Anyone who’s seen at least one episode of White Lotus will know what I’m talking about. But even if you haven’t watched HBO’s Hawaiian hit, you might have heard the buzz about a new luxury landscaping trend: the plunge pool.
Also called an immersion pool, a plunge pool typically has a smaller footprint than a standard swimming pool, but with a greater depth. As the name might suggest, when you jump in an immersion pool, your body is fully submerged in the water.
Used since ancient times, these pools offer many aesthetic and practical benefits. Check out these three reasons your future Hawaiian home needs a plunge pool.
1. It’s for Your Health
Jumping in ice cold water might not sound pleasant at first, but cold water immersion can provide your body with many health benefits.
First, let’s start with mental health. It’s hard to sweat the small stuff when your body is submerged in cold water. Cold water therapy is thought to lower stress levels, create mental toughness, and generally help you feel calmer.
In terms of physical health, immersion pools can help relieve joint pain. Soaking in cold water immediately after exercising will also decrease the risk of delayed onset muscle soreness. Sudden temperature change can aid blood circulation. Cold water immersion shocks the system by drastically lowering body temperature. This sudden temperature drop causes blood to rush to vital organs in a process called vasoconstriction.
You can maximize these health benefits by filling the pool with salt water rather than over-chlorinated fresh water.
Plus, once you’ve installed an immersion pool, you’ll need to install that sauna you’ve always wanted, right?
2. They Function as Social Tubs
The ancient Romans had circular plunge pools. In the 18th-century Britons had bath houses designed around these cold water features. So installing an immersion pool in your backyard will put you in good company.
It will also be a good feature for entertaining company. (Pro tip: increase the temperature from ‘icy cold’ to ‘refreshingly cool’ before inviting your friends.)
An article in the New York Times recently featured a Texas homeowner who uses her plunge pool as a “cocktail pool”. Think about it. Hot tubs are great, but what if you want to socialize in the heat of the day?
Add a couple of ledge loungers and your plunge pool can benefit your social health as well.
3. They Look Cool
If the word “pool” conjures images of winding water slides and gigantic inflatable flamingos, think again. Plunge pools can double as a sleek, attractive landscaping accent.
Plus, if you don’t have kids and aren’t interested in putting in laps, there’s no need to waste space on a big pool. Instead, use that area to plant a garden full of fragrant, native plants.
You can install indoor immersion pools. But why not take advantage of the Big Island’s year round balmy weather?
Take the Plunge
Before you install your immersion pool, you need to install yourself on the Big Island. Ready to take the plunge? Contact me to discuss your luxury real estate options.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.