A Disappearing Pool Is the Small Yard Hack of Your Dreams
File this pool that transforms into a patio with the touch of a button—plus other small space swimming ideas—in your fantasy house folder.
Roehner & Ryan
Laney LA architecture and design studio developed a genius pool cover idea for a house on a small, narrow lot in Manhattan Beach.
When the Hermosa Beach-based architecture and design studio Laney LA was presented with the challenge of fitting a pool, a hot tub, and a large deck for outdoor dining on a 5,400-square-foot lot in Manhattan Beach, they solved the problem (let’s call it a luxury problem) with the clever addition of a hydraulic cover.
“It was the client’s idea to have a pool and outdoor entertaining space, and not compromise on either,” said Krista Laney, co-founder and designer partner of Laney LA, with her husband, Anthony. “The whole project took about two years to design and engineer.”
Roehner & Ryan
Engineered by Guncast Pools, using a Spiralift system by AKVO, the cover vanishes underwater when it’s time for a swim, and reappears when the owners need more room to entertain outside. Not a square foot of space is wasted.
Roehner & Ryan
More Videos From Sunset
The equipment is housed out of sight in a storage area beneath the pool.
It’s a space saver, sure, but it’s no money saver. So, if you’re looking for space-, time- and budget-conscious ideas for a backyard dip—check out these tiny pool options.
A Stock Tank Pool
This trend, which involves transforming a livestock tank into a small float pool with a simple filter and chlorine, won’t quit. Check out stocktankauthority.com for DIY guidance.
A Plungie
These pre-cast concrete pools by Plungie, which promises to install your pool in days (once permits are acquired and site preparations have been made), are manufactured in Texas and can be shipped nationwide.
A Shipping Container Pool
Instagram-friendly, modern, and “Property Brother”-approved, the shipping container pool trend first gained traction in Australia, thanks to some intrepid DIY-ers. However, homeowners would be wise to resist the urge to wing it and consult with a qualified professional instead.
An Endless Pool
While these motorized and heated pools, which create water resistance for lap swimmers, were invented for fitness buffs, they’re also a decent small-space solution for anyone who’s more interested in floating than the breaststroke. A custom deck helps to integrate it into the landscape.
