3 Ways to Prep Your Poolside for Summer

Winter is finally over, and after months of taking a brutal beating from the elements, your poolside retreat may need a little TLC. Bring your backyard back to life just in time for summer entertaining with these three tips:

1. DIY Deck Design

If you have a knack for do-it-yourself renovations, consider updating your pool deck for the summer season. Over time, pool decks can crack and any finishes or slip-resistant coatings can depreciate. This can become a real problem when it applies to safety. Without a slip-resistant coating, your family and guests are more prone to slipping on the wet areas. Make safety a priority and spruce up your old pool deck with a larger, more stylish concrete addition.

First, you’ll need to measure the deck area. Take a measurement of the perimeter of the pool to serve as your inside boundary. Next, take a measurement of the outside of the perimeter. These measurements will allow you to determine how much concrete you need for the project. Note that most concrete pool decks are between five and six inches deep.

After you’ve taken the measurements, begin to lay your frame. Start by pouring sand evenly over the ground inside of the frame. Mix up the concrete and pour it into the frame. Compaction rental services such as Neff Rental have a variety of concrete working tools, including mixers, that will help make the process more efficient.

Once the concrete is poured into the frame, it’s time to texturize. Before the concrete dries, run a broom lightly over the wet surface. This will make lines in the concrete that create a non-slip surface. When the concrete is dry, pull off the wood frame.

Add aesthetic details to the pool deck with a fresh coat of paint and be sure to apply concrete sealer to your deck after it’s been painted.

2. Liven Up the Landscape

Landscaping around the pool area can prove challenging at times. On one hand you may want to have a lush-looking backyard, but on the other, you don’t want to have to remove leaves and other debris from your pool.

The experts at Landscaping Network recommend selecting tropical plants like hibiscus, daylilies, heavenly bamboo, and queen palms for both color and minimal leaf shedding.

3. Enhance the Entertaining Spaces

From sunset family barbeques to relaxing pool days, your pool area will be a hotspot for the entire family this summer. Consider adding amenities like a state-of-the-art grill, a cabana, and lounge chairs.

Natural gas grills like the Weber Genesis come equipped with three stainless steel burners that can cook a variety of foods. Cabanas can make a beautiful addition to your backyard while providing shade from the sun and lounge chairs, and patio furniture will be a necessity for summertime entertaining. Use the cabana and patio furniture as opportunities to add pops of color to your outdoor space.

Other additions, like pool floats and toys, are great for kids and help to create lasting summertime memories for the whole family.