Cocktail pools and spools both maximize compact spaces, but they serve different purposes. You’ll find cocktail pools prioritize stylish entertaining with built-in seating, tanning ledges, and decorative water features, perfect for intimate gatherings. Spools combine pool and spa elements, featuring powerful jets and heated water for therapeutic hydrotherapy benefits. While cocktail pools reach 12 by 14 feet, spools extend up to 20 by 10 feet. Understanding their unique features helps you choose the perfect fit for your backyard lifestyle.
Cocktail Pool vs Spool: What’s the Difference?
How do you choose between two pool types that look nearly identical at first glance? The distinction lies in functionality and design intent.
A cocktail pool prioritizes style and social atmosphere. You’ll find built-in seating, tanning ledges, and decorative water features that create an elegant entertaining space. These compact pools serve as stunning backyard focal points without demanding extensive square footage. With depths typically around 3-4 feet, cocktail pools allow guests to walk around comfortably while socializing. They’re excellent for single person enjoyment or small gatherings with close friends and family.
A spool, however, blends small spa pool characteristics with traditional pool elements. You’re getting jets, heating systems, and hydrotherapy benefits wrapped into one versatile unit. The warm, swirling water transforms your space into a relaxation retreat. With added heaters, your spool becomes usable year-round, extending enjoyment beyond the typical spring and summer seasons.
Both options work beautifully in limited areas, but your choice depends on whether you’re seeking a sophisticated social hub or therapeutic sanctuary.
Size and Depth Comparison
Beyond functionality, dimensions shape how these pools integrate into your outdoor living space.
The right dimensions transform your backyard into a seamless retreat where relaxation meets smart design.
Cocktail Pool Dimensions
You’ll find cocktail pools reach maximum dimensions of 12 by 14 feet, with typical lengths spanning 9 to 13 feet. These compact designs hold 400 to 700 cubic feet, equivalent to 25 standard bathtubs. When comparing cocktail pool vs spool options, cocktails accommodate 2 to 6 people comfortably. Derby City Pools offers three standardized sizes: 8×5, 10×6, and 13×7 feet.
Spool Specifications
What is a spool pool? This hybrid pool spa stretches larger, measuring 8 by 18 feet up to 20 by 10 feet, holding 6,000 to 6,800 gallons. You can host gatherings of up to 10 people. The spool’s compact footprint leaves space for other backyard activities like seating areas and landscaping.
Depth Consistency
Both spool cocktail pool designs maintain uniform depths between 3 to 5 feet, eliminating traditional deep ends while maximizing usable space for relaxation and socializing. Plunge pools offer an exception, featuring compact footprints with depths exceeding 4 feet for a more immersive experience.
Cocktail Pool Features for Entertaining
When you’re designing a cocktail pool for entertaining, built-in seating options like integrated benches and perimeter ledges create natural gathering spots for conversation. Tanning ledges with umbrellas add functional elegance, giving guests a place to lounge while staying cool. Strategic water features and LED lighting systems transform your compact pool into an inviting evening retreat that balances aesthetic appeal with social functionality. The cozy and intimate setting makes cocktail pools an ideal focal point for laid-back parties and socializing with friends. These pools work perfectly for intimate gatherings of fewer than 10 people, creating the right atmosphere for meaningful connections. For enhanced relaxation, you can incorporate hydrotherapy jets that blend spa-like comfort with your social space.
Built-In Seating Options
Built-in seating transforms a cocktail pool from a simple water feature into a true entertaining destination. You’ll find bench seating strategically placed along perimeters and in deep-end configurations, creating intimate conversation zones while maximizing your compact footprint.
Rainforest models showcase this elegance with dual cuddle coves in the 12′ x 25′ design, while Harmony series pools feature full-length benches spanning sizes from 16’5″ to 23’0″. The Palladium Plunge takes functionality further by integrating heated jets directly into seating areas, perfect for sipping cocktails with friends. Models like the Neblina Grande and Cali Cove also feature integrated tanning ledges that provide additional lounging space for sunbathing between conversations.
You can customize your layout with sweetheart spaces for intimate gatherings or perimeter ledges that double as drink rests. These thoughtfully designed seating options support aquafitness sessions, relaxation, and social events, ensuring your cocktail pool delivers resort-style atmosphere without sacrificing square footage. With typical depths of 3-5 feet, the seating areas remain comfortable for guests of varying heights while maintaining that intimate entertaining vibe.
Tanning Ledges With Umbrellas
Tanning ledges paired with in-pool umbrellas create the ultimate lounging destination within your cocktail pool’s compact footprint. These shallow platforms, typically 6-12 inches deep, serve as the primary location for umbrella sleeves embedded directly into the gunite structure. When you’re not using the umbrella, the sleeve sits flush with the ledge surface for a seamless aesthetic.
You’ll find marine-grade Sunbrella fabrics stretched over flexible fiberglass ribs, designed to resist wind, corrosion, and UV damage. Rust-resistant anodized aluminum poles withstand constant exposure to chemically treated water. Options include pulley-and-pin mechanisms or crank systems with auto-tilt functionality, letting you track the sun’s movement throughout the day. Vented canopy designs paired with secure tie-downs help your umbrella withstand gusty conditions without compromising stability. Canopy shapes range from square to hexagonal, octagonal, or round, allowing you to coordinate with your pool finishes and patio furniture for a cohesive look.
Installing multiple sleeves across two or three locations maximizes shade flexibility while maintaining your pool’s resort-inspired elegance. Choosing two-piece aluminum poles allows you to replace only the bottom section if prolonged water and chemical exposure causes pitting, saving money on future maintenance.
Water Features and Lighting
Three design elements, water features, integrated lighting, and jet systems, transform your cocktail pool from a simple soaking spot into an entertainment centerpiece.
Waterfalls create mesmerizing cascades using faux rocks for natural ambiance, while sheer descents produce glass-like sheets of flowing water. Floating fountains anchor in your pool’s center, shooting water upward for stunning 360-degree views. Pencil jets arch narrow streams across the surface, and gushers bubble up from the bottom at adjustable heights. For a truly dramatic effect, sunset waterfall features create mesmerizing water cascading displays that serve as majestic centerpieces for entertaining.
Pre-plumbed LED lights come standard in composite models, illuminating water features with color-changing effects after sunset. Color Vision Bubblers brighten tanning ledges, while the Magic Bowl combines fountain action with fire-like glow, no fuel required.
Spa jets paired with heaters deliver therapeutic relaxation, and mist systems can reduce temperatures up to 30 degrees for invigorating comfort. With sizes ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 gallons, these compact pools are perfectly sized to fit today’s lifestyle while still accommodating impressive water feature installations.
Spool Features for Hydrotherapy
When you’re seeking therapeutic benefits beyond simple relaxation, spools deliver targeted hydrotherapy features that transform your backyard into a wellness retreat.
Spools combine heated water maintained at 33-36°C with powerful spa jets that massage tired muscles and improve circulation. The hydrostatic pressure acts as a gentle compression system, dilating blood vessels to deliver oxygen while flushing lactic acid from overworked tissue.
Heated water and targeted jets work together to boost circulation, flush toxins, and restore tired muscles naturally.
Three Core Hydrotherapy Advantages:
- Buoyancy support reduces joint pressure, enabling freer movement during injury rehabilitation
- Water resistance builds strength while enhancing range of motion through controlled, low-impact workouts
- Jet-powered massage targets specific muscle groups, reducing pain and stiffness
Advanced spools incorporate underwater treadmills and counter-current systems, letting you customize each session’s intensity for your wellness goals.
Which Fits Small Backyards Better?
Beyond therapeutic benefits, your available outdoor space ultimately determines which pool type works best for your property. Spools generally run 10′ to 16′ in length, while cocktail pools stretch larger at 23′ x 12′ to 26′ x 13′. For extremely tight yards, spools deliver the compact footprint you need without sacrificing functionality.
Both options hold 8,000 to 10,000 gallons, significantly less than standard pools at 12,000 to 13,500 gallons. This reduced volume translates to lower heating and chemical maintenance costs year-round.
Rectangular configurations maximize space efficiency better than curved designs. You’ll accommodate 2 to 6 guests comfortably in either option, though cocktail pools offer more room for entertaining with built-in benches and tanning ledges. Spools trade that extra social space for hydrotherapy jets, making your choice dependent on whether you prioritize gathering or wellness.
Maintenance and Running Costs Compared
Although both pool types share compact dimensions, their maintenance demands differ enough to impact your annual budget. Spools typically run $50+ monthly, while cocktail pools range $80, $150 for professional care. Both beat traditional pools on chemical and water usage since smaller volumes mean fewer treatments and less evaporation.
Key Cost Advantages:
- Energy efficiency, Cocktail pools heat faster, cutting utility bills; solar covers ($30, $150) reduce evaporation further
- Reduced repairs, Smaller equipment means pump and skimmer fixes stay under $300
- Seasonal savings, Opening and closing costs remain $150, $300, with compact sizes requiring less prep time
You’ll find both options deliver functional elegance without draining your wallet. Preventive maintenance protects your investment and avoids the $1,157 yearly loss from neglect.
Best Uses for Cocktail Pools
A cocktail pool transforms your backyard into a social entertaining hub where intimate gatherings unfold around built-in seating and ambient LED lighting. You’ll appreciate how its compact footprint creates an aesthetic centerpiece that balances elegance with functional outdoor living space. The design also accommodates light exercise routines, letting you enjoy water aerobics or resistance training without sacrificing your yard’s visual harmony.
Social Entertaining Hub
Conviviality defines the cocktail pool‘s true purpose, transforming your compact backyard into an intimate gathering space where conversations flow as freely as drinks. You’ll find built-in perimeter seating creates natural conversation zones, while atmospheric LED lighting sets the mood for evening soirées.
Your cocktail pool becomes the focal point for gatherings of ten or fewer guests, optimizing every square foot for social connection rather than lap swimming.
Essential entertaining features:
- Integrated benches position guests at water’s edge, encouraging relaxed mingling and effortless socializing
- Color-changing underwater lights shift ambiance from casual afternoon hangouts to sophisticated twilight parties
- Custom water features like jets and cascades add resort-caliber sophistication while masking neighborhood noise
Year-round heating options extend your hosting season, making spontaneous gatherings possible regardless of temperature.
Aesthetic Backyard Centerpiece
Your cocktail pool serves as more than a water feature, it’s the visual anchor that defines your entire outdoor aesthetic. Grecian-style layouts and rounded spa-inspired designs create elegant focal points that draw the eye and elevate your backyard’s sophistication.
You’ll transform ordinary spaces into showstoppers through strategic customization. Colorful mosaics, glossy tile finishes, and pebble aggregates add textured depth while waterfalls and fountains introduce dynamic movement. LED lighting extends your pool’s visual impact into evening hours, creating ambient atmospheres for relaxation.
Integration matters most for cohesive design. Surround your cocktail pool with stone patios, strategic greenery, and hardscaping elements that complement its shape. Position lantern posts and ambient fixtures to highlight architectural details. Add arbors or brick walkways that guide guests toward your centerpiece, creating a natural spa retreat within your own backyard.
Light Exercise Space
Beyond visual appeal, cocktail pools offer functional elegance through low-impact exercise opportunities that transform your backyard centerpiece into a personal wellness zone. Water’s natural buoyancy reduces joint stress by up to 90%, making your cocktail pool ideal for gentle movement and recovery exercises.
You’ll discover that waist-deep water enables walking, jogging, and stretching without the harsh impact of land-based workouts. This creates an accessible fitness space regardless of age or ability level.
Key wellness benefits your cocktail pool delivers:
- Joint protection, Water counteracts gravity, supporting arthritis management and injury rehabilitation
- Cardiovascular improvement, Light aquatic movement enhances heart health while burning 200-500 calories per 30-minute session
- Mental wellness, Warm water exercise reduces stress and anxiety, boosting overall mood
Best Uses for Spools
When space comes at a premium but you refuse to compromise on luxury, a spool delivers the perfect solution. You’ll maximize your compact backyard, rooftop, or courtyard while retaining both pool and spa functionality. The typical 3-5 meter length fits seamlessly alongside outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and seating areas.
Your spool transforms with the seasons. Heat it during winter months for therapeutic soaking, then cool it down for invigorating summer dips. Built-in jets provide hydrotherapy benefits year-round, supporting improved circulation and better sleep.
Beyond relaxation, you can use your spool for resistance training and water aerobics. The jets create currents strong enough for in-place swimming, turning limited square footage into a genuine fitness zone. It’s functional elegance that works as hard as you do.
Quick Guide: Cocktail Pool or Spool?
The distinction between cocktail pools and spools comes down to one essential element: jet-powered hydrotherapy. While both options deliver compact luxury for small spaces, your priorities will determine the right fit.
Choose based on your lifestyle:
- Select a cocktail pool if you’re drawn to decorative water features, tanning ledges, and creating an elegant social atmosphere for entertaining guests.
- Opt for a spool if you crave warm, pulsating massage jets and year-round heated relaxation with therapeutic benefits.
- Consider your budget since spools require heating systems and jet equipment, while cocktail pools offer flexibility in customization costs.
Both designs accommodate up to ten people and transform limited outdoor spaces into stunning retreats. Your choice shapes the experience you’ll enjoy daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Add Jets to a Cocktail Pool Later?
Yes, you can add jets to your cocktail pool later through retrofitting. You’ll need a professional to assess your pool’s structural integrity and plumbing systems before modification. Your pool’s compact size, typically around 12×14 feet, actually makes jet installation easier. Once you’ve added jets and paired them with a heater, you’ve fundamentally/basically/in effect/in essence transformed your cocktail pool into a spool, gaining therapeutic hydrotherapy benefits and year-round usability.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Spool?
You’ll typically wait 3-5 weeks for your spool installation once permitting wraps up. The actual on-site work moves quickly, excavation takes just 2-3 days, followed by same-day shell placement and backfill. Your total timeline from design to first dip spans 2-6 weeks depending on weather, site conditions, and local inspections. Since spools are compact, you’re looking at the faster end of fiberglass pool installation schedules.
Do Cocktail Pools or Spools Require Permits?
Yes, you’ll need permits for both cocktail pools and spool pools. Since they’re inground installations, you’re looking at building permits that cover structural integrity, plumbing, electrical, and safety features like fencing and alarms. Expect permit costs between $300 and $1,200 for cocktail pools. If your spool includes heating, you’ll also need a mechanical permit. Always check with your local building department before breaking ground, requirements vary by location.
Can Children Safely Play in Spools?
Yes, children can safely play in spools when you implement proper safety measures. You’ll need barriers at least 4 feet tall with self-closing gates and pool alarms that alert you to water entry. Don’t leave kids unattended, constant supervision remains essential. Install non-slip surfaces around the deck and anti-entrapment drain covers. Keep life-saving equipment accessible, and teach your children basic swimming skills for added protection.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Spool?
Your spool’s lifespan depends primarily on its construction material. Concrete and gunite spools offer the longest durability, lasting 50+ years with proper maintenance. Fiberglass options give you 25-30 years of enjoyment, while vinyl liner spools typically endure 20-35 years, though you’ll need to replace the liner every 5-15 years. Regular maintenance, balanced water chemistry, and professional annual inspections will maximize your investment’s longevity regardless of which material you’ve chosen.