How Much Pool Patio Space Do I Need?
- mike
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
POOL PATIO
Interesting fact about swimming pools. You might find that when you begin using your pool that almost 90% of your time is actually spent not in the pool. That means the 90% of the time you are not in the pool you are using the pool deck or pool patio around it. This drives home how important it is to properly plan the amount of pool patio you have around your pool.
WALKWAYS
First and foremost it is important to have walkways to and from your pool patio. Walkways are great for getting to pool equipment pads, secondary entrance and exits to the pool patio, etc. Walkways should typically be 3 to 4 feet wide. Keep in mind that you are going to need at least 30" of walkway space between patio furniture and the pool edge as well.
TYPICAL POOL PATIO LAYOUT
On the average pool patio you will find that typically there is a much large patio area near the shallow end. The shallow end of the pool is where people tend to congregate as they get in and out of the pool. Its also a great place for lounge chairs as well. Most patios have 10 plus feet of patio at the shallow end with less patio along the deep end and far sides of the pools. These areas receive little to no traffic so its a great way to cut down on patio space. Some of the most beautiful pools I have ever seen have just a simple 12 inch wide coping around them and then grass with a walkway or path to a larger pool patio that is further away.
POOL PATIO DINING AREA
If your desire is to have an outdoor dining area a good starting point is to factor in about 14 x 10 foot area for pool patio. This is all pending the size of the table and seating you ultimately choose.
POOL PATIO FIREPIT AREA
If you are thinking of adding a fire pit like the Unilock Natural Gas Fire Pit in the video above to your pool patio you will need to have at least 36" from the edge of the firepit to the edge of the seating area. This distance make increase depending on the size of the fire pit you choose. The bigger the fire pit the larger the flame the more heat it will produce, so keep that in mind and talk to your designer about how much space you will ultimately need.
SMALL TABLE & CHAIRS
IF you are thinking of adding a small table and chairs you will need about 6 feet by 6 feet
GRILLING STATION with no furniture
A 6x6 foot pool patio area would be a good fit for a grilling station even for the likes of the big boys from Louisiana Grills.
HOT TUB
If you are thinking of adding a hot tub to your pool patio space you will need roughly a 10' by 10' area
POOL PATIO LOW USE AREAS
Arctic Shimmer has stunning light blue hues that makes your pool water appear crystal clear, inviting you and your guests to dive in and enjoy the allure of a refreshing and vibrant swimming environment.
POOL PATIO CHAIR CONSIDERATIONS
Chaise Lounge Chairs are super popular and for good reason. They provide a great space to lay back and relax poolside. The drawback is they are big and take up some real estate on you pool patio. Most Chaise lounges are around 6' long so if you plan to have some lounge chairs near your pool make sure that you have enough space for the chairs and at least 36" from the edge of the pool to the edge of the chair so you have adequate walkway between the 2.
POOL PATIO PHASES
Pool Patios do cost a lot of money especially the big ones, but they dont necessarily need to be completed all at one time. You may be able to install your pool patio in phases to help spread the cost out over time. Just be sure to plan to have that space ready so you can expand your pool patio easier at that time. This offers many a budget friendly approach to adding an inground pool to their backyard.
THE MORAL OF THE STORY
Plan, plan, plan then plan some more. Planning a pool patio isn't rocket science if you just keep in mind all the factors listed above and if you patio cost spirals out of control take a look at breaking down your pool patio into phases over time to help make the cost easier to absorb. The aid of a good pool designer will help reduce the stress of bringing this all together
SHAMELESS CALL TO ACTION:
If you are ready to take the plunge into pool ownership and designing your very own pool patio give Pool Pros a call today. Our In House Pool Designers are ready and waiting to assist you. 1-920-771-0107.
RELATED ARTICLES
