Small Backyard Pool Ideas for New Orleans Lots

Why small pools make sense in New Orleans

Tight lots, historic homes, mature trees, and summer heat make small backyard pools a perfect fit for our city. With smart engineering for drainage, soil, and access, you can enjoy resort‑level living in spaces as narrow as 10–16 feet. We design compact pools that look timeless, manage stormwater, and respect neighborhood context—from Uptown and Lakeview to Mid‑City, Bywater, and Algiers Point.

The goal isn’t just “smaller”—it’s smarter: right size, right features, right drainage.

Quick size guide (footprints that actually work)

  • 8′×16′ Plunge – Deep soak, hydrotherapy, or cold‑plunge; add a bench on two sides.

  • 9′×18′ Cocktail – Room for a tanning ledge (6–8') plus steps and a wrap‑around bench.

  • 10′×20′ Courtyard Classic – The sweet spot for families; optional integrated spa.

  • 6′×30′ Side‑Yard Lap – Slip a lap lane along the fence with slot drains and hedge privacy.

  • 12′×22′ Entertainer – Still compact but seats a crowd; perfect for sheers/scuppers.

Depths: 3′6″–5′6″ maximize usability and heating efficiency. We often create split depths (e.g., 3′6″ to 5′0″) with continuous benches.

Four proven small‑lot layouts

A) Courtyard Plunge + Spa Spill

  • Pool: ~9′×16′ at 4′6″ depth

  • Spa: 6′×6′ integrated with a serene spillway

  • Decking: porcelain pavers on sand/pedestals

  • Why it works: year‑round use with minimal footprint; spa heats fast

B) Cocktail Pool + Baja Shelf

  • Pool: ~10′×20′ with a 6′ tanning ledge

  • Features: umbrella sleeves, two bubblers, wrap bench

  • Why it works: kid‑friendly lounging by day, elegant entertaining at night

C) Side‑Yard Lap Strip

  • Pool: ~6′×30′ (or 7′×28′) with end‑to‑end bench

  • Add‑ons: swim jet, hidden auto‑cover, linear lighting

  • Why it works: uses a “forgotten” side yard while keeping the main yard open

D) L‑Shaped Around Obstacles

  • Pool: 9′×14′ plus a 5′×10′ L‑leg

  • Features: corner steps, glass tile accent, scupper wall

  • Why it works: bends around trees, HVAC pads, or pilings

Drainage & durability—non‑negotiables for small lots

  • Deck pitch: 1–2% away from the house into channel or slot drains.

  • Overflow plan: hidden slot or skimmer equalizer so big rains don’t back up.

  • Subgrade & beam: compacted base; deepened beams or under‑drains where the water table is high.

  • Equipment pad: elevated, ventilated, and serviceable; consider remote pads to reduce sound.

  • Expansion joints: between coping, deck, and structures to manage movement.

Finishes & materials that scale beautifully

  • Interior: quartz or pebble—darker tones add depth to smaller water bodies.

  • Waterline tile: 2″×2″ porcelain or glass mosaics; crisp, timeless edges.

  • Coping: straight‑edge travertine, dense limestone, or porcelain coping (12″×24″).

  • Decking: porcelain pavers on sand or pedestal; brick herringbone for historic homes; premium brushed concrete with decorative sawcuts.

  • Lighting: warm‑white LEDs, step lights on risers, and RGBW pool lights for entertaining.

Privacy, sound, and shade in close quarters

  • Green screens: podocarpus, sweet olive, camellia hedges; clumping bamboo (e.g., Bambusa textilis gracilis) for narrow screening.

  • Walls & trellises: stucco or brick with espalier or vine screens; laser‑cut metal panels in modern settings.

  • Sound masking: sheer descents, scuppers, and bubbling shelves tame street noise.

  • Shade: pergolas, umbrellas with sleeves on the Baja shelf, and strategic tree preservation.

Small‑pool features that punch above their size

  • Tanning ledge/Baja shelf with bubblers

  • Integrated spa with spillway

  • Auto‑cover (discreet, leaf control, safety)

  • Bench‑to‑bench swim lane or counter‑current jet

  • In‑pool café table with umbrella sleeve

  • Narrow fire feature or sconce bowls for nighttime ambiance

Equipment & energy tips (space‑savvy)

  • Variable‑speed pumps are quiet and efficient—great near property lines.

  • Heat pump + gas spa heater combo balances efficiency and responsiveness.

  • Automation apps run lights, heat, spa modes, and schedules from your phone.

  • Cartridge filtration saves space and reduces backwash needs on tight sites.

Small‑lot permitting & historic districts

Many New Orleans neighborhoods fall under HDLC or Vieux Carré Commission oversight for exterior changes. We prepare context‑sensitive designs and coordinate submittals, permits, and inspections where required.

Micro‑lot measure checklist (save this)

  • Lot width at house & rear fence

  • Narrowest gate/side‑yard clearance

  • AC units, meters, and trees to preserve

  • Door thresholds & slab heights

  • Utilities (electric/gas/water) and overhead wires

  • Sun path & privacy views from neighbors

Frequently asked questions

What’s the smallest pool that still “feels” like a pool?
An 8′×16′ plunge with a wrap bench and 4′6″ depth feels great for soaking and cooling; 9′×18′ adds space for a tanning ledge.

Can I get a lap experience in a small yard?
Yes. A 6–7′×28–32′ lane with a counter‑current jet lets you train without a full‑size pool.

Will a small pool heat up too fast in summer?
Darker finishes add depth without overheating; automation manages run times, and shade sails or trees keep temps comfortable.

Can you fit a pool with only 5–6′ side access?
Usually. We plan for compact equipment, staged excavation, and temporary fence/panel removal when needed.

Do small pools need the same safety features?
Yes—barriers, self‑latching gates, compliant drains, bonding/GFCI, and (optionally) an auto‑cover.

Parker Davies