The patio defines how you enjoy your time outdoors. An essential part of the poolscape, a patio has seemingly limitless uses, between sunbathing, dining, socializing, relaxing, playing games, and more. Your pool’s patio design should match not only the style of your swimming pool and your home, but should also complement your lifestyle.
Take a look at these six featured pool patio designs below to gather ideas for creating your ideal poolside living space.
1. Sun Deck
A sun deck patio is designed for simple poolside relaxation. It’s a place to cool off, unwind, and enjoy the sunshine after taking a dip in the pool. Located along the perimeter of the swimming pool, a sun deck can resemble the look and feel of a luxurious hotel or resort when lined with rows of stylish outdoor chaise lounges.
An in-pool sun deck, or tanning shelf, is another patio design ideal for poolside lounging. A tanning shelf is a large shallow area, typically 5 – 8 inches deep, situated at the entry of the pool. It can span the entire width of the pool or just a small section.
2. Bistro Patio
A bistro patio works great for smaller backyards or for those desiring a quiet space to relax and enjoy the view.
While a bistro patio design is ideal for pool areas with limited space, it also works well in larger environs. The poolscape above features three separate bistro patio areas. Each nook offers a different view of the surrounding landscape and establishes a more intimate atmosphere. A firepit adds a cozy touch for summer nights spent al fresco.
3. Garden Oasis
An alternative to the conversation-style patio design, a garden oasis aims to enhance the pool’s natural setting. Seating areas are kept to a minimum and, instead, lush plantings and natural materials inhabit the space. A garden oasis design often lends an away-from-home feeling.
By enclosing the pool in colorful blossoms and flourishing greenery, you can turn you patio into a serene escape where your worries fade away. The addition of a water feature, like a waterfall or bubbling fountain, provides the tranquil sound of cascading water to sooth your soul.
Even the simplest of pool patios can be turned into a garden oasis with the use of containers or decorative planters. The beautiful planters flanking this formal pool design add visual interest and help anchor the space.
4. Covered Patio
A covered patio allows you to lay out by the pool without getting too much sun. It offers a comfortable outdoor living space, especially for pools situated further from the home.
From a curtained cabana to a wooden pergola to a custom-designed pavilion like the one pictured above, a covered patio can be a place to relax, entertain, or enjoy the shade.
The poolside loggia (above), comprised of a pergola framed by two stone structures, offers sunbathers a cool escape from the heat. The fieldstone cabana on the right provides a convenient area to change and features outdoor showers on the exterior wall.
5. Outdoor Room
Outdoor room patio designs bring the comfort and conveniences of your favorite indoor room right to your poolscape. An outdoor living room becomes the prime spot for socializing with family and friends.
Deep-seating patio furniture and a custom fireplace are essential to the design of this cozy indoor-outdoor type of setting.
An outdoor dining room is paramount for pool owners who regularly enjoy dining al fresco on the patio. The key element to a successful outdoor room? An outdoor dining set with a table large enough to accommodate family members as well as guests during outdoor parties.
An outdoor kitchen will further enhance the design of an outdoor dining room and make carrying food to the table as easy as pie. The gourmet outdoor kitchen pictured above also includes an outdoor TV for guests to enjoy as they stop by the swim-up bar adjoining the kitchen area.
6. Backyard Retreat
The ultimate in poolside living, a backyard retreat patio design can encompass several—or all—outdoor activities, from lounging in the sun to dining al fresco to entertaining friends.
This grand poolside environment can easily accommodate a number of guests for a summer barbecue, yet feels intimate when just the family is around.
In designing your pool and patio, it’s important to consider your lifestyle needs—do you prefer an elaborate resort for family fun and large parties or a simple backyard haven for relaxation and casual gatherings with family and friends?
