Plunge Pools

The ultimate swimming experience in a
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Thinking of a new plunge pool?

Plunge pools and small pools are booming across Australia. Here are the answers to the six questions people ask us most when planning one. Just scroll down and follow the pointers.

Journey Step 0

Is a plunge pool right for you?

Smaller blocks and closer living have made compact pools one of the most popular choices for new Australian homes and renovations. They’re quicker to heat, easier to cover and can double as a striking architectural feature.

  • Cooling off on hot days and relaxing in the evening
  • Entertaining, family time and supervising young swimmers
  • Wellness, recovery and year-round use when heated
  • Less suited to lap swimming, diving or big pool parties

Plunge pools are a great fit for …

Couples & downsizers
All the enjoyment of a pool without the size, upkeep or running costs of a large one.

Families
A safe, manageable space for cooling down and play, easy to see from the house.

Entertainers
A focal point for the outdoor area — great with integrated seating and lighting.

Compact & holiday homes
Fits courtyards, townhouses and holiday properties where space and time are limited.

Wellness-focused owners
Ideal for relaxing soaks, gentle movement and post-exercise recovery.

Journey Step 1

Which type of plunge pool should I choose?

There’s no single best option — the right pool depends on your site access, ground conditions, design goals and budget. Concrete gives you the most design freedom, while fibreglass, precast and modular pools are generally faster to install.

Whatever you choose, Naked MINI can be fitted — it suits any plunge pool type and surface under 30,000 litres.

Plunge pool types

Concrete
Most customisable. Longer build, more trades and higher cost.

Fibreglass
Fast install, smooth surface. Limited to available moulds; may need a crane.

Precast concrete
Factory quality, quick on site. Transport, weight and crane access are critical.

Modular
Suits tight-access sites. Quality varies by supplier; liners may need replacing.

Above-ground
Less excavation, suits slopes or rock. Needs engineering and careful barrier compliance.

Partially above-ground
Creates a seated edge. Waterproofing, drainage and barriers need close coordination.

Shipping container
Distinctive, suits long narrow spaces. Check access, foundations, insulation and corrosion protection.

Journey Step 2

What does a plunge pool really cost?

The shell is only part of the price. Excavation, engineering, site access, electrical, plumbing, heating, filtration, water treatment, fencing, landscaping and approvals all add up — and they vary a lot from site to site.

Always ask for an itemised quote and compare exactly what each builder has included.

What pushes the price up

  • Site access — cranes, manual soil removal, temporary fencing
  • Ground conditions — rock, sand, fill or a high water table
  • Excavation, soil disposal and structural engineering
  • Heating, equipment, electrical upgrades and plumbing
  • Pool barrier, landscaping and surrounds
  • Professional fees and approvals

Watch for surprises: rock, drainage, retaining walls, relocating services and contract variations are the most common reasons budgets blow out.

Journey Step 3

Which water system is best for a plunge pool?

In a small volume of water, what you put in matters even more. Salt and mineral pools still rely on chlorine as the main sanitiser. A Naked Freshwater System uses copper and silver ionisation with low-level oxidation, so your plunge pool runs on substantially less chlorine and salt.

The result is soft, gentle water with no strong chlorine smell — and less wear on equipment, surrounds and plants.

Pool water systems

Freshwater isn’t maintenance-free — pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and copper still need regular testing, just like any pool.

Journey Step 4

How much will it cost to heat and run?

A smaller volume heats faster and costs less to run than a full-size pool. Heat pumps are the most efficient option for holding temperature, gas heats quickly at a higher running cost, and solar depends on your sun and roof space.

 

Tips to cut running costs

  1. Use a pool cover to hold heat and reduce evaporation.
  2. Choose efficient equipment — a correctly sized variable-speed pump and heat pump.
  3. Don’t overheat — every extra degree adds energy demand.
  4. Keep water balanced to protect equipment and surfaces.
  5. Fix problems early — leaks, blocked filters and noisy equipment.

Planning to run warmer for therapy-style use? Talk to your builder and system supplier first — higher temperatures need careful management.

Journey Step 5

How do I choose the right builder?

Look for plunge pool experience, verified licences and insurance, references, a detailed quote with clear provisional sums, and good after-sales support. Tell your builder early that you want a freshwater pool — they buy the Naked system direct from us and install it like any other sanitiser.

Not sure your builder knows freshwater? We’re happy to talk to them on your behalf.

10 questions to ask your builder

  1. How many similar plunge pools have you built?
  2. Can I see recent work and speak to past clients?
  3. What do you do in-house and what’s subcontracted?
  4. Who handles approvals and inspections?
  5. What’s excluded from the quote?
  6. Which equipment brands and models are included?
  7. How will site access and excavation be handled?
  8. What could increase the final cost?
  9. What warranties and after-sales support do you provide?
  10. Who will show me how to run and maintain the pool?

Don’t forget safety

Plunge pools carry the same safety obligations as larger pools. Any pool that can hold more than 300 mm of water generally needs a compliant permanent barrier, and requirements vary by state — check with your council or builder.

Find a freshwater builder

Free Download

The Ultimate Plunge Pool Buyer’s Guide

Everything you need to plan, budget and build the perfect plunge pool – in one easy guide.

Download the free guide


naked mini

Australia’s favourite freshwater pool system, now for plunge pools

Meet Naked MINI

A premium plunge pool deserves water that’s beautifully clear, gentle and inviting. Naked MINI brings our freshwater technology to pools under 30,000 litres — which covers every plunge pool — combining copper and silver ionisation with low-level oxidation and advanced digital control.

“Less salt. Less chlorine. Beautifully clear freshwater.”

Explore Naked Mini

Supported from day one

What happens when your plunge pool’s finished?

Every Naked Freshwater System installed in Australia and New Zealand includes our Customer Care Plan, to make sure your system and pool are everything they should be.

Installation

Once your system is installed and registered in the Naked App, we:

  • Make a first check-in call to introduce your new pool and system
  • Follow up regularly during the first 12 months

Ongoing support

  • Help you fully understand your pool setup
  • The Naked App, online Help Centre and Customer Support Line
  • Local freshwater specialists — pool shops and mobile technicians

Plunge pool FAQs

Does a Naked Freshwater System work in a plunge pool?

Yes. Naked MINI is purpose-designed for pools under 30,000 litres, which includes every plunge pool. It brings our full freshwater technology to compact pools.

Can I heat a freshwater plunge pool?

Yes — freshwater works with heat pumps, gas and solar heating. Let us know your target temperature so we can confirm the right setup.

Do I still need to test the water?

Yes. All pool water needs balancing. You’ll still check pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and copper, but with far less chemical handling than a chlorine or salt pool.

Does my plunge pool need a fence?

Generally yes. Plunge pools carry the same barrier and safety obligations as larger pools. Rules vary between states, so check with your local council or builder.

Can I add freshwater to an existing plunge pool?

Yes — existing pools can be converted to freshwater. See converting your existing pool or talk to our team.