For those living in townhouses and compact spaces, owning a full-sized swimming pool may not be a practical choice. With Australian houses becoming smaller, the Urban Pool comes in as a smart alternative for those who want to cool off and unwind without needing a large backyard.
What Is an Urban Pool?
The Urban Pool is a customisable and compact pool that combines the luxurious features of a spa with the small footprint of a plunge pool and a built-in swim system. It’s part of Just Spas’ wide selection of Australian-made spa and backyard pool solutions, all built to last in the local climate.
It can come in varying sizes, making it the ideal pool for small backyard layouts in modern urban homes. Depending on your desired configuration, it may support hydrotherapy-style use or even just pure swimming.
Why Urban Pools Are Ideal for Small Australian Backyards
Urban Pools are a practical solution for homeowners who want to emulate a premium resort experience in the comfort of their own backyards without taking up the entire space. Some configurations even come with massage jets and seats, making them viable spa options for Australian backyards.
Designed for Compact Outdoor Living
Living in a narrow block or having a tight courtyard doesn’t mean you can’t indulge your desire to have a private pool. The Urban Pool is a great minimalist choice for houses with underutilised or compact outdoor areas.
With sizes ranging from 4, 6, and 8 metres, the Urban Pool boasts a much smaller footprint compared to traditional pools. It can easily be tailored to fit your specific space constraints and swimming or dipping needs.
Urban Pool vs Plunge Pool vs Swim Spa: What’s the Difference?
Just Spas’ Urban Pools are space-efficient alternatives to traditional pools. Thanks to their robust filtration systems and eco-friendly Arctic Insulation, they also offer various energy-saving swim spa benefits.
Here’s a quick rundown of their differences:
|
Option |
Best For |
Key Benefit |
Consideration |
| Urban Pool | Small backyards, courtyards, and compact homes | Small size, minimal modern design, and customisable | Product options and lifestyle options may vary by size and configuration |
| Plunge Pool | Cooling off and relaxing | Great for compact outdoor spaces | Limited swimming or exercise functionality |
| Swim Spa | Fitness, hydrotherapy and relaxation | Combines swimming and spa-style use | Requires space planning and access consideration |
| Traditional Pool | Larger family backyards | More swimming space | Higher space, installation and maintenance requirements |
Best Small-Space Locations for an Urban Pool
With many Australians now choosing to live in smaller homes, it’s becoming more important to learn how to maximise one’s space to create the ideal balance between comfort and aesthetics.
The Urban Pool’s compact size makes it easy to transform your free space into a cosy pool retreat without sacrificing practicality and comfort.
Small or Narrow Yards
Whether you want a small backyard pool for swimming or a simple spot to cool off in, an Urban Pool will serve you well. It’s large enough that even the smallest version can accommodate multiple people, and with smart space utilisation, you’ll still likely have room for a garden, a BBQ area, or more.
Courtyards
Homeowners with courtyards can elevate their outdoor space with an Urban Pool, turning it into a private oasis for relaxation or entertaining guests. The pool’s shell may even be able to match the colour of your pavement or deck, allowing it to seamlessly blend in and look like a stunning water feature when not in use.
Compact Family Homes and Townhouses
For small family homes and townhouses, an Urban Pool is a cost-effective and practical way to enjoy the pool lifestyle while also maximising your limited patio space. For more townhouse pool ideas and to see if you can fit one in your small home, visit your nearest Just Spas showroom and speak with the team for more recommendations.
Design Ideas for Urban Pools in Small Backyards
Styling an Urban Pool isn’t difficult, especially since you can customise it to better suit your existing space. Here are some small pool ideas to help elevate your backyard area:
- Add decking around the pool – Timber or composite decking has a sleek appearance that can potentially match the Urban Pool’s shell and/or cabinet colour.
- Use privacy screens – Privacy screens or a vertical garden can help create a resort-like environment.
- Connect it to your alfresco area – Connecting the pool to your alfresco/entertaining area can make your backyard feel like a luxurious pool retreat or villa.
- Simple landscaping – Adding low-maintenance plants suited to Australian conditions helps bring life to the space.
- Add lighting – Use light fixtures to make the backyard area look more atmospheric and inviting during the evenings.
There are plenty of other above-ground spa design ideas you can pull inspiration from to transform your outdoor space into an extravagant retreat, allowing the Urban Pool to seamlessly blend in with its surroundings.
Benefits of Choosing an Urban Pool for a Small Space
The Urban Pool’s benefits extend beyond just maximising your outdoor space. While it can act as a fantastic centrepiece for entertaining both your family and guests, it also has potential wellness benefits with its spa-style configurations. You can enjoy these features even in a small space pool.
For those looking for a low-impact workout or just a leisurely dip, you also have varying swim systems that may help you support weight loss and muscle recovery for sore muscles.
What to Consider Before Installing an Urban Pool
Before you install an Urban Pool in your backyard, there are a few key things you have to account for. Here are a few important considerations:
- Available backyard space – You should also check if the site is accessible for delivery.
- Surface – It must be installed on a sufficiently hard, level surface, like a concrete slab or a weight-approved deck.
- Installation style – Configuration options include: freestanding, integrated into decking, or recessed into paving.
- Intended use – Figure out how often it’ll be used for relaxation and/or exercise to pick the ideal configuration.
- Local council requirements – This varies per state, but Australia generally has strict rules for safety barriers for pools and more.
- Energy use – Different combinations of heating, filtration, jet, and seating configurations will have varying power requirements.
- Ongoing maintenance – Urban Pools, just like swim spas, require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity. Check out our handy swim spa maintenance checklist to learn more.
It’s highly recommended to consult with a professional if you’re unsure about anything, especially when it comes to installation. Reach out to the Just Spas team for expert advice before you make a final decision.
Why Choose Just Spas for Your Urban Pool Solution?
If you’re looking to elevate your lifestyle and outdoor space, Just Spas is the ideal choice to help meet your needs. Our Urban Pools are made for and by Australians, and our in-store team can help you find a suitable configuration for your specific home layout.
Need help choosing the right small-space pool solution? Speak with the Just Spas team for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Urban Pool suitable for a small backyard?
Yes. An Urban Pool is designed to suit smaller outdoor areas, making it a practical option for compact backyards, courtyards, townhouses and modern urban homes.
What is the difference between an Urban Pool and a plunge pool?
A plunge pool is usually designed mainly for cooling off and relaxation, while an Urban Pool may offer a more flexible compact pool experience depending on the model, size and features selected.
Can an Urban Pool be installed above ground?
Some compact pool solutions may be suitable for above-ground or semi-recessed installations, depending on the product, site and installation requirements. It is best to speak with a professional to understand what will work for your property.
How much space do you need for an Urban Pool?
The space required depends on the size and configuration of the Urban Pool, as well as access, fencing, surrounding decking and compliance requirements.
Is an Urban Pool easier to maintain than a traditional pool?
Because Urban Pools are generally more compact than traditional swimming pools, they may require less water and can be more manageable to maintain. Maintenance needs will still depend on usage, water care, filtration and heating setup.
Is an Urban Pool good for townhouses or courtyards?
Yes, an Urban Pool can be a suitable option for townhouses and courtyards where space is limited, provided the site has suitable access and meets relevant installation and safety requirements.
Do Urban Pools need fencing in Australia?
Pool fencing requirements vary by state, territory and local council, but most pools and spas in Australia must meet safety barrier regulations. Homeowners should confirm the requirements for their location before installation.
Can an Urban Pool add value to a small backyard?
An Urban Pool can improve the lifestyle appeal and usability of a small backyard by creating a dedicated space for relaxation, cooling off and entertaining. Property value impact will depend on the home, market and overall quality of the outdoor area.
