Is it time for a fresh new look? Is your backyard pool feeling a little outdated?
Renovating your pool or the space around it can completely transform your backyard into a modern oasis. In fact, there are endless ways to make your pool feel brand new again. In this article, we look at how to modernize your swimming pool.
We specialize in helping Oklahoma families like yours bring their backyard visions to life, whether it’s a simple refresh or a full remodel. Ready for inspiration? Let's go.
Is Your Pool Outdated?
Owning a swimming pool is one of life’s greatest luxuries, especially in the Oklahoma heat. A pool gives you a place to relax, exercise, and bring your family and friends together.
But like any part of your home, a pool and its surroundings can start to feel a little outdated over time. Maybe you bought a house with an existing pool that doesn’t quite match your style. Or perhaps your once-new pool has been faithfully serving your family for years and now deserves some attention.
Whatever your situation, the good news is that you don’t have to settle for a tired backyard. Renovating your pool and the space around it can breathe new life into your outdoor area, making it feel brand-new again. From simple updates like landscaping or replacing decking, to bigger remodels like new pool finishes, water features, or luxury add-ons, the options are nearly endless.
At Spartan Pool & Patio, we’ve helped countless Oklahoma families reimagine their backyards with smart remodels and creative upgrades. If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a deep dive into ideas that can take your pool from “nice” to “unforgettable.”
Modernize the Pool Itself
While updating the area around your pool can make a huge difference (we discuss this later in the article), sometimes the pool itself needs a little love.
Whether it’s resurfacing, new features, or structural changes, modernizing your pool can extend its lifespan and dramatically improve its look.
Replace a Vinyl Liner
Vinyl liners typically last between 10 and 15 years. If yours is faded, torn, or outdated, replacing it is one of the most cost-effective ways to give your pool a fresh, new appearance. Today’s liners come in a wide variety of colors and patterns that can mimic tile, pebble, or stone.
If you’re already replacing your liner, it’s also the perfect time to add other upgrades like built-in steps, tanning ledges, or lighting.
Install new Lighting
Lighting can completely change the ambiance of your pool. Modern LED systems allow you to:
- Illuminate the pool with soft white light for evening swims.
- Create color-changing effects that can be controlled from your smartphone.
- Sync lights with music for the ultimate backyard party vibe.
The result is a pool that looks just as beautiful at night as it does during the day.
Add a Tanning Ledge or Beach Entry
If you love lounging in the water without being fully submerged, a tanning ledge (also called a sun shelf) is a must. These shallow platforms are perfect for placing lounge chairs, letting kids play safely, or simply cooling off on a hot day.
Beach entries, gradual slopes into the water, provide a resort-style feel and easy access for people of all ages. Both options can be customized to fit your pool’s size and style.
Incorporate Water Features
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as the sound of running water. Adding features like waterfalls, fountains, or bubblers can create a soothing atmosphere and make your pool more fun.
- Waterfalls add drama and beauty, especially when combined with natural rock features.
- Bubblers create playful streams of water that kids love.
- Deck jets shoot graceful arcs of water across the pool, adding elegance to any setting.
Add Fire Features
Fire and water together create an irresistible atmosphere. Imagine gathering around a fire pit after an evening swim or installing dramatic fire bowls at your pool’s edge for a resort-style look.
From simple propane fire pits to custom-designed gas features, fire elements add warmth, light, and a sense of luxury to your backyard.
Invest in a Safety Cover
While not as glamorous as waterfalls or lighting, a safety cover is one of the smartest investments you can make. Safety covers keep your family and pets protected, reduce debris, and can even lower maintenance costs by keeping your pool cleaner.
Modern safety covers are durable, attractive, and custom-fit to your pool’s shape. They’re a practical upgrade that also provides peace of mind.
Refresh the Surrounding Area
Sometimes the pool itself is in great shape. It's simply the area around it that could use a facelift. The decking, landscaping, and outdoor amenities are like the frame around a work of art. They can either enhance your pool or make it look dated.
If you’re looking for updates that provide a big impact without a complete reconstruction, these ideas might be your perfect starting point.
Upgrade Your Pool Decking
Decking plays a huge role in the overall look and feel of your backyard. If your pool is surrounded by an older deck, it may have structural issues or just lost its appeal over time. Upgrading to a more durable and stylish material can transform your entire space.
- Stone decking creates a timeless, elegant look. Natural stone is durable, slip-resistant, and won’t warp under Oklahoma’s hot summers and rainy springs.
- Pavers come in endless shapes, colors, and patterns, giving you a chance to design a custom look that matches your style.
- Stamped concrete is another popular choice, offering the durability of concrete with the beauty of patterns that mimic stone, tile, or even wood.
Refresh Your Landscaping
Lush, thoughtful landscaping can turn your backyard into a private resort. Add plants, trees, or shrubs around your pool to soften the look of hard surfaces and create a relaxing atmosphere.
- For low-maintenance options, consider ornamental grasses, evergreens, or hardy shrubs that thrive in Oklahoma’s climate.
- If you want to go bold, tropical-style landscaping with large planters or flowering trees can create a dramatic backdrop.
- Even a simple, well-manicured lawn can let your pool shine as the centerpiece of your yard.
Before planting, consider maintenance, shade coverage, and how falling leaves or pollen may affect your pool. The right choices mean less upkeep and more enjoyment.
Create a Poolside Theater
If your backyard is already the go-to spot for summer gatherings, why not take it to the next level? A poolside theater lets you and your guests enjoy movies under the stars, or while floating on a raft in the pool.
- Mount a weather-protected flatscreen TV under a patio overhang for casual viewing.
- For a more cinematic experience, set up a projection screen and connect it to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming.
- Want to go big? We can help you build the perfect outdoor living room.
Just imagine family movie night, Oklahoma football games, or even a Jaws-themed pool party. It’s entertainment your whole neighborhood will talk about.
Add a Patio or Outdoor Living Space
Installing a patio near your pool expands your usable space and provides a designated spot for lounging, dining, or entertaining. Options include:
- Brick or cobblestone patios for a rustic charm.
- Stamped or stained concrete for a more modern look.
- Pergolas or covered areas for shade during hot afternoons.
Outfitting your patio with comfortable furniture makes it feel like an extension of your living room. This is perfect for Oklahoma evenings spent with friends and family.
Install an Outdoor Kitchen or Grill Station
Poolside dining just hits different. Instead of running back and forth from the house, why not create a full outdoor kitchen? Options can range from a simple built-in grill station to a fully equipped setup with countertops, refrigerators, and sinks.
An outdoor kitchen not only adds convenience but also increases your home’s value. For an extra “wow” factor, consider a swim-up bar where guests can enjoy refreshments without ever leaving the water.
Financing Your Pool Renovation
One of the biggest concerns homeowners have about pool renovations is cost. The good news? Many remodels can be tailored to fit your budget. Simple updates like landscaping or new decking are very affordable, while bigger projects can often be financed.
At Spartan Pool & Patio, we work with trusted financing partners to make your dream pool more accessible. Options like home equity loans, personal loans, or pool financing programs can help spread out costs so you can start enjoying your upgraded backyard sooner.
Bringing It All Together
Your pool is more than just a place to swim. It’s the centerpiece of your backyard, the heart of family gatherings, and the perfect antidote to Oklahoma’s hot summers.
Whether you’re updating the landscaping, modernizing the pool itself, or adding luxury features, a renovation can completely transform how you use and enjoy your space.
At Spartan Pool & Patio, we’ve been helping families in Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Norman reimagine their backyards for years. From simple updates to complete overhauls, our team can guide you through every step of the process and ensure your new pool area is safe, stylish, and built to last.
Ready to explore your options? Contact us today
, and let’s bring your backyard vision to life.
