We don’t know about you but we have been going to the pool A LOT! Down here in Savannah it’s HOT and So Cal isn’t much cooler so if you’re like us, you’re spending as much time as we can this summer in and by the pool.
Which reminds us, who couldn’t do with a little poolside jazzing up? After all, it should be the center of attention.
Here’s how to do it…..
1. Provide patterned or brightly colored patio umbrellas
Every pool should provide shade and plenty of it. Try to make sure that every seating area has a patio umbrella for poolside lounging and dining.
When buying patio umbrellas, we are going to emphasize what NOT to do first: avoid black, brown, grey, or otherwise boring patio umbrella colors. The big box stores are in love with drab colored umbrellas for some illogical reason (fear of excitement?) and thus they are the most commonly found color choices. Be different! Instead, seek Mediterranean blues, Palm Beach stripes, Nantucket reds, bright happy yellows. These colors rock against the crystal blue of pool water and are a guaranteed show stopper.
2. Provide both dining and lounge furniture
People love to lounge around a pool and chat, read, sleep, or just relax and dry off from a plunge in the water, so make sure you provide adjustable lounge chairs. Don’t forget to put side tables next to them so drinks have a surface to perch on.
Just like lounging is a favorite activity, likewise, people love to eat around a pool, so make sure you have a table and dining chairs (with shade). You and your guests will savor breakfast, lunch, and dinner near the water.
3. What about a cabana (they aren’t just for fancy resorts)?
Everybody loves a cabana, whether big or small. There are people cabanas, towel cabanas and even bar cabanas. We favor striped cabanas because they automatically make people feel like they are on vacation, even in their own poolside home. If you own an Airbnb, these are a guaranteed hit with guests.
4. Splurge on an outdoor shower
If you can swing it, install an outdoor shower so people can wash off both before entering and after exiting the pool. Somehow an outdoor shower always feels more refreshing than an indoor one, plus you avoid wet floors inside the home.
5. Embrace fun poolside accessories
Floating rings, underwater cameras, or a ping pong table are all fun poolside activities. You and your guests will have something interactive to do.
6. Don’t forget the cooler for cold drinks and chic break-proof drink glasses
A nice cold drink on a hot day by the pool is an absolute must so why not have a chic cooler? There are plenty of gorgeous ones out there to choose from. Beware of glass by a pool; instead provide unbreakable acrylic drink glasses. Many these days look just like glass and only touching them gives them away.
7. Embrace thick, chic pool towels
People really appreciate a good, thick pool towel that’s big enough to cover them up when they are walking poolside. Make sure you have plenty of them and that they are in good condition. We of course, love striped pool towels because they make us feel like we are on holiday in Italy.
8. Don’t forget to splurge on yourself!
Now that your poolside is ready for jazzing up, time to think about yourself for a change. A hat, cover-up, chic pair of sunglasses, and a poolside tote are in order. It will make you feel glamorous and pampered.
Now that you know how to jazz up your poolside environment, here’s some shopping finds sure to please….
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