While we still have the summer sun, elevate your pool area to enjoy every minute of it. Whether you’re planning a pool party or simply want to upgrade your pool area, these tips have got you covered!
Get 5 easy ways to create the perfect pool area in your backyard:
1. Comfort is key
While a towel may do the trick for the occasional lie by the pool, it doesn’t make a space look inviting. If you want to make the most of your pool area throughout summer, ensure it is the cosiest part of your outdoor space. A towel on hard paving can’t compare to the luxurious comfort provided by a high-quality pool lounger or outdoor lounge set.
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To elevate the experience even further, consider adding plush throws and pillows, as well as a stylish umbrella overhead to provide shade. A little investment into comfort can turn an often-unused pool area into a resort-like experience – useful even when you don’t plan on taking a dip.
2. Set the mood
You conduct most pool activity (understandably) throughout the day when the sun is up. But your pool area can also be an attraction at night, as long as you have the right set-up. Adding strategically placed light fixtures can transform your pool area, instantly brightening the space and giving your design a more cohesive and intentional feel.
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Soft, ambient lighting is particularly effective for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere during those long summer evenings when a refreshing dip in the pool is a must-do. Plus, lights are essential for safety when swimming at night and give your pool a starry shimmer that improves the look from all angles.
3. Keep it colourful
While many pool areas usually favour neutral colour palettes to manage heat, this can sometimes look monochromatic and uninteresting. You don’t need to change the entire design or spend a fortune on new construction materials. To inject a burst of vibrant colour into the space.
Instead, use your green thumb and consider incorporating sun-loving flowering plants around your pool area. Potted summer plants add a gorgeous pop of colour you can enjoy year-round. Opt for tropical leafy plants like palms or Strelitzia for a resort feel or climbing beauties like Bougainvillea to transport you to another continent.
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4. Blend in
All too often, the focus of a pool area is practical first and aesthetic second. This is why so many of them become eyesores rather than design features, especially if the rest of your garden is meticulously landscaped and manicured.
To seamlessly blend your pool area with the rest of your garden, use various plants to create a lush, natural transition around the perimeter of your pool. Consider the pool part of your overall landscape rather than a separate zone, connecting paved areas with taller plants in pots to surround the area with nature.
5. Keep it cool
There’s nothing more inconvenient than having to dry off to grab a drink or snack when enjoying a leisurely afternoon by the pool. And when many guests or kids are involved, this usually means puddles of pool water tracked around the house on long, hot days.
To avoid this hassle, consider investing in an outdoor fridge or cooler close to the pool to keep your favourite beverages chilled and within easy reach. You could take it up a notch and create an entire outdoor kitchen area equipped with a braai (and even better, a TV and speaker system) for a complete outdoor entertaining experience.
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A version of this article was published in the Garden&Home November 2023 print edition
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