When you have a pool, diving into cool water on a hot summer day is pure luxury. But with the right pool furniture, lounging by the pool, sunbathing, or having spontaneous BBQs with the family whenever you want, is an even greater luxury!
What do we mean by pool furniture? We mean outdoor furniture that is weather- and UV-resistant, like outdoor chaise lounges or patio sets. And while having just a comfy chair to sit by the pool is good, you don't know what you're missing with these other types of pool furniture.
1. Outdoor Lounge Furniture
No matter how much you love swimming, you can’t swim all day without taking a break, which makes outdoor lounge furniture so essential. You’ll need to look for water-resistant lounge furniture that is quick to dry from splashes or rain, like wicker, metal, and engineered fabrics. The types of lounge furniture to consider include:
- Chaise lounges are typically made of wicker, teak, wood, or plastic and usually come with adjustable backs (which we recommend!).
- Adirondack chairs have wide arms, are angled back, sit lower to the ground, and are easy to move. These are very versatile.
- Sun Lounge chairs come in different shapes and styles, so it's easy to find one that matches your style.
- Lounge sets include chairs, a sofa, and a coffee table to create a complete hang-out spot.
- Patio recliners work just like regular recliners, except they have the style and materials of patio furniture.
- Sofas, loveseats, and sectionals provide more seating so you can accommodate more guests or use it as a bed.
Some pool chairs are even submersible, so you can relax without ever having to leave the water!
2. Pool Bed
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise, but it can make you feel sleepy. And while you can curl up on other lounge furniture, you can take an even better nap on a pool bed — there’s just more room. Plus, there’s usually a built-in canopy on top for instant shade.
Some pool bed models are convertible so that when you pull the bed cushions apart, you'll have a comfy sofa with a footstool or benches on either side.
3. Hammocks
What says classic more than a poolside hammock? When you use it for napping, sunbathing, or just taking a breather, the slow swaying of a hammock is unlike anything else.
So if you have a couple of trees by your pool, you need a traditional rope hammock. These are usually made of cotton or polyester, making them breathable and excellent for cool breezes on hot days. These also come in several colors and fabrics.
Don't have trees nearby? Don’t worry; you can also find hammocks with their own base and stand.
4. Patio Umbrellas
While getting some sun is great, having the occasional reprieve is excellent for your skin — which is why you should have a patio umbrella.
With a patio umbrella, you'll need to find the appropriate size for your space. Typically, you'll want to add two feet for each side of the patio table. For instance, if you have a table that is 4 feet long, your patio umbrella needs to be 8 feet in diameter.
Pro Tip: Look for patio umbrellas with adjustable heights!
5. Dining or Bistro Sets
Not only does swimming make you tired, but it can make you work up a big appetite. So, why not bring the spread outside with an outdoor patio dining set?
Outdoor dining sets are just like indoor dining sets, except these are made with more outdoor-friendly materials. A bistro set is similar to an outdoor dining set, except it’s much smaller and suited for one or two people. Some sets even come with a patio umbrella, which is one less thing you have to purchase separately.
Pro Tip: Add a cabana or gazebo to provide a broader shelter from the sun and create a stunning statement. You can also pair these with a lounge set instead.
6. Poolside Storage
You might not think it but having storage near your pool is essential. This way, you'll save on storage inside your home and keep your pool essentials on hand. With a deck box, you can store all your pool equipment like your water treatment kit and keep it out of the way. Some boxes even come with a padlock to keep things safe from children.
But if you don’t want a clunky storage piece, you can find a large water-resistant ottoman with built-in storage to match your other lounge furniture, provide more seating, and add convenience.
7. Towel Racks
Don't you hate getting out of the pool and then realizing you didn't bring a towel? Walking around while dripping wet is no fun, even when it's extremely hot and sunny outside, but with a poolside towel rack, you'll always have towels on hand.
With a towel rack, you can place it wherever you need without worrying about your towel falling on the ground. And if your family is a fan of swimming with masks or goggles, you can also use the towel rack to hang them up — no more tripping over them wherever the kids throw them!
Tips for Finding the Right Pool Furniture
When it comes to outdoor furniture, having materials resistant to the elements is crucial. So, when you shop, you'll need to look for:
- Aluminum: lasts long, is lightweight, rust-proof, and requires little weather treating.
- Polyester Rattan: withstands the elements easily, especially if it has a resin coat. It might require additional weatherproofing every couple of years.
- Wood: natural wood amps up your backyard style, is sturdier, and requires regular treatment with a preservative. Teak, redwood, cypress, and cedar are naturally weather resistant.
Other than material, you'll also need outdoor furniture that is lightweight and portable. As for comfort, look for cushions with a spring construction since they'll last longer.
Poolside Fun
Having a pool is just the first step to creating a summer oasis you never want to leave — you need different types of pool furniture, too. So, if you're ready to kick off your summer fun the right way, Idler's Home is what you need to get started.
Have any questions about outdoor furniture? Contact our team today! We'll help you create the backyard sanctuary of your dreams!