Top 3 Backyard Features to Pair With Inground Pools

 

Ask anyone who has had an inground pool installed in a once-empty backyard. They’ll probably tell you that it completely transformed their backyard, which is likely true. An inground pool can only do so much.

A great backyard design goes beyond just an inground pool. They say that a backyard is only as good as its weakest spot. Okay… fine, I made that up, BUT, if you’re investing in an inground pool, the rest of the yard should be up to par.

In order to create a visually appealing and functional backyard design, many pool prospects are adding complementary backyard living features that increase functionality, comfort, and property value.

Whether you already have an inground pool and you’re looking to further enhance your backyard, or if you’re thinking about installing an inground pool, you clicked on this article because you’re trying to determine the best backyard landscaping ideas for your backyard. Three features stand at the top of the list: stamped concrete patios, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits.

When combined with an inground pool, these features can transform an ordinary backyard into a personal backyard oasis. Royal Pools G2 Landscaping designs and builds custom backyards, including fiberglass pools and vinyl liner pools.

We have personally seen these features help create jaw-dropping backyards, and we want that for you. Let’s break down these three features and see if they are right for your yard. Let’s dive in.

1. Stamped Concrete Patios

For homeowners seeking a high-end, durable backyard centerpiece to host parties, cookouts, and accentuate an inground pool, look no further than stamped concrete patios.

What you get with stamped concrete is aesthetic versatility, the ability to mimic different looks through unique stamp patterns, including:

• Natural stone
• Brick
• Slate
• Wood planks
• Pavers

This provides homeowners with a premium luxury look without the additional materials and installation costs. Additionally, there are dozens of color options for a stamped concrete pool deck.

Why Stamped Concrete Works So Well Around Pools

During the summer months, the area around your pool is subjected to a lot of foot traffic, rain/pool water, chemicals, changing weather conditions, UV exposure,  and more. You need decking that can handle all of that.

A properly installed stamped concrete patio offers:

• Slip-resistant textures
• Low maintenance requirements (spray down patio once a season; reseal patio every 3 – 5 years)
• Long-term durability
• Seamless integration with pool decking
• Endless color and pattern options

Depending on the features in your backyard, homeowners looking for a cohesive backyard design will find that stamped concrete can tie together both your pool and landscaping, as well as your house.

Design Tips for Pool Patios

The versatility of stamped concrete goes beyond just the stamped pattern and color options. When incorporating a stamped concrete patio into your backyard design, consider:

• Lighter colors to reduce heat absorption
• Decorative borders for visual contrast
• Matching textures with outdoor kitchens or fire pits

A properly installed, well-designed patio can serve as the foundation of your outdoor living space.

2. Outdoor Kitchens

We mentioned hosting parties and cookouts above. Sounds fun, right? Here’s the thing: running from your backyard to your kitchen over and over again can get tiresome, especially if swimmers are tracking water into the house. Enter outdoor kitchens.

A fully functional outdoor entertainment area is what many of us dream of, especially for pool owners seeking to transform their yard into a personal outdoor retreat. Outdoor kitchens have become quite popular for this reason.

Benefits of Outdoor Kitchens

Adding an outdoor kitchen near your pool provides:

• Convenient outdoor cooking and dining
• Premium entertainment space
• Increased home value
• Reduced indoor traffic during parties
• Enhanced luxury and backyard functionality

Popular outdoor kitchen features include:

• Built-in grills
• Refrigerators
• Ovens
• Bars and seating areas
• Granite or concrete countertops
• Storage cabinets

Creating a Cohesive Backyard Layout

The best backyard landscaping ideas focus on increasing backyard functionality and adding value to your home. Positioning outdoor kitchens near a pool allows guests to bounce between swimming, dining, and lounging, without tracking water through your house and indoor kitchen.

To maintain visual consistency and a cohesive backyard space:

• Match countertop colors to pool decking
• Coordinate stone or concrete finishes
• Use landscape lighting throughout the space
• Incorporate shade structures or pergolas

3. Fire Pits

For homeowners investing in premium backyard design, fire features create a resort-style experience that feels both inviting and luxurious.

A fire pit is very unique in that it provides year-round usability to your backyard. While we typically associate swimming pools with summer, fire pits extend your backyard enjoyment into cool evenings, including the fall. They also provide warmth and an inviting lounge area centerpiece in your backyard.

Why Fire Pits Pair Perfectly With Inground Pools

Every backyard deserves some visually dynamic contrast, even if minimal. The contrast between an inground pool and a fire pit creates the visually dynamic focal point your yard might need. Additionally, fire pits naturally encourage relaxation and conversation after swimming.

Benefits include:

• Cozy gathering space
• Increased nighttime ambiance
• Added visual appeal
• Extended outdoor season
• Enhanced entertainment value

Whether you choose a contemporary or classic fire pit, they seamlessly fit into most backyard designs.

Popular Fire Pit Styles

There are a handful of fire pit options on the market for you to choose from, including:

• Gas fire pits and fire tables
• Wood-burning fire pits
• Sunken fire pits w/ seating areas
• Fire bowls
• Linear modern fire features
• Fire urns and fire pillars

For the best results, coordinate your type of fire pit with your stamped concrete patio and overall backyard design to maintain aesthetic cohesion.

Bringing Your Backyard Design Together

The most successful pool projects combine functionality, comfort, and visual appeal into one unified backyard design, while also increasing the overall value of the home.

By pairing inground pools with:

• A premium, durable stamped concrete patio
• Functional outdoor kitchens
• Warm, inviting fire pits

—you cultivate a cohesive outdoor environment that looks and feels complete and is easy to use and maintain.

These added backyard features not only improve day-to-day enjoyment but also boost aesthetic value and long-term property value.

Final Thoughts

Like we said, for homeowners dreaming about an inground pool, it’s important to think beyond just the pool itself. Surrounding your pool with these features can completely transform how you use and enjoy your backyard space.

A stamped concrete patio provides the perfect foundation, outdoor kitchens make entertaining effortless, and fire pits add warmth and ambiance that extend your outdoor season.

If you’re looking for timeless backyard landscaping ideas, these three features are the best investments you can make to complement your inground pool. When you throw all these backyard features into a melting pot and create the backyard design perfect for you, you can rest knowing you have a backyard design that is built to create years of memories.

For more information on backyard landscaping ideas, check out the articles below. Check out our learning hub at the top of our page for more educational content on all things pools and landscaping. Thanks for reading. Have a great day.

PVC vs. Wood vs. Composite: Pros and Cons of the Three Most Popular Deck Materials

Brick Pavers vs Concrete: Which is Best for Your Backyard?

When Do You Need a Retaining Wall for an Inground Swimming Pool?

Written by Logan Edgemon