When the summertime comes, there’s nothing better than heading outside for a swim and enjoying the warmth of the sun. One way to enjoy your day outdoors even more is by installing a poolside canopy. A poolside gazebo canopy provides shade for those hot summer days when you want to relax by your pool, entertain guests, or barbecue poolside while enjoying the view. Take a look below at the many reasons to consider installing a poolside cabana that you can enjoy all summer long.
What Is a Backyard Gazebo?
A backyard gazebo is an open-air structure that can be built in your yard for entertaining guests or relaxing with family and friends. These structures can be freestanding, wall-mounted, or even designed for shelter while grilling outdoors.
Gazebos are a great way to add outdoor living space to your home. They offer shade and protection from the elements, which makes them a perfect spot for enjoying a meal, relaxing with friends, or ducking into the shade by the pool. Gazebos are also a great place to entertain guests and even have an outdoor wedding ceremony. Available in a variety of styles and materials at affordable prices, poolside cabanas are a must if you have a pool in your backyard — and once you have one, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.
What Are the Benefits of a Backyard Gazebo?
A backyard gazebo provides a place for you, your family, and guests to relax and enjoy your outdoor space, not only during the warmer months but also when rainy weather comes your way. Whether freestanding or attached to your home, a backyard gazebo provides a number of benefits, including:
- It provides shelter from the sun, rain, and other elements, allowing you to enjoy your time outdoors without worrying about the weather.
- As a poolside cabana, it allows you and your loved ones to enjoy your pool while also having the option to relax in the shade; it can also serve as an outdoor changing area, a dining spot, or a bar for entertaining.
- When you install mosquito netting, it offers protection from pests and airborne bugs, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without being bothered by mosquitos and other insects.
- It creates an inviting, stylish outdoor area where you can entertain guests and extend your home’s living space — especially when you add creeping vines, outdoor string lights, and comfortable outdoor furniture.
Why Does a Gazebo Make a Great Poolside Cabana?
There's nothing like taking a dip in the pool on a hot summer day. But if you're looking for a way to enjoy your pool even more, then a gazebo canopy can be the perfect addition to your outdoor space. A poolside cabana provides shade and shelter from the sun, while creating a private space for relaxing with friends and family. It can also be used as a spot for reading or as an outdoor dining area.
The Roof Provides Shelter from the Elements
One of the most important things about any outdoor structure is its ability to provide shelter in all kinds of weather. A poolside cabana’s roof can block out the sun’s rays, rain, and other elements that would otherwise make sitting outside uncomfortable. You have a variety of rooftop options to create your sheltered space, including UV-protected, polycarbonate panels; galvanized steel panels; and fabric rooftops. Some roofs are also retractable to allow the sunlight in. No matter which rooftop you choose, each one will instantly boost your backyard’s appeal and even your property value.
The Mosquito Netting Keeps the Bugs Out
If you enjoy spending time in your backyard, chances are mosquitoes will follow. These pesky pests can ruin an otherwise pleasant evening and cause you to retreat indoors. Luckily, mosquito netting offers a safe, effective solution that keeps bugs out by creating a barrier around your gazebo. You can use mosquito netting as a protective cover over your gazebo canopy or poolside cabana as well as other structures with open areas that would otherwise allow mosquitoes to enter.
You Can Add Curtains for Additional Privacy
A poolside cabana is a popular choice for those who have a pool, offering a calming retreat after a swim or just a spot to relax poolside with a good book. However you choose to enjoy your poolside cabana, you might want to be able to use it for privacy from time to time. This is why adding gazebo curtains is one of the best additions you can make to your gazebo. When you choose the right curtain style and colors, they will help create an inviting space that makes people feel welcome while also giving them some privacy or additional shade when they need it.
How Do You Accessorize a Gazebo?
Whether you want to use your gazebo as a poolside cabana or an outdoor dining space, you’ll find your gazebo to be a versatile addition to your home. But how do you accessorize your gazebo? The possibilities are endless. Take a look at some of the most popular ideas below.
Lounge Chairs
If you have the room for lounge chairs or benches inside the gazebo, include them for added comfort when enjoying time outdoors with friends and family members. A great way to create a cozy atmosphere is to add lanterns that hang from the ceiling or walls. You can also add potted plants and flowers to help create a natural look and feel while adding color to your outdoor space.
Patio Furniture
A couch or sectional, a dining table with chairs, a bistro set, or a fire pit will turn your poolside cabana into an outdoor retreat. If you want to create a more intimate setting in your cabana, add some cozy seating areas with pillows, poufs, candles, and blankets. You can also place an outdoor rug under a table or couch to make the space even more inviting. The rug will be stylish and functional, protecting your floors from moisture when you have wet feet from swimming in the pool.
Outdoor Kitchen Equipment
Grilling poolside is a great way to entertain in the summer. You can invite friends and family over for a barbecue, or simply enjoy the fresh air and sunshine by yourself while grilling up a delicious meal.
In addition to your grill, you can stock your poolside cabana with kitchen equipment such as a table for food prep and serving; a beverage station for beer, hard seltzers, sparkling water, and soda; and utensils for grilling and serving. Having everything you need nearby will allow you to enjoy your time outdoors with family or guests without having to run indoors for your grilling essentials.
A Bar
If you're planning to add a poolside cabana, you won’t want to forget the bar area. A bar with barstools provides a great place to relax and unwind after a day in the sun. In a poolside cabana, it's also an ideal spot for serving refreshments to your guests. If you're adding a bar to your cabana, there are several things you'll want to consider:
- Space. The size of your poolside cabana will dictate how big your bar can be. If you want to include stools and seating, check their dimensions to make sure you have enough room for them.
- Storage. You'll want plenty of storage space for all those bottles, cocktail shakers, and glasses! A large bar cabinet with plenty of drawers and racks should do the trick. If you plan on serving wine at your poolside cabana, consider buying an outdoor refrigerator with a built-in wine rack to store bottles at the right temperature.
- Seating options. If people are going to be hanging out at your poolside cabana all day long (and they probably will), they'll need somewhere comfortable to sit! A set of bar stools in addition to any lounge furniture will help your guests feel welcome while enjoying your poolside cabana.
- Appearance. Your bar should match the style of the rest of your pool area so it blends in seamlessly.
A Hot Tub
A hot tub can be a great addition to any home, but it's especially enjoyable for those who are pool owners. There are many reasons why adding a hot tub to your poolside cabana can enhance your poolside experience. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Soothing the muscles. Hot tubs can be used as a way to soothe sore muscles after a long day of work or play. The warm water will help relax your muscles and ease tension in your body. It's also an excellent way to unwind after a rigorous swim.
- Relaxing the mind. The heat from the water will help your body relax, but it also has a calming effect on your mind as well. If you've ever spent time in an outdoor hot tub, then you know that there's something about being submerged in warm water that helps stimulate relaxation and calmness. Soaking in an outdoor hot tub can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to kick back and enjoy the moment.
- Alleviating stress. Soaking in the warm water of a hot tub soothes the body and mind, relaxing tense muscles and providing stress relief. Under the shade of your gazebo, your hot tub can become a quiet space for reflection and solitude.
Audio/Visual Equipment
There are many uses for your poolside cabana, but one of the best options to consider is adding audio/visual equipment. This can include outdoor televisions, speakers that pump out music from any device, and even projectors for movies in your own private theater.
Outdoor televisions add another level of entertainment for guests at your party or event, especially if there are children present who want something to do beyond sitting around talking and eating food. Outdoor televisions can also provide entertainment for adults who might want to watch sports or other programs while relaxing in the poolside cabana.
Lighting
If you want to turn your gazebo into an evening oasis, install some string lights around the perimeter of the roof. This will make it more welcoming and give it a warm glow in the evening. You can also add solar lights along walkways or to bushes and trees near the gazebo.
If you have room for plants near your gazebo, try adding some small shrubs or ground cover plants that bloom at night. These will add color as well as soften any noise from nearby roads or neighbors' homes, and they’ll look beautiful against the soft outdoor lighting.
Is Assembling a Gazebo a DIY Project?
Assembling a gazebo can be a DIY Project. Our assembly manuals walk you through the process, and you get the satisfaction of saving money and building your poolside cabana with your own two hands.
If you've ever tried to put together an outdoor furniture set, then you know how frustrating it can be if there are no instructions included in the box. Thankfully, our gazebo kits come with clear instructions that guide you through every step of assembly. You won't have to worry about missing parts or wasting time trying to figure out what goes where.
You'll also have access to our helpful customer service team if you run into any problems along the way. They're happy to answer questions or help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise during setup.
Backyard Gazebos Make the Best Poolside Cabanas
If you've ever been to a backyard pool party that included a poolside cabana, you know how much fun they can be. With good friends and family, food, drinks, and plenty of sunshine, there's no better way to spend a summer afternoon. Not only are backyard gazebos a great way to add some shade and shelter from the sun when you're relaxing by the pool or having a barbecue with friends, but they also look elegant and stylish in your outdoor space. They can be simple or elaborate, depending on your needs and budget. And while you can certainly host an awesome party without a cabana, it can help upgrade your space and make things even more enjoyable for everyone.