Landscape company offers year-round pool option minus large footprint

With the aging of America and inflation, it’s easy to understand why downsizing is a growing trend that increased by 13 percent last year and isn’t expected to slow down any time soon. In response to this phenomenon, a local landscaping company is offering consumers an alternative to a traditional backyard pool. Ryan Longenecker, who has been working at Davis Landscape in Harrisburg for a decade, said that the pools, otherwise known as plunge pools, have been manufactured in New Hampshire since 2014.

According to Longenecker, plunge pools began taking off when the pandemic hit and people, who were spending more time at home, began seeking ways to upgrade their surroundings.

“For the homeowner who wants the option of a pool without all the upkeep, the Soake pool just makes sense. They’re small, so you won’t have issues with maintenance, or township regulations,” he said, explaining that townships regulate how much impervious surface can be added to a home.

“Often these restraints only allow an average-sized pool to be installed, while restricting associated living areas, such as patios,” Longenecker said, adding that some clients can afford the cost of installation, but don’t want the aggravation, or expense of getting an engineer involved. “Depending on the township, you can exceed pre-existing parameters, but only if you develop a stormwater Management plan, which does require a licensed engineer.”

Longenecker, who visits many homes throughout the year, said he often sees hot tubs in people’s houses, which prompts him to ask how often they are used.

“Generally, the answer is not often enough,” he said.

Longenecker said that the plunge pool movement was inspired by the tiny house craze for good reason.

“Bigger isn’t always better and with thoughtful planning, smaller often makes the most sense,” he said, adding that only a small portion of a traditional pool gets used. “My advice to any client is to go small and view everything as a wholly functioning space.”

Another drawback to traditional pools is the short swimming season, which generally lasts from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

“The Soake pools are built to be used all year and they combine the fun of a pool and the therapeutics of a hot tub all in one package,” Longenecker said.

According to Longenecker, clients can work with Davis Landscape to create a 3-D plan so they can see what the finished environment will look like.

“Our desire is to help people bring the indoors outside. When you see adults socializing, it’s generally around the pool, enjoying a fire pit, patio and so forth. How much time is actually spent in it?” asked Longenecker.

Patty Murphy chose a Soake pool, which is slated to be installed in July.

“I have a dog and two children and like the yard space. I didn’t want a big pool taking up a large chunk of my backyard,” said the Hershey resident.

Murphy said she did her due diligence when it came to researching the plunge pools. “I had a few manufacturers send me information before settling on Soake. I like that the pools are only five-foot deep and are hand tiled and really attractive,” she said.

Another benefit, according to Murphy is the 7×13 size. “You can exercise in them too,” she said.

Longenecker also points out that in addition to using the Soake pool as a hot tub year-round and a place to cool off during the warm summer months, plunge pools can also be used as a cold plunge at 44 degrees. Proponents of cold plunging believe that it helps with muscle soreness, aids in workout recovery, reduces inflammation, boosts immunity and may even reduce anxiety.

The best part, for most, however, is the serenity of sitting outdoors and just relaxing.

“For me, there’s nothing like sitting on my patio under the bistro lights, listening to the crickets and the spring peepers. We want each client to experience that with memories that last a lifetime,” said Longenecker.