8 Pool Upgrades To Tackle Right Now If You Have 5 Minutes or an Entire Weekend

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If you’re lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard, you don’t need us to tell you how great it is for summer—especially during this not-quite-postpandemic period. It can be the center of all your backyard gatherings, a never-ending source of entertainment for kids, a place to relax and unwind, and a tool for low-impact, cardio-boosting exercise.

But let’s get real: Can your pool setup be improved? It might be worth it. Research shows that a well-maintained pool can boost your home’s resale value. And even if you plan on living in your home forever, keeping the pool in top shape is important for safety reasons.

“Your backyard should be a complete escape,” says Christina DeSimone, licensed real estate salesperson for Miranda Real Estate Group. “What I tell my clients to do, whether they’re selling or staying, is to picture the pool area as their own personal resort. There is the pool itself, an area that should be devoted to dining or entertainment, a lounge area, and a cook space.”

Once you get a sense of what your space has—and lacks—you can figure out what needs an upgrade.

We tapped experts all over the country to find out how pools can and should be maintained and upgraded, for health, safety, and aesthetics. They delivered the following range of projects grouped by how long they will take to accomplish.

If you have 5 minutes

First things first: Clear the deck. Even the most conscientious homeowners can let towels, floats, and toys pile up in and around the pool area. Head outside and do a quick sweep, putting dirty items in the hamper and toys and floats in their designated place. Then, you’ll be able to tackle the real work with a clear head.

Cost: Free

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If you have 30 minutes

A half-hour gives you enough time to upgrade the look of your pool area, starting with the landscaping. Think before you buy just any potted plant, though. You’ll want to put in strong plants that can take the heat and withstand chlorine splashes.

“One of the easiest ways to improve the summer look of your swimming pool is to place several potted plants around the pool,” says Bryan McKenzie, a landscape designer in Jacksonville, FL, and co-founder of Bumper Crop Times.

“Unlike sculptures and furniture, plants have an aesthetic function and make the surrounding area more peaceful and relaxing,” he says. “By bringing in various pot designs, you can create a unique environment without the need for extensive landscaping.”

Hardy plants that thrive poolside include hibiscus, bird of paradise, proteas, and geraniums.

Cost: $15-plus per potted plant

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Another great way to upgrade the functionality and look of your pool area is to carve out a designated cooking and dining space.

“Ideally, you’ll have at least one cooking element, like a smoker or a grill. But what you should really focus on is bringing the comfort of home outside,” says DeSimone.

Add an eating area, like a small bistro table or a larger set for six people, with comfortable outdoor cushions and an umbrella.

A mini cooking space could also include a storage cabinet for grilling accessories, casual dinnerware, and towels.

Cost: $100-plus for grill, $150-plus for smoker, $100-plus for outdoor dining set 

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If you have 1 hour

Your pool endures a lot of wear and tear over time, and if you notice a crack in the pool’s lining, you should fix it right away. Depending on the size and location of the crack, letting it go could lead to big bills down the road.

Worst-case scenario with an in-ground pool: The water can create pockets of liquid under the deck and erode soil over time, creating the perfect environment for a cave-in.

“As soon as you see a crack or hole, you’re going to want to patch it,” says Luis DePierro, founder of Pool Influence in New York.

It’s less daunting than you might think. Waterproof peel-and-stick patches are quick fixes, but if you have an hour, you can use a vinyl patch kit that you can buy online. The adhesive works underwater, and the kits are designed to be foolproof.

Cost: $20-plus for a patch kit

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If you have 3 hours

An afternoon is the perfect amount of time to tackle a major pool cleaning, says DePierro.

Start by using a long-handled leaf skimmer to gather up leaves, insects, and other debris. Next, determine what’s dropping all of the leaves and debris.

Should you consider trimming the trees and shrubs? Take care of the algae and debris that gather on the walls and fixtures of the pool: Brush them up and then vacuum them up with a pool vacuum.

You should also look at the water level, and increase it as needed. Test the chemical balance in your pool with a testing kit. Check the filters and clean them out as needed.

Cost: $30-plus for chemical test kit, $60-plus for robotic vacuum

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Another way to add serious sizzle to your pool is by adding or upgrading an outdoor shower.

“Outdoor showers add a lot of value to your pool space,” says DeSimone. “And they don’t cost nearly as much to install as people think. A basic wall-mounted setup costs a few hundred dollars, but you can spend well into the thousands, depending on materials.”

If you already have a shower installed, DeSimone suggests upgrading the experience.

“It should have everything you’d find at a nice spa,” she says. “Soap, shampoo and conditioner, ideally a bench to sit and towel off on, and a place to keep your dry clothes.”

Cost: $200-plus

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If you have a weekend

With a whole weekend, you can tackle all of the above and one of the projects below.

Give the hardscaping or deck area around your pool a face-lift to combat years of wear and tear. There’s a lot to keep in mind when redoing the deck: bare feet are the norm, so ensure that whatever you install is slip-proof. It should also be weather-resistant and sturdy. Poured concrete is one of the most popular options, but you can also use pre-cast cement pavers, brick, or wood.

Cost: $2-plus per square foot for concrete, $2-plus per square foot for cement pavers and brick, $3.50-plus per square foot for wood

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Another way to maximize a day at the pool is to extend the experience into the night with a backyard movie space.

“I’ve seen backyard movie spaces trending, especially over the past year when so many of us have been spending more time at home,” DeSimone says.

She recommends setting up a projector and screen near the lounge area, where you already have comfortable seating, snacks, and drinks. Throw a few hot dogs on the grill, and you’ll be all set.

Cost: $200-plus for a projector and screen

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