Cool Pool Makeovers: Top Trends in Backyard Pool Remodeling

If your home happens to be blessed with an outdoor pool, most likely during the summer months, great amounts of time are spent enjoying the water.  Preparations and upgrades are crucial to making sure that all is ready for hosting summer pool parties.  While not always inexpensive, there are many options that you have that can accomplish this.  Below are a few examples we think can make the most dramatic differences and really take your pool area to the next level!

1. Making the Water Move:

While the pool itself is the main water feature, many interesting enhancements can be made involving water that adds to the pool area's ambiance.  Waterfalls, sprayers, and scuppers are great ways to add a moving water element to your pool.  They are all great at adding an interesting visual element to what can be an unstimulating view of the pool and also provide other features that are not always obvious.  Additionally, they increase the circulation of water which can help prevent algae growth and keep your water crystal clear.  The soothing sound of flowing water is another element that can be pleasant when you are relaxing.  There are two drawbacks though of a water feature, increased electricity consumption and increased water evaporation rate, both of which should be considered when it comes to your utility bills.

2. Mood Lighting:

As the sun sets, your pool area can become the most beautiful area of your home with the proper lighting layout and type.  LED lights that can produce multiple colors can be installed in the pool.  The diffusion of this light throughout the water can make it quite a spectacular sight when entertaining outdoors at night.  Additionally, they use far less electricity than conventional bulbs so leaving them on for extended periods of time is no issue.  Recessed deck lights flanking the pool are not only a safety measure by defining the boundaries of the pool but also help define the areas of your outside space creating the feeling of a larger more expansive outdoor area.

3. Increase the Green:

To increase the perception that your pool is a naturally occurring water body in your yard, the addition of integrated landscaping is a way to help accomplish this.  Adding planters or other foliage close to your pool will evoke the sense that your pool is in a natural oasis.  Even better, and if possible, hanging plants or vines around the edges of your pool will add shade and a natural canopy-like effect.  Both of these landscaping aspects will not only greatly improve the beauty of your pool but are also one of the best ROIs in terms of increasing the overall value of your home.

4. Fire it Up!:

Like adding water features or lighting, another great way to add an even more eye-catching feature to your pool area is with fire!  There are so many interesting ways to accomplish this!   A poolside fireplace, fire bowl, or even a fire pit are all great options.  Any of these, if strategically placed with your foliage and lighting will truly create a magical space.  These fire features have the additional plus of being able to be used during the colder season adding both visual and physical warmth during those times.

5. Eat and Imbibe Al Fresco:

Nothing beats eating or having a drink sitting by a body of water (even if it is your pool)!  Make this as convenient as possible by considering adding an outdoor bar/kitchen to your pool deck.  Without the hassle of having to constantly go from outside to inside of your home, you can maximize spending time with family and guests.  Additionally, this increased functionality of your pool area adds another whole dimension and usable space to your home.  Other pluses of an outside kitchen are you will save on HVAC bills as you are not pumping hot air into your home, and you will keep smoke/cooking odors relegated to the outside.  Finally, consider adding a shade element such as a pergola to your eating space to maximize comfort.

6. Clean and Soften the Water:

When it comes to your pool, let’s be honest, the most important part is the pool itself and spending time in it!  There are many ways in which you can maximize this experience in terms of cleanliness and upkeep.  First, consider how you keep the water chemically clean.  Traditional pools have always used chlorine.  The trend now though is to switch to a saltwater system.  Salt naturally creates chlorine through electrolysis just like the traditional method of adding chlorine, yet this method is far less harsh on your skin, hair, and eyes.  You are also not spending money on expensive chlorine treatments which over a long summer season can quickly add up.  In terms of keeping your pool physically clean, automated covers and skimmers take away any work you would have to do to remove debris.  Constantly cleaning robot skimmers make it so there is never a buildup of sediment at the bottom which can increase the lifespan of your pool in the long run.

Want more insight into how RessaBuilt can help you transform your home? Check out the informative articles on our blog, or contact us to get your own home remodeling project started.