Plan a Poolside Paradise Worth Hanging Out in All Summer
These inspirational ideas will have your pool looking resort-worthy just in time for the warmer months
Joanna Tovia
29 September 2014
Houzz editorial team. Photojournalist specialising in design, travel and living well. Follow her photodocumentary about pets and the people who love them on Instagram @unfoldingtails
Houzz editorial team. Photojournalist specialising in design, travel and living well.... More
It’s one thing to put a pool in, but quite another to make the area surrounding your pool a lifestyle-enhancing, crowd-pleasing lounging-about zone that draws you and your family and friends outside at every opportunity. These ideas will convince you to make the most of the pool you already have or, for those in the planning stages, get you thinking about how to maximise the potential of your poolside area. The secret is versatility – making the area usable not just on sun-drenched days, but into the night as well.
Create a poolside escape
Stepping stones that lead across water to an under-cover poolside cabana create an inviting pathway that ensures you make the best use of your whole backyard. You’d want to make the exciting journey to this welcoming cabana, rather than just hang out close to the house.
Stepping stones that lead across water to an under-cover poolside cabana create an inviting pathway that ensures you make the best use of your whole backyard. You’d want to make the exciting journey to this welcoming cabana, rather than just hang out close to the house.
Make the most of a small space
You don’t need a giant pool to turn your backyard into a five-star oasis. The smart decking in this Melbourne yard creates two separate zones in which to hang out. The fire pit, lighting and lush gardens combine to make this poolside area heavenly day and night.
More: Expert Tips for Designing a Small-Space Swimming Pool
You don’t need a giant pool to turn your backyard into a five-star oasis. The smart decking in this Melbourne yard creates two separate zones in which to hang out. The fire pit, lighting and lush gardens combine to make this poolside area heavenly day and night.
More: Expert Tips for Designing a Small-Space Swimming Pool
Plan multiple hangouts
You’re far more likely to use your poolside surrounds if there is a zone to suit every mood and occasion. This area offers something for everyone, whether seeking some relaxing me-time or gathering with a crowd late into the night.
You’re far more likely to use your poolside surrounds if there is a zone to suit every mood and occasion. This area offers something for everyone, whether seeking some relaxing me-time or gathering with a crowd late into the night.
Dally with a day bed
A raised Balinese-style platform will transport you far away from your daily worries the instant you throw on a sarong and settle in with a good book. By night, it’s just the place to gather with a few friends or family and listen to the waves rolling in. If you’re not close enough to the beach to hear the surf, some chill-out tunes will set the mood just as well.
A raised Balinese-style platform will transport you far away from your daily worries the instant you throw on a sarong and settle in with a good book. By night, it’s just the place to gather with a few friends or family and listen to the waves rolling in. If you’re not close enough to the beach to hear the surf, some chill-out tunes will set the mood just as well.
Choose comfort
A super-comfortable spot overlooking the pool (or, in this case, pool and amazing view beyond!) is all you need to create a welcoming poolside lounging area. Cocktail optional.
More: 12 Mouth-Watering Homes Overlooking the Water
A super-comfortable spot overlooking the pool (or, in this case, pool and amazing view beyond!) is all you need to create a welcoming poolside lounging area. Cocktail optional.
More: 12 Mouth-Watering Homes Overlooking the Water
Build in some shade
This glamorous nook looks as good by day as it does by candlelight. Choosing a type of shade that adds elegance when the sun goes down will mean you get far more bang for your buck. You’ll naturally gravitate outdoors and make the most of the space.
This glamorous nook looks as good by day as it does by candlelight. Choosing a type of shade that adds elegance when the sun goes down will mean you get far more bang for your buck. You’ll naturally gravitate outdoors and make the most of the space.
Plan a pavilion
Moving the barbecue and dining area across to the other side of the pool gives the poolside area closest to the house some breathing space. And what better venue for parties? Loud music and conversation will float towards the main house in gentle waves rather than causing a disturbance to anyone preferring to have a quiet night in.
Moving the barbecue and dining area across to the other side of the pool gives the poolside area closest to the house some breathing space. And what better venue for parties? Loud music and conversation will float towards the main house in gentle waves rather than causing a disturbance to anyone preferring to have a quiet night in.
Add a dash of sophistication
Thinking outside the square in terms of sun loungers can completely transform the look and vibe of your poolside area. This Leaf Lounge Chair has an organic designer feel to it that instantly gives this poolside paving a lift.
Thinking outside the square in terms of sun loungers can completely transform the look and vibe of your poolside area. This Leaf Lounge Chair has an organic designer feel to it that instantly gives this poolside paving a lift.
Build a natural oasis
Who says you have to choose timber decking or stone paving to go around your pool? The trees and rocks surrounding this pool will transport you into the arms of Mother Nature the minute you head outside, almost as if you’d stumbled upon a natural waterhole in the middle of the bush.
Who says you have to choose timber decking or stone paving to go around your pool? The trees and rocks surrounding this pool will transport you into the arms of Mother Nature the minute you head outside, almost as if you’d stumbled upon a natural waterhole in the middle of the bush.
Consider an island for the spa
This stunning design is resort-ready largely because of that amazing covered spa sitting in the middle of the pool. No matter what the weather’s doing, soaking in a spa surrounded by water is the stuff of a tropical-island holiday – with or without the view.
More: Bubbles Anyone? Outdoor Spas and Hot Tubs Done the Aussie Way
This stunning design is resort-ready largely because of that amazing covered spa sitting in the middle of the pool. No matter what the weather’s doing, soaking in a spa surrounded by water is the stuff of a tropical-island holiday – with or without the view.
More: Bubbles Anyone? Outdoor Spas and Hot Tubs Done the Aussie Way
Opt for privacy
If you’d feel more at ease lazing by the pool without nosy neighbours being able to see you, a wall could be the answer. The windows in this one prevent it looking too severe, and when lit at night, create a dramatic poolside effect.
MORE ON POOLS
10 Reasons Aussies Rule at Pools
Dive Deep: 11 Reasons to Buy a Plunge Pool
Staycation Style: Resort-Style Backyard Retreats
12 Outdoor Hot Tubs Worth Soaking in
If you’d feel more at ease lazing by the pool without nosy neighbours being able to see you, a wall could be the answer. The windows in this one prevent it looking too severe, and when lit at night, create a dramatic poolside effect.
MORE ON POOLS
10 Reasons Aussies Rule at Pools
Dive Deep: 11 Reasons to Buy a Plunge Pool
Staycation Style: Resort-Style Backyard Retreats
12 Outdoor Hot Tubs Worth Soaking in
Related Stories
Garden Design
Cheap Tricks to Landscape Your Garden Without Spending the Earth
Use simple landscaping devices in your backyard to create maximum impact with minimum spend
Full Story
From The Pros
What a Landscape Architect Really Does
Is a landscape architect the best for your home's surrounds? Finding out what they're all about is the first step to take
Full Story
Most Popular
Good Neighbours: How to Stop Your Outdoor Noise Travelling
From rugs and awnings to screens, here are some noise-dampening ideas to keep you in your neighbours' good books
Full Story
Most Popular
Spend & Save: Where to Put Your Money When Planning Your Outdoors
US pros reveal where to spend money for long-lasting benefits and cost savings when redesigning your outdoor space
Full Story
Most Popular
5 Steps to Finding the Right Landscape Designer for Your Home
If you dream of a green retreat but your reality is more backyard bungle, knowing how to choose a landscaper is key
Full Story
Gardening
Top 10 Things to Do in the Garden in June
Plenty of planting can be done in the garden this month as autumn sets in, though watch out for snails and mould
Full Story
Gardening
Top 10 Things to Do in the Garden in May
There’s still plenty to do in the garden as we head towards winter, here's a list of easy tasks for autumn
Full Story
Pools
So How Much Does a Pool (Really) Cost?
Dreaming of a pool for your backyard but unsure what it will set you back? We have the answers
Full Story
Garden Design
7 Landscape Design Ideas to Replace Your Lawn
Consider a design that welcomes wildlife, requires less maintenance, encourages gathering and better suit your needs
Full Story
Outdoor Areas
Fine Time: Take a Moment to Enjoy the Most Popular Decks of 2022
Is there any greater feeling than taking a few steps outside your home to enjoy sun, fresh air and birdsong?
Full Story
Amazing options! I think there are some great ways to do some concrete pool renovations to make them their own little paradise.