51 Refreshing Plunge and Cocktail Pools

If you’ve spent years daydreaming about installing a sparkling swimming pool in your backyard but can’t stomach the hefty investment that comes with it, you’re in luck. Plunge pools, or cocktail pools, are the key to bringing your backyard dreams to fruition. These compact swimming holes offer the best of both worlds by giving you a refreshing oasis to escape the sweltering summer heat at a fraction of the cost of standard pools. Plunge pools are cost-effective to install and maintain as they measure between 6 to 12 feet wide and 10 to 22 feet long and require less installation materials, water and cleaning supplies than standard swimming pools. In other words: You enjoy all the same benefits of a regular pool but spend less money and have less upkeep. Ready to dive in? Click on to check out 51 stunning designer plunge pools and spas to gather ample inspiration for a space-saving swimming hole of your own.

Taking a dip in this romantic Spanish tile plunge pool is a treat for the senses. Swimmers are surrounded by wall-to-wall emerald foliage as they ease into the water and enjoy the captivating perfume of star jasmine blooms each time they come up for air. The lush blanket of greenery invites softness to the otherwise tiled patio and provides a striking backdrop for the adjoining outdoor lounge.

A stately, stone-wrapped plunge pool ensures that relaxation is always within reach in this luxurious al fresco lounge. The raised pool nestles against the plaster privacy wall, its pristine water beckoning guests to slip into their swimsuits and cool off at the end of the day. Three wall-mounted fountains deliver cascading water into the pool, creating a spa-like soundscape for the lounge and ushering Old World elegance to the outdoor space.

A grand limestone fireplace brings a new meaning to the term “heated pool” in this striking Gothic courtyard. An in-ground cocktail pool sits flush with the flames, inviting guests to bask in the glow of the embers and warm up after dark on the wrap-around underwater bench. The soaring stone mantel boasts integrated fountains that deliver cascading water into the sapphire pool below. Twin potted cypresses flank the fireplace and pool to punctuate the design with symmetry.

An aqua plunge pool surrounded by lively summertime blooms provides the perfect locale to soak up the sun outside this charming cedar shake cottage. Airy blue, white and turquoise tile lines the pool’s perimeter and appears to sparkle underfoot on the steps. Plush charcoal chaises with matching striped pillows offer swimmers a reprieve from the sweltering afternoon rays beneath a shady patio umbrella. An outdoor shower tucks next to the lounge chairs to rinse off before heading indoors for the day.

Soaking in sweeping sunset views is all the sweeter from this infinity plunge pool. The small pool is built into an expansive wood deck that overlooks the property, providing swimmers with an unobstructed view of the fiery summer skies and vibrant landscape below. A pair of oversized contemporary lounge chairs offer guests a plush landing spot to take in the stars overhead after their sunset swim.

Swimmers enjoy unmatched views of vibrant autumn leaves while taking a dip in this Vermont plunge pool. The narrow, stone-wrapped plunge pool provides just enough space for a few laps and even includes an integrated spa for winter nights.

The brilliant sapphire-blue water of this plunge pool serves as a personal desert oasis for this contemporary home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The jewel-tone water appears striking against the cinnamon-stained wooden deck, creating a natural gathering place for friends and family to beat the heat on a sweltering summer day. A luxurious white chaise and marble cocktail table face the sun at one corner of the pool; linear metal planters brimming with native plants serve as a partition that separates the pool area from the fire pit and Adirondack chairs.

With vine-kissed walls, historic emerald gates, a lion-head fountain and a pristine plunge pool — this traditional courtyard in Savannah, Georgia, is rich with a secret garden appeal. The inground pool tucks between the hunter-green deck and living walls, providing a cozy spot to float with friends, splash about or get in a few laps to start the day.

The only thing missing from this tropical plunge pool is a page-turning read and a frozen pineapple cocktail. The striking pool is framed and lined by local coral stone, resulting in deep teal water and an overall feeling of appearing at home against the vivid palm garden. A rich caramel-stained wooden deck offers swimmers a spot to sunbathe or sit with their feet in the water while they catch up with their partner at the end of the week.

Who says you can’t have a second-story swimming pool? This second-level patio defies gravity with a private infinity plunge pool that overlooks the splendor of the surrounding forest. Two sage sun chairs sit across from the reflective water and next to the arabesque-tiled outdoor fireplace, providing swimmers a cozy spot to dry off after a late-night dip.

There’s a magical quality about this hidden garden plunge pool. Walking up to the spectacular round swimming hole feels like stumbling upon a secret lagoon. The pool is sunken into the lush lawn and shrouded in privacy thanks to a parade of flowering Rhododendron shrubs.

Fact: These sweeping ocean views are best enjoyed while sitting waist-deep in this aqua-blue plunge pool with an ice-cold beer in one hand and a guacamole-laden chip in the other. The raised swimming pool features a concrete perimeter lined with waterfall jets and a contrasting black-tiled hot tub for soaking in the sounds of crashing waves on windy summer nights.

Glass sliding doors lead the way to this midcentury modern home’s private courtyard plunge pool. Symmetrical stairs flank the sides of the plunge pool for an elevated look. The linear silhouette lends itself to swimming laps or enjoying a midday dip with friends. A waterfall edge and deep-gray lining give the plunge pool a distinctive, modern appeal befitting its surroundings.

A pool for two with sweeping tropical views? This St. John vacation home is what Caribbean holiday dreams are made of. The petite plunge pool provides plenty of room for a couple to splash around while taking in the jaw-dropping aqua-blue beaches below. An alfresco dining table offers a prime locale for poolside lunch, while two chocolate chaises are on standby for soaking up some vitamin D between dips.

Sun or shade? Guests enjoy the best of both worlds in this private plunge pool thanks to its unique, integrated umbrella. The crisp-white canopy casts a welcome shadow across part of the swimming hole's teal water, offering a much-needed recess from the unforgiving Florida sun. Bright-white lounge chairs line the pool's edge with seating and tie the outdoor space together, complementing the airy stone details featured throughout the landscaping.

Escape the hustle and create a relaxing outdoor oasis inspired by this H2O Tank Avenue design. The L-shaped deck wraps around a wood-clad stock tank pool, giving way to a sunbathing platform framed with integrated privacy walls. Dual stairs offer easy access to the deck platform and bring striking symmetry to the outdoor space.

This streamlined concrete-edge plunge pool is prepped and primed for summer sunbathing, all thanks to its adjoining wood deck. The warm wood planks create a striking contrast against the cool-gray pool surround, pavers and river rock trim and lend the patio a fresh, contemporary feel. And the best part? This sundeck slides over the pool between swims to keep the water clean and maximize the modest outdoor space.

These homeowners combat the cruel Charleston, South Carolina heat by splashing around in this stately garden plunge pool. Stone slabs lined with wrought iron lanterns cast ambient light on the swimming hole after dark while lush potted lemon trees anchor the structure at each corner. Manicured boxwoods outline the pool perimeter and serve as a lush border between the glassy water and the red brick herringbone walkway that wraps around the pool.

After a long afternoon working in the garden or lounging in the sun, the owners of this Spanish-style home cool off by splashing around in the cyan-blue waters of their plunge pool. The head-turning swimming hole boasts a custom retaining wall with hand-painted mosaic tiles and three cascading water fountains. A spacious U-shaped bench provides ample space to soak side-by-side with a cocktail in hand or stretch out your legs after a long day on your feet.

This contemporary courtyard features a plunge pool with a mosaic tile border and six fountain jets. The whimsical water features add a playful touch to the otherwise ultra-polished plunge pool design.

This waterfront plunge pool allows owners to soak in their enviable sea views without inadvertently brushing shoulders (read: fins) with any local aquatic life in the process. Its narrow rectangular silhouette makes this swimming hole ideal for morning laps and stretching out on a float with a friend. A bluestone patio surrounds the pool with texture and appears to melt into the rocky shoreline in the distance.

This curved cocktail pool is the ultimate spot to soak in the long days of summer. The petite plunge pool is built into a texture-rich bluestone patio and overlooks the wooded property below. The captivating design features a striking infinity edge and cascading corner steps. A deep, gray-toned liner gives the water a dark, natural blue that appears at home against the forested surroundings.

Compact and cozy — this cocktail pool and patio are set up for intimate entertaining. The raised pool features a striking waterfall feature that serves as the focal point for the small garden and works overtime to provide the outdoor space with soothing, spa-worthy sounds. Stone pavers flank the swimming hole, with mismatched pavers serving as a walkway to the pool on one side and tidy square pavers acting as an anchor for the fire pit lounge on the other. String lights dangle above the fire pit and offer mood lighting for swimming after dark.

This traditional Charleston, South Carolina courtyard is set up for success against the suffocating summer heat thanks to its porch-side plunge pool. A brick paver patio with two crisp-white upholstered armchairs heads the pool, providing plush parking for guests to sip sweet tea between swims.

It's almost too easy to imagine splashing around this suburban cocktail pool with a glass of rosé in each hand. The sophisticated plunge pool is built into a flagstone patio and boasts a custom brick wall backdrop with three copper fountains.

A coral stone plunge pool serves as a striking focal point for this tropical Key West garden. The airy, white-stone swimming hole boasts pristine, aqua water that lures guests in for a refreshing afternoon swim after a day at the beach. Its square silhouette creates a natural focal point for the outdoor space and complements the formal symmetry of the garden at large.

Inky-black pocket doors frame the view of the petite plunge pool and spa on this contemporary coastal patio. The covered oasis allows for swimming rain or shine, while the crisp-white brick walls lend the outdoor space an airy-yet-intimate appeal that encourages owners to enjoy the water with abandon. A trio of plush gray floor cushions line the pool's edge to invite visitors to dip their toes in the water; a pair of tailored slingback chairs sit primed for sunshine and conversation across the way on the uncovered patio.

In the center of this midcentury home sits a striking linear plunge pool nestled into a clean, contemporary courtyard. A modern fire pit is built into the poolside patio, inviting swimmers to warm up by the flames after their nighttime dip before making their way to the adjoining kitchen for a midnight snack. The result? A thoughtful outdoor space primed for year-round alfresco entertaining.

Patchwork pavers nestled in the grass outline the inviting aqua waters of this petite swimming pool. The modest yard has its potential realized through lush landscaping of local plants. Palm fronds and glossy banana leaves create a vibrant privacy curtain along the back wall; the dense foliage works overtime as a striking backdrop to any pool day. Pops of marigold and lapis shine against the terra cotta tones found on the pool patio and all-weather furniture.

Thoughtfully placed recessed lighting on the roof overhang illuminate the glowing plunge pool, providing a dreamy, starry-sky ambiance overhead ideal for nighttime swims. The petite pool boasts vivid blue water that’s nearly impossible to resist on a steamy summer day — or night. Symmetrical steps flank the pool and lead the way to a luxurious outdoor lounge with a roaring fire and well-appointed all-weather sofas.

A stained cedar theme with a lively color palette transforms this remodeled home in Austin, Texas, into a work of art further enhanced by a private backyard deck with a showstopping plunge pool of concrete and tile.

How's this for a blissful backyard oasis? This cocktail pool nestles in the corner of wood-lined privacy walls as the sparkling focal point for a contemporary outdoor space. The pristine water is all the more inviting with the light-reflecting navy-and-aqua mosaic tile surround punctuated by two cascading waterfalls.

An airy white-and-beige color scheme, ambient lighting, planters overflowing with blooms and a petite infinity pool work in tandem to create an atmosphere of understated elegance for this dreamy private patio. The calm, glassy water reveals stunning inlaid tile pool trim and concrete steps.

If you could imagine the picture-perfect plunge pool to immerse yourself in on a steaming summer day, it probably looks a lot like this little aquamarine jewel. The sophisticated swimming hole is fit with Bluestone decking, limestone coping and lustrous ceramic tile along the inner perimeter.

This mesmerizing water feature works double-time as a swimming pool and outdoor art installation. Fountains, gushing wall scuppers and overflowing basins forged from recycled stainless steel create a dynamic water display that empties into the pristine plunge pool and a spa below.

A triumph of form and design, this azure plunge pool is framed by textural shrubs, natural grasses and proud, up-lit palm trees. A red clay stucco waterfall wall creates a vibrant backdrop to the blue pool water. Beige concrete decking frames the swimming hole and pairs seamlessly with the rich rust tones to yield a fiery, desert-inspired outdoor space. A stone fire table is positioned at the head of the pool and serves as a gorgeous gathering place for poolside happy hours and cozy after-hours conversations.

A glistening wet-edge spill-over plunge pool lined with sapphire glass mosaic tile beckons guests to slip on their swimsuits and dive headfirst into this backyard oasis. The lush, Bali-inspired landscape design sets the tone for relaxation and transports pool-goers to paradise in one fell swoop.

Working with limited outdoor space? Here’s proof that you can always find the perfect plunge pool placement for your pint-sized backyard. This compact-yet-luxurious arrangement adds visual interest to this contemporary exterior and creates an inviting gathering place for family and friends, day or night.

Positioned for sweeping marshes and estuary views, this lustrous, ceramic-tile spa and infinity plunge pool transforms this North Carolina deck into a marvel of design.

Set in a frame of sandstone-colored concrete pavers, this high-contrast plunge pool with streamlined ceramic waterline tiles and pebble lining is one of a kind. Creamy beige stone pavers create a crisp border to the sparkling blue water, while a cascading waterfall creates a spa-like soundscape for the outdoor space.

A lush green lawn seemingly disappears into the zero-edge plunge pool in this contemporary backyard. The sleek, seamless pool perimeter and mirror-like surface give the swimming hole an other-worldly appearance that seems to beckon guests to jump right in.

An evocative purple lighting scheme highlights the one-of-a-kind qualities of this alluring plunge pool. The eclectic pool design is surrounded by a classic travertine deck with limestone coping and punctuated by theatrical water jet fountains.

Like a jewel set in a ring, this diminutive but striking plunge pool provides a distinct contrast to the surrounding white and green color palette. The weathered concrete surround and bronze coping add an organic softness to the rich espresso walls and manicured grasses.

Night swim, anyone? This moody plunge pool has all the trappings of a romantic after-hours dip with your favorite person. The tranquil design features a sea-blue patterned glass tile concrete wall with inlaid shelving and a rich sapphire-and-amethyst mosaic tiled infinity edge that transform this swimming hole into sculptural art. Professional lighting accentuates the one-of-a-kind tile work and sets the tone for swimming under the stars.

Even pint-sized pools require proper safety measures for kiddos. This narrow rectangular plunge pool shows how without sacrificing style. The sparkling water is enclosed by transparent child-proof glass walls that keep little ones out of harm’s way while showcasing the striking cerulean tile fountain wall.

This bubbly plunge pool was made for late-night swims with partners or friends. The inviting swimming hole is illuminated by a slew of underwater lights and crowned by a stunning, textural stone partition wall. Up-lit palm trees and shrubs loom in the background, softening the landscape and bringing organic beauty to the otherwise ultra-streamlined outdoor space.

A failproof way to transform your bedroom balcony is to install a private plunge pool. The petite pool provides a place to swim morning laps and enjoy a nightcap with your spouse after tucking the kids in bed for the night. This sparkling plunge pool design boasts richly veined navy tiled coping, creating an optical illusion of a larger pool.

This cozy corner plunge pool nestles against the flower beds, offering owners magical, bloom-filled summertime swims. Decorative water jets make a splash against the water and bring a whimsical quality to the bluestone-framed L-shaped pool.

A dazzling sapphire blue plunge pool serves as the prize jewel of this stone patio. The compact pool is lined by texture-rich flagstone and topped with travertine decking for a tailored look. Underwater lights leave the swimming hole aglow for fireside dips after dark.

A wood-wrapped plunge pool is a sophisticated focal point in this elegant courtyard garden. The dimensional wood decking contrasts with the emerald lawn and draws the eyes to the swimming hole’s airy stacked stone backsplash.