Our pool has come such a very long way from the beginning, it’s almost… comical. We’re nearly 8 years in from replacing the liner {it honestly feels like it was just yesterday} and we’ve added a lot more to all things pool and backyard from that first summer. I guess this is a true testament to enjoying your space, and letting it grow with you. {We’ve now enjoyed it so much, the entire thing needs to be resurfaced, but more on that for another day.} We love said pool so much, I’m not sure we can ever live without one. Because of all these years of growth and enjoyment, we thought that we’d share some of our very best additions that we love. So, Things we don’t regret with a pool.
before – the one thing that still stands, is this slide. It’s the best. Honestly.
• Things We Don’t Regret With a Pool: Big Ticket Items
We thought we’d divide this up into the bigger sort of projects and purchases {as if building – or even restoring- a pool isn’t enough} and small. Because the longer you have one, the more fun you’ll want to have with it. Here are the big ticket items when it comes to things we don’t regret with a pool!
1. Dining Area
It’s smart to have an entire area, for all things guests. Perfect for gathering, entertaining and more. But really kind of essential for back yard barbecues, cookouts and dinners. While we finally refreshed the table area this spring, we can’t tell you how many parties, birthdays, friend soirees and more we’ve held here. It’s the very best. But your life will be easier, if you designate a dining area to your space.
2. Cabana
This was built for us to enjoy as a family, but has definitely evolved into a hangout spot for kids, and entertaining. It’s perfect for teenagers to have their friends over… we’ve always dreamed of the hosting spot where kids want to be, without feeling like we’re breathing down their necks. Bonus: they’re safe and we know what’s going on. But it makes the perfect area for hangouts + a storage space for all things pool. More on that below…
Basically an option for shade and shelter. If you don’t have a porch… you don’t have to be over the top like us, but this makes a great option, too. Bug-free.
3. Privacy
In the form of a “wall”. When we extended the fence in our yard to include the entire acre, that meant we lost a little privacy. That meant we needed a privacy wall. In 2020 when we built the cabana, we also added a bit of a wall to include the dining area, and sides. This was all while we waited for the new trees behind us to grow, along with the ship laurels on the side. Since we had such a harsh winter, we’re waiting for those to come back… thus the privacy wall. Privacy is oh so nice when you have a pool, but honestly with any yard.
Here’s what was once there, and what we built instead, when we edited all things yard.
It made such a big difference to add to the existing patio, and offer more seating options! Bonus item: an umbrella of some sort. Because back to that shade thing. This area gets really hot midday and an umbrella is like the bonus section for all things dining.
4. Gas Heater
We couldn’t survive the spring without it. In fact, we’d add this is a number one essential after getting your pool into working order, at number one. You never know when you’ll fire it up on a warmer February day. See more on that post, and all the details for our pool heater here.
5. Deck + More Seating
Of course we know that our cabana holds a sofa + swings + cushions for seating. But something we added when we finished our addition, was this deck which spans the entire back of the house. It’s something we haven’t regretted. I’ve spoken tirelessly about creating zones in the yard, and this is the prime example of that. Each kid had friends over for the Fourth of July, and it was perfect. Groups were gathered in different areas, and had a great time.
But the deck in particular is one of our newest additions, and adds to much more space for hosting, seating and more. Especially at night. Here’s where we started
Here’s how it’s going. It’s all in the fun details for this backyard space. We love all the options for gathering here.
6. Storage – Make way! It’s really a fancy way of saying this closet in our cabana. Whether it’s a glorified box or a real shed of it’s own, storage for chemicals, floats, toys + more are just essential. You have to have a space to store the pool cleaner, float inflator, and all those little things. We even keep a little expandable garbage can here for trash.
We use it to corral and categorize all the things. It works perfectly for our family.
• Things We Don’t Regret With a Pool: Smaller Items
Because we thought the smaller things matter too. It’s all in the details, and we love the little things that really make a big difference.
• A fridge in the cabana {and snack station!} Having accessible snacks is basically essential for teenagers. It keeps them from going rabid in those later hours, too.
• Towel hooks – an essential for all things wet towels, hats, bathing suits and more. Our home is not only a proverbial swinging door in the summer, but a high functioning lost and found. Hooks are great for overwhelming amounts of things, that not only assist in drying, but are easily remembered by guests, later.
• Good Lighting – When we moved in, we had an ominous street light that cast a yellow glow, out back. Needless to say, it didn’t last long and that monster had to go. We’ve slowly added to this selection over the years, from kichler to the simple string light garden variety. It creates such a fun glow, especially during the winter months.
• Novelty Floats – because totally not an essential at all, but they definitely make for fun memories. You either love or hate them. {And basically, anything else ridiculous, is game for us, from hungry hungry hippo to volleyball.} See our entire round up + more fun finds that we love for thoughtful additions.
Thank you so much for tuning in to see this little comprehensive {and very seasonal} list for all things poolside. We hope it helps if you’re thinking of building or even buying a house with a pool. Hands down though, that pool heater. Pssst… see more tips for decorating around a pool, here. Have an inspired day!
It goes without saying that I mentioned projects + ideas here, but I have to say this: the memories made with our kids have been priceless. The entire reason we purchased this crazy house, in the first place. And those are the things we definitely don’t regret. Pool not necessary.
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