Fun Custom Pools Ideas for Watching Winter Sports Outdoors

Watching winter sports is always better with friends, snacks, and a great spot to unwind. If you're lucky enough to live in a place like Los Angeles, where winter days feel more like mild fall weather, your backyard can become the perfect viewing zone for every game. You don’t have to head inside when it gets cooler, especially when your space is built around comfort and connection. Custom pools can make watching winter sports more fun, keeping the action close while letting everyone enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're hosting a big group or just a few neighbors dropping by, small upgrades can turn your backyard into the favorite hangout on game day.

Create a Poolside Viewing Zone

If you're planning to catch winter matchups outside, a good viewing setup matters. The goal is to make it feel as easy and as natural as turning on the TV indoors, but with way better scenery.

• Add a weather-safe TV on an exterior wall that faces your pool or patio

• Use a retractable projector screen for big games or special events

• Arrange built-in benches or swim-up seating along one side of the pool that faces the screen

• If there's a covered patio or pergola nearby, use that shaded space for more seating or protection from light rain

Make sure screens are placed at an angle that’s easy to see whether you're in the water or stretched out nearby. That way, no one feels stuck in one spot during the game. Designing the poolside with a good view in mind keeps everyone feeling comfortable and guarantees that the action is always in sight. Something as simple as adding extra outdoor cushions, a few end tables, or waterproof beanbags can add extra comfort to your viewing zone, making it more appealing for longer get-togethers. Stepping outside becomes even more welcoming when the area feels like a true extension of your living space.

Keep Things Warm and Cozy

Even mild winters bring cool air after the sun goes down, so having warm options makes it easier to stay outside longer. With the right built-in features, guests can relax between plays without needing to head inside.

• Add a fire pit near the pool deck for toasty moments during long timeouts

• Outdoor fireplaces or fire tables give both heat and a spot to set drinks or snacks

• Heated pool options keep things comfortable, even if you're not actively swimming

• Use spa jets or nearby hot tubs to allow for short relaxing breaks during or after the game

• Set up built-in cubbies or benches with weather-safe blankets and rolled-up towels

These little comforts make a big difference, especially when it gets dark earlier and you want the party to last past halftime. Warming touches make it easy for guests to settle in and spend the whole evening outdoors. Flexible lighting, like string lights or built-in dimmers, can also help extend your time outside by creating a cozy, softly lit environment. It’s amazing how much a little extra warmth and some clever lighting can transform an ordinary backyard into a spot everyone looks forward to using, no matter how chilly the night feels.

Add Game Day Snacks and Sips

No one wants to miss a moment of the game running back and forth to the kitchen. With everything you need close by, snacks and drinks stay part of the fun instead of feeling like a separate task.

• Build a simple outdoor kitchen or use grill space near the pool

• Add a snack bar or prep counter along the edge of your hangout zone

• Store cool drinks in a mini-fridge built into a bar space or island

• Use open shelves or small built-ins to stash cups, napkins, and serving trays

Even a basic setup works if people can grab what they want and get back to the game. The less people need to walk away from where things are happening, the more connected the whole event feels. Outdoor kitchens don’t have to be complicated, a small grill or portable pizza oven can keep things simple, and a cooler next to the seating area avoids unnecessary trips indoors. If possible, having a nearby hand-washing station, or even some wet wipes, goes a long way toward keeping things tidy throughout the night. This keeps the party area self-contained and everyone connected to the action from kickoff to the final whistle.

Make It Fun for Guests of All Ages

Everyone wants to be included on game day, whether they’re big fans or just hanging out for the snacks. When your outdoor space is designed with different needs in mind, it's easier for everyone to enjoy themselves.

• Tanning ledges give kids or older guests a place to dip their feet without fully jumping in

• Add LED lighting under the water or around the edge of the pool for a bit of extra fun when the sun sets

• Use non-slip walkways with wide layouts so people can move safely with plates in one hand and pool shoes on their feet

• Create a few separate zones with lounge chairs, benches, or even yard games nearby

Good lighting and safe walking surfaces help reduce trips and spills, especially once the snacks come out and everyone starts moving around more rapidly. It can be helpful to set up a small table with coloring sheets and crayons at the edge of the pool area for kids who’d rather stay dry, or to leave a few toys or yard games ready to go for restless guests. Thoughtful touches like these invite everyone into the gathering and help all ages feel welcome, even if their favorite part of game day is different from yours. Setting up a few waterproof Bluetooth speakers ensures that every guest can hear the play-by-play without needing to crowd the TV, too.

Enjoy Every Game Poolside

Smart Swim offers pool construction, spa additions, pool remodeling, and outdoor feature enhancements so Los Angeles homeowners enjoy backyard spaces in every season. Cold weather doesn’t have to shut down your backyard plans. With some thoughtful features, custom pools become a go-to spot for sports fans even during the winter. Watching your team win while soaking in warm water or huddled near a fire keeps game day energy high without sacrificing comfort.

By planning for things like warmth, seating, and snacks, you get to enjoy every game the way it was meant to be, surrounded by people you like, in a space that already feels like home. All the little touches combine to turn your custom pool area into something more than seasonal. It becomes one of your favorite spaces, game after game.

At Smart Swim, we love helping homeowners transform everyday backyards into inviting outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you're hosting game day parties or relaxing by the water with friends, thoughtful design focused on comfort and connection makes all the difference. With the right layout, lighting, and features, your backyard becomes more than just a seasonal spot, it turns into everyone’s favorite place to gather. When you’re ready to explore custom pools, reach out to us to get started.