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There’s an old saying in advertising that says “Sell the sizzle, not the steak”... and when you stop and think about it, this can actually be applied in a number of circumstances. Like pools, for example. 

A lot of people have pools, but a pool alone is not enough to make an ordinary backyard feel like a luxury resort. Because it’s not about the pool… it’s about all the little details that make spending time by the pool a delightful and intoxicating experience.

It’s about the sizzle.

Our designers put their heads together to come up with the best ways to elevate your pool so you can enjoy resort-style living in your backyard — and give your family and friends experiences they’ll remember for a lifetime.

Include space for comfort and relaxation

Including space where you can lounge around the pool and relax is essential for any pool area. But how you design that space, the type of pool you have and the materials you choose to build with all help determine whether your pool feels like the local motel or something much more luxurious.

• Choose pool coping that accentuates the shape of your pool and complements your overall design aesthetic. Coping can be made from a wide variety of materials, including concrete, brick, natural stone, mosaic tiles and more.
  

For a high-end look, opt for materials that are visually interesting. There is a trend toward making the coping stand out and become part of the design and not just a simple edge separating the pool from the pool deck.

• Pool decking should be non-slip, even-surfaced, heat reflective and resistant to chemicals, mold and mildew — but to make it feel more luxurious it needs to be aesthetically pleasing.

Like pool coping, there are a wide variety of colours and materials to choose from. Some of the more popular choices include tiles, pavers, composite wood, brick and stamped concrete. Even ordinary pavers take on a luxurious feel when they’re laid in an interesting pattern.

For a modern look, opt for large tiles made from slate or some other natural stone. If you’re going for a more rustic look, flagstone would be a good choice. The important thing here is to choose the materials that support your vision for your property.

• Water features, such as fountains, waterfalls or a water slide, can create a relaxing ambiance and add visual interest to your pool area, making it unique and special.

• A beautifully-designed shade structure creates a cozy ambiance while shielding you from the hot sun. Pergolas and pavilions help define your space, separating the bar or dining area from the pool.

• Landscaping the area around your pool deck is the window dressing that gives your pool character. That doesn’t mean you have to surround it with huge gardens if that’s not your style — adding just a bit of greenery is enough to elevate your space.

• Accessorize the decking around the pool with great-looking deck chairs, loungers, umbrellas and bistro tables and any other accessories that make you feel happy and relaxed.

Luxurious convenience

Luxury is defined as an indulgence that provides pleasure, satisfaction and ease, so to take your pool area to the next level it’s important to include some conveniences.

• Having a cabana built near the pool gives guests a place to change and provides a convenient place to store pool chemicals and equipment. No more running through the house in wet swimsuits!

• Cooking a meal outside is one of the summer's greatest pleasures — and replacing your barbecue with an outdoor kitchen is a surefire way to take your yard from ordinary to extraordinary. Cooking and serving food poolside is definitely a luxury — and a feature often seen in luxury resorts.

• Don’t forget technology! You can employ smartphone applications, pool automation, smart pool switches, monitors, and more to make owning a pool a lot easier. Technology can help keep your pool’s cleaning chemicals properly balanced, adjust the water temperature, monitor water levels and more.

Landscape lighting

Landscape lighting elevates your entire property, making it come alive at night. Having proper lighting extends the time you can safely spend outside while adding drama and mystery to your evening swims.

• Pool deck lighting is embedded into the deck surrounding the pool. By using different types of lights, such as LED lights or color-changing lights, you can create different moods and atmospheres around the pool, making it a more enjoyable and inviting space.

• Downlighting illuminates your pool area from above, whether installed in trees or on the gables of your home. Downlighting makes it easier to navigate around the pool at night while enveloping the entire area in a beautiful and inviting glow.

• Tiki torches can add a tropical, exotic feel to your outdoor space, creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, allowing you to choose the ones that best match your decor and personal style.

• Bistro lights come in a variety of styles, such as globe, Edison, or LED bulbs, and can be strung up in different patterns to create a unique and personalized look. The party-like atmosphere bistro lights create makes them a favourite for outdoor patios and pool areas.

• A fire pit, while not technically part of a lighting system, is a lovely feature to add to the pool area. Few things rival the simple pleasure of a warm fire on a cool evening.
  

As you can see, there are many features you can add to your backyard pool area to transform it into a luxurious oasis. The concept of luxury is a mindset that is within everyone’s reach — all you need to do is surround yourself with the small indulgences that let you experience a life full of satisfaction, beauty, and inspiration.

If you’d like some more ideas on how to make your yard feel more luxurious, schedule a consultation with one of our designers or browse through our featured projects for some inspiration.