Swimming Pool Decorating

Is there anything in the world more relaxing than your own personal pool? On hot summer days, taking a dip or cooling off under an umbrella with an iced drink – maybe a margarita – can make all the cares of your day seem to melt away.

In some of the hotter climates of the country, such as Arizona, Texas and Florida, having a swimming pool seems more like a necessity, rather than a luxury. However, it's sad to think that many people treat their pools as merely functional and not as the beautiful retreat it could be. Of course, you don't need to decorate your deck or patio to really enjoy your pool, but it certainly adds to the enjoyment! Your swimming pool area should be considered an extension of your home, and chances are, you've put a lot of thought into the accessories and decor of every other part of your home, so why not the pool area?

If you're not sure where to begin, here are some ideas to jumpstart your creativity:

Live Plants

There is nothing like the look and feel of an luxurious outdoor oasis to make pool side living most pleasurable. The easiest way to achieve this ambiance is to incorporate plants and lush greenery in your swimming pool area.

Potted palms are a favorite for many pool owners because they are tall and provide some height to the pool area, they draw the eye up and balance out an otherwise flat patio or deck.  Be sure to complement your palms with other plants such as ivies, ferns, and other greens, but keep in mind your climate and the amount of sunlight they'll be receiving each day. If you live in a very hot and sunny area, you may want to use cacti and other warm-weather plants.

A good way to know what plants can be incorporated in your design is to think about what greenery grows well in your area. What plants are native and do well? If you're not sure, you can always ask someone at your local nursery or greenhouse to get their input. They may also be able to recommend some flowering plants that will add a lot of beauty and interest to your pool side as well.

Consider the Furniture

If you haven't had a professional decorator spice up your furnishings by offering his or her recommendations, and if you're settling for tired old lawn chairs or plastic furnishings, it's time to start shopping. The whole point of being by the swimming pool is to relax and feel comfortable, so you will want furniture that adds to your enjoyment?

The most important thing when considering new furniture for pool side is comfort. Old folding chairs and cheaply made  plastic furniture will not be pleasing. You can find lounge chairs made from teak and other natural woods, with fashionable and plush cushions. Many are handmade and should be expected to last for decades.

And don't forget other furnishings. Patio furniture today means footstools, coffee tables, serving carts and storage bins for fresh towels. This is where the planning and designing comes into play. What are your seating needs and your needs for tables and storage? How can you arrange these things decoratively and in practical way around your pool side?

Don't hesitate to do some comparison shopping before deciding on a brand and style. If you have an ample budget, you can find outdoor furniture sets that rival indoor furniture. Their style and comfort are impressive, the only disadvantage being that it may be impossible to lure people away from your pool!

Cooking Areas and Outdoor Appliances

If you love to spend a lot of time by your swimming pool, certainly the comfort and convenience of having an outdoor kitchen makes it a must have. Why go in the house for meals when you can prepare and serve them right at pool side?

Today, outdoor cooking units are not just barbecues, grill pits or just a propane cooking stove. Many are complete kitchen systems, with grills, rotisseries, refrigerators, freezer units, pizza ovens and even built-in stereo systems. Many of these systems rival the quality you would find in the best indoor kitchens, often restaurant-quality!

And the real beauty of these outdoor kitchen units is that they can be custom designed and installed to match the décor of your pool side. If you love the look of real brick, most dealers will have an entire system surrounded by the brick color of your choice built right into your deck or patio. If sleek and modern is more your style, there are many stainless steel models to choose from. Whatever your cooking skills or interests, there is an outdoor cooking system right for you.

Decorating and Accessories

To really enjoy your pool and get the most enjoyment from it, you should think about how you want it accessorized.  The pool sides of today are considered another room or extension of your house, and should be decorated to reflect your favorite style.

Your pool area can become an oasis with brick overlay, waterfalls, water gardens, fountains and virtually anything else you can imagine. If nature isn't your interest and you prefer your pool area to look like an expensive spa, you could add cabanas.

And of course, when creating any look or feel, lighting is important. Don't forget to add lights for nighttime. Because after all, if you love your pool as much as most people do, you will want to spend as much time there and that means even after the sun goes down.

So with some thought and imagination – and if necessary, help from a designer – your swimming pool area can truly become the delightful oasis and restful retreat that you want it to be.