According to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, there are 10.7 million pools in the US, and 10.4 million are residential. We’ve got a popular pool culture and it’s not all about swimming either. The outdoor pool area is a place for physical activity, relaxation, socializing and more, which makes it one of the most versatile places in the house.
However, this versatility can be difficult to fully utilize and many homeowners don’t know what to do with this space. As a result, it’s often drab and mediocre.
Want to take a stand to transform your outdoor living space from “meh” to “marvelous?” Then keep reading. This article will show you how to make the important upgrades that’ll upgrade your backyard into an oasis.
Use comfortable and durable furniture
You probably want to spend hours out in the glorious sunshine and the key to any inviting lounge area is comfortable seating. Otherwise, you’ll be in pain and discomfort, which will send you indoors prematurely.
With that said, you’ll also want to choose durable pool furniture. Considering that they’ll be outside and that they’ll go through all sorts of weathering, you’ll want pieces that are specifically designed to withstand:
- Weather
- UV rays
- Moisture
Some of the best materials to use include powder-coated aluminum, teak, all-weather wicker, and marine-grade polymers. You’ll also want to look for furniture with removable, weather-resistant cushions made from excellent fabrics like Sunbrella.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, you may be wondering about which specific pieces you should get. Obviously, an adjustable sunlounger or two are in order, as they’ll allow you to soak up the sun luxuriously. Those who like to sit upright can utilize Adirondack or more traditional club chairs.
If you’re aiming for group relaxation, then consider outdoor sectionals or sofas. You can also add outdoor ottomans and poufs for more comfort and flexibility.
If you’re feeling extremely indulgent, add a posh daybed to laze away under the sun. Some four-poster designs include sheer curtains for added privacy and a fabric canopy roof to mitigate glare and UV radiation.
Explore your umbrella and shade options
While you want to get your tan on, you don’t want to be overexposed to the sun’s harmful rays either. Plus, there’s only so much you can take before you suffer from heat exhaustion or sunstroke.
Ensure that you and your guests have enough shaded shelter to cool off when needed. You can achieve this with small umbrellas strategically placed between seats or through specially designed tables. Larger areas may call for offset shades with hanging canopies that can stretch across chairs, sofas and dining tables. Not only do these provide easy, adjustable coverage but they add a bit of flair to your outdoor living space too.
If your poolside seating area is directly adjacent to your home, another option is to install retractable awnings. They come in various sizes and style, so they accommodate a variety of architecture and decor.
Those who want something a bit more substantial and have the budget should consider shade structures like cabanas, canopies or pergolas. All of these options are stylish, and you’ll feel like you’re vacationing in an exotic country every time you go outside.
Otherwise, you can use shade sails for a modern flair. They offer wide-area coverage and don’t take up any floor space – keeping walkways and sight lines free from obstruction.
Think about a fire feature
Nothing says cozy like a nice warm fire, especially after a day in the pool as the sun goes down. If your poolside lounge set-up has seats facing one another, a small fire pit, fire bowl or firepit table is a great idea (assuming there are no neighborhood restrictions). Not only can the flames help dry wet bathing suits and hair, they provide the temptation no one can resist – the opportunity to roast marshmallows and make s’mores.
Fire features also create a magical focal point as it gets dark and are a natural crowd draw. Wood-burning versions have their appeal but also come with smoke and blowing embers. Consider ethanol, propane or natural gas models, which help you avoid those issues and are a breeze to start, clean and maintain.
Incorporate lighting for ambiance
A pool umbrella can keep you nice and cool during the day but what happens after the sun goes down? You might have pool lights installed but they’re only handy for the people inside the pool, not outside.
What’s great about lighting is that not only does it improve safety but it also enhances the ambiance. With a few strategically placed lights, you can highlight certain bits of your outside pool area to draw people’s eyes in.
For example, you can place wall sconces and use uplighting for architectural interest and mood setting. Then, you can hang up string lights for a cozy and festive glow all over. To bump up safety at night, you can line the walkways and pool landscaping with LED lanterns or solar path lights.
As for the pool itself, use floating lights or LED color-changing lights. With the latter, you can get an app to change the colors to your liking, meaning that you can theme the pool for special holidays and occasions!
Add a beverage and snack area
Imagine this: A poolside bar where you’re just a few steps away from delicious beverages and snacks before hopping back into the cool water. This would definitely upgrade your outdoor space and you’ll never want to go back inside when you’ve got such a wonderful amenity. Fortunately, there are several choices you can consider, ranging from cheap and temporary to more expensive and permanent.
On the lower end of the budget is the bar cart. These aren’t pricey, plus they’re mobile. You can push these to wherever people are gathered. Another affordable option are coolers. Some dual coffee tables or benches offer hidden cooler compartments, making them ideal for small spaces.
If you want to go big, then install an actual outdoor bar or kitchen. This will give you a place to do food prep (counter), as well as store ingredients (mini fridge) and wash up (sink).
Whatever you choose, stock up with plenty of drinks, fresh fruit and light snacks. That way, everyone will stay refreshed without the need to go indoors.
Integrate greenery and decorative items
One of the best ways to liven up an area is to call on Mother Nature. All too often, our spaces are filled with man-made materials, such as steel and concrete. By adding greenery, you can soften up the aesthetics and literally bring it to life.
First, start with potted plants, ranging from palms and ferns to tropical and exotic ones. You can dot your outdoor pool area with plants of all heights and sizes, as well as varying interesting pots.
Then, you can use vertical gardens or trellises to extend the foliage further. Not only do they give a touch of beautiful green leaves and occasional blooming flowers but they also give you some privacy.
You don’t have to fully rely on Mother Nature to add zest to your outdoor space though. With a few decorative items here and there, you can really make it pop. Here are some suggestions:
- Outdoor rugs to define zones and add texture
- Soft throw pillows and blankets in waterproof materials
- Decorative lanterns, sculptures or wind chimes for personality
When choosing the above items, use color palettes that complement your home’s current aesthetic and pool.
Consider entertainment
You may have a fantastically done poolside but if there aren’t things to do, see or hear, your guests might get bored. Don’t go overboard though; provide enough stimulation for those who want to be engaged without overwhelming those who only want to relax.
Those who want to play in the water itself can have hours of fun with floating basketball hoops or games. Others may enjoy chilling out on the water on some elegant inflatable furnishings from the Fillup Club. These pieces have a stylish sculpted look and are covered in soft Sunbrella fabric for luxurious lounging.
Alongside the pool, games like cornhole and giant Jenga are sure to draw a crowd and are enjoyed by all age groups. They also can easily be stowed away when not in use.
If you want to add multi-media, you have a number of options. Mounted or portable outdoor speakers with Bluetooth connectivity make it easy to play music throughout the day. If you opt for a mobile speaker that’s going to be close to the pool, make sure it’s waterproof.
Another idea that’s great if you have comfortable bar or lounge seating is a poolside TV. Keep track of your team’s score while catching up with friends as the kids swim. Later, everyone can enjoy a streaming movie under the stars. Like the speaker, make sure the television is weather-proof or sheltered from the elements.
Keep it tidy and functional
While it’s fun to transform your outdoor living area, don’t forget about the more practical side of things. It’s essential to keep it tidy and functional since clutter detracts from the objective: relaxation.
To keep things out of the way, hang up hooks and towel racks. That way, towels and clothes can dry without being in an unsightly clump on the floor.
To store pool toys, towels, and pillows when they’re not in use, put them in deck boxes. These can then be discreetly kept on the side. If you’re storing damp items, be sure to use ventilated storage to allow water to evaporate and minimize the risk of mold and mildew.
Design with flow in mind
You have many fabulous ideas above but don’t try to carry all of them out, as that’d be disastrous. Pick a few that you like and ensure that the layout encourages natural movement. Your guests should be able to easily move between zones without any awkward barriers.
Our best tip is to use rugs or planters to define separate areas. Create clear walkways between the pool and the house, keeping high-traffic areas open and uncluttered.
When everything feels intuitive and connected, people will naturally want to stay longer.
Create a stunning outdoor pool area
Your outdoor pool area may currently be underutilized, and it may not be much to look at. However, it’s time to change all that.
We’ve given you several tips to enhance what you’ve got, which means that you should be able to create an inviting poolside lounge area. Of course, it’s about more than just aesthetics; you should also focus on function, comfort, and the atmosphere.
By picking thoughtful design choices that marry beautifully with usability, you can definitely turn your backyard into the ultimate staycation destination. Whether you’re using it solo or hosting your friends and family, you’ll get a resort-like feel without having to go far from your home!
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