5 Ways to Create Gathering Spots in and Around Your Pool

Swimming pools are ideal gathering places for friends and family. We have five ways to create ideal spaces in an around your pool for people to come together. Who doesn’t love hanging out at the pool on a beautiful summer day? But if you’re looking for ways to enhance your entertaining spots and encourage a gathering in your backyard space, here are plenty of ideas to get you started.

Your ideal entertainment space offers options. Family and friends love to gather around a big table, but it can be equally valuable to have multiple spaces with different environments that foster intimate conversations.

Swim-Up Bars

Sometimes you just don’t want to get out of the water, but the bar is where the action is! The convenience of a swim-up bar offers the best of both worlds. Swim-up bars are a natural gathering spot that encourages conversation. They also allow more people to comfortably use the pool: Several people may relax at the bar, while several others can continue floating, playing, and splashing.

Swim-up bars can be included in pools of any shape. Depending on your desired shape, you can wrap the bar around the freeform poolside or opt for a clean line straight across the pool. Bars can be constructed of the same material and color as your pool or a complementary style. Add a shade element, such as a pergola or canopy, to shield guests from the blazing sun.

Outdoor Kitchens

Families find that outdoor kitchens extend their options even when they aren’t entertaining guests. For instance, if you have kids, they can stay in the pool while you’re making dinner.

Outdoor Dining Rooms

Dining al fresco can be one of the biggest summer joys if you have the right space. Add your own decorative flair to turn your basic patio into a dreamy dining area. Focus on comfort first: Remember, your outdoor dining space doesn’t need to be formal. Instead, go for cozy comfort that encourages those lingering conversations. Opt for extra-soft seating with lots of weatherproof pillows.

Don’t have a table large enough to accommodate all your expected guests? No worries! Set several smaller tables with corresponding linens. Then use a small table for serving – even a garden stool or small side table can be elegantly dressed with a stylish serving tray.

Conversation Pits

For a more serene atmosphere, consider a sunken sitting area. A conversation pit is a cozy hangout that sits slightly lower than the surrounding area. This unique outdoor feature in your outdoor space creates the feeling of separation from the rest of the backyard.

Whether you choose stone, brick, concrete, wood, or another material that stands up to weather, you can personalize your conversation pit with outdoor pillows, weatherproof rugs, and even a center table with a fire bowl for ultimate coziness. Be sure to use outdoor furniture that can stand up to the elements.

Conversation pits can act as an architectural option in your pool. For an even more dramatic setting, captivate your guests with cozy seating surrounded by crystal blue pool water.

Fire Pits

Bonfires can be a centerpiece in all seasons! From s’mores to sing-alongs, a summer party is always more fun sitting around a fire. Your fire pit is sure to become a centerpiece of your outdoor entertaining.

Keep the Conversation Flowing

Everything about your backyard gatherings is unique – from the guests to the gastronomy. However you choose to entertain, be sure to offer options that make everyone feel comfortable.

Sunset Pools, Cape Coral Florida

Southwest Florida Pool Builder

 

Source: SwimmingPool.com