As New Generation Builders, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the latest trends and industry updates. Recently, we’ve noticed a new craze taking the outdoor living world by storm in Melbourne and beyond – plunge pools.
Siting somewhere between a full lap pool and a spa bath, a plunge pool is a functional and aesthetic addition to your build. Their size means they can be installed in even the smallest backyard for a fraction of the price of a full-sized pool. Depending on the brand you choose, a plunge pool can be an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly choice that will add immediate value to your home or unit development.
To find out more, we recently sat down with our friends at Plungie Australia, who specialise in precast concrete plunge pools. Keep reading to hear what they had to say about Plungie Pools, the benefits of a precast concrete pool and why plunge pools are so popular right now…
RODA: What is a plunge pool and why should clients consider one in their home?
Plungie: A plunge pool is smaller than a traditional swimming pool, but larger than a spa –usually ranging from 3-7 metres in length and 2-3 metres in width. Much deeper than traditional pools, plunge pools prioritise relaxation and lounging over serious swimming.
Plunge pools are growing in popularity for a number of reasons, but largely because they are faster and easier to install than traditional concrete pools. Plunge pools, particularly cold water plunge pools, can also have a number of health benefits including reducing muscle soreness, relieving stress, releasing endorphins and increasing blood flow.
RODA: How are plunge pools built?
Plungie: Plunge pools are constructed off-site before being installed. At Plungie, our pools are manufactured in an accredited facility in Brisbane – and we know to the gram how much steel and concrete is in it. This controlled factory environment means we can create performance-tested pools with a speedy process, and our clients get exactly what they’ve paid for.
RODA: How do I know which plunge pool is right for my home?
Plungie: All yards are different, so space and access are generally the largest factors in determining which plunge pool is right for your home. Due to being prefabricated off-site, a Plungie needs to be craned onto your site, so access needs to be considered.
RODA: What are the benefits of a precast concrete pool versus other materials?
Plungie: While fibreglass is very competitive against concrete, it doesn’t generally stand up against precastconcrete. When looking at an above ground or semi-recessed installation, a precast concrete pool doesn’t require the structural reinforcement that a fibreglass shell does, saving trades, time and materials on site. Precast concrete also saves time and money in engineering, as all footing requirements have been pre-engineered to cover a range of soil classifications.
A concrete pool is more durable than other materials and won’t be subject to peeling, fading or popping over time. Plunge pools, particularly the type we manufacture at Plungie, also offer a low carbon solution by reducing site work, using fewer materials in the fabricating process and using far less water and energy than large traditional and fibreglass pools.
RODA: Tell us more about Plungie. How did the company begin?
Plungie: Like all good ideas, Plungie was born one a balmy Queensland evening over a couple of brews. The idea was to disrupt what has been an antiquated and outdated industry: pools. Coming from engineering, fabrication, and construction backgrounds, the three founders set out to create an innovative, scalable solution so that more Aussies could enjoy their own backyard pool.
After two years of intense research, product development, and sleepless nights, Plungie hand-built their very first pool in 2018. Now, in 2021, we have an award-winning, world-first product that’s pioneering the future of pools across the world. Our pools aren’t just an innovative product solution, they’re a revolutionary process solution that give Australians a faster, easier and cost-effective solution for a premium concrete swimming pool.
RODA: What makes Plungie different?
Plungie: We’re an Australian owned and operated company, dedicated to bringing the fastest, easiest and highest quality concrete pools to the market. Being a young company, we’re ambitious and see the value of partnerships, particularly if it helps to make pool ownership a reality for more Australians.
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If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of a plunge pool or want to discuss how a Plungie could work in your home, get in touch with RODA today.
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Main image supplied by Plungie