Cocktail Pools: Cost, Sizes, Options, and Best Brands

It's 5 PM on a Friday. You just got home from work, it's super hot outside, and all you want is to slip into some cool water with a drink in hand. But your backyard? It's basically the size of a parking space.

Enter the cocktail pool – the genius solution that's making waves (pun intended) across America.

What Is a Cocktail Pool?

A cocktail pool is a small, compact swimming pool with space for people to sit and relax. Designed more for sitting and lounging, rather than swimming.

Think of a cocktail pool as the lovechild of a hot tub and a swimming pool. It's got the compact footprint of a spa but the refreshing coolness and social vibe of a pool. These beauties typically run 10-16 feet long and 6-10 feet wide – perfect for cooling off, hanging out, and yes of course, sipping cocktails. If you're looking for something even more compact, plunge pools offer another excellent option for small spaces.

The name says it all, really. These pools were literally designed for socializing with a drink in hand, not for swimming laps. Most are about 3-5 feet deep, which means you can stand comfortably and sit on built-in benches.

Why a cocktail pool?

A cocktail pool is perfect for those with small backyards or who want the pool experience without shelling out $100,000+ for a larger pool. With pools starting as low as $20,000, it's a nice upgrade from a typical hot tub or swim spa.

Here's what makes them brilliant: You get 90% of the pool experience in 30% of the space. Your average full-size pool eats up 600+ square feet of yard. A cocktail pool? We're talking 160-400 square feet, max.

How Much Does a Cocktail Pool Cost?

Most people spend around $25,000 for a professionally installed cocktail pool. That's roughly a third or a half what you'd drop on a full-size pool, and it's a pretty sweet deal for what you get.

The price range varies though:

• Starting at $15,000 if you're handy and go the DIY route
• $22,000-$35,000 for most professional installations (this is the sweet spot)
• Up to $85,000 if you want all the bells and whistles

Here's the thing nobody tells you: The equipment costs almost the same whether you're installing a cocktail pool or a full-size one. Pumps, filters, heaters – they don't really get cheaper just because your pool is smaller. But your ongoing costs? Those definitely shrink with the pool size.

Monthly maintenance runs about $80-$150, compared to $200-$400 for a regular pool. You're using less chemicals, less water, and less electricity.

Why Everyone's Suddenly Obsessed With Cocktail Pools

The numbers are kind of crazy. The pool industry hit $16.5 billion in 2025, and cocktail pools are grabbing a bigger slice every year. Mike Carnahan from a Houston landscaping company nailed it when he said, "We're getting more requests overall and more requests from higher-end areas. Definitely trending up."

But here's why they're really taking off: Yards are shrinking while desire for outdoor living is exploding. The average new home lot has decreased by 13% since 2009, but 92% of homeowners now say outdoor living spaces are a priority.

Plus, let's be honest – after the whole pandemic situation, we all realized our backyards were unused goldmines. A cocktail pool transforms dead space into the neighborhood's favorite hangout spot.

The demographic hitting hardest? People aged 35-64 who want something nice but manageable. These aren't necessarily the country club crowd – they're regular folks who've figured out you don't need a massive pool to have a good time.

Common Shapes and Designs

When choosing which cocktail pool is right for you, there are a few shapes and sizes to choose from.

Rectangular pools dominate for a reason – they maximize your swim space and look clean and modern. But the design world has exploded lately. There are kidney shapes for a retro vibe, circles for more of a spa feel, and geometric designs that make your backyard look like it belongs in Architectural Digest.

Here are some of the biggest trends I've found during my research:

• Dark finishes (think charcoal or deep blue) that look sophisticated and absorb heat better
• Infinity edges that make even tiny pools look luxurious
• Built-in LED systems you control from your phone
• Tanning ledges that double as kid-friendly splash zones
• Integrated seating so you can sit and relax in your pool

But, what is most important to look for?

What to Look For

If you remember nothing else, remember this: Get a variable speed pump. These pumps cut energy use by up to 90%. We're talking 300 watts instead of 2,500. Your electric bill will thank you every single month.

LED lighting isn't just pretty – it's practical. Modern systems use 14 watts compared to 500 for old-school lighting. Plus, being able to change colors from your couch? It can be pretty fun.

What to Avoid

The biggest mistake? Thinking you can DIY the whole thing. Sure, you can prep the site yourself, but electrical and plumbing need professionals. One wrong move with 240V wiring and you're not having a pool party – you're having an emergency.

Don't ignore drainage. Water has to go somewhere when it rains, and if you don't plan for it, that somewhere might be your basement. Proper grading costs maybe $1,500 but saves you from disasters.

Avoid placing your pool under trees unless you love skimming leaves every single day. Seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people prioritize shade over maintenance headaches.

Don't undersize your equipment thinking smaller pool means smaller everything. Your pump and filter need to turn over your water properly, regardless of pool size.

Top Brands Worth Your Money

When most people start looking at cocktail pools, the usual names come up: Latham, River Pools, Leisure, Master Spas. They're all proven. But after testing, comparing, and really living with these pools, I'd argue that Ecopool belongs at the top of the list.

Ecopool: The Modern Cocktail Pool

Ecopool makes two versions that both hit the cocktail sweet spot but in very different ways: the Container Pool and the S-Series.

The Container Pool is the bold, plug-and-play version. Picture a 20×8 foot pool showing up on a truck, craned into place, and filled the same day. You're swimming while your neighbor is still watching rebar go into their gunite shell. What sets it apart is the feel — more like a full-sized pool that happens to be cocktail-sized. Windows, underwater viewing panels, and that sleek modern look make it the kind of pool you want to post on Instagram.

The S-Series takes that same concept and refines it into something almost luxurious. You still get cocktail dimensions, but the length stretches up to 25 feet, meaning you can actually swim laps. It layers in smart systems — app control, LED lighting, chemical automation — and the walls are glass-fiber reinforced, smoother than concrete and tougher than fiberglass. The insulation is no joke either. Heating costs drop by up to 40% compared to traditional cocktail pools, which really matters if you're in a cooler climate.

Together, these two Ecopool models redefine the category. They aren't just cocktail pools — they're cocktail pools with room to grow, both literally and technologically.

Other Names You'll Hear

To be fair, the big brands have earned their reputation.

Latham Pools is the Toyota of fiberglass cocktail pools. Their Milan model (10×16 feet) is basically everywhere, backed by a lifetime structural warranty.

River Pools is known for education. They practically wrote the book on fiberglass installs, and their R Series is as close to "can't screw it up" as it gets.

Leisure Pools brings Australian innovation, and their Elegance 17 is stunning — the Aquaguard surface is ridiculously durable.

Master Spas owns the swim-spa crossover. The H2X and Michael Phelps Signature lines let you actually swim against a current, though you'll pay for the privilege.

These are all good options. But when you put them side-by-side with Ecopool, the differences get pretty clear.

Cocktail Pool Types: How They Stack Up

Concrete / Gunite

The old classic. You can make it any shape you want, and it'll last forever structurally. But they're expensive ($35K–$60K for cocktail size), rough underfoot, need replastering every decade, and the build takes months.

Vinyl Liner

The cheapest way in ($20K–$35K). Smooth surface, fairly quick installs, but the liner has a shelf life of 7–10 years and is vulnerable to pets or sharp toys.

Fiberglass

The current mainstream darling. Install in days, smooth surface, minimal maintenance. Downside is you're stuck with preset molds, and if you're far from a factory, shipping adds thousands.

Swim Spas

They're essentially oversized hot tubs with counter-currents. Awesome if you want to exercise in a tiny footprint. But they feel more like fitness machines than backyard pools. If you're looking for something more traditional, check out our guide to the best above-ground pools for alternatives.

Ecopool (Container + S-Series)

This is where things change. Both versions cost about the same as fiberglass ($25K–$40K), but instead of a 10×16 footprint, you're getting 20×8 or longer. That's two to three times the usable water area. Installation is the fastest in the industry (a day or two instead of weeks), the look is modern, the insulation saves thousands, and if you ever move? You can literally take your pool with you.

The Quick Compare

Pool Type	Typical Cost	Install Time	Size/Space	Maintenance	Lifespan/Issues	Stand-Out Factor
Ecopool Container	$25K–$35K	1–2 days	20′×8′ standard	Low, insulated	Long lifespan, relocatable	Windows, one-day setup
Ecopool S-Series	$30K–$40K	1–2 days	Up to 25′ length	Low, automated	Long lifespan, premium materials	Smart tech, lap-swim capable
Fiberglass	$25K–$40K	2–3 days	10′×16′ standard	Low	Gelcoat may fade/crack after ~20 yrs	Smooth surface, dealer network
Concrete/Gunite	$35K–$60K	4–8 weeks	Fully custom	Medium–High	Needs replastering 10–15 yrs	Custom shapes
Vinyl Liner	$20K–$35K	2–3 weeks	10′×16′ standard	Medium	Liner replacement 7–10 yrs	Lowest upfront cost
Swim Spas	$30K+	1 week	Compact	Medium	Long-lasting	Swim-in-place current

Bottom Line

Cocktail pools are supposed to be fun, efficient, and social. The truth is, the traditional formats all work — but they feel outdated compared to what Ecopool is doing.

Go Container if you want the fastest setup, the boldest look, and a cocktail pool that's ready for a party.

Go S-Series if you want cocktail vibes with actual swimming capability and smart-pool efficiency baked in.

Either way, Ecopool gives you more water, faster, for the same money. Everything else starts to feel like a compromise once you see what's possible.

Must-Have Accessories That Are Actually Worth It

A robotic cleaner will change your life. They use only 197 kWh annually (compared to 2,500+ for pressure cleaners) and you literally just drop them in and walk away. Best $500-$1,500 you'll spend.

Smart automation systems like Pentair IntelliCenter start around $500-$700. Control everything from your phone – heating, lighting, jets. Set it to warm up before you get home from work. Living in the future is nice.

Water testing strips or a digital tester – because nobody wants to swim in a chemistry experiment. Digital testers run about $50-$100 and take the guesswork out completely.

Safety gear isn't optional – fencing, alarms, safety covers. Most areas legally require barriers anyway, but even if yours doesn't, don't skip this. Peace of mind is priceless.

Installation Requirements (The Reality Check)

Installation typically takes 2-3 days for fiberglass, but the whole process from permit to first swim? Figure 2-4 weeks minimum. You need permits (usually $500-$2,000), and yes, even for small pools. The inspector doesn't care that it's "just" a cocktail pool.

You'll need:

• Minimum 36-inch gate access for equipment
• Electrical service upgrade (often to 240V with GFCI protection)
• Proper setbacks from property lines (varies by location)
• Level ground or budget for grading

Site prep usually runs $400-$1,500, but if you hit rock or high water table? That number can triple. One homeowner in Connecticut discovered ledge rock 3 feet down – added $8,000 to the project. Get soil testing done first.

Maintenance Requirements (It's Really Not That Bad)

Here's the beautiful truth: Cocktail pools are way easier to maintain than full-size pools. You're looking at maybe 30 minutes a week, tops.

Daily stuff (2 minutes): Skim leaves, check water level. That's it.

Weekly routine (20-30 minutes): Test water, add chemicals, brush walls, empty skimmer basket. Pro tip: Do it Sunday morning with your coffee. Make it a ritual.

Monthly tasks (1 hour): Clean filter, check equipment, vacuum thoroughly.

The chemical targets are the same as any pool (pH 7.4-7.6, chlorine 1-3 ppm), but you're using way less product. One gallon of chlorine might last you a month instead of a week.

Climate and Regional Considerations

Location matters more than you might think. In Phoenix or Miami, your cocktail pool is basically a 12-month party. In Boston? You're looking at May through September unless you heat it (and even then, November through March is pushing it).

The sweet spots are obviously the Sun Belt states – Florida, Arizona, Southern California, Texas. But here's what's interesting: Cocktail pools are huge in unexpected places like Denver and Salt Lake City. Why? Because when you can only swim 4-5 months anyway, a smaller heated pool makes total sense. For those in colder climates, container pools offer excellent insulation benefits.

Urban areas love these things. NYC, San Francisco, Chicago – anywhere land costs are insane, cocktail pools are having a moment. One real estate agent in Brooklyn told me, "A cocktail pool in a brownstone backyard? That's an instant $100K value add."

Is a Cocktail Pool Right for You?

Let's get real about who these pools are perfect for:

You're a winner if:

• Your yard is smaller than a tennis court
• You want to relax, not exercise
• You entertain small groups (2-8 people)
• You care about energy costs
• You want a pool but not pool maintenance drama

Maybe reconsider if:

• You have a swim team kid
• You regularly host huge parties
• You live where it's cold 8+ months a year
• You're expecting massive ROI (you'll get back about 56% at sale)

The Latest Innovations for 2025

The tech coming out now is wild. New heat pumps adjust capacity from 20-100% automatically, like a smart thermostat for your pool. Hybrid systems combine solar with heat pumps for basically free heating on sunny days.

AI-powered maintenance systems are starting to hit the market. They predict problems before they happen – like "Hey, your pH is trending high, add this much acid now." It's like having a pool guy in your phone.

Voice control is becoming standard. "Alexa, heat the pool to 85" is a real thing now. Same with integration into home automation systems like Control4 or Savant.

Final Verdict

Here's the bottom line: Cocktail pools are the perfect solution for real people living real lives in real-world spaces. At around $25,000, you're getting a legit backyard transformation that fits where a regular pool simply won't.

The best part? You'll actually use it. No more staring at a massive pool thinking about the maintenance while you skip the swim. A cocktail pool is approachable, manageable, and just plain fun.

Start by figuring out your must-haves. Year-round swimming? Budget for heating. Party central? Focus on seating and lighting. Kid-friendly? Shallow end with a beach entry.

Get three quotes minimum, check references, and don't let anyone talk you into stuff you don't need. A simple, well-built cocktail pool beats a complicated mess every time.

The trend isn't slowing down. As yards get smaller and energy costs rise, cocktail pools keep making more sense. They're not a compromise – they're a smart choice. And honestly? On a hot summer evening with friends, drinks, and perfect mood lighting reflecting off your compact paradise, you won't miss those extra square feet one bit.

Welcome to the cocktail pool club. The water's perfect, and there's always room for one more.

Your resident pool aficionado.

For over 5+ years, The Pool Nerd has been a leading source in the swimming pool industry. With years of experince owning a swimming pool, our hope here is to guide and help making owning a swimming pool easier.