A pool isn’t just a feature—it’s a focal point, a destination, and often, the heart of a luxurious backyard. But to truly elevate your outdoor space, a pool should be more than just water. At Outdoor Makeover, we specialize in creating poolside retreats that offer comfort, beauty, and function—spaces that feel like boutique resorts without ever leaving home.

Whether you’re building a new pool or reimagining your existing space, here’s how we help our clients design poolside environments that are as relaxing as they are refined.

1. Start with the Right Pool Layout

A perfect poolside retreat starts with a smart layout. We consider how the pool relates to the rest of your landscape, the flow between zones, and how your family actually lives and entertains.

Key Layout Priorities:

Sightlines from your home or patio to the water
Sun exposure and shade zones throughout the day
Access to amenities like outdoor kitchens, dining areas, and bathrooms
Space for lounging, dining, and moving around freely

Whether you envision a modern geometric pool or a freeform lagoon-style escape, we shape the surrounding landscape to complement your lifestyle—not just the pool.

2. Choose Surfaces That Balance Beauty and Comfort

The surfaces around your pool aren’t just about aesthetics—they need to handle moisture, heat, and foot traffic. At Outdoor Makeover, we carefully select materials that offer durability, safety, and style.

Popular Poolside Materials:

Travertine pavers – Naturally cool underfoot and elegant in any setting
Natural stone – Adds texture and timeless appeal
Porcelain tile – Sleek, low-maintenance, and available in endless styles
Artificial turf accents – Softens the space and adds greenery without mud

Our designers layer these materials to create interest and flow, using color palettes that tie back to your home’s exterior and hardscaping.

3. Incorporate Shade and Shelter

Atlanta summers bring plenty of sunshine—so it’s essential to offer reprieve from the heat. We design custom structures that bring both comfort and architectural beauty to your poolside space.

Poolside Shade Ideas:

Pergolas and pavilions – Provide structure and elegance
Retractable awnings – Offer flexible protection on demand
Cabanas – Create a luxury resort vibe and a private escape
Strategically placed trees – Add natural cooling and ambiance

We customize these features to blend seamlessly into the landscape—turning your pool area into a functional, beautiful outdoor room.

4. Add Luxe Lounge and Dining Zones

A poolside retreat should be more than just a place to swim—it’s a place to gather, relax, and entertain. Our team designs surrounding zones that invite you to stay poolside from sunrise to sundown.

Must-Have Features:

Modular lounge seating with weatherproof cushions
Dining patios for poolside meals or sunset cocktails
Outdoor kitchens and beverage stations for effortless hosting
Hammocks or hanging chairs for midday naps or quiet escapes

By defining multiple zones around your pool, we create a multifunctional space that supports family living and elevated entertaining alike.

5. Light It Up for Nighttime Ambiance

Your poolside retreat doesn’t stop at sunset. With professional lighting design, we turn your backyard into a glowing oasis that’s just as beautiful—and functional—after dark.

Poolside Lighting Ideas:

Underwater LED lights for ambiance and safety
Bistro lighting or string lights for charm and warmth
Recessed step and path lights for safe navigation
Up-lighting trees or structures for drama and dimension

We integrate lighting into your overall landscape plan, so your pool area flows seamlessly with the rest of your outdoor environment.

6. Incorporate Water Features and Architectural Details

To truly create a high-end poolside atmosphere, we incorporate custom design elements that take the experience to the next level. These features add sound, motion, and visual impact—transforming your pool into a personal sanctuary.

Standout Enhancements:

Sheer descent waterfalls or deck jets for sound and movement
Fire bowls or fire pits near the water for warmth and contrast
Tanning ledges with in-pool loungers for soaking and socializing
Architectural walls or privacy screens to enclose the space

Every feature is chosen to enhance your enjoyment while aligning with the architectural language of your home.

7. Surround It All with Lush, Low-Maintenance Landscaping

A pool without landscaping feels unfinished. Our team brings in layered plantings, custom hardscapes, and ground textures that tie everything together—ensuring your pool area feels cohesive, alive, and grounded in nature.

Pool-Friendly Plants We Love:

Ornamental grasses and succulents for sculptural form and low water use
Evergreens and hedges for privacy and year-round greenery
Tropical palms or banana plants for a resort vibe
Colorful perennials to soften edges and attract pollinators

We select plants not just for beauty, but for performance—choosing varieties that resist pool splash, heat, and seasonal shifts.

Designed for Life, Built for Atlanta

At Outdoor Makeover, we don’t just design pools—we design full outdoor lifestyles. From layout and materials to lighting, landscaping, and luxury details, every part of your poolside retreat is carefully considered and crafted for how you actually live.

Our Atlanta-based team of designers, builders, and landscape architects works in-house to bring your vision to life—ensuring a seamless, high-touch experience from concept to completion.

Ready to Build Your Poolside Retreat?

Let’s turn your backyard into a personal escape—tailored to your style, designed for your family, and built to last.

Call us at 404-301-8340
Or visit our Contact Us page to schedule your consultation.

Whether it’s a brand-new pool or a total backyard transformation, Outdoor Makeover is your partner for creating an outdoor retreat that truly feels like home.

Designing the Perfect Poolside Retreat in Your Backyard