Every spring and summer, there’s an above-50% chance you’ll catch me inspo-scrolling my social feeds, liking all the amazing new poolside trends. I can’t help it. Spring and summer are simply the best times to freshen up outdoor Pool Lounge Chairs to create that perfect poolside vibe. Ya know, enhance poolside relaxation and visual appeal while ensuring your patio look won’t apart before next season. Since I’m already thinking through the absolute best styles, materials, furniture arrangements, and maintenance tips, I gathered it all here for you.
This is the right place for all your swim season pool lounger update information.
Updating Your Pool Lounge Look: 5 Key Questions
- What’s the condition of your current outdoor pool lounge chairs?
- For updating what you have, what’s the best way to clean, replace, update and accessorize?
- If you want new furniture, what are the best luxury styles and materials for your perfect poolside experience?
- What are the best cushion, pillow, and accessory options to create a vibrant, inviting atmosphere?
- How do I protect my newly-updated lounges, so I don’t have to do this again next year?
Whatcha Workin’ With?
Any poolside pro and experienced designer will tell you: you first have to see what you’re working with. So take a good look at your current Lounge Chairs. Are the frames still in good shape? Do they a little sprucing up? Or are they all rusted, broken, dingy, and unusable?
If the bones are good and the fabric isn’t too dingy, stained or destroyed, that’s great! A little elbow grease and some new cushions can make those chairs look brand new. Here’s a guide to help you clean your outdoor furniture so it looks like new.
But if those seats are past the point of no return, also great! Now’s a great time to shop for new Outdoor Pool Lounge chairs. And you’ve got plenty of great luxury options.
Make a Splash With a New Pool Lounge Style
Now, this may be what you really came here for today. When you’re daydreaming about your perfect poolside paradise, what style of loungers do you see? Do you want a sleek and modern, minimal look with clean lines and bold colors? Or are you wanting to chill with a traditional, timeless vibe? The style of your lounge chairs should complement the existing decor and architecture of your home.
| Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Modern | Clean lines, minimalist designs, bold colors |
| Classic | Elegant curves, intricate details, timeless vibe |
| Mid-Century | Simple style, focus on practicality and comfort, usually made of wood (or composite wood) |
| Transitional | Blends traditional and contemporary style elements, with a focus on design flexibility |
| Ergonomic | Adjustable backrests, contoured seats, plush cushions for comfort and support |
| Luxurious | Built-in extras like pullout trays for drinks/snacks, retractable sunshades |
For any poolside lounger, comfort is king! Look for ergonomic features like adjustable backrests, contoured seats, and plush cushions that cradle your body and provide support in all the right places. Don’t forget to consider the size of the chairs too – make sure they fit comfortably in your pool area and leave enough space for people to move around easily. And if you really want to up the luxury factor (and who doesn’t?), treat yourself to a chaise lounge with built-in extras like a pullout tray for your drinks and snacks or a retractable sunshade.
Outdoor Materials That Won’t Belly-Flop
You might be reading this because your old lounge chairs didn’t have what it takes to go the distance. So let’s find some that do! These days, more and more poolside furniture materials are made with durability and longevity in mind (without sacrificing those amazing looks). I would highly recommend you take a look at these great options (ranked by overall durability, according to Todd Harmon, majority owner of Patio Productions and long-time lake-area resident).
| Rank | Material | Durability Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aluminum | – Lightweight – Rust-resistant – Easy to maintain – Durable and long-lasting |
| 2 | Composite Wood | – Made of recycled wood fibers – Visually flexible – Low-maintenance – Can take scratches and dings somewhat easily |
| 3 | Galvanized Steel | – Highly durable – Easy to clean – Can get hot in direct sunlight |
| 4 | Resin Wicker | – Synthetic wicker – Durable – Easy to clean – Won’t unravel or fade |
| 5 | Teak | – Dense, oily hardwood – Naturally resistant to water, rot, and insects – Extremely durable and long-lasting |
There are a lot of other options out there, but be wary of bargain basement solutions. Warped wood or super-sun-heated plastics are not a good look. So whichever material you choose, make sure it can handle getting splashed and won’t deteriorate after one season in the sun.
Comfy It Up with Patio Cushions
Now for the fun part – accessorizing! New cushions and pillows are an easy way to completely change the look of your lounge chairs. Opt for outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella that are fade-resistant, quick-drying, and easy to clean. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and patterns to create a fun, inviting vibe.
When choosing cushions, also consider the thickness and shape to ensure proper support and comfort for those long pool days. Look for cushions with a high-resilience foam core wrapped in a water-resistant shell.
Relaxing Pool Side Re-Arrangements
Once your lounge chairs are looking fresh and new, it’s time to arrange your pool area for maximum relaxation. Position the chairs to face the best views, whether that’s the shimmering water, lush landscaping, or an amazing sunset.
Create conversation areas by grouping chairs together, and don’t forget to leave plenty of space to walk between them. Add some side tables to hold drinks, snacks, and sunscreen within easy reach. And if you have the space, create a designated lounging spot with an umbrella for shade.
Maintain That Fresh Outdoor Look
| Material | Cleaning Instructions |
|---|---|
| Wicker and Wood | – Use a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and debris – Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap – Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before replacing cushions |
| Metal and Resin | – Quick spray with a hose is usually sufficient – For heavy grime, use a non-abrasive cleaner and soft cloth – Avoid cleaners with bleach or harsh chemicals to prevent damage to the finish |
| All Materials | – Protect chairs from the elements when not in use – Invest in good-quality furniture covers – Store in a shed or garage during the off-season to prevent damage from rain, snow, and critters |
To keep your refreshed pool chairs looking great all season long, give them a little regular care. Brush off dirt and debris, and wash the frames and cushions with mild soap and water every few weeks. If you notice any stains or mildew, treat them right away with a fabric cleaner made for outdoor use.
When the swim season ends, store the cushions in a dry place, and cover the chairs to protect them from the winter elements. With just a little maintenance, your outdoor pool lounge chairs will be ready to welcome you back next summer!
Is Your Poolside Fun-in-the-Sun Ready?
Your outdoor pool lounge chairs are ready for a swim season update, and now you’re fully equipped to make it happen. Assess what you have, update or upgrade to the styles and materials that will make your poolside vision a reality, then arrange and accessorize until everything’s perfect. Then, all you need are some refreshingly-cold drinks, a few fun-loving friends (I’ll totally volunteer), and your favorite fun-in-the-sun tunes.
As always, everyone here at Patio Productions is ready to help answer any remaining questions you have. And don’t hesitate to dive over to our website or store to find all the luxury poolside furniture and accessories to make your swim parties and hangouts the highlight of everyone’s sunny season.
