Does Your Newport and Bristol RI Landscape Need a Facelift? Consider These Ideas for an Inground Pool

Does your Newport and Bristol, RI landscape need a facelift? Consider these ideas for an inground pool, whether you want to elevate your backyard to spa-level serenity, or provide a safe and fun atmosphere for family play.

Related: Make Your Inground Pool Stand Out With These 6 Features in Bristol and Tiverton, RI

First, consider how you would like to use your pool. Do you want to swim laps to maintain fitness? Do you want to relax with a good soak? Do you want to give the kids plenty of outdoor time without spending a fortune on water parks? Knowing how you want to use your pool is the first step in choosing the right design, the right amenities, and the right size.

Next, consider the available space. Unless lap swimming is your main objective, your inground pool can take virtually any shape to make the best use of the backyard. Whether your backyard is spacious or petite, there’s a pool design that will fit. You could, for example, squeeze a dipping pool (or a “cocktail pool”) into a formerly unused corner. Or, you could prominently place a kidney-shaped pool in the center of the backyard, signaling “this is the place to be this summer!”

While large pools obviously offer more amenities, carefully choosing the pool size and a few key amenities will give you the feel you want, without having to get a huge pool.

Some amenities to consider are:

1. A Baja shelf. This feature sits inside the pool itself. It’s a gradual, beach-like descent into the water that does double duty as a shallow end for the little ones.

2. A waterfall. Adding moving water to the pool creates both drama and fun because who can resist swimming under or even behind the cascading water? Illuminating the waterfall at night will transform the pool area into a stunning showpiece.

3. A spacious pool deck. Whether you have kids who want the option of playing in the water or on dry land, or you want a large integrated entertaining space (that incorporates both the pool and cooking/dining/lounging area) you’ll need a good-sized pool deck. Choose pavers or natural stone for the most elegant and low-maintenance options. Make sure that any poolside pavers or natural paving stones are non-slip when wet, for safety. At the very least, opt for about a three-foot patio all the way around the pool (on the non-lounging sides). This will help keep grass clippings and leaves from falling into the pool, and will keep chlorinated pool water from damaging fragile plants.

4. A pergola or pavilion. Fun in the sun is one thing… but at some point, you’ll want to cool off in the shade. A classic pergola, which has an open roof along with open sides, will shelter you from the hot sun. A pavilion, with its open sides and solid roof, will offer the additional shelter from rain. This structure, in fact, can greatly extend your enjoyment of your outdoor space.

5. A fire feature. When the air takes on a chill (and the water is still warm) you’ll want to warm up by the fire after a swim. A natural gas- or propane-fueled fire pit or outdoor fireplace is just the ticket. A fire pit is more casual, and an outdoor fireplace adds a majestic touch to your pool area. Like the pavilion, these two fire features are great investments that help you extend the amount of time you spend outdoors - even after the pool is closed up for the season.

Related: 5 Landscape Design Tips to Improve the Look of an Inground Pool in Jamestown, RI