Start With the Right Small Pool Type
First things first – picking the right pool for your space and budget is crucial. Stock tank pools are ridiculously affordable and have this cool farmhouse vibe. They’re basically galvanized metal livestock tanks repurposed as swimming pools.
Expect to spend around $350-750 for the tank plus basic filtration. My neighbor went this route last summer and while it’s not huge it’s perfect for cooling off.
Plunge pools are another option that’s gaining popularity. They’re smaller than traditional pools (usually under 10 feet) but deeper so you can actually swim a bit. According to design experts at The Spruce, these can cost half what a regular inground pool would run you.
What will a cocktail pool set you back? Not as much as you might think!
Also semi-inground pools are a thing now too! They’re like this perfect middle ground between above-ground and inground pools. You dig partway down which saves on excavation costs but still looks way more premium than a fully above-ground setup.
DIY Pool Surrounds That Look Expensive
Once you’ve got your pool the surroundings make all the difference. You could drop thousands on fancy decking OR you could get creative.
Wooden pallets painted and sealed properly can create an amazing deck platform around above-ground pools. I tried this at my last place using pallets I literally got for free from a local warehouse.
Gravel is another super cheap option that looks surprisingly high-end when done right. Pair it with some strategic landscaping and boom – instant resort vibes.
But yeah make sure to get the smooth river rock kind not the sharp stuff cause bare feet and all that. Effective ways to keep frogs away from your space might also involve some thoughtful landscaping like this.
I’ve found that raised garden beds around the pool perimeter do double duty – they hide any ugly pool walls while adding greenery. Fill them with drought-resistant plants and you’ll save on water too.
Budget-Friendly Shade Solutions
Every pool needs some shade but custom pergolas can cost thousands. Tension sail shades are way cheaper (like $50-200) and actually look modern and cool. They’re super easy to install too.
Wait – let me rephrase… they’re mostly easy to install as long as you have something solid to attach them to. I struggled a bit with this initially until I realized I could use my fence posts as anchor points.
Anyway umbrella stands filled with concrete are another cheap option. You can move them around depending on where the sun is which is actually an advantage over permanent structures. River Pools and Spas suggest using potted plants with the umbrella stands to create a cohesive look that doesn’t scream
I was too cheap for a real cabana.
Lighting That Creates Ambiance
Lighting transforms your pool area from basic to magical and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Solar-powered string lights are like $15-30 for a good set and use zero electricity. Hang them in a zigzag pattern overhead and instant party atmosphere.
Floating pool lights are another game-changer. The ones that change colors are surprisingly affordable now (under $30 for a set) and make night swimming feel luxurious.
I actually tried using submersible LED lights taped to the bottom of my stock tank pool last year. Kinda janky but looked amazing at night. Sometimes the DIY approach works out perfectly even if the execution isn’t fancy.
Low-Cost Water Features
Water features sound expensive but they don’t have to be. A simple spillway (that’s the industry term for those little waterfall edges) can be added to existing pools for a few hundred bucks instead of thousands. The sound of trickling water instantly makes your space feel more lux.
But yeah my favorite hack is using a simple fountain pump with some creative rockwork to create a mini waterfall. Home design experts recommend keeping water features proportional to your pool size – a massive waterfall looks weird with a tiny pool.
You could also skip permanent features entirely and just get a floating fountain that hooks to your garden hose when you want to use it. Sometimes temporary solutions actually give you more flexibility with your space.
Accessorize Smartly
The finishing touches can really elevate your pool area. Shop end-of-season sales for cushions pillows and pool floats – I’m talking 70-90% off retail. Target and Walmart practically give this stuff away in September.
Plant containers can be super expensive at garden centers but you can find great alternatives at thrift stores. Old metal tubs buckets even wheelbarrows look amazing planted with tropical plants around a pool.
For pool toys look at dollar stores first. Seriously their pool noodles and basic floats are identical to the expensive ones and cost literally dollars instead of twenty-plus bucks. Makes sense to save here since they’ll probably get destroyed by sun and chlorine anyway.
Create Your Dream Pool on a Budget
Creating your dream pool oasis doesn’t require massive space or a huge budget. With a bit of creativity and strategic spending you can create a backyard retreat that feels luxurious without the luxury price tag.
The key is focusing on the features that give you the most visual and functional impact while finding clever alternatives for the pricier elements. Now go make that tiny pool paradise happen!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should I Budget for a Small Pool?
Budget for a small pool? You’re looking at $5,000 to $15,000 depending on size and features.
Don’t forget extra costs like maintenance and landscaping.
It’s a fun project, but ya gotta keep it real with those numbers!
What Is the Cheapest Type of Pool to Build?
The cheapest type of pool to build is usually an above-ground pool.
They’re super affordable and way easier to set up compared to in-ground ones.
Just make sure you pick a good spot and you’re golden!
What Is the Cheapest Way to Make a Swimming Pool?
The cheapest way to make a swimming pool is often just digging a hole and lining it with a tarp or plastic sheeting.
Seriously, it might look basic but it works for chillin’ in the summer heat.
You can always upgrade later!
What Is the Cheapest Way to Build a Small Pool?
The cheapest way to build a small pool? Think inflatable! Seriously, they’re super affordable and easy to set up.
If you wanna go a bit more permanent, maybe try a DIY option with vinyl liners or simple concrete—but yeah, costs add up.
Just keep it basic and you’ll save some cash!
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