While the basic shape and type of pool you choose at the beginning would take a lot to change, the area surrounding your swimming pool can always be altered or embellished as your family’s needs and entertainment style develops through the years. If you start with a general idea or ambiance, you can always add to it. Or maybe one summer (a.k.a. pool season) you can start with an entirely new motif and change it up, entirely! Everything from benches and trellises to patio furniture can help create a welcoming and attractive outdoor space for you and your guests. But one feature possibly outweighs all the others when it comes to welcoming them to your haven: pathways. Both functional and visually appealing, walkways offer an aura of friendliness that directs the foot as well as the eye as it enters your retreat.
Paths to Suit Your Style
The walkway that leads to your backyard haven can be as simple or elaborate, natural or modern, as you like! You can DIY a very budget-friendly path or hire a professional to utilize high-end materials to create a trendy, fusion-style pathway — or something in between. Some popular options include stepping stones using poured concrete pavers or natural stone such as flagstone, perhaps interspersed with flowering plants for a whimsical, multi-sensory appeal. If you prefer more of a mix of materials, then pea gravel, mosaic tiles, river rock, or multi-colored glass can be used as well.
Paths to Lead You Through
What aspects of your oasis do you want your guests to be sure to visit, to see, to experience? A pathway pairs well with water features such as fountains, fire pits, or a patio space with seating, helping accentuate the centerpiece of your space or lead from one to another. Not only can a pathway practically lead you where you want to go, but it can also visually frame the space and contribute to its overall look. The more meandering and elaborate it is, the more romantic the appeal. You can also create a more structured look with multiple pathways leading from your deck to other sections of your space.
Even if you don’t have a yard that’s big enough for various zones to which you need to provide pathways, you can still create a sense of movement with a few stepping stones or trails here and there. Maybe you could include a small labyrinth for meditative walking purposes.
Added Pathway Potential
If you really want to pack a lot of walkway welcome into your poolscape, you definitely can! You can enhance any path by incorporating a bridge — over either a rock garden or a koi pond. You an also add an arched element adding interest with shadows, using either natural elements like bamboo or wood or metal structures. You can also use your path along sloping sections of your yard, perhaps including steps cut into a hill or an accessible ramp bordered with attractive railings. To allow your walkway to be easily used even after dark, you can include solar-powered stake lighting.
Continue reading with our next post: “Adding to the Outdoor Ambiance with Structures.”
Read More
• Landscaping Your Backyard Paradise
• Top 5 Safety Tips for Swimming
Lyon Financial
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 500,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
Leave a Reply