Transforming Small Backyards with Big Ideas

Many New Berlin homeowners dream of having a personal oasis at home. However, if your yard is on the smaller side, you may wonder if fitting both a hot tub and a pool is even possible. The good news is that with smart planning, creative design, and the help of experienced professionals like Loomis Pools, even compact outdoor spaces can become relaxing retreats. Whether you're envisioning a cozy spa area or a stylish plunge pool, there are plenty of ways to make your dream a reality.
Assessing Your Backyard Space
Start with Measurements
The first step in adding both a hot tub and a pool to your small backyard is getting accurate measurements. Knowing your available space will guide important decisions like the type of pool, hot tub size, and landscape design. Even if it feels tight, you might be surprised how much you can fit with the right layout. Loomis Pools recommends measuring both your yard and your aspirations to ensure the best possible fit. By outlining your goals early and working with experts, you can avoid missteps and capitalize on every square foot.
Identify Obstacles and Opportunities
Take note of trees, slopes, decks, and property lines. These features might restrict usable space, but they can also be used creatively. A sloping yard, for example, may allow for a tiered design that houses both a pool and a hot tub comfortably. Loomis Pools specializes in working with unique backyard layouts and can help you maximize every square foot. Physical features like elevation changes or existing hardscapes can actually add dimension to your final design, helping personalize your space even further.
Choosing the Right Pool for Small Spaces
Plunge Pools
Plunge pools are compact, stylish, and ideal for small yards. Though smaller than traditional pools, they offer a refreshing dip and are easier to maintain. Due to their minimalist footprint, they leave plenty of room for incorporating hot tubs and custom hardscaping elements. These pools are perfect for relaxing, cooling off, or creating a stunning backyard focal point. Loomis Pools can incorporate additional upgrades like built-in benches, water features, and LED lights to enhance usability without increasing the pool’s footprint.
Lap Pools or Swim Spas
For those interested in exercise, a lap pool or swim spa might be perfect. They are narrow, long pools that allow for swim training without taking up your entire yard. Loomis Pools can design these features to fit along one side of your outdoor space while leaving room for other elements. Swim spas combine the benefits of a hot tub and lap pool, offering powerful jets for resistance swimming along with heating for year-round use.
Custom Shape Pools
If standard sizes aren't suitable, custom-shaped pools, designed by professionals like Loomis Pools, can be crafted to fit unusual spaces. Kidney, L-shaped, or freeform pools allow more flexibility in design, helping you fit both a pool and a hot tub without compromise. These custom designs not only optimize space but also add an artistic flair, making your backyard truly one of a kind.
Incorporating Hot Tubs in Small Yards
Why Hot Tubs Are Ideal for Small Backyards
Hot tubs are an excellent choice for smaller properties because they offer high relaxation value in a compact structure. Garden Leisure hot tubs, available through Loomis Pools, are especially popular for New Berlin homeowners seeking advanced hydrotherapy in a sleek, space-saving design. These tubs are built with superior insulation and efficiency for comfortable, year-round enjoyment—perfect for Wisconsin’s winter months.
Above-Ground vs. In-Ground Hot Tubs
Above-ground hot tubs are easier and faster to install, often requiring minimal construction. In-ground models can be integrated into a patio or deck for a more seamless appearance. Loomis Pools offers both options, helping clients choose the right fit based on their aesthetic and yard size. In-ground hot tubs offer a more polished, luxurious look, while above-ground versions provide flexibility and affordability for quick additions to your yard.
Multi-Use Patio Spaces
You don't have to place your hot tub separately. Often, combining it with a custom patio or deck creates a unified, multifunctional outdoor space. With Loomis Pools' custom hardscape services, adding a small patio with a hot tub centerpiece comfortably blends form and function. This approach helps manage flow in a tight yard, allowing you to enjoy different areas seamlessly connected through consistent design features.
Combining a Pool and Hot Tub: Design Tips
Integrated Layout
One solution for small yards is to integrate the pool and hot tub into a single cohesive design. For example, you can install a small plunge pool with a built-in spa section at one end. This approach saves space and streamlines the look of your backyard. Loomis Pools specializes in unified designs that deliver maximum usability from minimal space. This strategy not only enhances functionality but also reduces the amount of total construction required.
Layered Landscaping
Using vertical space can also free up your yard. Raised decks, terraced gardens, and built-in seating help organize your backyard effectively. Loomis Pools excels in designing layered landscapes that allow each element of your outdoor space to shine. These features can add privacy, improve drainage, and visually enlarge compact outdoor areas, turning spatial limitations into creative opportunities.
Strategic Placement
Place the hot tub close to the house for easy access in colder months, and install the pool where sunlight is most available. Loomis Pools’ design team can analyze sunlight patterns, sightlines, and wind directions to ensure optimal positioning for both features. Smart placement not only enhances comfort and efficiency but also allows you to enjoy your pool and spa throughout the year with minimal inconvenience.
Adding Personalized Touches
Custom Hardscaping
A small yard doesn't mean you have to miss out on luxury. Loomis Pools offers fully custom hardscape solutions, including stone patios, walkways, and retaining walls, to create an upscale feel without overcrowding your space. These personalized elements can elevate the appearance and functionality of even the most compact yards, seamlessly blending with your pool and hot tub designs.
Lighting and Features
Strategic lighting can make your outdoor area feel larger and more inviting. Consider adding LED lights around the hot tub and pool, water features like fountains, or a fire pit. These additions enhance ambiance and increase the usability of your backyard after sunset. Loomis Pools can help create mood lighting schemes that accent different backyard zones while improving safety and extending your enjoyment into the evening hours.
Privacy Solutions
In small yards, privacy might be a concern. Use fencing, tall plants, or pergolas to make your space feel secluded. Loomis Pools often integrates privacy features into their builds so homeowners can enjoy their hot tubs in New Berlin without feeling exposed. Lattice panels, natural hedges, or custom enclosures not only promote relaxation but also add texture and design interest to your landscaping.
Benefits of Small Backyard Pools and Hot Tubs
Reduced Maintenance
Smaller setups are easier to maintain. Smaller water volumes in both pools and hot tubs mean faster cleaning and lower chemical costs. Loomis Pools ensures efficient installation and offers advice on upkeep to make pool and spa ownership as stress-free as possible. With automated systems and recommended maintenance routines, you can enjoy your oasis worry-free throughout the year.
Energy Efficiency
Modern hot tubs and small pools are built with energy savings in mind. Garden Leisure hot tubs, for instance, include features such as high-efficiency pumps and insulation that help New Berlin homeowners reduce power usage year-round. You can also add solar covers or energy-efficient heaters to further lower operational costs while maintaining comfort and performance.
Year-Round Enjoyment
While pools may be seasonal in Wisconsin, hot tubs can be enjoyed even during the winter. With proper placement and insulation, a hot tub becomes the perfect spot to relax after a chilly day. Loomis Pools installs high-quality hot tubs designed to withstand the Wisconsin climate. By pairing your hot tub with a well-designed wind block or heated walkway, you can extend your outdoor season well beyond summer.
Why Choose Loomis Pools?
Local Expertise
Loomis Pools is based in New Berlin and deeply understands the needs of local homeowners. Whether it's working around zoning laws or building durable outdoor features for Wisconsin weather, their team brings years of local experience to every project. Their familiarity with regional guidelines means smoother permitting and faster installations, saving you time and stress.
Customized Design and Installation
From the first sketch to the final installation, Loomis Pools ensures every step is handled with care. Their commitment to quality and attention to detail has made them a trusted name in hot tubs in New Berlin. They specialize in turning visions into functional and beautiful outdoor living areas that fit your style and budget. By customizing designs to suit your yard and preferences, Loomis Pools guarantees a perfect outdoor escape tailored just for you.
Premium Products
In addition to expert design, Loomis Pools installs premium products, including popular hot tub models from Garden Leisure. These top-rated hot tubs offer relaxation, hydrotherapy, and stylish design—all perfect for smaller yards where quality matters more than size. Choosing high-quality components also means fewer repairs, extended warranties, and more reliable performance over time.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you absolutely can have both a hot tub and a pool in your small backyard. With the right design approach and help from a trusted local company like Loomis Pools, your options are more flexible than you may think. By focusing on smart design, compact features, and quality materials, even the smallest New Berlin yard can become a luxurious outdoor retreat. With careful planning and creative solutions from seasoned experts, you don't have to choose between a hot tub or a pool—you can have both.
Ready to make your small backyard dreams come true? Reach out to Loomis Pools today and discover how expertly installed pools and hot tubs in New Berlin can completely transform your outdoor space.
