Custom Pools and Holiday Decor Fun for Kids and Guests
When cooler months roll in, it doesn’t mean we have to shut down backyard fun, especially if we have custom pools as part of the space. With the right mix of layout, lights, and cozy touches, our pool areas can still be full of energy and joy. This season is all about creating a warm, festive spot where family and friends can spend time together, whether it's during a quiet December evening or a cheerful holiday gathering. Kids and guests can enjoy being outdoors, and we can make the pool area part of the celebration, even if no one’s planning to hop in.
Turning the Pool Area into a Holiday Hangout
Holiday decorations aren’t just for the living room. Pool spaces can take on their own style with a few simple changes. Lighting is one of the easiest ways to give the area a cheerful glow. Whether we go with string lights, lanterns, or soft patio lights, they help the backyard feel welcoming after the sun goes down. The right lighting setup can draw people outside, even if the nights get longer and temperatures drop.
• Floating lights or pool-safe decor add color and sparkle
• Garlands or weather-safe ribbons work well along fences or railings
• Pool corners or ledges can be great spots for small themed displays
When we plan space around food and drinks, things feel even more comfortable. Setting up a side table or counter with cocoa, cider, or easy snacks keeps guests happy and relaxed. For the adults, we might include a simple drink station, while kids enjoy holiday cookies or grab-and-go treats they can carry to their seats. The whole layout becomes more welcoming when comfort is at the core.
It’s not always about big decorations; small touches count. Consider using festive place settings, napkin rings, or themed drinkware to make even quick snacks by the pool feel special. If you have a fireplace or even a portable patio heater nearby, that creates a natural gathering spot for everyone to enjoy a little warmth between sips and conversation.
Fun Activities for Kids Around the Pool
Kids don’t need much to spark fun, especially if we give them just enough room to roam safely. Holiday crafts or simple backyard games work well when there’s a nearby gathering point. Keeping kids close to the main area means they can still be part of the bigger group, which can bring comfort to both children and adults.
• Crafts like ornament decorating or card-making can happen at a covered table
• A s’mores setup by the fire pit turns into an instant favorite
• Active games like holiday scavenger hunts or flashlight tag keep energy up
Including heated spas or fire features helps everyone stay warm while still being outdoors. When things get chilly, blankets, soft cushions, and even a basket of cozy hats can encourage longer visits. Setting out a box of mittens or fuzzy socks invites kids to settle in with a treat, and gives parents peace of mind that everyone’s comfortable.
Creating a small kids-only corner gives younger guests a space they can enjoy without needing screens or sitting still too long. If older kids want their own zone, arranging beanbags or poufs nearby lets them hang out with friends while staying close. Having these flexible setups helps everyone feel included in the celebration, no matter their age.
Creating a Welcoming Space for Holiday Guests
Most guests just want an easy place to sit where they can feel part of the gathering. Open layouts with natural traffic flow help visitors settle in. We like to group outdoor furniture so people can chat comfortably in small groups without feeling too spread out, which makes the space feel more inviting.
• Use rugs, throws, and layered cushions to bring in texture and warmth
• Keep blankets close by for cool nights, rolled up in a basket or draped over chairs
• Add soft lighting nearby so guests can see without harsh brightness
Pergolas, cover structures, or large umbrellas can offer light shelter from evening breeze or light mist. They also help define zones, maybe one for lounging, one for eating, and one where kids can play. For larger groups, having several cozy nooks lets everyone find their own spot to relax.
Simple additions, like side tables or footrests, let guests set down drinks and snacks so their hands stay free for conversation or crafts. Outdoor cushions layered on benches or lounge chairs offer a little extra warmth and comfort. If rain is possible, weather-resistant blankets or cushions help everyone stay dry and happy.
It takes little effort to signal hospitality and care, even outside. Placing tea lights in wind-protected spots or offering a few free magazines by each seat gives guests something to enjoy in quiet moments. The more comfortable everyone feels, the longer they’ll want to stay together.
Using Custom Pool Features to Set the Mood
Many custom pools have built-in lighting, fire options, or water accents that give the space its own personality. When we lean into those features, they can help shape the whole mood of the evening. Subtle lighting inside the water or glowing from nearby garden beds adds a soft, steady backdrop as the night stretches out.
• Water features like bubblers or fountains offer peaceful sound and movement
• Speakers or sound setups help play quiet music or themed playlists
• Fire bowls or edge lighting add to the relaxed holiday setting
It's a good reminder that these features aren’t just for summer. Custom pools are built for year-round use in many parts of the country, and with a little attention to comfort, they can stay active through the colder seasons too.
By focusing the evening around these year-round comforts, we encourage everyone to settle in and savor the moment. The quiet ripple of water, gentle flicker of fire light, or bass of a favorite song helps turn “just another night” into something special for the holidays.
Celebrating the Holidays Your Own Way
Smart Swim offers custom pool and spa construction, remodeling, lighting, and enhancement services, making it easy to keep your Los Angeles backyard cozy and cheerful all season. The holidays look different for every family, but one thing that stays the same is the comfort of being together. When we look outside and see a space that feels ready, clean, warm, and inviting, it takes pressure away from planning and helps the night flow naturally. Whether we’re hosting a big group or keeping it small, a well-thought-out pool area makes it easier to share fun, food, and laughter.
As the nights grow cooler and darker, we don’t have to stay inside to make memories with friends and family. With small changes across lighting, comfort, and setup, an outdoor space with a custom pool can stay alive with cheer. All it takes is thoughtful planning, a few favorite touches, and the people we enjoy being around.
Transform your backyard into a welcoming retreat this holiday season and beyond with thoughtful updates that make your outdoor space as inviting as any room inside. At Smart Swim, we specialize in designing and building custom pools that align with your lifestyle, style preferences, and seasonal needs. Let’s work together to plan an outdoor area you’ll love for years to come, contact us today to get started.