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Some pools are made for lounging rather than lengths
Not everyone wants to swim fifty lengths before breakfast. For plenty of people, the dream is simpler. Warm water, a comfortable seat, the sun on your face and good company close by.
That is exactly the idea behind a cocktail pool. It is a compact, sociable pool designed for relaxing, cooling off and chatting rather than serious swimming. The name started in sunnier parts of the world, where small backyard pools became the place friends gathered with a drink on a hot evening.
In the UK, this style of pool has become more popular as gardens get smaller and people look for ways to enjoy their outdoor space all year. In this guide we explain what makes this type of pool different, how big it needs to be and how to make it feel special in a British garden.
What makes this kind of pool different
A traditional family pool is built around swimming. It needs length for lengths and space for games. A relaxing pool turns that thinking around. It puts comfort and conversation first.
Here are the features that usually define the style:
- A compact footprint that fits smaller gardens and courtyards.
- Built in benches or ledges so people can sit in the water.
- A comfortable, even depth for standing and lounging.
- Warm water that invites you to linger.
- A terrace or seating area close to the edge.
- Soft lighting for evenings.
Think of it as a halfway house between a swimming pool and a hot tub. You can cool off on a warm summer day, float about and chat with friends, then enjoy it again on a mild evening with the lights on. It is less about exercise and more about enjoying time outdoors.
Who it suits
A cocktail pool suits couples who want a calm place to unwind, families with younger children who mostly want to splash and play, and anyone who loves to entertain. It also suits people with smaller or awkwardly shaped gardens, where a full sized pool would simply not fit. If you picture yourself sitting in the water with friends more often than swimming, this style may be exactly what you are after. It can also be a sensible choice for people who already swim at a local club and simply want somewhere to cool off and relax at home.
If you prefer a squarer outline, the cube pool is a close cousin worth looking at.
How big is a cocktail pool?
There is no official size, and that is part of the appeal. These pools are usually much smaller than a family swimming pool, often just a few metres long and a couple of metres wide. The key is that there is enough room for a small group to sit comfortably and move around.
When you think about size, focus on how many people will use it at once. A couple who want a quiet place to unwind need far less space than a family who plan to host friends every weekend. Seating along one or two sides gives everyone a place to perch.
Depth is usually kept comfortable for standing. That makes it relaxing for adults and easier to manage for children, though supervision is always essential. Very deep water is rarely needed because the focus is not on diving or long swims.
A small pool also leaves more space for everything else in the garden. You can have a proper terrace, a lawn for the children and room for planting. If you are weighing up sizes, our small garden pool guide shares ideas on making the most of compact spaces.
Where to position it
Sun and shelter matter even more for a pool you plan to sit in. Look for a spot that catches the afternoon and evening sun, when you are most likely to use it. Keep it close enough to the house that nipping out for a dip feels easy, and far enough from large trees that leaves do not become a daily chore. Think about privacy too. A small pool tucked behind a timber screen or tall planting can feel like a secret retreat.
Depth is part of the appeal here, and our article on the shallow swimming pool explains when less depth makes more sense.
If you want something even smaller, a dipping pool can give you a cool place to sit in the tightest of spaces.
Designing a relaxing space around the water
The pool is only half the story. What surrounds it makes it feel like a place you want to spend the evening.
Seating in and out of the water
Built in benches and wide steps are the heart of a relaxing pool. With a one-piece shell, these are moulded in as part of the design, so they are smooth, strong and comfortable from day one. Around the edge, add loungers, a table and chairs, or a built in bench so people out of the water can join the conversation.
A terrace that frames the pool
Choose paving that stays comfortable underfoot and is slip resistant when wet. Place the main seating on the side that gets the evening sun. Our pool patio guide covers materials, finishes and layouts in more detail.
Shade and shelter
A pergola, a large parasol or a few well placed trees give shade on hot days and a sense of enclosure in the evening. A sheltered spot also keeps the water warmer and reduces leaves blowing in.
Lighting for evenings
Underwater lights make the pool glow after dark. Add soft lighting around the terrace and planting to create a relaxed mood. Colour changing lights are a fun option for parties. All electrical work should be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Planting
Plants bring softness and privacy. Choose ones that drop few leaves, keep them back from the edge and avoid anything prickly near bare feet. Scented plants near the seating are a lovely touch.
Little touches that make it feel like a holiday
The best cocktail pool designs feel like somewhere you would happily spend a whole evening. An outdoor kitchen or barbecue area nearby keeps the host close to the conversation. Weatherproof outdoor speakers, a firepit or patio heater for cooler nights, and plenty of towels close at hand all add to the feeling. Think about where drinks and snacks will be set down, and keep a clear, safe walkway around the edge. It all works best when everything you need is within easy reach. Small details like a towel rail, a shady spot for older guests and a place to charge a phone out of the splash zone make a surprising difference over a long summer evening.
If you love the idea of a social spot in the middle of the water, take a look at island pools for a few more ideas.
Keeping a cocktail pool warm and inviting
Warm water is essential for a pool made for lounging. Nobody wants to sit still in cold water for long.
The good news is that a compact pool holds much less water than a large family pool. That makes it quicker and easier to heat. An air source heat pump is the most popular choice, and it works well through spring, summer and autumn when sized correctly.
A good cover is just as important. Most heat is lost from the surface, so covering the pool whenever it is not in use keeps the warmth in and the leaves out. Automatic covers make it easy, and a secure cover also adds an important layer of safety. Getting into the habit of covering the water as soon as the last person climbs out is one of the simplest ways to keep it warm and clean for next time.
With good heating and a cover, you can enjoy the water from spring into autumn. Some owners keep their small pool warm for even longer and use it on crisp, clear evenings, rather like a larger, cooler hot tub.
In a real heatwave the opposite can happen, and a small pool can feel more like a bath. Our cooling pool guide shares easy ways to keep the water pleasantly fresh.
Why a one-piece pool works so well for this style
At HiLife we install one-piece pools. Each shell is made in a factory as a single piece, then delivered and craned into place. It is a great fit for a compact, sociable pool.
- Installation is quicker than a site built pool, so your garden is disrupted for less time.
- Seating, ledges and steps are moulded into the shell.
- The smooth finish is comfortable to sit on and resists algae well.
- Many shells can be insulated to help hold heat.
- You can see the exact shape before you commit.
Because the seating and steps are fixed in the shell, you know exactly how the cocktail pool will feel before it arrives. You can think about who sits where, where the sun falls in the evening and how the terrace will wrap around the water.
Smaller shells can also be easier to get into tight gardens, though access for the delivery and crane lift always needs checking. We look at this carefully on our site visit.
A swim spa or spa as an alternative
If space is really tight, or you would like the option of a proper swim now and then, a swim spa could be worth considering. It gives you a compact pool with a current, and many include a separate warm seating area. A spa is another choice if relaxing in hot water matters most. We are happy to talk through which option suits the way you want to use the garden.
You might also like our plunge pool guide, which covers another compact option that is popular in smaller gardens.
Safety and practical points to plan for
A relaxing pool is still a pool, and safety should be part of the design from the start.
- Fit a lockable cover or secure fencing and self closing gates.
- Keep a clear view of the water from the house where you can.
- Never leave young children alone near the water, even for a moment.
- Use plastic or other shatterproof cups and plates near the pool rather than glass.
- Do not swim or sit in the water alone after drinking alcohol, and keep an eye on each other.
- Store chemicals securely, away from children and pets.
Water care is simple with a regular routine. Test the water once or twice a week, skim leaves and keep the filter clean. When handling chemicals, always follow the label, wear gloves and eye protection, never mix products, and add chemical to water, never water to chemical. Keep people out until the water is balanced again.
Many garden pools in England fall under permitted development, but it depends on your property and location. Check with your local council, and ask building control about anything such as electrics or a pool building.
HiLife provides aftercare, servicing and repairs, so help is always close at hand if you need it.
Cocktail pool questions we get asked a lot
Can you swim in a pool like this?
You can have a gentle swim or float about, but it is not designed for lengths. If swimming matters, a swim spa or adding a swim jet to a slightly longer pool may suit you better.
How long does installation take?
A one-piece pool is usually much quicker to install than a site built pool. Your timeline depends on access, groundwork and finishing.
Is it cheaper to heat than a large pool?
A compact pool holds less water, so it generally needs less heating. We will give you a realistic estimate for your setup.
Do I need planning permission?
Many garden pools fall under permitted development, but it varies. Check with your local council before you start.
Can it fit in a courtyard garden?
Often, yes. We check access for the delivery and crane lift, and look at the best position for sun and privacy.
Is it suitable for children?
With a comfortable depth and good supervision, children can enjoy it too. A secure cover and fencing are strongly recommended.
A cocktail pool could be the heart of your garden
A small, warm, sociable pool can transform how you use your outdoor space. We will visit, listen to how you like to relax and entertain, and suggest a size and design that fits. You will get honest advice and a tailored quote with no pressure.
For ideas, explore our full range of pools to see the one-piece pools, swim spas and spas we install.
Call us on 01483 323 676 or email hello@hilifepools.co.uk for a friendly, no-pressure chat, or get in touch online and we’ll come back to you.
