A Complete Homeowner’s Guide to Spool Pools

A backyard pool doesn’t have to be a pipe dream if your backyard is on the small side. If you don’t know what a “spool” is, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about these mini pools and why they’re a great option when you have limited space. 

What Is a Spool?

The word “spool” combines the words “spa” and “pool” to perfectly describe this backyard feature. A spool, sometimes called a swim spa, is smaller than a pool but larger than a spa and includes the best of both worlds. If you’ve always wanted a pool in your backyard to entertain friends and family but just don’t have the room, then this type of water feature is perfect for a small space.

A spool offers you all the benefits of a small swimming area with plenty of space for your garden and enough room for a nice swim. The best part is, like a spa, you can crank up the heat in the cooler months and use your spool as a large hot tub!

How Do Spools Work?

On a basic level, spools combine the unique technology of an endless pool and a hot tub. While each model differs by design, spools often include a set of adjustable and cleverly placed jets. The jet settings can allow you to swim "laps" one minute and create a calmer, cozier hot tub experience the next.

Spools also feature a powerful heater that transforms a simple plunge pool into a hot tub. An adjustable heater also encourages you to use the pool year-round.

Some brands will separate the two areas so you can jump right from your laps into the post-exercise wind-down. They may also include spa-like perks, such as seating areas, ledges, speakers, or water features. Above all, the key feature that sets spools apart is their versatility. 

Spool vs. Pool vs. Spa 

The only real difference between spools, pools, and spas is the size of the swimming area. Small pools are around 10 x 20 feet on average, and a larger pool is 20 x 40 feet, while a spa is usually somewhere around  8 x 8 feet in size. Compare these sizes to a spool, which can fall anywhere between 10 to 16 feet in length and six to eight feet wide. 

Types of Spools

When choosing a spool for your home, you’ll find there are a few different options from which to choose. Check out these three types of spools:

Aboveground Spools

Aboveground spools are less costly than in-ground spools because you don’t have to pay for the excavation. As such, expect to pay just $4,000 to $5,000 for this type of spool.

In-Ground Spools 

An in-ground spool costs around $22,700, and you might also need to acquire a permit before getting started with the installation process.

Indoor Spools

If you have the space, an indoor spool can add style to your interior space, but it also comes with a luxury price of around $25,000.

Spool Pool Building Materials

There are many types of materials you can use to build a spool. Here are some of the most popular options on the market:

• Concrete

• Fiberglass

• Vinyl

• Steel

• Copper

• Cedar

Vinyl, wood, and fiberglass are some more budget-friendly options, with an average cost of a 300-square-foot vinyl spool falling between $5,000 and $10,000. The cost to build a spool pool for high-end options like copper can cost up to $50,000 or more, depending on included features. You can also choose from a variety of pool finishes, including stone, ceramic, plaster, and epoxy.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Spool

For some people, spools are the absolute perfect addition to their yard or indoor space, making investing a no-brainer. For others, however, spools might not be the right fit. Here are the pros and cons of spools:

Advantages

• Spools take up less space than your average-sized pool, making them great for small yards.

• The cost of building a spool is less than the cost to build a pool.

• You can easily control the temperature of your spool and use it longer than a traditional pool.

• Spools are simpler to clean than a full-sized pool.

• Spools can function like giant hot tubs.

• Compared to pools, spools save you water.

Disadvantages

• You can’t swim full laps.

• You might have to install a fence if your local municipality requires it.

• Spools increase your heating, water, and electricity bills more than a hot tub.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Spool?

A spool costs anywhere from $5,500 to $50,000 to install or an average of $22,700. With such massive price variations, you may feel a little worried about how much your spool might cost you. Here are some of the biggest cost factors in installing a spool for your home.

Spool Installation Cost Factors

• Size. The larger your spool, the more you’ll have to pay to excavate the space and turn it into a swimming pool.

• In-ground vs. above-ground. In-ground spools cost significantly more than above-ground spools, particularly if you’re looking for designs like an infinity pool.

• Installation. It costs approximately $5.50 per square foot or $1,650 for a pro to install the spool. 

• Maintenance. If you choose to have a pro take care of the maintenance of your spool, you’ll end up paying a lot more for maintenance than if you were to manage the spool yourself. 

• Repairs. Sometimes, damage can happen to a spool. 

• Added features. You can make all kinds of upgrades to a standard spool, including jets, LED lighting, waterfalls, a built-in bar, a pool deck, a pool cover, a saltwater filtration system, or a heating system.

• Permits. Check with your local regulations to see if you need a permit. This can cost between $500 and $1,800.

Spool Pool Maintenance Tips 

Just like a regular swimming pool, spools need consistent maintenance to stay clean. However, unlike larger swimming areas, you’ll find it’s much easier to maintain a spool. Follow these spool maintenance best practices to stay on top of your spool:

• Check the water’s pH, chlorine, and alkaline levels at least two to three times a week.

• Look at the manufacturer’s instructions to see how often you should change the water.

• Consider hiring a pool maintenance company near you to keep up with the spool.

• Use a skimmer to catch particles and other debris.

• Keep an automatic pool vacuum running to clean below the surface of your spool.

• For cold climates, be sure to winterize your mini-pool if you don't plan on using it as a hot tub.

Should You Install a Spool in Your Backyard?

While a pool is incredibly enticing for small backyards, remember that you have many pool ideas to choose from. Spools are ideal for homeowners who plan to exercise and lounge in their hot tubs on a regular basis. The design is not a replacement for a pool large enough for a game of pool tag. 

Here are some things to consider before installing a spool pool:

• Do you have enough space for the spool and a safely-sized surrounding patio?

• Is there current access to an electrical outlet that can manage the energy load?

• Have you tried swimming in a lap pool with a current, and does your model work the same way?

• Can you leave space in your backyard for non-swimming activities?

• Do you have young kids in the house and have you budgeted for safety fences?

• Can you set aside the time for ongoing maintenance?

Before you choose the right type of spool pool for you, always speak with at least three local pool installers to compare options and costs. Spool designs will run the gamut, and it's important to find one that fits the bill before investing in the installation.

Ginny Bartolone contributed to this piece.