1. Imagine a Space That Fits Your Lifestyle
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Choose a pool that fits your personality and lifestyle: Perhaps you’d rather have a winding, lazy river in which to relax, or perhaps you'd rather spend your pool-time swimming laps. Infinity pools are especially beautiful and can compliment waterfront views, while adding slides or diving boards make your pool more entertaining and kid-friendly. In general, think about how you would like to use your pool and how you will realistically use it the most, and try to combine the two to fit your lifestyle.
2. Create a Livable Outdoor Area
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Build a space that invites all types of outdoor activity and leisure with variety of seating options, including lounge chairs, hammocks, and day beds. Make a comfortable eating space with durable outdoor tables and chairs for dinners outside, or quick lunches poolside. Make shaded spaces for eating or for lounging, and even for rainy days when you'd still like to enjoy the fresh air; you can even invest in an outdoor kitchen. Taking the time to make your pool area part of a livable outdoor space means you can spend more time outside doing the things you love.
3. Choose Unique Characteristics
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Choose unique characteristics like a zero-depth entry, a safer way to add a bit of "beach" to your yard. Zero-depth entries make pools accessible for swimmers of all ages and abilities. Toddlers can splash in the shallowest end, and seniors don't have to manage slippery stairs. Add comfortable flooring like Life Floor to your zero-depth entry for added traction and cushioning.
4. Light Up The Water And Walkways
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Steal a trick from the pros and add lighting to your pool. Landscape lighting and in-pool lighting are interesting ways to create mood for both day and night. Illuminate water at night for dramatic night swimming, or shine lights on your greenery and walkways to create a romantic atmosphere.
5. Create an Escape With Calming Water Features
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Building a tranquil atmosphere with water features helps turn your home into your oasis. Installing water jets throughout your pool is a cost-effective alternative to hot tubs and can even provide therapeutic benefits for some people. Fountains look beautiful in and around your pool and even add soothing sounds. Be exotic! Add a waterfall to your pool or the surrounding landscape; even if you aren't outside, you can open your windows and enjoy the calming effects of falling water.
6. Don't Worry About The Weather
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What about colder climates? If you live in a region that is cold throughout the year, consider adding an indoor pool area. You can build a beautiful space inside that feel just as relaxing and revitalizing as outdoor pool areas. Add greenery around the pool with colorful vases or hang plants from the ceiling. For climates with warm and cold seasons, add a retractable wall or wall of windows so you can open the space when weather permits. This is a great way to reap the benefits of both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool without needing extra space!
7. Choose A Better Floor
Choose a safe and beautiful flooring option like Life Floor to keep your family and friends safer while enjoying your pool. Life Floor is cushioned, slip-resistant, and designed to look like natural materials such as stone and wood. There’s nothing more beautiful than peace of mind.
8. Make Your Pool Part of the Entertainment
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Even if it's not a designated pool party, pools are still fun for guests. Make your pool part of the décor with floating flowers or waterproof lights. You can even add weight to balloons and place them in the pool to spell out fun phrases or to make pretty designs. Hanging lights above the pool is beautiful too, and reflecting lights in the water is an elegant way to illuminate your party.
9. Make Food and Drinks Accessible From the Pool
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When designing your pool and outdoor living area, consider merging the two together. Adding a swim up bar or recessed lounge area to your pool lets everyone hangout together, whether they're wet or dry.
10. Go Au Naturale
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Blend your pool into the natural landscape of your backyard by incorporating the fauna of your area. Plant regional trees, flowers, and bushes around the border of your pool for added privacy. You can even DIY a waterfall with found rock structures, or incorporate rainwater plants and systems, or saltwater filtration systems. Going green is healthy for you and for the environment around your pool.