Plunge Pools in Dallas: Plungie Cost, Sizes and Fit (2026)
A plunge pool is a small, deep pool built for cooling off, soaking and lounging instead of swimming laps. In Dallas and North Texas, the most direct route to one is a Plungie, a precast concrete pool made in Texas and craned into your yard in a day, with four US models from 12 by 7 feet to 20 by 10 feet. Plungie’s own US cost breakdown puts a fully installed Plungie at roughly $42,000 to $69,000 or more, depending on the model, access and site work.
Key takeaways
- Plungie sells four US models: Studio (12 x 7 ft), Original (15 x 8 ft), Max (20 x 10 ft) and the round Arena (11 ft 5 in across). All hold about 5 feet of water.
- Plungie does not publish a per-model installed price. Its cost guides put a finished Plungie at $42,000 to $69,000 or more, or $40,000 to $75,000 for precast pools in general.
- The shell arrives finished and is set by crane in a day. Plungie cites about 14 days on site for a Dallas install.
- Crane access, excavation, equipment and finishes drive the final price. North Texas clay soil adds to site prep.
- Hobert Pools & Spas is a Plungie dealer and also builds custom gunite pools, so you can compare both options in one consultation.
What this guide covers
- What is a plunge pool?
- Precast concrete, custom gunite or fiberglass?
- What Plungie models and sizes are available?
- How much does a Plungie pool cost?
- How is a Plungie installed, and how long does it take?
- Site prep, permits and what raises cost in North Texas
- Is a plunge pool right for your yard?
- Can you heat a plunge pool or use it as a spa?
- About Hobert Pools & Spas
- Frequently Asked Questions
Updated September 2026
What is a plunge pool?
A plunge pool is a compact pool sized for a quick dip, a soak or a place to sit in the water, not for swimming lengths. Smaller pools like these are often called plunge pools or cocktail pools, and the idea borrows from Roman baths: a quick plunge or soak rather than a full swim.
A Plungie is one specific kind of plunge pool: a one-piece concrete shell cast in a factory, finished, trucked to your home and lowered into place by crane. Plungie states that every Plungie is made completely from concrete and that its US pools are made in Texas. Hobert Pools & Spas added Plungie to its offerings for homeowners with limited backyard space or a tighter budget, and our earlier Plungie overview covers the basics.
Precast concrete, custom gunite or fiberglass: which plunge pool type fits?
Pick precast concrete if you want concrete in a set size with a short on-site schedule. Pick custom gunite if the shape, size or features matter more than speed and cost. Fiberglass is often cheaper up front but, like precast, comes in fixed shapes.
| Precast concrete (Plungie) | Custom gunite | Fiberglass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it is made | Cast in a factory, craned in as one piece | Steel rebar and sprayed concrete shell built on site | Pre-manufactured shell |
| Size and shape | Four fixed models; size cannot be changed | Custom shape, size and features | Limited to pre-manufactured shapes |
| Typical cost | $40,000 to $75,000 fully installed (Plungie’s figures) | $45,000 to $70,000 for an entry-level DFW gunite pool (Hobert’s 2026 DFW pool cost guide) | $18,000 to $55,000 for a fiberglass plunge pool (national, Angi) |
| Time on site | About 14 days (Plungie, Dallas) | Typically 8 to 12 weeks from excavation to completion at Hobert | Installs faster than custom concrete (Plungie) |
Sources: Plungie’s concrete pool cost guide (April 2026) and Dallas page; Angi’s plunge pool cost guide (national figures); Hobert’s gunite build timeline from the Hobert Pools custom pools page. For a deeper look at shell types, see gunite vs fiberglass pools in Texas.
What Plungie models and sizes are available?
Plungie currently lists four US models on its US site. All share the same shell height of 5 feet 6.5 inches, which Plungie says gives a typical water depth of roughly 5 feet. Because the shells are precast, Plungie does not change their size.
| Model | External size | Internal size | Water volume | Dry weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 12 ft x 7 ft | 11 ft 5 in x 6 ft 5 in | 2,130 gal | 14,600 lbs |
| Arena (round) | 11 ft 5 in diameter | 10 ft 10 in diameter | 2,375 gal | 16,100 lbs |
| Original | 15 ft x 8 ft | 14 ft 5 in x 7 ft 5 in | 3,280 gal | 17,500 lbs |
| Max | 20 ft x 10 ft | 19 ft 5 in x 9 ft 5 in | 5,335 gal | 25,600 lbs |
Each model ships with a multi-colored LED light, a skimmer box, a hydrostatic valve, pre-plumbed filtration return lines and an ecoFinish interior in a choice of six colors. The pump, filter and chlorinator are sold separately. Plungie also offers a raw concrete interior if you want to tile the whole pool.
The weights matter. A shell of 14,600 to 25,600 pounds has to be lifted by crane, and crane access is one of the biggest swings in the final price.
How much does a Plungie pool cost?
Plungie does not post a single installed price, and its FAQ explains why: “the price is for the pool only, as installation costs are always site and project-specific.” What it does publish is a line-by-line estimate of a US install. Its plunge pool cost guide puts a fully installed Plungie between $42,000 and $69,000 or more.
| Cost item | Plungie’s published US estimate |
|---|---|
| Pool shell | $25,000 to $35,000, depending on size and finish |
| Installation (excavation, footings, backfill, labor) | $9,000 to $14,000 |
| Crane hire | $3,000 to $15,000+, depending on access |
| Permits | $3,000 to $4,000 |
| Pool equipment (pump, filter, chlorinator) | From $3,600 |
| Electrical and grounding | From $2,800 |
| Plumbing and equipment install | From $2,000 |
| Freight | From $1,540, depending on location and access |
| Total, fully installed | $42,000 to $69,000+ |
A newer Plungie article from April 2026 gives a similar picture, saying precast concrete pools are “typically $40,000 to $75,000 fully installed.” The older breakdown leaves out decking, fencing and landscaping, while the 2026 article’s range includes fencing, equipment and decking, so ask any installer which of those a quote covers.
You will see much lower numbers in national cost guides. HomeGuide reports that a plunge pool costs $15,000 to $40,000 on average with installation, and Angi puts the national average at $28,000. Those are national averages across pool types and materials, so a precast concrete pool with a crane lift tends to land at the higher end.
For comparison, entry-level custom gunite pools in DFW run $45,000 to $70,000, according to published 2026 DFW estimates. Our 2026 DFW pool cost guide breaks down price tiers and hidden costs for full-size pools, and Hobert works with lenders including Frost Bank and Viking Capital on pool financing.
Planning a pool project in North Texas? Hobert Pools & Spas offers a free design consultation. Call the Murphy showroom at (972) 690-8118 or the McLendon-Chisholm showroom at (972) 772-3358, or start online.
How is a Plungie installed, and how long does it take?
The pool itself goes in within a day. The full project runs about two weeks on site once permits are approved, because site prep can happen while the shell is being made. Plungie says a pool can be delivered ready to install in as little as 10 days, and its Dallas page cites 14 days on site compared with 52 for a traditional build.
Plungie lays out an eight-step process:
- Choose your model and equipment package.
- Building approval. Permits come first. Plungie supplies pre-engineered specifications based on your site classification.
- Site preparation. Excavation, subgrade and sub-base work to the engineering requirements for your soil.
- Crane and delivery. A crane lifts the pool off the truck and sets it on the prepared base.
- Electrical and backfill. A trade-qualified electrician bonds the pool. In-ground and semi-recessed pools are backfilled with drainage gravel.
- Plumb up. The skimmer, hydrostatic valve and return lines come pre-fitted, so the equipment connects to them.
- Finishes. Coping, waterline tile, decking, paving and landscaping.
- Fill and start-up after final inspection. Plungie says a garden hose fills the pool in 6 to 12 hours.
Plungie is the manufacturer and supplier only, so the installation is organized through a local builder or a full-service Plungie dealer. Hobert Pools & Spas is a Plungie dealer, and a Plungie lets you be swimming in a matter of weeks, not months.
Site prep, permits and what raises cost in North Texas
Access and soil set most of the variable cost. The shell price is fixed by model, but crane hire alone ranges from $3,000 to more than $15,000 in Plungie’s estimate. Plungie notes that a flat, open site costs far less than lifting a pool over a two-story house.
Clay soil
Much of the Dallas area sits on the Blackland Prairie, home to Houston Black clay, the Texas state soil. The USDA describes these soils as highly expansive clays that “shrink and swell markedly with changes in moisture content,” which limits building site development. Plungie’s site prep requirements change with the site classification, so expect the engineering, excavation and base work on clay to differ from a sandy lot. Our DFW pool cost guide covers how clay soil affects pool budgets.
Permits
Every pool in the US needs building approval, according to Plungie, and requirements vary by city. Setback rules from property lines are set by your local permit office. The installer usually handles this step.
Other cost drivers
- Install type. In-ground, semi-recessed and above-ground installs each need different site work. Plungie shells can retain earth on a sloped yard up to the limit its engineering covers.
- Equipment level. Plungie’s packages step up from a base pump, filter and chlorinator to a variable-speed pump with a salt chlorinator and WiFi controls.
- Coping and surrounds. Plungie recommends coping tile on the top edge, which it does not sell. Decking and fencing add to the total.
- Truck access. Freight assumes a flatbed or semi-truck can reach the address. Tight access adds cost.
Is a plunge pool right for your yard?
A plunge pool suits you if you want to cool off, soak and entertain more than swim, and your yard or budget will not fit a full pool. It is a poor fit if lap swimming, a diving area or a custom shape is the goal.
A Plungie makes sense when:
- Your lot is small or the yard has little open space.
- You want a short construction window and less disruption.
- You are adding a pool to a new build. Plungie suggests setting the pool before the house goes up to keep crane costs down.
- You want a heated soak most of the year more than a big swimming area.
A custom gunite pool makes more sense when:
- You want a specific shape, size or depth that no precast model offers.
- You want features like waterfalls, fire features, tanning ledges or an attached spa.
- The whole family needs room to swim and play at once.
Hobert Pools & Spas builds both, so a single consultation can price a Plungie against a custom gunite pool for the same yard.
Can you heat a plunge pool or use it as a spa?
Yes. Every Plungie comes pre-plumbed for heating and can run an electric heat pump, a gas heater or solar heating, though the heater is a separate purchase. With a heater, a Plungie can be used year-round.
For spa-style use, Plungie’s add-ons page lists a spa jet fit-out with four venturi jets and a blower, and a dual-fuel gas heater it says can heat a Plungie up to 104°F. For Texas summers, it also sells a chiller and a heat pump that both heats and chills. Plungie does not offer swim jets or in-floor cleaning. It recommends a robotic cleaner instead.
Several shell modifications, such as decking ferrules, an auto fill and a step insert for an umbrella or table, must be requested when the pool is ordered. Settle on add-ons before the shell is made.
Planning a pool project in North Texas? Hobert Pools & Spas offers a free design consultation. Call the Murphy showroom at (972) 690-8118 or the McLendon-Chisholm showroom at (972) 772-3358, or start online.
About Hobert Pools & Spas
Hobert Pools & Spas is a family-owned pool builder founded in 1975 by Hobert Murphree, with showrooms in Murphy and McLendon-Chisholm. The company builds custom gunite pools, handles pool renovations, outdoor living and pool service, and serves as a Plungie pool dealer for North Texas homeowners who want a smaller, faster option. Contact Hobert Pools to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Plungie pool cost in Dallas?
Plungie does not list a single installed price because site work varies. Its own US cost breakdown puts a fully installed Plungie at $42,000 to $69,000 or more, and a 2026 Plungie article puts precast concrete pools at $40,000 to $75,000 fully installed. Crane access, excavation, equipment and finishes move the number most.
How big is a Plungie pool?
Plungie sells four US models: the Studio at 12 by 7 feet, the Original at 15 by 8 feet, the Max at 20 by 10 feet and the round Arena at 11 feet 5 inches across. Every model has a shell height of 5 feet 6.5 inches and a typical water depth of about 5 feet.
How long does a Plungie installation take?
Plungie says a pool can be delivered ready to install in as little as 10 days, and its Dallas page cites about 14 days on site. The pool itself is craned into place in a day. Permits, site prep and finish work set the real schedule.
Can a plunge pool be heated in North Texas?
Yes. Every Plungie comes pre-plumbed for heating and can use an electric heat pump, a gas heater or solar heating. The heater is a separate purchase. Plungie also sells a chiller for summer use.
Can a Plungie work as a spa?
Plungie offers a spa jet add-on with four venturi jets and a blower, and it lists a gas heater that can bring the water up to 104°F. Plungie does not offer swim jets, so the pool is built for soaking and cooling off, not lap swimming.
Do I need a permit for a plunge pool in Texas?
Yes. Plungie states that building approval is required for any pool in the United States, and the paperwork varies by city. The pool installer usually helps with this step.
Is a Plungie cheaper than a custom gunite pool?
Not always. Plungie’s published figures put a fully installed Plungie at about $42,000 to $69,000 or more, while entry-level custom gunite pools in DFW run $45,000 to $70,000, according to published 2026 DFW estimates. The ranges overlap, so site access and finishes often decide which costs less. A custom gunite pool gives you full control of shape, size and features in exchange for a longer build.
