Spring is almost here, and it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming pool season. Of course, you’re itching to get back in the pool. You’ll probably need to do a little work opening up your pool. But after that, you’re ready to enjoy another season of swimming fun. But wouldn’t it be great to add something new this season? If you want to kick it up a notch this year and spruce up your pool for spring, we have some great suggestions. Here are our five favorite tips for ways that you can take your pool to the next level!
1. Add a Pool Bar
Swimming pool season is the hottest time of the year, so when you’re out swimming, you’re sure to want a drink. If you’re into the adult beverages, you may want to bring along some cold ones. For a fancier treat, you might try a frozen margarita or another summertime treat. If you’re looking for something a little softer, there are plenty of options. From the traditional Shirley Temple to a variety of specialty sodas, virgin cocktails, and soft drinks, there’s something for everyone as a swim-up pool bar.
A swim-up pool bar can be built right into your existing pool. You’ll need to build the bar, of course, and install some comfy bar stools. You can get weighted bar stools that rest on the bottom of your pool and easily move out of the way. Or you can install permanent bar stools that are anchored to the floor. Whatever you choose, you’ll love being able to take a seat at the bar without ever leaving the pool.
Behind the bar, you can go as simple or as fancy as you like. If you’re trying not to break the budget, a basic mini-fridge and some shelf space for bottles will suffice. But if you really want to go all out, you can add room for cold kegs, multiple taps, and even a soda fountain.
2. Install Water Features
Water features are a great way to add flair and excitement to your pool. The most common addition is a waterfall. Adding a waterfall can be a simple or an extravagant affair, depending on your tastes and budget.
A simple waterfall may be relatively modest. A small pump sends water to the top of a simple ledge. From there it spills out into your pool. It’s a great way to aerate your pool, the sound can be relaxing, and if it’s tall enough, you can even swim right into the waterfall.
If you’re looking for something more natural, you can build some landscaping around a waterfall. A combination of large rocks, some plants, and a powerful pump can create a natural-looking cascade. If you want to go for something more sleek and modern, you can create a tall, sharp ledge with clean lines and slick materials. The more water you move and the taller the drop, the more drama you will create.
Another fun addition is a fountain. You could always install a traditional fountain that shoots water straight up from a fixture in the middle of the pool. But another fun option is to add a fountain at the edge of the pool that shoots water out over the pool. You can swim under the spray and enjoy an added cool-off. Some poolside fountains can even be installed on a modest budget.
3. Add a Waterslide
What’s cooler than a water slide? We can’t think of many things. Depending on your audience and your budget, a water slide can be a small children’s toy or an all-out wild ride. Basic water slides come in kits that you can install yourself.
A small children’s slide is relatively inexpensive and doesn’t need very deep water. A slide large enough for adults must be installed in deeper water to avoid injuries. Always check with the manufacturer for the exact minimum depth required for a water slide. There are two significant factors in how deep the water needs to be for a water slide: speed and distance from the edge of the slide to the water. A pool that is low or has a broad curve may slow you down. A taller, steeper, straighter water slide will send you down much more quickly. The final part of the journey, the flight from the edge of the slide to the surface of the water, is critical. A taller drop means more required depth.
If you install a water slide, you will need to inspect it regularly to make sure that it is in full working order. The slide must be firmly attached to the deck with no cracks or rust on the bolts. The structure should be whole and free of any damage. And if there is water that flows down the slide, the pump and all its pieces and attachments should be functional. Using a damaged waterslide is dangerous, so if you notice something off, immediately stop using the slide until it is repaired.
4. Pay Attention to Landscaping
The view from your pool and the area around your pool set the stage for your swimming enjoyment. The area around your pool doesn’t have to be a plain gray or white concrete deck. There are many ways that you can use landscaping to add natural beauty to your pool area.
Consider adding flower beds to the area around your pool. Sometimes, a flowerbed can come right up to the edge of the pool. Just make sure there is a large enough space to keep soil from falling into the pool. You can also use hedges to section off the area around your pool and create added privacy.
If you don’t have room for a large landscaped area, you can use potted plants. Placing some potted flowering plants around your deck adds a pop of color. You can even paint and decorate the pots for a low-cost decorative boost.
5. Light the Way
Pool lights are necessary safety accessories if you plan to use your pool after dark. But they can also be a decorative choice. Swimming in a dark pool at night can feel creepy, and it’s also not very safe. Some underwater lights will make your pool glow in the dark. They also make it possible to see the edge of the pool to avoid falls, to see anyone in the pool who is in distress, and for swimmers to see any obstacles or debris in the pool.
For added drama, try installing some colored lights around your pool. Colored lights are especially useful in combination with water features, where the right lighting can create a waterfall or fountain that glows blue, green, pink or any other color. Some underwater pool lights use color-changing LEDs and a remote control that allow you to change the color of your pool with the touch of a button.
Lighting around the pool area is crucial as well, both for safety and utility. Well lighting, which is sunk into the ground and flush with the deck, is a great choice. It provides lots of light, but no above-ground fixtures to bump into. Ambient lighting from fixtures hidden away high above the pool area can also illuminate a large area.
Let The Pool Butler Help
If you want to spruce up your pool for the springs, you’ll be happy to get some help from The Pool Butler. We are a full-service swimming pool company, and we do everything from routine maintenance to emergency cleanup to complex repairs. Contact The Pool Butler today to find out what we can do to make your pool fabulous this season.
