool to your backyard is a significant decision. But remember, it’s not just about the pool itself, but the ripple effects it creates. The laughter of your children as they play in the water, the tranquility of a quiet evening swim, the delight in your guests’ eyes as they admire your stunning backyard - these are the true rewards of a small pool.

At Canyon Oak Pools, we’re ready and eager to help you experience these rewards. Together, we can transform your small backyard into a big wonder. Let’s take the plunge - your dream pool is waiting.

So, if you’re in McKinney, Texas, or the DFW Metroplex and thinking about adding a pool to your small backyard, get in touch with Canyon Oak Pools. Let us show you how we can make a big splash with a small pool.

The perfect swimming surprise in the suburbs!