Have you ever wondered why human beings find bodies of water incredibly beautiful and calming? As a species, we greatly benefit from the water we encounter in the world, whether it’s naturally in our procession or placed into our environment with a purpose. Frankly put, we couldn’t live without it.
Water covers over 70 percent of the Earth’s surface. Since humankind first began crossing the world, we’ve followed the pathways of water to explore. We purposefully seek out waterways and bodies of rippling blue because they feel familiar to us. Humans are drawn to Mother Nature’s water because of its restorative and refreshing benefits.
Our love and appreciation for this natural resource are innate within our DNA. Needless to say, this is one of the reasons we purposefully place pools—artificial areas of water for swimming—into our yards when we are without access to natural bodies of water. Such pools are especially during the hottest months of the year.
If you love the idea of a swimming pool for your home, consider the benefits of an above-ground pool. Great for a small budget and yard of any size, there are a variety of ways you can make the pool pleasing on the eyes as well as the soul. If you’re in need of a few design ideas, here are the top ways to pretty-up an above-ground pool within your outdoor living space.
Install a Raised Deck
In backyards across America, above-ground pools come in all shapes and sizes. This means you have endless possibilities in your hands to design a raised deck for the area around the pool, whether it’s oval, circular, or rectangular. You can wrap a deck around the entirety of the pool or partially around one side.
A raised deck is an advantageous upgrade as it can help you get the most enjoyment out of your above-ground pool by creating a prime gathering space for family and friends to have fun in the sun. You can utilize the deck as a luxurious oasis with a large table for pool-side dining or lounging.
Another plus is that you won’t need to climb a ladder to hop into the pool. Walk-in steps add a touch of elegance and radiate a real in-ground pool feel. Not to mention you won’t have to worry about guests walking into the pool and dragging in dirt from a muddy lawn. Your pool, filter, and sanitization system will appreciate this as they work to stay clean throughout the season.
Design a Lounge Space
When you are incorporating a pool into the overall scheme of your outdoor living space, you need to think about the big picture. One of the top ways to pretty-up an above-ground pool is to integrate a lounge area beside the pool. While the mentioned wood-composite decks are popular, lounge spaces exist in a variety of materials and designs.
Concrete patios or patio pavers are ideal for creating a set space for outdoor living. You can also use gravel or the grass itself. Either way you choose, you can add some ultimate oomph to the area outside your pool with a thoughtfully planned seating area to get comfy in. Whether you’re watching loved ones enjoy the water or soaking up rays of sunshine, this space will be a great compliment to your above-ground pool.
Lay Down a Brick Walkway or Rock Barrier
Inside a pool are gallons upon gallon of chlorinated water. The last thing a homeowner wants is for the water to splash into the yard and all over the wonderfully green lawn. A method to work around this challenge is to lay large rocks around the sides of the pool. These rocks act as a functional design barrier that filters the water directly into the ground underneath and not the surrounding grassy areas.
A myriad of other methods can work to enhance the look of your pool—and not make it look like a mere afterthought sitting in the middle of your yard. Another idea is to lay down a brick walkway that goes up to the pool or surrounds the outskirts of its walls. What’s the point in leaving the space adjacent to the pool empty? Stone or brick walkways that lead the way can protect your pool, lawn, and wet feet when people travel to and from the water. For comfort and creativity, brick or patio walkways are the way to go.
Light It up: Set the Mood
Pool lights contribute safety measures, atmospheric ambiance, and pure fun. There’s no shortage of lights for outdoor landscape design. For the most peaceful evenings by the water’s edge, lighten the mood with soft lighting designs and concepts. There is no need to limit the ambiance to the pool itself. Popular pool area lighting options include lanterns, tiki torches, and strung-up outdoor string lights to spruce up the space in a welcoming, becoming glow. Set the mood for a nighttime pool haven with the lighting of your choice, whether it’s for function or visual appeal.
Utilize Nature-Inspired Design Landscaping
If they don’t have a well-planned design, above-ground pools tend to dominate the yard. The right kind of landscaping will help to liven up the space and make your pool appear as it truly belongs. You can even try to completely blend it into the surroundings with wood siding or natural stones. Focus on using neutral colors for true backyard bliss. Rustic resources create an organic look that makes it look as if your above-ground pool is rising from the surrounding landscape.
Don’t forget about landscaping greenery. Focus on foliage and flora when you’re designing your ideal pool area. Incorporating a suitable blend of flowering plants, shady trees, luscious grass, or blooming gardens to go with your other resources upholds the natural sensation. With befitting design and innovation, you can turn your outdoor living space into a private pool oasis to provide relief from the summer heat.
If you’re currently in the market for a pool and are searching for above-ground swimming pools for sale, look no further than Haven Spa Pool & Hearth. Located in the Vancouver, WA, area, we carry numerous swimming pool designs to ideally match your yard size, aesthetic purpose, and family’s needs. Contact us for more information or to request a quote today. We’re always here to help our customers create a haven in their living spaces—both inside and out.
