How to Make Your Pool Look Pretty—Even in the Winter

An inground swimming pool can serve as an eye-catching focal point in your backyard for several months of the year. During the winter, however—particularly in the Northeast—your pool area may become dormant while the pool is closed. Although it might be too cold to swim, there are still ways that you can enjoy the beauty of your pool area. Here are a few ideas for how to keep your pool area looking great throughout the winter months:

• Add a fire feature. From traditional fireplaces and fire pits to modern-style fire bowls or columns, fire features bring a striking aesthetic to your pool area, while also providing warmth during chilly weather. They can even help you enjoy your pool area year-round by creating a cozy gathering place!
• Add some comfortable furnishings. No matter the time of year, having comfortable seating areas around the pool can maximize your enjoyment of your backyard oasis. During the winter, ensure that these seating areas are equipped with weather-resistant cushions, and when it isn’t raining or snowing, add a couple blankets and throw pillows. If you don’t have any fire features, consider purchasing a heat lamp to generate warmth when you want to sit outside.
• Install lighting. Having adequate lighting around the pool area is important for safety, but it can also be used to create an inviting glow year-round. For instance, add some soft up-lighting or down-lighting to illuminate landscaping or water features, ensure that walkways are well-lit, or hang bistro lights or paper lanterns from a pergola. On a smaller scale, electric luminarias provide an enchanting, festive look, even beyond the holidays.
• Plant shrubs and other items that provide color during the winter. When the surrounding landscape looks dead, adding a few plants that thrive during the winter can bring a much-needed splash of color to your pool area. A few examples of plants that may be able to tolerate New England winters include holly bush, winter jasmine, cotoneaster, and Japanese maples.

With a little creativity and effort, you can transform your pool area into a winter wonderland that can be enjoyed until it’s time to open the pool again in the spring. If you have any questions on how to make the most of your pool now or at any time during the year, contact Aqua Pool today!