You’ve heard it before. Maybe from your kids, your spouse, or even yourself on a hot summer day.
“Wouldn’t it be great to have a pool in the backyard?”
But even as you picture yourself relaxing on a pool float, you can’t help but wonder if it’s actually possible. Your backyard might be on the smaller side. Maybe it’s sloped. Maybe you’re part of an HOA, or you’re already picturing the mess of heavy equipment tearing up the lawn. The truth is, a pool sounds great in theory. However, in practice, the idea feels complicated.
And you’re not wrong to hesitate.
Installing a pool is a big project, and for many homeowners, it starts with uncertainty: Is it even an option for my backyard?
Whether you’re doing research for yourself or trying to balance your family’s wish list, this post will help you weigh the practical realities and what might be a better pool alternative for your backyard.
Common concerns before putting in a backyard pool
Everyone imagines the fun part of adding a pool: Long summer afternoons in the water. Relaxing swims under the stars. Kids turning every game into Marco Polo.
But before any of that becomes reality, there’s the process of planning, permitting, and construction. Those details can quickly shift the conversation from excitement to hesitation.
Backyards come in all shapes and sizes, and not every space is pool-ready. Zoning rules, space constraints, and access issues often shape the decision long before a shovel ever hits the ground.
For many homeowners, these concerns are the difference between moving forward and putting their pool project on hold.
Limited access to your backyard
It’s easy to picture the finished product: a sparkling pool, right in the backyard, even if the space is on the smaller side. But what’s harder to imagine is everything that comes before that.
Can you picture a 3-ton Bobcat, a 4-ton excavator, and a tandem dump truck rolling across the lawn? That’s the kind of equipment a typical pool build requires when there’s good access.
In tighter spaces, it’s still possible. Some builders can work with access the size of a standard doorway. But smaller machines mean slower work, and the cost can climb quickly. Excavating a pool with tight access can run about 50% more than a standard dig.
Beyond cost, construction can be loud and disruptive, with heavy machinery running for days or weeks. For some homeowners, that means sacrificing more than just part of the yard. It’s a temporary loss of privacy and peace, too.
And that’s before factoring in whether fences need to come down or neighbors need to sign off on using part of their property for access.
Zoning rules, setbacks, and HOA restrictions
Depending on where you live, there may be rules limiting where a pool can go, how close it can be to your house or property line, or even how deep it can be based on its proximity to your home. You’ll also need to check for utility easements or drainage systems; required fencing or barriers; and HOA guidelines that could restrict design, size, or placement.
It’s not uncommon to need a permit, as well as a site plan or CAD drawing, before you can move forward.
It’s also important to check for less obvious limitations. In some areas, local codes may require a specific distance between a pool and things like power lines, septic fields, or utility easements. These rules can affect where — and even if — you’re able to build.
Yard size and terrain
A standard lap pool is typically 40 feet long and 8 feet wide. Even smaller in-ground pools still need a flat, stable area to be installed safely.
In a backyard that’s narrow, sloped, or heavily landscaped, the project can quickly become more complicated. Leveling the yard or adding retaining walls might be necessary. A contractor may also recommend removing trees, shrubs, or hardscaping to create enough space.
When the yard slopes toward the house or has poor drainage, there’s also the potential for long-term issues like erosion or foundation instability.
Budget and long-term maintenance
Just like any feature around the home, a backyard pool will require regular upkeep. The better it’s cared for, the more it can be enjoyed — and the longer it will last. But even with consistent maintenance, the ongoing costs and responsibilities can add up.
Opening and closing the pool each season can require professional service. Heating the water for comfort can drive up utility bills. And over time, parts wear out. Pumps, filters, and liners may all need to be repaired or replaced. For pools with vinyl liners, replacement is typically needed every seven to 10 years.
Then there’s water care. Keeping the chemistry balanced means stocking up on chlorine or other sanitizers and regularly testing and adjusting levels. It’s manageable, but it becomes a part of the routine.
In many climates, a pool might only be used for part of the year. That limited use can raise practical questions: Is it worth the cost? Will we be able to enjoy it often enough? Does this investment add value or just add to our to-do list?
A different kind of backyard pool: Michael Phelps Swim Spas
If you’ve read this far and are thinking, “Maybe a traditional pool just isn’t realistic for us,” that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the dream. A Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa can offer the same benefits of a pool — exercise, relaxation, and family time — in a more manageable, compact format.
Here’s why it might be the right fit for your home.
Compact size, flexible placement
Michael Phelps Swim Spas range from 17 to 19 feet in length. That’s enough space for a strong, adjustable swim current without needing the footprint of a full lap pool. Many homeowners place their swim spa on a concrete pad, deck, or patio. You won’t need to give up your entire backyard to install it.
Easier installation
Unlike a traditional in-ground pool, a swim spa doesn’t require major excavation. In many cases, it can be placed directly on a concrete pad or reinforced patio. For homes with limited access, such as narrow gates, tight lots, and close neighbors, that can make all the difference.
Installation takes less than a day once your site is ready. The swim spa is delivered as a single unit and set in place using a crane or large dolly. Once it’s positioned and connected to power, it’s ready to be filled and heated.
Prefer the look of an in-ground pool? A custom installation can make that happen. Many homeowners choose to partially or fully recess their swim spa into a deck or surrounding landscape for a built-in appearance.
Year-round use
Unlike most pools, a Michael Phelps Swim Spa can be used in every season — even winter. With energy-efficient foam insulation and a built-in heating system, it becomes a four-season wellness space in your own backyard.
Simpler maintenance
Swim spas are easier to care for than full-size pools. You’ll use fewer chemicals, less water, and less energy. The built-in mineral filtration system uses natural elements like copper and zinc to keep the water clean.
More HOA- and budget-friendly
Since swim spas are portable and above-ground, the permitting process may be simpler. Some HOAs view them more like hot tubs than permanent pools, which can open up more possibilities for your space. And while pricing varies, a swim spa can often cost less than an in-ground pool — especially when you factor in installation and long-term care.
A better backyard pool option
Wanting a pool doesn’t mean you have to commit to a massive construction project. If you’re feeling stuck between what your family wants and what your yard can support, a swim spa might be the right middle ground.
Explore the Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa lineup to see how you can bring home the benefits of swimming, without the complications of a traditional pool. Have questions about pricing? A swim spa dealer near you can give you a quote and guide you through the buying process.