There’s something about a pool patio that either feels like a calm little retreat or, if you’re not careful, like a jumble of wet towels and plastic chairs. You don’t need a designer setup to make it feel like a getaway though. A few tweaks, some reused bits from around the house, and a couple of low-effort touches can turn it into that space you actually want to sit in after work.
1 | Use String Lights Around the Fence
Soft lighting always changes the mood. One neighbour strung basic fairy lights along the fence and honestly, it looked like something from a vacation rental. You can use zip ties or leftover hooks from holiday lights. The trick is to keep them low and even, not just thrown over the top. From the pool, the reflection makes it twice as nice, like you put in effort when you really didn’t.
2 | Add a Few Outdoor Rugs
My friend used two mismatched outdoor rugs she found on sale and it tied her patio together. They also hid cracked tiles and felt warmer underfoot.
You can mix stripes with plain ones for an eclectic look, Or keep it plain by using jute or rattan style rugs.
Just make sure to dry them out once in a while, or they start smelling damp!
3 | Repurpose Old Benches
If you have a random wooden bench somewhere, give it a quick sanding and seal it.
It doesn’t need to match anything.
One of my cousins did this and covered it with old beach towels as cushions.
Plus, benches take up less space than bulky chairs.
4 | Hang Sheer Curtains for Shade
You can clip lightweight curtains or even old sheets to a pergola or clothesline for shade.
They blow in the wind and make everything feel softer.
It gives that relaxed, breezy look people try to recreate with fancy cabanas.
5 | Bring Out Indoor Plants Temporarily
You don’t have to buy new greenery.
Just take a few potted plants from inside and group them by the pool for the weekend.
They love the humidity!
A mix of heights helps it look intentional, not random.
6 | Create a Towel Station
Instead of everyone running inside dripping wet, set a basket or small shelf outside with rolled towels.
Even a crate will do.
I saw someone use a laundry basket and hang a “towels” sign from cardboard.
It made their setup feel organized without really being fancy.
7 | Add Solar Lanterns
You can find inexpensive solar lanterns almost anywhere now.
They charge all day and glow softly at night without any cords.
They look great lined up along the walkway leading to the pool, and it will feel like a mini resort path.
They’re easy to move around if you change the layout too.
8 | Use Pallets for a Lounge Platform
Pallets are surprisingly useful.
Stack a few, cover with old cushions, and throw a light blanket over it.
It makes an instant lounging area.
Tip: make sure to sand the rough edges first.
9 | Add a Small Fire Bowl
If evenings get chilly, a tabletop fire bowl works wonders.
You don’t need a full fire pit setup. A metal bowl, some rocks, and gel fuel do the trick.
I tried it once using a leftover planter bowl and it worked fine.
The flicker against the water at night looks way fancier than the effort you put in.
10 | Bring Out a Coffee Table
Sometimes it’s not about buying patio furniture, it’s about rearranging what you already have.
A small coffee table or side table from inside can handle being outside for a few hours.
It gives people a spot for snacks or drinks without needing new furniture.
11 | Use Beach Umbrellas in Planters
No need to cement anything. Just stick an umbrella pole in a large planter with some rocks or sand.
It stays upright and looks like part of the decor.
The whole thing cost nothing.
12 | Add a Small Outdoor Bar Cart
Even an old kitchen trolley or rolling cart can turn into a mini bar setup.
Stack a few glasses, a drink dispenser, maybe some lemons in a bowl.
I saw someone paint theirs mint green and it looked cheerful against the pool water.
The trick is to keep it uncluttered, like you’re casually prepared, not overdoing it.
13 | Paint the Patio Floor
If your concrete looks dull, give it a quick refresh with outdoor paint.
A soft color or even a border line can make it look neat.
It will brighten the whole space without any furniture change.
14 | Use Plastic Crates as Storage
You can flip them upside down as side tables or use them to store pool toys.
My friend sprayed hers white and stacked them like cubes near the fence.
It looked intentional and tidy, even though it was literally old crates.
They’re light, easy to clean, and last through summer.
15 | Hang Mirrors for More Light
Outdoor mirrors make small patios look bigger.
Just use old framed mirrors from thrift shops and hang them under the patio cover.
They look great above a seating area, and they reflect the pool beautifully.
Just be sure to secure them well against wind!
16 | Bring Out Floor Cushions
Not everything has to be a chair.
A few floor cushions or bean bags work fine for lounging on your pool patio.
They dry fast if you leave them in the sun. Scatter them casually, like a picnic vibe.
17 | Use Mason Jars as Candle Holders
If you have jars lying around, drop a tealight or small LED light in each and line them up on the edge of the patio.
My mom did this every summer evening. It’s simple, smells nice if you use citronella candles, and the jars keep the wind from blowing them out.
You can tie twine around the rims if you want that extra touch.
Tip: If you live in a place that gets a lot of wind you can add sand to the bottom to add more weight!
18 | Add a Folding Screen
Sometimes you just want a bit of privacy on your pool patio.
A folding screen, even an old one from a thrift store, can make a huge difference.
My neighbour placed one beside her lounge chairs and it blocked the view from the driveway.
19 | Put Up Hooks for Pool Gear
Instead of dumping everything in a pile, screw a few hooks onto the fence or wall.
Hang goggles, nets, and floaties so they dry faster.
It helps keep things organized, and it’s easier than hunting for everything later.
20 | Add a Mini Garden Bed
Even a narrow strip beside the pool can hold a few herbs or small flowers.
My friend planted lavender near hers, and the smell when the sun hits it is amazing.
Plus, bees and butterflies show up, which makes it feel more alive.
It’s low maintenance if you pick hardy plants.
21 | Use Old Buckets as Planters On Your Pool Patio
Metal or plastic buckets look surprisingly good filled with flowers. You can line them along the pool patio edge for color.
They look effortless and are super affordable.
Sometimes the simplest containers work best.
22 | Add a Shade Sail
Shade sails are easy to put up with rope and hooks.
They give a bit of relief from harsh sun without closing off the area.
You can find cheap ones that last a few summers.
23 | Bring Out a Bluetooth Speaker
Music changes everything.
Even a small portable speaker makes the space feel like an event. My friend plays low jazz while her kids swim, and it instantly feels calmer.
You don’t need big equipment, just keep it away from water splashes.
24 | Keep a Cooler On Your Pool Patio
Instead of running inside every time you want a drink, set up a cooler on your pool patio.
You can even disguise it inside a wooden box or under a table. My dad always did this during family cookouts.
It’s practical, keeps people outside longer, and feels like a proper setup without much work.
25 | Hang Simple Wall Art
Outdoor wall art doesn’t have to be fancy.
A weathered sign, an old clock, or even framed photos printed on waterproof paper can make a bare wall feel finished.
My friend hung a vintage “pool rules” sign she found at a flea market, and it looked great next to the chairs.
It’s small touches like that that make your pool patio feel lived-in, not staged.
