What does a homeowner with in-ground pool do in the winter? Hopefully you enjoy some winter activities, like skiing or snowmobiling. But whether you’re almost as active now as in summer, or you’re more or less a shut-in during the cold months, winter is a great time to think about ways to make your pool and yard an even better place to be when the spring and summer roll around.
In fact, winter is the best time to make plans for opening, updating and/or enhancing your pool and yard. If you wait until the pool is open, very often you’re too busy either enjoying or working on your pool to make carefully planned decisions about how to make it better.
So, as you’re staying warm on cold winter nights, consider some of the following ideas if you want to hit the water swimming with enhancements to your pool when spring gets here.
1. Get an Idea of Budget
If you’re serious about making an addition to your pool or its surroundings, you need to know how much you’re willing to spend. You can do something with just about any budget. Simple landscaping around the pool can really set it off as the focal point of your yard. Or you might want to think about some of the other suggestions below.
2. A Cabana or Pergola
Sometimes it’s difficult to go into the house every time you need to change or get a cold drink. And while you’ve waited for months for the warm days to arrive, having a shady place to relax near the pool isn’t a bad idea. Cabanas and pergolas add to the look and functionality of your pool area.
3. Barbecues & Firepits
There’s nothing quite like sitting next to a warm fire after a nighttime swim. And a permanent barbecue or outdoor kitchen makes it way easier to hang around the pool all day and night.
4. Light it Up
You won’t believe the ambience you can create with pool and garden lights. Not only will they make you want to be by the pool even when you’re not swimming, but they make it safer to walk around at night
This is just a start. There are many other pool enhancements for you to start thinking about to both improve the look and safety of your pool. Stay tuned for Part 2 of ‘If It’s Winter It’s Time to Think About Your Pool’ to learn more.
