Poolside Bars for Relaxation

This glossary article dives into the concept of poolside bars for relaxation, exploring their benefits, uses, and design tips. Whether you're a homeowner or a hospitality professional, this guide provides inspiration and practical advice to create a stunning poolside bar that enhances your space.

Poolside Bars for Relaxation

Imagine lounging by the pool on a warm summer evening, sipping a refreshing cocktail, and watching the sun dip below the horizon. Sounds dreamy, right? A well-designed poolside bar can make this vision a reality, turning your outdoor space into a haven for relaxation and entertainment. Poolside bars aren’t just for luxury resorts—they’re becoming a popular addition to homes and commercial spaces alike, offering a blend of functionality, style, and ambiance.

In this article, we’ll explore what poolside bars are, why they’re worth the investment, and how you can design one that fits your lifestyle or brand. From layout tips to material choices, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy nook for family gatherings or a chic hotspot for guests, this guide will provide the inspiration and practical advice you need.

What is a Poolside Bar?

A poolside bar is a designated area near a pool that serves as a spot for preparing and enjoying drinks, snacks, and light meals. It’s more than just a counter—it’s a social hub where people gather, unwind, and connect. Poolside bars can range from simple setups with stools and a mini-fridge to elaborate structures with built-in sinks, storage, and even outdoor grills.

The beauty of a poolside bar lies in its versatility. It can be a permanent fixture or a portable one, depending on your needs and space. For homeowners, it’s a way to elevate their backyard experience. For hotels, resorts, or restaurants, it’s a way to enhance guest satisfaction and create a memorable experience.

Benefits of Poolside Bars

Why invest in a poolside bar? Here are some compelling reasons:

  1. Enhances Outdoor Living
    A poolside bar extends your living space outdoors, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas. It’s perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying quiet moments by the pool.

  2. Boosts Property Value
    A well-designed poolside bar can increase the appeal and value of your property. It’s a feature that potential buyers or guests will find attractive.

  3. Convenience
    No more running back and forth to the kitchen for drinks or snacks. A poolside bar keeps everything you need within arm’s reach.

  4. Creates a Social Hub
    Poolside bars naturally draw people together, making them ideal for social gatherings, parties, or casual chats.

  5. Adds Aesthetic Appeal
    With the right design, a poolside bar can become a focal point, enhancing the overall look and feel of your pool area.

Uses of Poolside Bars

Poolside bars are versatile and can serve a variety of purposes:

  • Hosting Events: Perfect for pool parties, barbecues, or intimate gatherings.
  • Relaxation: A quiet spot to enjoy a drink and soak in the scenery.
  • Commercial Spaces: Hotels, resorts, and restaurants use poolside bars to enhance guest experiences and drive revenue.
  • Family Time: A fun space for family bonding over snacks and games.

Design Tips for Poolside Bars

Creating the perfect poolside bar requires thoughtful planning and design. Here are some tips to get you started:

  1. Choose the Right Location
    Place the bar in a spot that’s easily accessible from the pool but doesn’t obstruct movement. Consider shade options to protect guests from direct sunlight.

  2. Focus on Materials
    Opt for weather-resistant materials like stainless steel, teak, or concrete. These materials are durable and easy to maintain.

  3. Incorporate Seating
    Add stools or lounge chairs to create a comfortable seating area. Make sure the height of the bar matches the seating for ergonomic comfort.

  4. Add Storage
    Include cabinets or shelves for storing glassware, beverages, and snacks.

  5. Lighting Matters
    Use ambient lighting like string lights, lanterns, or LED strips to create a cozy atmosphere in the evenings.

  6. Personalize the Design
    Reflect your style or brand identity through colors, textures, and decorative elements.

Creative Ideas for Poolside Bars

Looking for inspiration? Here are some unique ideas to make your poolside bar stand out:

  • Tiki Bar Vibe: Use bamboo, thatch, and tropical accents for a laid-back, beachy feel.
  • Minimalist Design: Stick to clean lines, neutral colors, and sleek materials for a modern look.
  • Rustic Charm: Incorporate reclaimed wood, stone, and earthy tones for a cozy, rustic vibe.
  • Industrial Style: Use metal, concrete, and exposed pipes for an edgy, urban aesthetic.
  • Swim-Up Bar: For commercial spaces, consider a swim-up bar where guests can enjoy drinks without leaving the pool.

Examples of Stunning Poolside Bars

Here are a few real-world examples to spark your creativity:

  1. Luxury Resort Style: Think infinity pools with sleek, white bars and tropical greenery.
  2. Backyard Oasis: A compact bar with built-in seating, a mini-fridge, and a pergola for shade.
  3. Rooftop Retreat: A chic bar with city views, modern furniture, and a fire pit for cooler evenings.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your poolside bar looking its best, follow these maintenance tips:

  • Clean surfaces regularly to prevent stains and damage.
  • Cover the bar during harsh weather to prolong its lifespan.
  • Check for rust or wear and tear on metal components.
  • Re-stain or seal wooden surfaces annually to protect them from moisture.

Infographic Table: Essential Elements of a Poolside Bar

Element Description
Countertop Durable, weather-resistant material
Seating Comfortable stools or lounge chairs
Storage Cabinets or shelves for drinks and glassware
Lighting Ambient lighting for evening ambiance
Shade Umbrella, pergola, or canopy for sun protection
Decor Personal touches like plants or artwork

Final Thoughts

A poolside bar is more than just a functional addition—it’s an experience. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail, hosting a party, or simply enjoying the view, a well-designed poolside bar can elevate your outdoor space and create lasting memories. With the right planning and creativity, you can transform your pool area into a relaxing oasis that reflects your style or brand.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of poolside bars and start designing your dream space today!

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Emily Layton

Graphic Designer

Emily Layton is a graphic designer and creative with a BFA in Graphic Design & Digital Media with action sports emphasis from Laguna College of Art and Design. Adept at aligning brand goals across formats, market trends, and consumer behavior, she translates insights into compelling visual narratives. Her experience spans corporate decks, brand books, and apparel collections—ensuring brand consistency, clarity, and impact. She values strong creative collaboration and brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to every project.

Project Experience:

  • West Creative Agency, Costa Mesa, CA
  • Huntress Decor, San Diego, CA
  • La Jolla Group - O’Neill Irvine, CA
  • Gotcha Digital Design, Virginia Beach, VA
  • Veterinary Emergency Group Various Locations
  • Nostos Grocery Store Panama City, Panama
  • Tribute Hotel Nob Hill Albuquerque, NM

Priscilla Bueno

Interior Designer

Priscilla is a Cal State Long Beach alumna with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. She has worked across residential, hospitality, nonprofit, and wellness sectors, with a focus on creating spaces that support emotional well-being and human connection.

Influenced by her interest in psychology, Priscilla approaches design with a deep understanding of how physical environments impact how we feel, behave, and connect. Her work combines material sensitivity, spatial clarity, and user-centered thinking to foster environments that help people feel grounded and safe.

From luxury spas to trauma-informed nonprofit spaces, she designs with a clear goal: to shape interiors that invite presence, foster restoration, and create a true sense of belonging.

Project Experience:

  • Vintera Resort at Napa Creek, Napa, CA
  • DoubleTree Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ
  • Alexan Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • Alexan Arcadia, Arcadia, CA
  • Babyletto, Los Angeles, CA
  • Cozy Earth, Newport, CA

Jen Khor

Senior Interior Designer

With a thoughtful and intuitive approach, Jen Khor brings strong expertise in hospitality design, as well as experience in retail, F&B, and corporate offices. Her user-centric, narrative-driven philosophy reflects local culture and context, creating spaces that feel relevant and resonant.

Jen has a deep understanding of hotel brand standards and leads quality control for custom casegoods with high attention to detail. Sensitive to client needs, she communicates ideas through tools like BIM, AI, and hand sketches. Jen is passionate about crafting spaces that evoke emotion, inspire curiosity, and foster inclusivity with lasting impact.

Project Experience:

  • Vintera Resort at Napa Creek, Napa, CA
  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT
  • DoubleTree Guestroom Prototype, Various Locations
  • Alexan Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • Alexan Arcadia, Arcadia, CA
  • Wild Greens, University of Arkansas, AR
  • Joybird Headquarters, Los Angeles, CA

Melissa He

Senior Interior Designer

With years of experience in working on various project types, Melissa approaches each design as a new narrative, infusing storytelling, cultural context, and personality into every space. Educated in Fine Art in China and Interior Design at Cal State Long Beach, Melissa applies a detail-driven and research-based methodology to craft spaces that are both visually compelling and deeply resonant. Her approach reflects a belief that each project offers a chance to explore new voices and challenge convention, leading to designs that not only reflect individual identities but also support the broader community. She continues to evolve her design practice through collaboration, curiosity, and purpose, seeking to create spaces that adapt, grow, and inspire meaningful engagement.

Project Experience:

  • Vintera Resort at Napa Creek, Napa, CA
  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT
  • Alexan Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • DoubleTree Guestroom Prototype, Various Locations
  • Alexan Arcadia, Arcadia, CA
  • Port of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • Wolf and Shepherd, Manhattan, NY

Chris Gorney

Director of Procurement

Chris is the Senior Director of Creative Sourcing and Procurement at DyeLot. A proven industry professional, he has worked with many of the world’s largest hospitality and development companies. He can speak to the entire lifecycle of design, development, and construction as well as contribute to the minutia of bespoke fabrication and production. Using an open-book and collaborative approach, Chris has the advantage of understanding the nuances of millwork, furnishing, and custom fabrication in order to reach a true-to-concept product. He brings with him more than a decade of experience working across multiple disciplines within the design industry.

Project Experience:

  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT
  • Wayfarer Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
  • The Edwin, Chattanooga, TN
  • Downtown Marriott, Des Moines, IA
  • Lincolnshire Marriott, Lincolnshire, IL
  • Capitol District Marriott, Omaha, NE
  • The Ferrier, Temecula, CA
  • The Tin Building by Jean George, New York, NY

Mathew Vo

Senior Interior Designer

As a designer with a background in both architecture and interiors, Mathew brings a layered perspective to every project. Drawing on experience across diverse project types—from hospitality and food & beverage to sports and retail—he crafts spaces that balance performance, beauty, and emotional resonance. Inspired by his interest in theater and production design, Mathew focuses on creating immersive environments that take users on a curated journey. His command of design technology and documentation tools, including BIM, allows him to navigate complex projects while staying grounded in storytelling and purpose-driven design. Mathew continues to find inspiration in context, culture, and narrative—translating them into built environments that leave a lasting impact.

Project Experience:

  • DoubleTree Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ
  • Port of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • Swing Set Productions, Long Beach, CA
  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT

Ava Javaheri

Senior Interior Designer

With roots in a family of entrepreneurs and artists, Ava’s passion for hospitality design was sparked early—surrounded by showrooms and inspired styling sessions in her family’s furniture store. Today at DyeLot Interiors, she channels that lifelong aesthetic instinct into creating immersive environments that elevate the guest experience. Ava approaches hospitality interiors as both a visual narrative and an emotional journey, blending function with atmosphere in spaces meant to inspire, delight, and linger in memory. Her creative process draws on everything from global travel and museum exploration to cinematic set design, all feeding her pursuit of detail-driven, unforgettable spaces where people feel genuinely transported.

Project Experience:

  • Vintera Resort at Napa Creek, Napa, CA
  • Hotel Maya, Long Beach, CA
  • DoubleTree Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ
  • Swing Set Productions, Long Beach, CA
  • Port of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA

Chaya Juntara

Procurement Specialist

As a key member of DyeLot Interiors, Chaya is dedicated to collaborating with clients and vendors to deliver an exceptional experience marked by reliability, accountability, and integrity. Her primary focus is executing each project vision on time, ensuring top-tier quality, and managing the budget with precision. With deep expertise in sourcing and FF&E, Chaya brings a strong technical foundation that is essential to the creation of remarkable hospitality interiors and furnishings—the cornerstone of our procurement practice. She has worked alongside industry leaders in custom furniture, providing her with a wealth of experience. Her unique background in both interiors and procurement allows her to offer creative solutions that consistently exceed client expectations.

Project Experience:

  • Vintera Resort at Napa Creek, Napa, CA
  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT
  • Hotel Maya, Long Beach, CA
  • DoubleTree Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ
  • Cliffrose Springdale, Springdale, UT
  • Nuri Steakhouse, Dallas, TX
  • The Tin Building by Jean George, New York, NY
  • Solis Park, Irvine, CA

Adam Ford, NCIDQ

Senior Interior Project Designer

As a Senior Interior Project Designer at DyeLot, Adam leans on his expertise in interior design and theatrical storytelling to bring designs to life. Having extensive full-service and focused service hotel design experience, he is attuned to both branded work with Marriott, Hilton, and IHG and non-branded/independent projects. Adam helps create immersive and functional spaces that resonate with guests and elevate brand identities. His collaboration with hotel brands has honed his ability to blend aesthetics with practicality, ensuring seamless guest experiences and maximizing operational efficiency.

Project Experience:

  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT
  • DoubleTree Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ
  • Where The Wild Greens AR, Fayetteville, AR
  • Camp Creek Golf Resort & Inn, Inlet Beach, FL
  • Hotel Cyrus, Topeka, KS
  • Delta by Marriott, Thornton Northglenn, CO
  • Tribute South Park, Austin, TX

Brittany LeBlanc, NCIDQ, CID

Senior Project Designer / Associate

With a multi-disciplinary design and architecture background, Brittany continues to create unique user experiences for diversified projects. Brittany concentrates on designing spaces that provoke interest, emotion and encourage brand longevity. After studying interior design, Brittany continues to grow and expand her knowledge of interiors and architecture by working within both disciplines. Brittany’s experience comes from a vast range of industries including hospitality, food and beverage, retail, and experiential marketing.

Project Experience:

  • Vintera Resort at Napa Creek, Napa, CA
  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT
  • Hotel Maya, Long Beach, CA
  • DoubleTree Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ
  • The Wilder's Lounge, Springdale, UT
  • Anu Restaurant, Springdale, UT
  • Wolf and Shepherd, Manhattan, NY

Gustavo Neri

Director of Branding

Gustavo Neri serves as the Director of Branding, leading branding and signage/wayfinding campaigns for hospitality and residential projects Neri creates the narrative for a project before it begins – setting a strong aesthetic and identity for the project to ensure its message and character is carried through the life of the design process. Neri’s view of design is that it must be seen through the lens of the viewer, not the designer. One must take into account the experience of the person perceiving his work as they are guided through it, taking all elements into careful consideration and removing himself from the experience.

Project Experience:

  • Hotel Indigo, Savannah, GA
  • DoubleTree Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ
  • Hotel Amarano, Burbank, CA
  • Glenmark Hotel, Glendale, CA
  • Eminence Boston Hotel, Boston, MA
  • Hilton Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Alexan Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • Wolf and Shepherd, Manhattan, NY

Krystle Fader, NCIDQ, CID

Design Manager / Senior Associate

As a Design Manager at DyeLot Interiors, Krystle brings over 15 years of professional experience in interior and architectural design to the team. With experience in a range of markets including food & beverage, multi-family housing, hospitality, workplace and healthcare, she brings her combined knowledge from each and is able to apply that to new project opportunities. With an education in interior architectural design and a passion for efficient solutions, Krystle has been able to grow into a leadership role managing projects from design concept though completion of construction.

Project Experience:

  • Alexan Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • Alexan Arcadia, Arcadia, CA
  • The Monde, Scottsdale, AZ
  • Partake Collective, Long Beach, CA
  • Port of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • Swing Set Productions, Long Beach, CA
  • Din Tai Fung, Various Locations
  • Fogo de Chao, Various Locations

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Alex Kuby, AIA, WELL AP

Associate Principal

Alex is a licensed architect specializing in hospitality and experiential interior design, with a foundation built on years of practice across high-end hotels, branded environments, and lifestyle-driven residential spaces. His work is grounded in architectural rigor and elevated by a narrative-driven approach that shapes immersive, memorable experiences. With a deep understanding of design theory, construction, and project execution, Alex brings a holistic, strategic lens to each project—bridging spatial storytelling with operational excellence.

Hospitality Experience:

  • Vintera Resort at Napa Creek, Napa, CA
  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT
  • Hotel Indigo - IHG, Los Angeles, CA
  • Grand Hyatt - Baha Mar, Nassau, Bahamas
  • Pullman Baotou, Baotou, China
  • Hilton Resort Wenchang, Hainan Island, China

Residential Experience:

  • Perla Luxury Condo Tower, Los Angeles, CA
  • Watermark Assited Living, Westwood, CA
  • Alexan WestEnd, Long Beach, CA

Jackson Thilenius, AIA

Senior Principal

As Senior Principal of DyeLot Interiors, Jackson operates at the intersection of strategy, design and implementation, driving innovative and authentic solutions to hospitality projects around the world. With over twenty-five years of practice in architecture and interior design, combined with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry, Jackson collaborates with clients to establish project objectives which produce original designs and tailored brand positioning. Jackson has created a broad range of award-winning projects across the globe, leveraging his understanding of operational trends, local culture, and narrative-driven design.

Brand Experience:

Marriott
Hilton
Pacifica Hotels
Hyatt
Equinox
Loews Hotels
IHG
Karisma Hotels and Resorts
Oxford Capital Group
Marcus Hotels
Blackstone
Radisson Hotels
Starwood Capital