Not enough space for a pool? Welcome to the era of the spool.
That’s right. Spool pools, which are also known as spa-pool hybrids, are compact, versatile, and designed for people who want it all: a place to cool off in the summer, warm up in the winter, and not lose their garden in the process.
These mini marvels are becoming the go-to choice for modern homeowners, especially in urban areas where land is limited and lifestyle expectations aren’t.
They’re not just trendy. They’re strategic.
You get jets like a spa, enough room to stretch out like a pool, and a footprint small enough to fit next to your herb garden. Literally.
Whether you’re looking to relax, entertain, or just make that awkward corner of your backyard finally useful, a spool could be the smartest feature you add to your home this year.
Let’s break it down. Function, cost, comfort, and figure out if this is your ticket to small-space aquatic bliss.
Key Takeaways
- Spools are compact spa–pool hybrids, typically 3-5 m long and 2-3 m wide, combining heated jets with space to stretch or swim gently.
- Ideal for small backyards, rooftops, or courtyards, offering year-round use: heat in winter, cool in summer.
- Benefits: space-saving luxury, low operating costs, custom design options, and fast installation (2-6 weeks).
- Cost: €15k-€25k basic; €30k-€50k+ with upgrades like jets, heating, or automation.
- More versatile than a hot tub (more space) and cozier than a plunge pool (heated + jets).
- Design flexibility allows styles from modern minimal to tropical retreat.
What Is a Spool?
A spool is what happens when a spa and a pool get together and design something smarter.
It’s a compact water feature, usually between 3 and 5 meters long, combining the best of both worlds: the heating and jets of a spa, with just enough room to stretch out and float like a pool.
They’re built for small yards, rooftops, courtyards. Basically, all the places where a traditional in-ground pool says “not a chance.” Spools are designed to fit where pools can’t, without sacrificing function or flair.
You can swim, soak, stretch, or sip. It’s multifunctional luxury in a footprint smaller than your car.
Why Spools Are Trending
This isn’t a Pinterest trend that fizzles out after a season. Spools are growing in popularity because they solve real problems with style.
- Limited space? Spool fits.
- No time for high-maintenance pool ownership? Spool doesn’t ask much.
- Want something you can use in July and December? Spool heats up or cools down, your choice.
They’ve especially taken off post-2020. More people are staying home. More investing in wellness. More demand for spaces that work harder without getting bigger.
And if you’re someone who likes to entertain, spools tick another box: they look impressive. Sleek, tiled, maybe a waterfall or two. They’re conversation starters, just without the price tag or commitment of a full pool build.
Benefits of a Spool
Let’s break this into real-life wins.
Space-Saving Luxury
You don’t need a football field to install a spool. A patio or courtyard is often enough. That weird corner of your backyard? It just became a spa zone.
Year-Round Use
Heat it up in winter. Cool it down in summer. No need to shut it down half the year or cover it in a tarp like it’s in hibernation.
Custom Design Options
You can get wild here with LED lighting, water features, natural stone coping, built-in benches, automation that lets you fire up the jets from your phone. It’s small, but it doesn’t have to feel small.
Low Operating Costs
Less water. Less heating. Fewer chemicals. Compared to a full-size pool, a spool is like running a scooter instead of an SUV.
Average Spool Sizes and Dimensions
So what exactly are we talking about size-wise?
A standard spool is around 3 to 5 meters long, 2 to 3 meters wide, and about 1.2 to 1.4 meters deep. Just enough to soak comfortably, but not deep enough for diving.
Most spools seat 4 to 6 people comfortably, especially if you include built-in bench seating.
Think of it as bigger than a hot tub, smaller than a pool, and exactly the right size for modern living.
Spool Installation and Setup
Here’s what to expect when you decide to build one:
- Site prep is usually straightforward. Concrete base, proper drainage, and access for plumbing and electricity.
- You can go above-ground, semi-in-ground, or fully in-ground, depending on budget and aesthetics.
- Add-ons like heating, spa jets, and smart controls are common, and worth the upgrade.
- Most spool installations take 2 to 6 weeks, depending on complexity and contractor schedule.
It’s one of the few home upgrades that feels like a splurge but builds faster than a garden shed.
Cost of a Spool Pool
Let’s talk about the euros.
- A basic, no-frills spool will cost around €15,000 to €25,000.
- Add heating, jets, automation, or fancy materials and you’re looking at €30,000 to €50,000+.
- Ongoing monthly costs? €50 to €150, depending on climate and usage.
Yes, it’s more than an inflatable hot tub. But it’s also something that adds long-term value to your home, both emotionally and financially.
It’s a luxury that doesn’t sprawl, or drain your wallet in upkeep.
Spool Pool vs. Hot Tub vs. Plunge Pool
Let’s clear this up, because not all small pools are created equal.
- A spool is heated, has jets, and is large enough to move around in. Think soak + stretch.
- A hot tub is all jets, all heat, and all packed in. Cozy but limited.
- A plunge pool is often unheated, shallow, and mostly used for cooling off, not relaxing for hours.
If you want a multiseason, multipurpose setup, the spool wins. It’s the most balanced of the three which are small enough to manage, big enough to enjoy.
Design Ideas for Small Backyards
Here’s where spools shine. You can make them look incredible in almost any space.
- Tuck one into a courtyard with natural stone and a privacy screen.
- Build a raised deck around it with built-in lighting and bench seating.
- Add smart LED lighting, a sleek waterfall, or dark interior tile for a modern, spa-like finish.
- Use resistance jets if you want to swim in place (yes, that’s a thing).
Whatever your style is. Mediterranean, minimalist, tropical? A spool can match it. And elevate it.
Is a Spool Right for You?
Let’s keep it simple.
If you…
- Live in the city (or just have a small backyard)
- Want year-round water use without the full pool investment
- Value design and relaxation more than lap space
- Prefer something low-maintenance but high impact
…then yes, a spool probably fits your life better than any other water feature out there.
Because sometimes, small is smarter.
Conclusion
Here’s the bottom line: spools are small, but they punch way above their weight.
They offer the year-round utility of a spa, the open comfort of a pool, and the footprint of a large patio set. For homeowners with limited space but unlimited ambition? That’s a win.
You don’t need a massive yard to have a high-end water feature. You need smart design. Efficient heating. Maybe a few jets.
Choosing a spool isn’t about compromise. It’s about clarity. What do you actually want from your water space? A little exercise? A lot of relaxation? Somewhere to enjoy your morning coffee… waist-deep?
If you’re nodding yes, a spool might be your perfect middle ground.
So stop dreaming about a pool that won’t fit. Design around the life you want with the space you already have.
Want a custom spool designed for your small space? Talk to us at Oásis Biosistema and explore compact, low-maintenance water features built for year-round comfort.
FAQ
What is called a spool?
A spool is a compact pool-spa hybrid, typically 3–5 meters long, designed for small spaces. It combines features of a swimming pool and hot tub, offering heating, jets, and enough room to relax or exercise in a smaller footprint.
What is the other meaning of spool?
Outside of pools, a spool refers to a cylindrical device used to wind, store, or release materials such as thread, wire, or cable. It keeps the material organized and allows it to be easily dispensed when needed.
What are spools used for?
Spools are used to hold and manage continuous materials like thread, fishing line, electrical wire, or hoses. They make storage, transport, and controlled unwinding easier while preventing tangling or damage to the material.
What does spool out mean?
To “spool out” means to unwind or release material from a spool, such as cable, rope, or fishing line. In mechanical contexts, it can also mean letting out a controlled length of material during use.
