How to Pick the Right Masonry to Go With Your Bristol, RI, Inground Pool

While your inground pool is probably the focal point of your backyard living space, it doesn’t have to steal the show completely. The right masonry features can contribute to the overall feeling. Here’s how to pick the right masonry to go with your Bristol, RI, inground pool. These ideas could make your backyard “the” place to hang out all summer… and well into the colder months.

Related: Ideas for Masonry That Would Look Amazing Alongside an Inground Pool in Newport, RI

1. The Pool Surround

The right pool surround is the key to achieving the feeling you are after in your backyard oasis. Many pool surrounds feature low-maintenance and durable concrete pavers which give you a variety of looks. For the sake of simplicity we’ll focus on two popular styles.

Modern and Sophisticated:

Large-format pavers - either 24” square or plank-style - give your outdoor space a clean, modern look. Fewer joint lines mean a more expansive aesthetic. Larger pavers also showcase the individual characteristics of each paver.

Use large-format pavers to create a spa-like atmosphere that’s tranquil and chic, such as around a simple rectangular pool. You can also use large pavers to visually balance a larger home or an expansive backyard area.

The vertical and horizontal features around a modern-style pool are often linear and crisp. You may find features such as stepping stones separated by lush grass or soft ground covers; square fire pits instead of round ones; and straight retaining walls.

Warm and Casual:

Earth-toned pavers give your pool area a relaxed and carefree feeling. Smaller, textured pavers create a more visually dynamic space while larger, smoother pavers create a more soothing space. Earth toned pavers, especially those with a textured surface, look great next to curved pools, giving the illusion of a secluded lagoon.

A relaxed and casual pool area could also feature more rounded shapes in its surroundings, which contribute to a softer, more organic look. Rounded masonry planters, retaining walls, a round fire pit, and wall blocks with softer corners could be great options for this style of pool area.

Whether you opt for a sleek modern look or an earthy textured look, use lighter colors around a pool to prevent the surface from becoming too hot in the summer sun.

2. Fire Features

A roaring fire draws people together and it’s the ideal way to warm up after a chilly swim. Whether you opt for a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace, be sure it’s natural gas or propane-fueled for cleanliness, safety and convenience. This way, you’ll never have to worry about wayward splinters or smoke around the pool area.

Fire features also give you an opportunity to use your pool area long after the pool has been closed up for the season, which makes fire one of the best investments you can make in your outdoor space.

Which one should you choose?

Fire Pit: A fire pit allows people to gather around - even a crowd can warm up quickly. It typically uses the same materials as on other vertical features such as the outdoor kitchen or a retaining wall. It’s not as dramatic as a fireplace, but it does bring a smile to everyone’s face!

A Fireplace: A fireplace offers greater design versatility than a fire pit but it doesn’t allow for a “fire circle” feeling. It can be a dramatic stand-alone feature using its own distinct materials, or you could use masonry that you use in other vertical features such as retaining walls, pillars, or the cladding of your outdoor kitchen.

Related: 5 Tips on Creating the Perfect Patio to Complement a Backyard Pool in Newport and Jamestown, RI