If you’ve got a concrete plunge pool, lap pool, or really any type of swimming pool in your backyard, chances are, it doesn’t get used as much in winter as it would in summer. This is normal, however, there are plenty of ways you can still enjoy your outdoor spaces during the cold months. 

In this article, we’ll explore some tips for creating a comfy and cosy setting around your pool for winter. Follow these tips, and you might just love your winter retreat so much that you take up winter swimming!

 

The benefits of creating a winter outdoor retreat

There are many benefits of having a winter pool retreat in your backyard. Firstly, weather conditions are far from terrible during winter in most parts of Australia, meaning there are still plenty of beautiful evenings to enjoy by the pool. Even on the coldest nights, many people love taking a dip in a heated plunge pool or outdoor spa. 

Many people also talk about the benefits of winter swimming, with reports that it can improve blood circulation, boost your immune system and improve mental health. While taking a dip during winter might not appeal to everybody, we have prepared some crucial winter swimming safety tips that you should read before jumping in. 

Even if you don’t use the pool itself too much, it’s always nice to spend more time outdoors. Modern outdoor area design can incorporate great heating technology, comfortable furniture, audio and visual elements, lighting, and more to make the space as cosy as possible. So, even when the mercury drops, don’t let your enthusiasm for outdoor entertaining drop with it.

 

Tips for transforming your pool area

The benefits of having a comfy outdoor space in winter can’t be understated. So, let’s jump straight into some useful tips for transforming your outdoor space. Most of these suggestions are just as useful during summer, so you can keep everything mostly the same between seasons.

 

Heating options

When winter arrives, it’s time to contemplate two aspects of heating. First, you need to determine if you want to heat your pool. While there are associated costs, heating can be a worthwhile investment if you plan to enjoy your pool regularly during the colder months. However, if winter dips mean less pool time for you, preparing your pool for winter without heating may be the better choice. 

Secondly, outdoor heating technology has improved a lot in recent years. This means you can get affordable solutions to add some warmth to those winter evenings. Choose from gas outdoor heaters, a fireplace or fire pit, or even other types of built-in heating, depending on your space. 

Always remember to follow building and safety guidelines when heating small spaces, especially where gas or live fires are concerned.

 

Protection from the elements

In winter, protection from the elements becomes more necessary. The first consideration is overhead, especially if you live in an area with high rainfall. Obviously, some building costs are involved, but many people choose to have complete cover over their outdoor entertaining space. A full overhead roof, combined with permanent or semi-permanent outdoor walls/blinds, provides plenty of protection from the wind and rain. 

Ideally, look for adjustable wall solutions that allow for proper ventilation. You’ll also appreciate it in summer if you’d like to open the outdoor area up a little more.

 

Landscaping for privacy

Most people want their winter pool area shielded from the elements, but being shielded from prying eyes is just as important. You can use landscaping, trees, climbing vines and a series of other gardening techniques to create a barrier between you and the neighbours. 

Don’t forget, that using foliage for pool privacy increases the risk of leaves and debris in the pool, so you may have a little more pool cleaning to do as a result. 

 

Lighting

Lighting is one of the most crucial elements when creating an ambience around your pool area. The great thing is, modern smart lighting systems give you so much control over your lighting style and levels. Many of them also allow you to program different scenes. So, if you like more or less light during winter, set it up however you like. 

Generally, you should choose a softer light to create a relaxing ambience, but this also depends very much on personal preference. When choosing pool area lighting, always ensure they are rated for wet/outdoor spaces. 

 

Fire pits

Adding a fire pit is a great way to create a sense of warmth and ambience outside during winter. Whether it’s a built-in fireplace, a free-standing fire pit or a modern variation of both, there are countless ways to incorporate fire into an outdoor setting. Just make sure you do it safely, and carefully consider the impact of a fire on pool cleanliness. You may find that embers and ash get into the pool easily, increasing cleaning needs and impacting your pool’s filtration system.

 You don’t want open flames in enclosed spaces, so a fire pit is only viable in certain types of outdoor settings. But if you can’t have a full fire pit, there are many ways to incorporate a wood heater. Why not consider a built-in fireplace that doubles as a pizza oven or BBQ? 

 

Choose weather-friendly furniture

Plenty of ‘weather-resistant’ outdoor furniture is on the market, but let’s face it, there are varying levels of truth in those descriptions. Anything with fabric that isn’t completely waterproof must be considered carefully in an outdoor setting. Comfort is the ultimate aim, but if you want super-luxurious, soft couches or chairs, you’ll still need a way to keep them dry. Consider placing furniture in a completely covered and dry area, or alternatively, only use proper outdoor furniture that can take a bit of a beating from Mother Nature. 

Investing in high-quality outdoor furniture from the beginning is always your safest option. Otherwise, you risk buying a series of cheap products that aren’t really weather-resistant and having to replace them over and over again. Choose quality from the start, and enjoy your comfortable furniture for longer. 

 

Don’t neglect the textiles

As mentioned earlier, any fabric that’s not totally waterproof is risky outside. Unless, of course, you have a completely covered, dry area for a nice chair or couch. If you do, then don’t forget to add textiles such as cushions or rugs. You’ve got a lot of freedom here, just choose items that match your existing design. 

Textiles, as their name suggests, add texture to a space. In winter, they also add warmth to the design and serve a practical function. You’ll appreciate those warm outdoor blankets if you want to curl up on the outdoor couch with a book. 

 

Incorporate a spa

There’s nothing much more luxurious on a winter evening than taking a dip in your relaxing outdoor spa. Your available space and personal preference determine whether you keep the spa open or are somewhat shielded from the elements. You can generally position an outdoor spa in such a way that landscaping, or a simple pool fence can provide ample protection from the wind. 

The great thing about adding a spa to your outdoor space is that it doesn’t take up too much space. Of course, spas come in different sizes, so there may be some limitations. But generally, you don’t need a lot of room to take your winter outdoor retreat seriously to the next level. 

 

Audio/visual elements

Not all outdoor spaces are suited to having speakers or televisions. A certain element of planning is required to ensure all electrical devices are kept out of the rain. However, outdoor entertaining areas with fully enclosed roofs provide TV options. As long as they are securely mounted high enough and in such a way that protects them from rain, TVs are a great addition to an outdoor space. 

You can also install permanent speakers in your outdoor space. Remember, though, that a licensed electrician must perform any electrical work. They will advise more specifically on your available AV options. 

 

Make safety a priority

All of the ideas above are a great way to improve your outdoor pool area in winter. However, none of them are more important than maintaining high safety standards. Any backyard swimming pool or spa should have appropriate fencing that meets Australian legislation. In fact, every aspect of the space must meet safety and construction standards, from the type of flooring you choose to ventilation and roofing. 

Every outdoor entertaining area is different, but safety is paramount if yours has a plunge pool or any other body of water. So, whenever you make adjustments or alterations to improve your space, ensure you consider the safety impacts.

 

Need a plunge pool or spa for your winter retreat?

The team at Blue Haven has been helping Australian families transform their outdoor spaces with beautiful pools and spas for decades. We offer a range of plunge pool designs and also custom-design to suit your needs. So, contact our friendly team today if you’d like to incorporate a plunge pool into your outdoor space. There’s no better time to start planning your private winter pool retreat!

Read More:

• Understanding Australian Pool Fence Legislations for Homeowners
• The Timing Dilemma: How Long Should You Wait to Swim After Eating?