Be it big or small, indoor or outdoor, your swimming pool is potentially more than just a pool. Use the poolside area to its hilt and create a joyful place for get-togethers and as a recreational zone. Here are some suggestions to make the best use of what you have.

Approach with a theme
Themed pools are fun. Bring a sense of adventure into your pool deck and design it around a theme – Balinese paradise, or perhaps jungle madness? You can go in for simple landscaping around the perimeter or opt for something more elaborate. For many, a bit of landscaping also really helps make the pool area more private.

Extend your dining space outdoors
A dining table near the edge of the pool gives you the best of both the indoors and the outdoors. Take a cue from this space. Glass balustrades separate the dining space from the pool. So even though it is technically inside the house, the open space, natural light and proximity to the pool contribute to the feeling of being outdoors. You can imagine the kids splashing and playing while the balustrades save you from being drawn into the action until you want to.

Build a cabana retreat
Decorate the area around your pool with accessories that are functional and also enhance its aesthetic appeal. In this picture, an Indo-Western wooden cabana is placed at the head of the L-shaped pool area, transforming the poolside into a luxurious retreat. Instead of a classic swing, the designer draws inspiration from the the swing chair (also called hanging chair), but re-defines the shape to give it a cosier feel. The patio is also lined with casual beach loungers, which add to the relaxing ambience. You can dress these up with mini-bolsters and cushions for a formal party and keep it bare on other days.

Get sizzling by the water
Poolside grills are a good way to make use of these outdoor spaces. It doubles as another dining zone – not only for winter parties but for cool summer get-togethers too. Consider setting up a covered barbecue station, which can be used through the colder and rainy seasons too.

Set up a bar oasis
Be it to host a cocktail party or to just savour a refreshing drink in the sun – a bar by the pool never fails to impress. You can think of something on the lines of a pergola with a naturally insulated roof. This will keep the inside of the bar cool.

Just use it!
Splash around, have fun and use the pool! A pool that is not used much eventually becomes prone to neglect. This means mould or algae on the floor, dead leaves in the water, etc. And do you really want an intrinsic part of the home decor to appear messy and shoddy? The best way to make the most of your pool is to use it. So jump in – what are you waiting for?