There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach. When your busy schedule gets in the way of planning a vacation, or even a day trip to the nearest beach, you can take refuge in creating a coastal-style backyard. Imagine the comfort of stepping right outside your door to relax in your backyard beach paradise, any day of the week! Here are ten designs for a swimming pool and patios that would bring a Bahamas feel to your Southampton, NY home.
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Beach Entry Pool
The most beach-like feature you can have in your backyard paradise is a beach entry pool (also known as a zero-entry.) The gradual sloping of the ground leading down into the pool allows you to walk gently into the water, as if you are walking into the mild surf of a tropical beach. Let your mind get lost in paradise from the moment your toes touch the water!
Sand-scapes
What’s a beach without a little sand? There are plenty of ways to incorporate sand into your poolside oasis without worrying about the mess of tracking it into your house. If you opt for a beach area next to your pool, also consider constructing a buffer between your beach area and the rest of your landscaping. A stone or gravel pathway will help sand to naturally fall off of bare feet or sandals. If you prefer the look of sand without the likelihood of tracking it around, create sand dunes in the background, complete with a reed fence and dune grass. For an even more natural atmosphere, try a pond surrounded by sand, rocks and grasses.
Natural Stone Accents
If the idea of sand doesn’t quite appeal to you, tap into the naturalistic feel of stone. Line the border of your pool with natural stone, or construct walls and benches on your patio. Consider piling up stones to create your own rock outcrop or waterfall at the edge of your pool. Mix and match different sizes, styles and colors for an authentic atmosphere.
Beach-Style Vegetation
Transform your yard into a tropical paradise with beach-style vegetation. Set the stage with a mild green dune grass (or other ornamental grasses), and make your landscape pop with brightly colored exotic plants. Top it off with a palm tree, or a look-alike such as the yucana tree.
Saltwater Pool
Saltwater is believed to bring a calming and healing energy to those around it. Try it out for yourself with a saltwater pool or pond. Saltwater pools are gentle on the skin and eyes, as they do not require nearly as much chlorine as a traditional chlorine pool. Consult an expert about converting your existing freshwater pool into a saltwater oasis!
Fire Features
Tiki torches or a fire pit will bring the allure of fire to balance out your water environment. Watch the flames dance in the moonlight as you relax with the sound of water in the background.
Boardwalk
Create a genuine beach atmosphere with a boardwalk. This classic beach feature could serve as a walkway to your tropical paradise, and will help to lessen the amount of sand that you bring back with you.
Outdoor Shower
Another classic beach feature is an outdoor shower. Continue to enjoy the nature around you while you rinse off after swimming and wash the sand off your feet. Many outdoor showers are built using teak, and the addition of tropical plants and grasses will add to the feeling that you really are in paradise.
Tiki Bar
A poolside tiki bar is the cherry on top of your tropical oasis! Be sure to include bamboo accents and a thatched roof to achieve the full effect of the authentic tiki bar.
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