The arrival of spring means it's almost time for summer and more outdoor cheer. As the weather warms up, the 8% of American households that have a swimming pool, according to RenoSys, should prepare their backyard pool landscape for sunbathing, swimming contests, and summer holiday barbecues.
However, to convert these spaces into the stylish retreats they can be, you may have to make a few decor adjustments. More plush seating options, colorful rugs, and expert suggestions are available to elevate your swimming pool patio design in 2026.
Bean Bags R Us founder Geoff Brand already knows about fun, comfortable seating and shares his tips on creating the ideal swimming pool patio you won't want to leave this summer.
Create Different Zones
What to do when you have so many swimming pool deck ideas to incorporate? Separate them into different zones! You can spread out the lounge chairs in different sections near the pool or have a designated area for sunbathing.
Geoff from Bean Bags R Us also notes that many people enjoy a private area for conversation and intimate seating, perfect for when couples want to get cozy. Plus, a private zone can become a perfect temporary outdoor office for those working from home who want to get some fresh air in the middle of a workday.
Easily designate these zones with tall, narrow plants, stylish foldable screens, and seat arrangements.
Choosing the Right Poolside Seating
While most people will have some lounge chairs for sunbathing, poolside furniture options are even bolder and plusher than ever. As Geoff Brand from Bean Bags R Us notes, poolside beanbags are a great way to relax at home after a long day's work and create a resort-style vibe since many international 5-star resorts use them.
He also notes that better materials enable the right beanbag to last several years instead of just one summer. So look for one with water-resistant fabrics and UV-stability for greater durability.
Another cool thing about incorporating beanbag style into your enhanced patio is how portable they are. There are some you can use to directly float on a pool itself, and they may even feature mess drains to dry out quickly after being in the pool.
As Brand mentions, unlike a rigid lounge chair, a beanbag can easily conform to your body shape, so you can adjust the support for reading, napping, sunbathing, and chatting with friends.
Bringing Nature Into Your Pool Patio
What better way to match the benefits of blue nature than with green vegetation? Even if your outdoor space already has a garden and grass, you can further enhance your poolside patio with tall, narrow plants that create boundaries and privacy from neighbors.
Geoff from Bean Bags R Us emphasizes how strategically chosen plants can transform a backyard in any city or town into a tropical oasis as they provide natural cooling and UV-protecting shade while adding style through varied height and color.
Some plants to consider include:
- Fragrant lavender and jasmine
- Potted citrus trees
- Snake plants
- Palm trees
- Hibiscus
- Potted bamboo
Lighting for Ambiance and Safety
Once the sun finally goes down late on summer nights, it doesn't mean you're ready to come inside, and being at home is the perfect safe space to engage in nighttime swimming. Enjoy the calm, romantic ambiance it can bring, but you don't want to swim in the dark, so install the appropriate lights on your poolside space.
Geoff Brand suggests using hanging string lights for a cozy vibe. Use path lights leading to your outdoor fire pit or bar. Create an even more festive feel by adding floating LED balls and installing spotlights to highlight zones or specific features.
Staying Warm After Dark
Being cozied up in a plush beanbag instead of a hard lounge chair already makes handling nighttime temperatures easier. Brand also notes that a swimming pool patio needs a firepit, as it can add warmth, intimacy, and create a natural centerpiece. Just remember to keep it at least 10-20 feet away from the pool edge.
This outdoor upgrade is already popular with Americans as its market is expected to reach $4.3 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research.
Setting Up a Poolside Bar
After lounging in the pool or on the deck for hours, you're going to need a drink at some point. Geoff from Bean Bags R Us suggests using one of the easiest pool patio bar ideas, such as a portable bar cart, which comes with shelves and a prep surface. Easily tuck it away and move around as needed.
You can also get creative and repurpose old furniture. Brand notes that repurposing old furniture - such as converting a dining hutch into an outdoor bar station by removing doors and installing stemware racks - is a creative and cost-effective alternative.
Why Outdoor Rugs Are Worth It
Brand highlights outdoor rugs as a simple but effective way to bring indoor comfort onto the patio. They can add color, patterns, help anchor furniture, and designate zones. Rest your bare feet on a soft rug instead of a cold patio surface after a swim. When shopping for one, look for materials specifically rated for outdoor use, as these will resist fading, moisture, and mildew through the summer months.
Common Pool Patio Mistakes to Avoid
When making this upgrade, don't forget about safety. Geoff Brand also highlights the importance of safety considerations, including slip-resistant surfaces, cool-touch materials, and adequate drainage. It's also important to remember the shade!
Creating Your Perfect Pool Patio
Having a pool at home means you have another way to enjoy the outdoors on your terms. Therefore, take advantage of the space by using advice from experts, like Geoff Brand, to incorporate more versatile, plush furniture options, bring the indoors outdoors with colorful rugs, make poolside happy hours easier, and don't forget to add vegetation for shade, beauty, and fragrance. With these easy upgrades, your swimming pool patio can quickly become the talk of your social circle.
We are pleased to bring you this guide to prepare your home for endless summer splashing and lounging, so continue to search our website for equally engaging content.
This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.
