4 Reasons Why Your Pool Needs a Patio Area in the Barrington and Portsmouth, RI Areas

With summer just around the corner, you’re probably dreaming about lazy days spent by the pool, soaking up the sun between swims or soaks, and sharing great times with family and friends. The key of course is fun “by the pool” not in the pool… so a great surrounding space is important for your overall experience. Here are 4 reasons why your pool needs a patio area in the Barrington and Portsmouth, RI areas.

Related: 5 Tips on Creating the Perfect Patio to Complement a Backyard Pool in Newport and Jamestown, RI

1. Safety First

Naturally, safety always comes first. To minimize the danger of slips and falls, you want a level and non-slip surface surrounding your pool. The patio area does not have to completely surround the pool area - many pools are, for example, surrounded by landscaping on two or three sides and only adjacent to a patio on one or two sides - but the places frequented by people must be safe to walk on.

Concrete patio pavers are a great option for non-slip pool surround surfaces. They may be textured, such as flagstone-inspired pavers. Or, they may be virtually smooth, with a gently pebbled surface that still maintains a grip even when wet.

2. Landscape Care

Chlorine and other pool chemicals are not good for vegetation; neither is salt water. This is the main reason that many pools are surrounded by a patio surface on all sides. Even if the surrounding patio is not wide enough to place lounge furniture all the way around, surrounding the pool by at least a 3-foot patio will minimize pool water splashing onto your landscaping.

Having landscaping - including grass - too close to the pool also means that grass clippings, leaves, and other debris can easily find its way into the pool, which will make maintenance more difficult.

3. A Place To Warm Up… and Cool Off

After a swim, many people like to relax in the sun - without making the trip to another part of the landscape. A patio area that features lounge chairs and/or a dining area offers a comfortable place to relax in the sun. But when the sun starts to beat down a little too intensely, you’ll want shelter. And again, you don’t want to make a trip to another part of the landscape or worse, retreat into the home. A pergola, pavilion, or gazebo could be the perfect solution.

A permanent shelter structure can be built on the patio itself, or immediately adjacent to it. Adding a small bar and an outdoor fireplace will turn this spot into a true haven where you can relax outdoors without baking in the sun.

It also extends your enjoyment of your pool area well into the cold months. Once the pool is closed up for the season, you don’t want to just look outside wistfully and dream about next summer - a fireplace will get you out there any time of year. There’s no better way to maximize your investment in your landscape.

4. A Design Statement

A well-designed pool patio is a joy to use and a joy to look at, whether the pool is in use or not. A combination of pavers, the design of the space itself, plantings, and permanent features such as an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, a fountain or other water feature, and landscape lighting will make your pool patio a destination - not just a place to dry off after a swim.

Related: 6 Interesting Ways Masonry Contractors Can Customize Pools and Pool Patios in Barrington, RI