A backyard pool is much more than a swimming hole for your family. This hot spot becomes an entertaining Mecca, an oasis for relaxation and a playground for family fun. You can do much to enhance your pool use by decorating the area to make it beautiful and inviting. A few well-placed pieces of furniture and plants can do wonders to dress up your outdoor living space. With the latest accessories for outdoor living, you can transform your backyard pool to a spot everyone will want to enjoy.

Ambient Lighting

The wonders of outdoor lighting continue to evolve, with everything from flickering tiki torches to underwater LED lighting. Think of lighting your outdoor space the same way as when you add lighting to indoor rooms. First, you want functional light to illuminate walkways and conversation areas. Try solar lights along your paths and on lamp posts near your table and chairs. Next, you want "mood" lighting that warms an area and adds an element of festivity to your pool. LED lights in an array of colors to match the season are a good start. If you have an additional water feature like a fountain or waterfall, make sure you light that feature to become a centerpiece of your landscape when the sun goes down.

Stylish Furniture

Forget the boring chaise lounges of years past; today's pool furnishings are all about comfort and style. Even if the rest of your home is muted in earth tones, you can bring color and pattern to your outdoor living space. Tropical is a natural look for a pool area, but don't be afraid to go Polynesian or even Greek in your colors and patterns. A free standing fire pit is a nice centerpiece to a conversation area because it adds warmth and ambiance to your patio. A bar with a few stools will also create a gathering spot for guests and provide the perfect spot for serving up drinks and appetizers.

Classy Gazebos

A gazebo is especially welcome if your pool area doesn't get much shade during the heat of the day or you get frequent cloudbursts in the afternoon. This covering makes a perfect spot for dining al fresco or enjoying your morning coffee. Choose a covering that coordinates with the rest of your pool décor and add a couple of hanging baskets with ivy or cascading flowers. You can even string a few Christmas lights along the frame for evening parties. Gazebos come in all shapes and sizes so you can find one that will accommodate your outdoor dining set or fit in a compact space.

Your backyard pool is sure to be a gathering spot for friends and family all summer long. Make your outdoor oasis one that everyone will enjoy with pool décor that is eye catching and functional. With the right combination of lighting, furniture and coverings, your pool area will be the best loved spot in your home as long as the sun is shining.