Swimming pools are considered to be the must-have features for homeowners who enjoy backyard entertaining and having loved ones over. The pool gives the kids some time to do while the grown ups chat, but it can also increase the value of your home when you decide to put your home on the market.
On the other hand, while a swimming pool may be the epitome of summer fun, that’s not the only way you can get your yard ready for get-togethers. In this guide, we’re going to share our top five ways you can fix up your home and turn it into your very own summer getaway.
1. Pool surround
If your pool surround shows signs of disrepair (cracked cement, loose boards, uneven surfaces, etc), this is a great time to consider upgrading your pool’s surround. An updated deck or pool surround can add value to your home (you can check this with a net proceeds calculator) while ensuring that members of your household and guests will be safe, too. If you’re looking for a low maintenance pool surround, you could use PVC deck tiles, brick pavers, or a freshly poured concrete slab.
2. Backyard lighting
Although it doesn’t get dark until much later in the evening during the summer, you’ll still want to make sure that the yard has adequate lighting and that light by the backdoor simply won’t cut it. Homeowners are opting for advanced lighting solutions that include walkway lights, solar lights, spot lights, and lamps. The name of the game with improving the lighting situation in the backyard is to make the yard safe when entertaining, but good lighting can also scare away would-be intruders, too.
3. Built-in grill
You can’t have a backyard get-together if you don’t have a few burgers or steaks on the grill! While you may have a trusted grill that’s never steered you wrong, backyard entertaining can be kicked up several notches by upgrading your grilling station. A built-in grill is a great place to start (make sure you don’t forget to add extra “counter” space to work on), but you can go even further and add things like a wet bar, a snack bar, a sink and maybe a mini-fridge.
4. Hot tub or spa
You’ve got the pool. You’ve got a top-notch grilling station. What else do you need to make your backyard fit for a king? A hot tub or spa of course! By adding one of these near your pool, you have the ultimate set up for relaxing. Just think about how nice it would be to soak in the hot tub after doing yard work and then when your limbs are nice and relaxed, you dive into the pool and instantly feel refreshed.
5. Outdoor area to relax
The deck around the pool is a nice place to lay out in the sun and relax. However, make sure you do a Deck Wash from time to time to remove dirt, mildew, algae, and fungus stains. The dining area near the grilling station is a nice place to chat with family and guests while snacking on delicious grub. A dedicated seating area, complete with comfortable patio furniture and accessories, is almost a necessity if you plan on entertaining on a regular basis. If none of these options are appealing to you and you happen to own a large backyard, then you may want to browse websites like https://www.uniteddwelling.com/ and get in touch with those professionals. They can help install a modular home where you can chill during the summers. Opting for such services can also boost the value of your home. Additionally, make sure the yard is secure with a fence panel. If you do not have yard protection, consider calling a Hillsborough Fencing company or one near your area to get it installed securely. Safety should always be part of your priority when designing outdoor seating.
Even if you don’t have the patio space for a dedicated seating area (other than the dining set), you can set up a seating area in the yard (bonus points if you include a fire pit!). You could use a pagoda or gazebo if you want something a little fancier. The trick with creating an outdoor seating area is to be creative! Treat your outdoor area as an extension of your home and with a little bit of TLC, your backyard will be the number one spot for summer entertaining!