Designing Stylish Swimming Pool Surrounds for Urban Gardens

Whether your goal is to make the most of the summer sun, create a relaxing outdoor living space you can enjoy with your family, or elevate your pool installation with stylish furniture to match, there are countless ways to design swimming pool surrounds.

However, it can be easy for different elements to look cluttered or out of place, which is why a holistic approach is necessary. This will bring all features together for a functional living space that you’ll enjoy using long-term.

Photography by Floto+Warner

Defining your outdoor zones

Splitting out your pool surround into different zones can help enormously with planning and cohesion.

Drawing on their own experience as luxury pool builders, Compass Pools suggest focusing on hardscaping first: “Will you be adding furniture or shaded spots, or do you intend to dine poolside? How much space do you need to allow for walking or sunbathing? Having a larger area of hardscaping, if your available space allows for it, means you don’t have to worry as much about the lawn getting splashed too often, as chlorine and excessive water can lead to damage to the grass”.

From there, think about what you primarily want to use this area for. If you want to make the most of relaxing by the pool during the summer, create a lounging area with daybeds or chaise longues, as well as shaded spots with a pergola or umbrellas to escape the harsher midday sun.

Comfortable seating with deep-seated sofas or outdoor armchairs create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

You might also want to use your pool as a focal point for outdoor entertainment and dining. A built-in or portable BBQ and grill station, or even a full outdoor kitchen set-up with sinks and bar areas, can add a luxurious touch to your poolside and will make entertaining throughout the year a breeze.

For families, the pool is likely to be an area for fun and time spent together, so think about how you can create a safe play area for little ones such as lawned spaces or multi-sport courts, if space allows.

Whatever the goal for this space, think about incorporating transitional areas like pathways or decking that links these separate zones for a seamless flow and easy access.

Core design principles for cohesion

When designing your pool area, think about how it ties in with the rest of your property. The indoor-outdoor trend is a great way to blend styles and colours, creating a natural flow that extends the themes you enjoy indoors to your garden.

If you love an ultra-modern look with high-gloss surfaces and metal accents, you may want to extend this to your pool space with the furniture and accessories you choose.

Scale is also important. You want to ensure the elements you’re introducing to your garden work with the space you have available and don’t look too small or overcrowded. Look at the size of your garden and the pool itself, so you can choose furniture, shading, and accessories that are in proportion.

Enhancing ambiance

Stylish outdoor spaces are all about ambiance, and there are various ways to evoke a certain mood or atmosphere.

Shaded areas that offer a reprieve from the sun are great for relaxation, while lighting design makes all the difference in not only making your pool area beautiful but also practical.

Task lighting for dining and cooking alongside fairy lights or lanterns help to create an elegant look in the evenings, while accent lighting and path lights make this space safer after sunset.

You also want to think about how you’ll use your space in the winter, which is where heating solutions come in. Outdoor heaters in the form of integrated fireplaces, patio heaters or fire pits are all perfect for those cosy autumn and winter nights when you want to be gathered outside with family and friends.

Privacy is essential in any garden, but especially if you’re in and out of the pool. You want to feel comfortable and secluded in order to really relax, so think about how you can add privacy to the surrounding area through strategic planting of trees and shrubs, or fencing and trellises.

Materials and furnishings

Pool surrounds can be installed in a variety of styles, but materials matter significantly for durability as well as aesthetics.

For decking and patios, you may want to choose composite materials or hardwoods, natural stone or concrete, or porcelain tiles. Each has its own look and benefits for this area of the garden, so think about the type of look you’re trying to achieve, whether it’s mediterranean casual, timeless elegance or modern and contemporary.

The same can be said of your furniture and accessories. Look for outdoor-friendly materials that won’t fade in the sun, can withstand rain showers, and will be easy to clean throughout the year. This keeps your pool area looking great year-round and won’t make upkeep a chore.

Adding smart technology

We’re so used to the convenience of smart technology inside the home, but many of us neglect to use it outdoors.

Smart lighting and heating via app-controlled systems make it easy to set the right mood when you have guests over, while automated pool maintenance in the form of chemical dispensers, cleaning robots and smart pumps make keeping your pool clean and hygienic easier.

Designing a stylish and practical swimming pool surround requires thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and a balance between aesthetics and functionality.

With the right approach, your poolside can become a serene escape or a lively entertainment hub, tailored exactly to your lifestyle.

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Our writers like to find the latest trends in home decor and interiors. We launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2015 and the luxury property and interior decor blog www.alltheprettyhomes.com in 2024 to cover all your interior design, travel and lifestyle inspiration needs.