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Cocktail Pools
Small Pools, Big Impact
Create the Perfect Backyard Getaway with a Custom Cocktail Pool
A cocktail pool is the perfect blend of luxury and practicality, offering a refreshing retreat in a compact, stylish design. Ideal for smaller backyards, patios, or intimate outdoor spaces, these pools provide all the benefits of a traditional swimming pool without requiring a large footprint. Whether you want to cool off on a hot day, create a cozy conversation area, or enjoy a laid-back soak with a drink in hand, a cocktail pool transforms your backyard into a personal oasis.
At California Pools & Landscape, we design custom cocktail pools that maximize space, efficiency, and elegance. Whether you envision a tranquil escape or a sleek, social gathering spot, our expert team crafts a tailored design to complement your outdoor space and lifestyle.
What is a Cocktail Pool?
A cocktail pool is a small yet stylish pool designed for lounging, cooling off, and entertaining, making it the perfect addition to any intimate backyard setting. Often referred to as a plunge pool or compact pool, it typically spans around 200 square feet with a depth of 3.5 to 5 feet, offering a refreshing retreat without requiring a large footprint. Adding a Baja step to a cocktail pool enhances both comfort and functionality, creating the perfect space to lounge in the water, dip your toes, or float under the sun while enjoying a sleek, resort-style escape.
Popular Cocktail Pool Features
Built-In Seating
Relax with bench seating that makes lounging effortless
Tanning Ledges
A shallow ledge for sunbathing or for little ones to splash around.
LED Lighting
Set the mood with customizable color-changing lights.
Water Features
Bubbling fountains, cascading waterfalls, or elegant deck jets add movement and sound.
Fire Features
Fire bowls or fire pits near the pool create a stunning contrast and a cozy ambiance.
Custom Designs for Any Backyard
Cocktail pools aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re versatile and fully customizable, ensuring they complement your outdoor space and fit seamlessly into your backyard’s design. Whether you’re going for a sleek, modern aesthetic or a lush, resort-style retreat, there’s a cocktail pool design to match.
Why Homeowners Love Cocktail Pools
Not every backyard can accommodate a large pool, and not every homeowner wants the maintenance that comes with one. They solve both problems beautifully, offering a compact, stylish, and easy-to-maintain solution for Arizona homes.
Designed for Your Lifestyle
Cocktail pools offer the perfect balance between function and relaxation. Whether you want a cool escape from the summer heat or a cozy retreat with heated comfort, this compact design makes it possible. Smart filtration and energy-efficient heating ensure the water stays pristine and at just the right temperature—so you can enjoy your backyard oasis anytime.
Elevated Outdoor Living
More than just a place to swim, a cocktail pool transforms your backyard into a refined gathering space. Imagine enjoying a refreshing soak with friends, sipping drinks poolside, or unwinding under an umbrella on your Baja shelf. With customizable features like built-in seating, water features, and mood-setting lighting, every moment feels like an experience.
All Great Builds Start With a Conversation
Whether you need an estimate, funding, or inspiration from our award winning designers, we're ready to roll our sleeves up and start building your dream space. If you're not quite ready... keep scrolling!
Sophisticated Simplicity
Cocktail pools offer the perfect balance of style and function, delivering the refreshing benefits of a full-sized pool in a sleek, space-saving design. Ideal for courtyards, patios, and compact backyards, they create a versatile retreat for both cooling off in the summer. At California Pools & Landscape, every cocktail pool is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with your outdoor space, enhancing both aesthetics and practicality.
Designed for Connection
A cocktail pool is more than just a place to take a dip—it’s an entertainment hub that brings people together. Built-in bench seating creates a comfortable gathering space, while custom water features and lighting set the perfect ambiance. Whether it’s a casual afternoon with family or an elegant evening with friends, this inviting space makes every moment feel like a luxury escape.
Seamless Style for Any Space
A well-designed cocktail pool enhances your outdoor space without overpowering it, offering premium materials, sleek tile finishes, and modern design options to match your aesthetic. Whether you prefer a contemporary resort feel or a natural, tranquil escape, your cocktail pool is custom-built to reflect your vision, proving that great design is all about the details.
All Great Builds Start With a Conversation
Whether you need an estimate, funding, or inspiration from our award winning designers, we're ready to roll our sleeves up and start building your dream space. If you're not quite ready... keep scrolling!
How Do Cocktail Pools Compare to Other Small Pools?
Looking for a compact pool that blends elegance with relaxation? Cocktail pools are designed for homeowners who want a stylish water feature that doubles as a social space. But how do they compare to play pools and spools? Here’s what you need to know:
Play Pools
Unlike cocktail pools, play pools are designed for active use and family fun. They’re shallow (around 3.5 to 5 feet) and provide ample space for games like pool volleyball and basketball. While a cocktail pool prioritizes style, a play pool is built for movement, socializing, and cooling off on hot days.
Spools
A spool (spa + pool) is the best of both worlds—a heated mini-pool with spa features. Unlike a cocktail pool, a spool allows for year-round use with jets and temperature control. If you’re looking for a pool that offers therapeutic relaxation and warmth, a spool might be the better fit.
See What Our Customers Are Saying
Warren Price
Excellent work and service. Had our pool installed 5 years ago. Still great.
Marc Steadman
Nicholas was the project manager for our pool/yard remodel and stayed involved from beginning to end. His design analysis and expertise was always appreciated. But most of all we were thankful that Nicholas took personal responsibility that our project would end well. We could always count on Nicholas to respond quickly, and to find the right person to get our concerns resolved. Thank you.
Michelle W.
Our pool was just finished last week and the whole project went so smooth. The most stressful part was the design but our designer, Jacob was very patient with us and helped up design our dream pool. We had absolutely zero complaints once construction started. Darrin made sure that the process was very smooth. If we had any questions or concerns he was on it and we were always able to get in touch with him. Communication was great and you can tell he really cares about the end project. California pools has a great team set up to make sure your pool is everything you dreamed of.
Cynthia Graham
Our pool project was just completed. Cal Pools helped us with design, materials and all labor. Chuck, the project manager, was knowledgeable and professional; terrific to work with. Donna, our job coordinator, answered all our questions promptly, and made the whole process enjoyable. Work with them again in a heartbeat! BEAUTIFUL pool.
Kate L.
Our supervisor was Nathan Reyes and he is my reason for this 5 star review. Nathan was truly the best!! Our designer left half way through the project but Nathan never missed a beat and got everything done and more!! Thank you Nathan and California Pools did an amazing job.
Marilyn
We love our pool. Steve ,our construction manager, is a stickler for detail. Making sure everything is done right. Answering our concerns. And making sure everything was done to our liking. It was a pleasure working with both Steve and Jessica. I think the scheduling could be a little tighter but we would recommend California Pools to anyone looking to build their dream pool.
Craig Noel
I am one that rarely gives reviews because of their subjective nature but in this case as a business owner who understands the value of those reviews, I just had to give one and 5 stars it is. From the competent staff to communication up front and throughout the process, was remarkable given the large project at hand. The results are even better than the design and I could not be any more elated. I also will say that as we compared pricing before committing, my advice would be that you can't put value or quality in a "low dollar amount" as the final product and experience holds that for us. Absolutely must recommend California Pools!
Greg Ridgley
Cole Marvin is an asset to California Pools ! Cole is very knowledgeable, Great designer and Knows the Pool business prompt, returns calls & always on time. Good Person
Ron and Linda Uhle
Design of our pool and spa by Cal Pools was a work of art! The construction of the pool and spa took 7 months and had its ups and downs with construction quality . These issues were fixed by Cal Pool during the construction period. With about 1.5 months left to complete the pool, the Cal Pool construction manager quit or was let go. Cal Pool provided us with a fantastic new construction manager (Stephen Dreher) and he got our pool and spa construction back on track. Stephen provided us with clear explanations of the final steps to complete the project. He also explained in detail how the equipment worked and gave us tips on pool maintenance. Stephen Dreher rocks!
Katherine Regier
I have really enjoyed working with Nathan. He is knowledgeable and professional. California pools and landscape is very fortunate to have him as an employee .
Jill Raeburn
You will not be disappointed if you choose Cal Pools and Landscaping for your pool and yard project. They were all great to work with. From designer Robby to Stephen the project manager, it was an awesome experience. Thanks for making everything beautiful at my home and thank you for all the hard work!
Colin G.
California Pools built and entirely custom pool, deck and gazebo for us for our vacation property in Arizona. Building a pool remotely is challenging but they provided good updates and made the process enjoyable. We had some challenges with the pool after year one but when we contacted the owner they engaged an amazing support team that provided a detailed and through repair inspection and part replacement process to solve the problems. Gabe and Jessie were both outstanding and went above and beyond to solve the problems immediately with detailed communications. They stood behind their products and did not charge us for any repairs regardless of warranty policies. We would definitely recommend them to anyone and would ONLY use them to build another pool!! Thank you Gabe and Jessie for your outstanding customer service!!
Ginger S.
I am completely impressed with their customer service namely Shelly, Super friendly and helpful! Got all my questions answered and felt comfortable making a decision after speaking with her!
Carrie D.
From the very beginning Our experience with California Pools has been top notch. We were blown away with the exceptional design skills Cody was able to bring to life on a zoom meeting on our very first meeting. Cody was able to take every little detail and made it a reality before our eyes. I had so many compliments on how unique our pool was designed when it was still dirt and rebar. Jordan came out for the first time and answered all our questions with a realistic timeline. He always answered or returned our calls with a solution. Made sure every step of the way was paved and did what he said he would do without fail. If he didn't know the answer he found one, we were never left wondering. He kept tabs on all the projects and crews on site to keep us moving forward very quickly with a smile on his face! He was very personable. Then there was Sara! She handled all the scheduling of the project. Some days we would have 3 or more crews here and she kept them coming rapid fire it was outstanding the way it came together in such a short amount of time. Always going the extra mile to get what we needed done and at lightning speed!! Her calm friendly "Sunshine" attitude was a warm genuine experience. She always responded in the app right away with an answer or a solution. So far we couldn't be happier with our experience. I have waited my whole adult life and California Pools made my dream a reality in my back yard!!! Thank you
Eric Weston
Great experience, Pete, Les and Frank did a great job from design through construction.
Sean Leute
In a time of construction delays and problems facing all of Arizona's construction industry, CA Pools handled our project with the upmost integrity, honesty and professionalism. Our Pool and backyard is everything we could have ever hoped for. Joel Parron did a wonderful job designing our pool using references of a pool my late father built when we were growing up. Eric Collins our construction manager was up front and honest about every step of the way helping navigate a very difficult time with the construction industry during the pandemic. Nadine Chapman helped keep our schedule in order so I was never surprised when a construction team would show up. The company's app helped make communication a breeze. My family and I would recommend them completely!
Lonnie J.
With so many choices we think we found the best. Our sales rep Travis gave us many options and sold us on value over lowest price. Value that means a lifetime warranty on decking. The product he showed was truly amazing and a must have in the hot AZ summer days. You can feel a huge difference between cool deck and concrete. The scheduler was amazing! Marcee was responsive, timely and very detailed in her communication. Without her we would be left wondering what's next! The construction manager Shawn gave us the time and individual attention we needed. Made sure that every detail met our needs. There are so many other little things that make CalPools great but I can sum it up this way. We started our search on the BBB website and there are a lot of choices of pool and landscape companies. Save your self time and heartache; go with CalIfornia Pools and landscape and you won't be disappointed. On time completion No surprise charges or fees No subcontracting Great communication Amazing final product. A huge financial investment well worth every penny! PS that's the best dog ever Marshall! An amazing beagle mix rescue from Friends of Orange County
Antonio S.
I am a home builder and few times it happens to me to meet companies so good! They were the less expensive of 4 estimates, their schedule was perfect, no delays, I made some change of orders and they were very accommodating, (and also I had some refunds because they used less material and labor!), very communicative, and the pool is beautiful and working good.Thank you Brian Fox and Rebecca Schulte, see you at the next project!
Scott Stevens
Our rep presented a great plan for our build. Took the time to explain the details of the contract, warranties and the continuing aftercare for us and the work they preform. Heads above the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cocktail Pools
What is a cocktail pool used for?
Are cocktail pools inground or above ground?
How much does a cocktail pool cost?
What is the difference between a cocktail pool and a plunge pool?
How big is a cocktail pool?
Do cocktail pools add value to a home?
Can cocktail pools be heated?
Are cocktail pools cheaper than regular pools?
How many people can fit in a cocktail pool?
What are some design ideas for cocktail pools?
Ready to Create Your Dream Oasis?
Start by establishing your budget today, and let us help you bring your vision to life with features like a Baja shelf that elevate both the luxury and enjoyment of your backyard. Get started now!
