Step 2:

What are the Must Have Pool Accessories?

In addition to thinking about bigger-picture decisions like shape, size, and depth, you’ll also need to consider the overall appearance and function you want from your new swimming pool. There are tons of options ranging from different building materials to safety features to the pumps and filters that make your pool work. In order to prioritize your budget, it’s important that you know how you want to use your pool. With so many options, you will have to determine what accessories are must-haves and which ones are wants. If you have kids, you will want to make safety features like fences and pool alarms first and foremost. You may also consider a tanning ledge that gives younger children a comfortable place to splash around. On the other hand, if your pool is the main attraction for parties and get-togethers, you may consider a built-in spa and a patio area for additional places to socialize.

Let’s take a look at some of the options available to you so you know how to balance your budget:

Pool Design

These days there are a lot of different ways to make your pool unique. Are you going for a minimalist design, or do you want a pool that’s the colorful, eye-catching focal point for your whole backyard? Do you dream of a swimming pool adorned with shimmering mosaics? How about a rugged oasis accented with natural stone? For a more contemporary look, there’s nothing as sleek as an infinity edge pool. Here are some of the most important aesthetic features of your pool:

Tile

From multicolored glass mosaics to rugged stone-look ceramics to low-key basics, the right tile can take your pool design to the next level. It’s long-lasting, easy to clean, and lends an unmatched elegance.

Finish

Adding stones, pebbles, and beads to your plaster can add an exciting and gorgeous texture to your pool. An aggregate finish can also be more durable than standard plaster.

Coping

Pool coping is a protective lip on the edge of your pool over the pool wall. It protects your pool from the elements and adds accessibility to your pool. Ranging from concrete, to brick, to natural stone and pavers, coping is a defining element of your pool’s appearance.

Pool Lighting

Swimming pool lighting is a surefire way to add pizazz to your pool. In addition to making your pool safer, many of today’s pool lights offer fun features like multiple color options and built-in light shows. Many are programmable and compatible with smart home features, too.

Stairs & Ladders

Ladders and stairs are mainly about functionality, but they have a visual impact as well. Adding a trim tile and lights to pool steps can improve the safety of your pool and a create a distinctive accent.

Tanning Ledge

A tanning ledge (otherwise known as a sun shelf) is a raised area in your pool designed for leisurely activities like tanning, relaxing, and socializing. It combines the sensation of the water with the comfort of poolside tanning because it’s only about 6” of water deep. It’s also a great place for kids and pets to enjoy the pool!

Infinity Edge

An infinity edge is the special pool wall in an infinity pool that creates the illusion of a vanishing edge. Instead of the usual coping at the top of the pool wall, there’s a dip where water flows over. This creates a borderless appearance that has become synonymous with luxury pools. In the water, it looks as if the pool blends seamlessly into the horizon.

Safety

Safety is one of the most important aspects of a pool. In addition to the local safety guidelines that often require these add-ons, there’s a peace of mind that comes with safe pool ownership. And that’s the way a pool should make you feel!

Fences

Pool fences are barriers typically used for the safety of pets and children. It can also help keep small critters out.

Covers

Swimming pool covers are an essential item for a pool owner since they add safety and protect your pool from weathering and organic growth. There are number of different types of pool covers with different uses. They can be solid, mesh, or tarp-like, and they range in the amount of debris they keep out. Solar pool covers are an alternate blanket-like design that is instead used to trap heat from the sun, manage water temperature, and conserve pool chemicals.

Alarms

A pool alarm alerts pool owners when there is an unexpected breach or entry into the swimming pool water. There are surface and sub-surface versions. The surface level alarms have a sensor that detects waves in the pool. The underwater versions are triggered by a change in water pressure. They are an affordable way to add an additional safety element to your pool when the cover isn’t being used.

Performance

Design accessories establish an identity, safety features are necessary, and these next accessories determine how convenient and pleasant pool ownership can be. They are the essential “organs” that keep your pool functioning throughout the year. Upgrading your pump, adding a heater, or using technology can change the way it feels to own a pool by improving quality of life and making it easier to maintain your pool.

Pumps

Pumps are the “heart” of your pool. They are an essential item that keeps the water moving, but not all pumps are made equal. Upgrading to a variable speed pool pump can save energy, money, and reduce noise.

Filters

Pool filters are closely connected to the pool pump and remove the small and microscopic debris that enters the pool. The three main types of filters: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth require different maintenance, so you should find that one that matches your needs.

Heating & Cooling

Pool heaters and chillers adjust the temperature of your water so it’s nice and warm during winter or cool and refreshing during the hot months. In cold climates, a heater can extend your pool season by keeping the water swimmable, which may help you get even more value out of your pool.

Sanitization (Automatic and Salt Water Chlorinators)

Chlorinators of all types reduce manual labor by automatically dispensing the correct amount of chlorine into your pool. Salt water generators transform ordinary non-iodized table salt into chlorine. Since maintenance is a huge part of pool ownership, this can be a great helper.

Automated Systems

Have you ever heard of a smart home? Automated systems link together your individual pool and spa functions, lighting, and water features at the touch of a button. You can even automate daily pool equipment functions, such as filtration, sanitation, and cleaning.

Robotic Cleaners

Robotic Cleaners aren’t an accessory that is directly tied to your pool, but they might as well be. Since pool maintenance such as scrubbing and vacuuming must be performed, new pool owners may want to consider a robot. They’ll dislodge organic matter and debris and do the work for you. Simply drop them in and take them out when their cycle is finished.

Amenities

A pool is more than just a place to swim, it’s the centerpiece of your outdoor space. The attractive design of a pool ties together other desirable backyard features like patios and kitchens. At the same time, these amenities can transform your swimming area into a full-on backyard paradise by providing range to your outdoor activities. If you can eat, sleep, and have fun in your backyard, you’ll start to understand why we love the term “stay-cation”. Broaden the scope of what your backyard can be with these robust accessories:

Spas

Built-in spas and hot tubs are a classic pair with a swimming pool. In addition to the unique, relaxing comfort it provides, there are also health benefits to a hot tub such as pain relief, stress relief, and improved circulation.

Fire Features

Fire features such as firepits, fireplaces, fire walls, and fire bowls add warmth to your backyard literally and visually. The lively flames and dramatic lighting add an exotic flair to backyards and pools alike. Some models intended for pools incorporate moving water for an elemental double feature.

Water Features

Water Features, like fire features, add excitement and beauty to your pool. Scuppers, waterfalls, sheer descents, bubblers, grottos, and jets add motion to your backyard, turning it into a real-life oasis.

Outdoor Kitchens

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys entertaining around your pool, you’ll love an outdoor kitchen. It’s more than just a grill and furniture. It’s a specially designed place that can have additional features like refrigerators, bars, ice makers, side burners, patio heaters, and more. A quality outdoor kitchen lends an unparalleled appeal to your backyard and ensures that you don’t have to make compromises when you bring the party outdoors.

Decking

Decking is one of the most important aspects of the backyard space you will create. It unifies your backyard and plays a huge part in the overall aesthetic. Options for decking are natural stone, pavers, inlays, slate, deck coatings, stamped concrete, wood, tile, and more. Consider factors like heat resistance, slip factor, maintenance, and, of course appearance when choosing a decking type.

Gazebos & Pergolas

Gazebos and Pergolas are eye-catching shade structures that create distinct seating areas. They frame outdoor kitchens, bars, and furniture while still allowing for a breezy, open layout. They create a relaxing destination away from the walls of the house.

Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting along steps, paths, seat areas, trees, plants, and sculptures amplify your already existing backyard and just make everything look better. Proper lighting is one of the most underrated features of a backyard because of the cozy warmth it can bring. In addition to pleasing the eye, landscape lighting makes your yard safer and more secure.