Swimming pool design guide will give you ideas for that dream pool you want, from concrete pools, above ground pools and even fiberglass pools.

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More homeowners in New York and Connecticut are discovering the allure of cocktail pools as the perfect enhancement for their outdoor living spaces. These compact and stylish pools, expertly designed and installed by Neave Group, offer an ideal blend of sophisticated form and practical function—especially for those with limited backyard space or a desire for a more intimate, spa-like retreat.

Cocktail pools bring a touch of luxury without the extensive footprint and upkeep of a traditional swimming pool. This makes them a particularly attractive solution for urban and suburban properties in New York and Connecticut. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil space to unwind after a long day or a cozy setting to host intimate backyard gatherings, a cocktail pool designed by Neave Group can transform your landscape into a personal oasis.

Plunge rectangular inground cocktail pools in a landscaped backyard, illustrating small pools designs for compact outdoor living

What Is a Cocktail Pool? 

A cocktail pool, sometimes referred to as a “compact pool” or “spool,” is a smaller-sized pool meticulously designed for lounging, soaking, and socializing. While the name suggests a relaxed vibe, the benefits, especially when implemented by Neave Group, are seriously impressive.

Typically under 400 square feet in area and around 3 to 5 feet deep, cocktail pools are designed with a focus on relaxation and aesthetics rather than extensive swimming. Many include built-in bench seating, hydrotherapy jets, and efficient heaters—features that seamlessly blend the characteristics of a pool and a spa.

To complement your outdoor design, Neave Group can help you elevate your yard with the most ideal swimming pool features and custom aquatic features available for your New York or Connecticut home.

Why Homeowners in New York and Connecticut Choose Cocktail Pools 

In the Northeast, where real estate space can be a premium, cocktail pools designed and installed by Neave Group offer an excellent way to introduce water elements into your outdoor design without overwhelming your backyard.

Here’s why they’re particularly appealing in this region, with Neave Group as your trusted partner:

  • Adaptable to Tight Spaces, Maximized by Neave Group’s Design Expertise: In areas where space is limited, Neave Group excels at designing and installing cocktail pools that fit seamlessly into your property, maximizing every square foot.
  • Climate-Friendly Design for Extended Enjoyment with Neave Group’s Solutions: With the addition of efficient heaters and smart automation, expertly integrated by Neave Group, your cocktail pool can be enjoyed well beyond the summer months, a practical investment for New York and Connecticut’s variable weather.
  • Urban Luxury, Elevated by Neave Group’s Craftsmanship: In dense, high-end neighborhoods, a cocktail pool designed and installed by Neave Group adds instant value and elegance to your property without the extensive cost or footprint of a traditional pool.
  • Aesthetic Innovation by Neave Group: Neave Group has a long-standing reputation for creative outdoor design around cocktail pools. Through thoughtful hardscaping, landscaping, and strategic lighting, we ensure these small pools make a significant aesthetic impact.

Key Features of a Cocktail Pool

What sets cocktail pools apart isn’t just their size—it’s the thoughtful features and design possibilities that Neave Group expertly integrates into their smaller footprint:

  • Optimized, Compact Design: Neave Group designs cocktail pools typically ranging between 9 and 14 feet in length, with depths up to about 5 feet, providing ample space to stretch out and cool down without requiring extensive yard space.
  • Built-in Seating for Socializing: Many cocktail pools feature integrated benches or perimeter seating, creating an inviting space for relaxation and conversation while in the water.
  • Spa-Like Additions for Year-Round Retreats: Neave Group can easily equip your cocktail pool with spa-style features like invigorating hydrotherapy jets, efficient heaters, and convenient temperature automation, transforming it into a year-round personal retreat, even during chilly evenings or the shoulder seasons.
  • Custom Lighting & Ambiance: Neave Group’s lighting experts can create an inviting mood for evening entertaining with strategically placed LED lights, underwater lighting, and elegant deck-level accent lights.
  • Elegant Water Features Add a touch of sophistication with fountains, bubblers, or spillover edges, expertly designed and installed to elevate your design and create soothing background sounds.
  • Smart Automation for Ultimate Convenience: Neave Group can integrate smart automation systems, allowing you to control everything from lighting to water temperature using your smartphone for ultimate convenience.

Customization Options to Match Your Outdoor Style

Cocktail pools by Neave Group are all about personalization. Whether you envision a rustic, wood-accented look or a sleek, modern design, Neave Group offers virtually endless ways to tailor your pool to your unique taste and your property’s aesthetic.

  • Material Choices: Neave Group offers a range of high-quality materials, chosen for your aesthetic and design.
  • Shape & Layout: Opt for a modern rectangular pool or choose a classic circular or Grecian-style layout, expertly designed by Neave Group.
  • Fitness Upgrades: Despite their compact size, Neave Group can incorporate features like swim machines for resistance swimming or underwater treadmills/bikes for aquatic workouts, allowing for low-impact exercise in your cocktail pool.

If you have a vision for your backyard, Neave Group has the expertise and creativity to bring it to life. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and explore the possibilities.

Plunge Pool

What to Consider Before Installing a Cocktail Pool 

While cocktail pools are a fantastic solution for many homeowners in New York and Connecticut, Neave Group provides expert guidance on a few practical considerations during the planning process:

  • Space Planning: Although they’re small pools, Neave Group ensures your cocktail pool has adequate surrounding space for decking, landscaping, and easy access, seamlessly integrating it into your overall outdoor layout.
  • Permits and Codes, Navigated by Neave Group: In New York and Connecticut, Neave Group’s experienced team helps you navigate local regulations and ensures all necessary permits and safety fencing requirements for in-ground pools—even small ones—are met.
  • Clear Installation Timeline: Neave Group provides clear timelines, which can vary depending on your design, municipality, the materials selected, and the scope of your landscaping. We strive to keep your project on schedule.
  • Ongoing Maintenance: Neave Group offers comprehensive maintenance services to keep your cocktail pool water clean and all equipment running smoothly, ensuring long-term enjoyment.

Is a Cocktail Pool Right for You? Let Neave Group Help You Decide.

A cocktail pool designed and installed by Neave Group may be the perfect choice if:

  • You desire a water feature primarily for lounging and entertaining—not for extensive swimming or large-scale play.
  • Your yard is compact, or you want to preserve valuable space for other outdoor amenities, a challenge Neave Group expertly addresses with our designs.
  • You’re looking for a low-maintenance luxury that enhances your lifestyle and adds significant value to your New York or Connecticut home.
  • You want a spa-like experience that extends into the cooler months, thanks to Neave Group’s heating and automation solutions.

Not sure whether a cocktail pool is the right choice for your property? Let our experts at Neave Group help you assess your space, understand your needs, and choose the perfect size and style pool for your backyard. Whether you ultimately opt for a cocktail pool or a larger design, Neave Group is committed to helping you create the yard of your dreams.

Ready to Add a Cocktail Pool to Your Outdoor Space? Contact Neave Group Today

A cocktail pool, expertly designed and installed by Neave Group, brings year-round relaxation, elevated design, and smart use of space—all in one beautifully compact package. If you’re dreaming of an elegant outdoor escape that fits your lifestyle and your lot size in New York or Connecticut, a custom cocktail pool from Neave Group could be the answer you’ve been searching for.

Contact Neave Group today to schedule a consultation and explore the possibilities for your property. Let’s bring your backyard vision to life—beautifully, creatively, and completely customized to you.

Swimming pool design guide will give you ideas for that dream pool you want, from concrete pools, above ground pools and even fiberglass pools.

FREE Pool Design Guide

Download our FREE 25-page Swimming Pool Design Guide and create a perfect paradise in your backyard.

Download Now