How a Mason Can Turn Your Inground Pool Into a Mini-Resort in Barrington RI

This past year, more homeowners have spent their summers in the backyard than ever before. As a result, there's been an increased awareness of amenities and features that are missing, which could have made the experience better. If the idea of creating a staycation-worthy backyard is at the top of your list for next summer, here's how a mason can turn your inground pool into a mini-resort in Barrington, RI.

Related: 6 Ways to Customize an Inground Pool for Next Summer in Middletown and Jamestown RI Areas

First, you don't need to have the expansive grounds of an estate to create a getaway you'll enjoy every day. Whatever the size of your existing or planned inground pool, you can still enjoy a beautifully landscaped backyard as well as the features that take a pool from ordinary to show-stopping.

Think Small

Most families don't need an Olympic-sized pool that takes up the whole backyard. Think about what you and your family need the most from your pool, and prioritize those features you'll use the most. Features like diving boards and slides, or even a deep end, may not be appropriate for everyone. If your pool is meant for exercise, you might consider a lap pool that hugs your property's outer perimeter. If your pool is just for cooling off on a hot day, a dipping pool (or "cocktail pool" tucked into a corner could serve as the focal point of a luxurious and relaxing space. Pool size aside, it's the finishing touches that make all the difference.

Add Luxury Touches

Luxury touches like waterfalls or fountains effectively turn your pool into a gorgeous water feature that is lovely to look at even when nobody is in the water. Choose your waterfall or fountain design based on the overall aesthetic of your backyard. A boulder-lined waterfall could transform your pool area into a space that looks like a mountain hot spring or a tropical lagoon. A sleek, minimalist sheer descent waterfall could give your pool a chic and sophisticated touch reminiscent of a high-end spa.

A waterfall set into a retaining wall, especially if the waterfall jets outward, creating a small grotto, is a delightful way to keep both young and old entertained. The design can allow them to swim behind the waterfall - and since the water falls directly into the pool, it creates a dramatic soundscape that easily drowns out any local traffic noise.

An elevated spillover hot tub could be the ultimate in luxury when designing a backyard retreat. Sitting above the level of the pool, an elevated hot tub gives you a higher perspective of the surroundings; and the waterfall that spills into the pool serves double duty in heating the pool water to a comfortable temperature. If the hot tub features a veneer that matches other vertical features such as retaining walls or outdoor kitchens, this will visually integrate the outdoor living and pool spaces in a very attractive way.

Plan for the Seasons

The days when the weather is absolutely perfect for swimming and lounging are, unfortunately, too few. Extend the enjoyment of your pool and hot tub area with two things: fire and shelter.

A gas-fueled fire pit or outdoor fireplace gives everyone a chance to warm up after a chilly swim, and a pavilion offers protection from the elements, including full shade, if you've had too much sun. Positioning a fireplace along one side of the pavilion is the ultimate way to transform your pavilion into a year-round getaway that will help you use your backyard in any season. Adding amenities like a built-in beverage cooler and a ceiling fan will go the extra step in making the pavilion "the" place to relax outdoors any time of year.

Related: Building a Safe and Stylish Inground Pool in Tiverton and Portsmouth RI Areas