For the majority of the United States, summer is quickly approaching. However, summer is in full swing for those of us in the Phoenix area. With the heat rising daily, there is no doubt that your pool is getting regular use and will continue to for the foreseeable future.
Since you will be spending a lot of time in or near your pool, now is a great time to examine the area and decide what you can do to make your outdoor space a true oasis. Below are 11 surefire ways to achieve this.
1. If You Build A Pool House, They Will Come
Owning a pool means having a plethora of supplies, equipment, toys, etc. A place to store all this stuff is a must, and one large storage bin likely isn’t enough. While a small shed would do the job, a better idea might be to go for a complete pool house.
A pool house will not only provide plenty of storage space, but it can also serve as a dressing room for guests to change. Add a small bathroom to save your house from all the dripping water as kids hurry down the hall to use the restroom.
If you have the space, expand your pool house to include a rec room for playing games, hosting parties, or just hanging out when the weather is less than ideal. If you build a pool house, it is sure to get good use.
2. Escape The Heat With A Patio Cover
Hanging out by the pool is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. Although the water may keep you cool, spending the entire day in the sun is not a good idea. A nice, shady place to escape the sun where you can still be near the water is the perfect addition to any poolside area.
There are several options when it comes to choosing a shade cover. You could go as simple as a patio umbrella or a shade sail. However, these options aren’t sturdy and won’t withstand strong winds or other harsh weather. Plus, their life span is relatively short.
The best option for shade covers is a permanent structure, such as a pergola. Pergolas provide excellent protection from the sun and rain. They also give you a nice place to relax while enjoying the views or watching your kids play in the pool.
Pergolas can be constructed from various materials, including wood, aluminum, and vinyl. But, one of the most popular pergola materials on the market is Alumawood.
Alumawood pergolas combine the beauty of wood with the durability and low maintenance of aluminum. Alumawood patio covers are as beautiful as they are durable and are built to last. Adding one to your poolside is something you won’t regret.
3. Cook Up Some Fun By Installing An Outdoor Kitchen
It doesn’t get much better than relaxing on a nice summer day, swimming, or hanging out by the pool with family and friends. Doesn’t this sound like a nearly perfect day? The only thing that could make it better is delicious food.
No get-together is complete without good food. Make food preparation more accessible by having an outdoor kitchen adjacent to your pool area.
4. Spruce Up Your Space With Plants
Plants are good for the air and the environment and can add to the beauty of your outdoor space.
Trees and large shrubs can add shade to your yard and provide privacy from your neighbors. Having these plants around the perimeter of your yard or pool area will make your backyard feel like a true oasis.
When deciding on plants, choose bushes, trees, and flowers that are native to the area and don’t require constant watering. You’ll also need to consider how messy each plant is. Plants that drop a lot of seeds or leaves are not the type of plants you want near the pool.
5. Set The Mood With Outdoor Lighting
Add to the ambiance of your outdoor space and keep your party going long after the sun goes down by installing some outdoor lighting. Lighting can be strung along fence lines, hung in trees, installed on the exterior of a pool house, or within your pergola.
6. Turn Up The Heat By Adding A Fire Pit
Roast marshmallows and hotdogs, tell stories, or warm up after an evening swim by adding a fire pit near the pool.
7. Get Cozy With Patio Furniture
What good is a patio area without comfy furniture?
Next to the pool, opt for lounge chairs to provide a place to bask in the sun. In your shaded area, choose comfy furniture to sit back and relax. Plenty of cushions and pillows will make your pool area a place you never want to leave.
8. Add A Splash Of Tranquility With A Water Feature
You may be tempted to believe that having a pool in your yard diminishes the need for water features. But that is not true. In fact, a water feature will only improve your pool area.
A waterfall flowing into the pool or a fountain next to your pool area will create a fun and peaceful atmosphere.
9. Swing Into Some Fun By Adding A Playset
If you have kids or grandkids, a playset in your yard is a must. So, why not make a kid’s play area an extension of the pool area? Kids will easily be able to go from swimming to swinging, plus you’ll be able to stay in one spot as you keep an eye on them.
10. Amp Up The Fun With An Entertainment System
Amp up your outdoor area by adding a sound system to provide peaceful background music or the perfect impromptu dance party music. Mount a TV in your pergola or install a projector screen for movie nights under the stars.
11. Pave The Way To Relaxation
Create a pathway to and around your pool with pavers. Pavers are softer on the feet than gravel, cleaner than sand, and help protect your grass from turning into the mud with all the wet feet traffic. Pavers come in various designs, so choose something that compliments your poolside area.
Choose one or more of the above ideas to create the perfect space for enduring the summer heat. If you need some tips on getting started, we suggest you begin by looking at pergola patio covers. Shade is a top priority when spending any amount of time outside in the hot Arizona sun.
Call our patio cover installers today; before you know it, you will be well on your way to the backyard oasis of your dreams.