Ultimate Guide to Creating a Cozy Pool Lounge.

As soon as the weather gets warms, everybody make a beeline for the backyard pool to relax and refresh. But if your lounge area is not well designed, your pool may not reach its full potential for fun.

The good news is that designing a cozy pool lounge is not as hard as you may think. This guide will help you craft that postcard-looking lounge. So let’s explore how to create that in your backyard.

Disclosure: We use affiliate links in our content. This won’t cost you anything but as Amazon affiliates, we earn from qualifying purchases to help offset the cost of paying our writing team.

Planning Your Cozy Pool Lounge Layout and Furnishings

To begin, you may want to assess your overall space and determine how to arrange it for seating, relaxation zones, plants, and foot traffic flow. Measuring your pool area will give you a sense of how much you have to work with and where you can place various elements.

Consider zones for in-pool lounging, poolside lounging, design conversational areas, and spaces for games like Cornhole that families can enjoy together. Decide what matter most and allot space within the pool surroundings to reasonably accommodate.

As a rule of thumb, chaise lounges allow for soaking up the sun. More upright cushioned chairs or benches are better for conversational spaces. Hammock chairs suspended from stands infuse playfulness and gentle rocking motion. Always purchase fabrics that withstand weather exposure and shed water rather than absorb it.

Complement your setup with side tables for drinks and snacks with surfaces that won’t warp from accidental spills. You must strategically position umbrellas to make it easier to shift the shade as the sun moves. The right mix will make your lounge as functionally inviting as it is eye-catching and pulls the whole relaxed vibe together.

Creating Shade and Protection from the Elements

Lounging by the pool is synonymous with relaxing under the warm sun. Yet too much direct sunlight can mean overheating and unhealthy UV exposure. Strategically placed shade elements allow you to enjoy the lush backyard surroundings while comfortably protected.

Umbrellas are a prime way to regulate sun exposure. There is a wide variety of umbrellas but opt for tilt and rotatable options you can adjust to block rays as the sunlight shifts. Position bases securely so they don’t blow over.

We strongly suggest umbrella fabric with at least UPF 50 protection to guard against both UVA and UVB rays. Standard canvas lets some light through for a brightened effect underneath. For deeper shade, pick a long exposure opaque water-resistant fabric instead.

For more permanent shelter from sunlight and unexpected passing showers, consider installing structures like pergolas, pavilions or gazebos. They come in different shapes and sizes. Attractive wooden pergolas fitted with UV rays protective shade sails make an elegantly rustic statement. Gazebos and pavilions anchored on slight platforms protect from damp ground while closing out excess sun and wind entirely.

No matter which shading options you choose for your lounge, check frequently for signs of wear, tear or fading and promptly replace anything compromised. Maintaining protective elements shields you while enabling comfortable, carefree days enjoyed poolside rain or shine.

Building Ambiance, Comfort and Relaxation

The way to set up a framework for lounging is to choose weather-resistant seaters and installing shade elements, it’s time to dial up the cozy factor. The right accessories and decorative touches transform your functional poolside oasis into an ultra-inviting spot to kick back.

Ambiance

Start by layering in softness underfoot. Weatherproof outdoor mats in colorful patterns or block colors work wonderfully under lounge seating groups. Just be sure the fabrics can withstand moisture and drain well rather than harboring standing water during storms. For poolside surfaces, cushioned mats prevent aching pressure points from long periods reclining on hard concrete or stone.

Comfort

Lighting casts a warm glow for evening dips and late-night conversations. String lights draped overhead or lining the pool’s edge twinkle welcomingly. Flameless candle lanterns and incorporated low-voltage landscape lighting add eye-catching shimmer. Just take care not to overload electrical outlets.

Relaxation

Finally, potted palms, flowering plants or succulents infuse organic texture and fresh pops of color. Arrange groupings in corners, trail ivy or ferns over fence lines, or borders. Avoid thorny varieties in lounging zones. Then stand back and admire how each element combines to create an ultra-inviting backyard escape.

Special Considerations for In-Pool Lounges

If you enjoy floating lazily with a cool drink in hand as you soak up the summer sun, in-pool lounges take relaxation to new heights. Designed to sit partially submerged in the water, these poolside staples allow you to quite literally lounge in luxury.

When selecting an in-pool lounger, ensure its frame and fabric can withstand constant water exposure without corroding or becoming waterlogged over time. Marine-grade wood or powder-coated metals resist wear while perforated fabrics allow water to easily seep through. Sturdy built-in cup holders keep drinks handy without tipping.

Consider portability if storing loungers seasonally. Inflatable float models drain and deflate for compact storage yet tend to be less sturdy than upholding an adult’s weight. Sturdier foam-filled options are cumbersome to haul but handle people more safely. Alternately, pool-side lifts allow you to easily lower loungers into and out of the water.

Those with vinyl liner pools should select smooth-edged in-pool furniture without exposed hardware to avoid accidentally tearing the liner material. Or opt for above-water lounges instead. Consider contact time as well based on your sanitation system. Limit lengthy stays in saltwater to prevent corrosion and fading.

With mindful selection for your unique pool, in-pool lounges let you experience the sensation of floating in absolute comfort all summer long. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Designing the Perfect Lounge Area for Your Poolscape

When pulling together all the elements covered so far into a cohesive pool lounge, the final step is customizing choices to complement the specific look and feel you want to achieve. Consider the shape and surrounds of your pool as the jumping off point.

For freeform pools, curve chaise lounges and conversational furniture groupings to mirror those meandering edges. Set circular wicker seating spots right into shallow coves along the perimeter. For geometric pools, opt for sleek modular furniture placed in neat rows that play off the straight lines.

Factor in backyard views to maximize enjoyment from within your lounge refuge. Situate chairs to face gardens and landscaping while positioning shade where it won’t obstruct the serene outlook. Near wooded yards, layer sheer curtains on cabana frames to filter dappled sunlight without fully closing off the calming vistas.

Ultimately any assortment should feel visually balanced and inviting. Mix metal, wood and woven elements for eclectic contrast. Include plush finishing touches like weatherproof throw pillows and cozy throw blankets to up the coziness factor. Then impress guests with your very own backyard resort oasis tailor-made for summer fun!

Accessorizing Your Pool Lounge

No poolside oasis is complete without the vital accessories and creature comforts that make lounging utterly enjoyable and convenient. Accessories include key details that make time spent by the pool functional while adding personality.

For post-swim convenience, include weatherproof storage bins and hampers to stash piles of wet towels and swim gear when not in use. Nearby towel racks provide space to let them dry before rerolling. For dressing areas, a freestanding changing screen creates privacy.

Small side tables in materials like teak, plastic wicker or concrete offer surfaces for resting drinks, books or summery snacks. Feel free to scatter several to serve seating groups. If hosting gatherings, include a few waterproof cushions as extra seating.

Stay connected with incorporated outlets and water-tight covers to juice phones and play music. Take technology a step further by installing mounted screens and speakers to project movies or sports under the stars.

Finally, lockable storage chests securely stow more valuables like spare grilling tools, floaties and toys when not in use so they don’t clutter the serene lounge aesthetic.

Outfit your poolside with the right accessory touches so that time spent out there remains purely easygoing and enjoyable all summer long. The more equipped the space, the more it beckons you out to bask in seasonal fun.

Prioritizing Safety

When designing a space that will host family and friends, make safety a priority so that the good times roll without worry. Take preventative measures to minimize risks from slips or falls. If you have children and pets in the mix, fence in the perimeter with a self-closing gate.

Make sure to post clear rules and supervise young ones at all times. When the pool is not in use, install a safety pool cover locked in place. Lay some non-slip mats and rugs around the pool’s edge where water might drip or accumulate. Wipe spills promptly and allow time for proper drying to avoid accidents.

On windy days, store smaller accessories in protected bins and secure umbrellas or any objects that might be picked up by the wind. By proactively addressing fundamental safety measures, you will have peace of mind. With simple precautions all who gather can soak up freely in the environment you provide.

 Conclusion

After long winters stuck indoors looking outside at piles of snow, the change of season ushers in that irresistible urge to soak up the sun outdoors. Transforming lackluster pool surrounds into a cozy pool lounge that breathes new life is undeniabke the way to go.

With smart planning for layout, durable all-weather furnishings, shade from blazing sunlight, ambiance setting additions like décor, lighting and soft textures underfoot, you can build your backyard escape no matter the shape or size of your pool. Follow the steps in this guide to create zones for floating in the water, poolside seating arrangements perfect for conversation or just quiet book reading, and everything between based on your family’s preferences.

The result is a comfortably luxurious destination made for creating treasured summer memories year after year. As friends and family remark on what a stunning extension of your living space the pool has become, you’ll proudly think back on the process of bringing the cozy oasis to life one thoughtful choice at a time.

With a design powered by tips in this guide, every summer day fills with the possibilities of spontaneous backyard get-togethers, peaceful solo reading nooks and pure fun with loved ones all from the comfort of home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the first step in designing my pool lounge?

A: Measure the full area surrounding your pool to understand the physical dimensions you have for planning out spaces for seating, shade and accessories. Map out layout zones on paper before purchasing anything.

Q: What types of lounge seating work best?

A: Choose from options like floaters, modular cushioned seating, hammock swings and in-pool loungers based on the vibe you want. Ensure frames and fabrics handle sun, water and humidity exposure over time.

Q: What’s the best way to provide shade?

A: Umbrellas are easiest to adjust to block light as the sun shifts. Permanent structures like pergolas, pavilions and gazebos provide sturdy shelter as well. Seek UPF 50+ fabric protection.

Q: How do I make my lounge extra comfortable?

A: Include soft touches like weatherproof rugs, throw pillows, curtains and cushioned mats. Incorporate lighting elements like string bulbs, lanterns and glowing landscape fixtures for ambiance after dark.

Q: What accessories maximize function and convenience?

A: Consider storage bins, hampers, side tables, charging stations, wall-mounted media screens and lockable chests for valuables you want handy but out of sight.

Q: What key precautions safeguard loungers?

A: Fence in the area, establish rules for children, install covers when not in use, apply non-slip surfaces, store inclement weather furniture coverings when not out and know what to do during storms.