Good pool furniture ideas can make the area around your swimming pool much more useful. Instead of having a pool surrounded by empty paving or decking, you can create a comfortable space for relaxing, eating, entertaining and keeping an eye on the kids.
The trick is choosing furniture that suits the space you actually have. A large outdoor lounge might look fantastic around a big pool, but it can make a smaller pool area feel cramped. Likewise, beautiful timber furniture can need considerably more upkeep than powder-coated aluminium.
For a New Zealand pool, I’d also think about sun, rain, wind, moisture and the occasional splash of chlorinated or salt water. Outdoor furniture needs to cope with much more than simply looking good on a sunny afternoon.
Here are plenty of poolside furniture ideas to help you work out what could suit your pool area.
What to consider before choosing pool furniture
Before buying anything, take a good look at how you actually use your pool.
Think about:
- How much space you have around the pool
- Whether the area is decking, concrete, paving or grass
- How much direct sun the furniture receives
- Whether the area is exposed to strong wind
- How close the furniture will be to the water
- Whether you regularly entertain family and friends
- Whether you need somewhere to eat
- Whether children will be using the area
- How much maintenance you’re prepared to do
- Where cushions and smaller items will be stored
- Whether furniture needs to be moved during winter
I’d also leave plenty of clear space around the pool rather than trying to fill every available metre.
Furniture that’s too close to the water can become a nuisance. People walk around it, wet towels get thrown over it, drinks get knocked over and cushions inevitably end up on the paving.
A little empty space can actually make a pool area more comfortable.
Pool chairs and seating ideas
Chairs are one of the easiest ways to add useful seating without taking up the space required by a full outdoor lounge.
Poolside armchairs
Outdoor armchairs work well when you want somewhere comfortable to sit without creating a large furniture setting.
They’re particularly useful around smaller pools because individual chairs can be moved around when you need more room.
Adirondack chairs
Adirondack-style chairs have a wide, relaxed shape and work particularly well around casual pool areas.
They’re a good choice if your pool area has a more natural or coastal appearance.
Sling chairs
Sling chairs are practical around swimming pools because the fabric doesn’t have the same tendency to hold water as thick cushions.
They’re also relatively easy to move and can work well when you want several individual seats rather than one large setting.
Folding pool chairs
Folding chairs aren’t necessarily the most glamorous option, but they’re extremely practical.
You can bring them out when friends arrive and put them away when you need the space. This can be particularly useful around smaller pools.
Outdoor stools
A few outdoor stools can provide extra seating without permanently taking up much space.
They’re also handy around an outdoor bar or higher poolside table.
Poolside benches
A bench can provide several seats while taking up less visual space than multiple individual chairs.
Built-in benches can be particularly effective where the pool has a retaining wall, raised garden or existing structure that can be incorporated into the seating.
Poolside table ideas
A poolside table can be surprisingly useful. It’s somewhere to put drinks, phones, sunscreen, snacks, towels and anything else that would otherwise end up on the ground.
You don’t necessarily need a huge table.
Outdoor side tables
Small side tables are probably one of my favourite additions to a pool area.
Put one beside a lounger or chair and you’ve got somewhere convenient for a drink without needing a large outdoor setting.
Outdoor coffee tables
A low coffee table works well in front of an outdoor sofa or modular lounge.
Just make sure there’s enough room around it for people to walk comfortably.
Bistro tables
Small round bistro tables are useful for compact pool patios.
They can create a little two-person seating area without overwhelming the space.
Outdoor dining tables
If your pool area is also your main entertaining area, a proper dining table can make much more sense.
Rectangular tables suit larger spaces, while round or square tables can be easier to fit into tighter areas.
Bar tables
A higher outdoor bar table can create a more casual entertaining area around the pool.
Pair it with outdoor bar stools and you’ve got somewhere people can sit for drinks or a quick meal.
C-shaped tables
These are particularly handy beside pool loungers and chairs. The base slides underneath the seat, bringing the tabletop close to you without requiring a large footprint.
Pool loungers and relaxation ideas
If your idea of the perfect pool day involves doing very little, pool loungers should probably be high on the list.
Adjustable sun loungers
Adjustable loungers allow you to sit upright, recline or lie back.
They’re useful for people who want to read or have a drink as well as those who simply want to lie in the sun.
Chaise lounges
A chaise lounge gives you a longer, more comfortable surface for stretching out.
Two matching chaise lounges can also create a simple and attractive poolside arrangement.
Double loungers
If you’ve got the room, double loungers provide a larger shared space.
They’re particularly suited to larger pool patios where relaxation is a major part of the outdoor area.
Outdoor daybeds
A daybed creates more of a resort-style feel.
Some have canopies or curtains, while others are completely open. They’re best suited to larger pool areas because they take up considerably more space than a standard lounger.
Hanging chairs
Hanging egg chairs and similar outdoor seats can add a different type of seating to a pool area.
They’re especially good for someone who wants a comfortable place to sit away from the main pool activity.
Hammocks
If you have suitable structural support, a hammock can turn an otherwise unused part of the yard into a relaxing space.
Just don’t position it somewhere that creates a trip hazard or interferes with access around the pool.
Dining and entertaining furniture
If your pool is the centre of summer entertaining, think beyond loungers.
A good outdoor dining area can turn the poolside into an extension of your living space.
Outdoor dining sets
A dining table with matching chairs is the obvious choice for families who regularly eat outside.
You can choose from compact four-person settings through to large tables designed for bigger gatherings.
Modular outdoor lounges
Modular lounges are particularly flexible.
You can arrange the individual sections into an L-shape, straight sofa or separate seats depending on how you’re using the area.
This can be useful when you want the furniture to work for both everyday family use and larger gatherings.
Outdoor bar settings
A bar table and stools create a more casual entertaining area.
They’re also useful when you don’t want everyone sitting around a traditional dining table.
Benches
Outdoor benches can provide additional seating for larger gatherings without requiring a chair for every person.
They can also be tucked underneath a table when they’re not being used.
Serving trolleys
An outdoor serving trolley isn’t essential, but it can be incredibly handy.
Instead of carrying drinks, plates and food backwards and forwards from the kitchen, you can load everything onto the trolley and move it outside in one trip.
Shade-related furniture
A comfortable pool area needs somewhere to escape the sun as well as somewhere to enjoy it.
Outdoor umbrellas
A traditional outdoor umbrella is one of the simplest ways to create shade over a table or seating area.
They’re relatively easy to move and don’t require a permanent structure.
Cantilever umbrellas
Cantilever umbrellas have an offset support, allowing the shaded area to sit beside the main base.
This can be useful around pools because the support doesn’t necessarily have to sit directly in the middle of the seating area.
Poolside cabanas
A cabana can create a dedicated shaded relaxation area.
Some are permanent structures, while others are temporary or semi-permanent.
Pergola seating
If you already have a pergola, you can position your outdoor furniture underneath it to create a defined lounge or dining area.
Shade sails
Shade sails aren’t furniture themselves, but they’re worth considering when planning your poolside area because they can dramatically change how usable the space is during the hottest part of the day.
Whatever shade option you use, make sure it is securely installed and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly in windy conditions.
Pool storage furniture ideas
Storage is one of those things that’s easy to overlook when planning a pool area.
Then summer arrives and suddenly there are towels, pool toys, cushions, goggles and other bits and pieces everywhere.
Outdoor storage benches
A storage bench can provide seating and somewhere to keep smaller pool items.
It’s a good option for smaller yards where every piece of furniture needs to serve more than one purpose.
Deck boxes
A weather-resistant deck box can hold cushions, toys and other poolside items.
It’s particularly useful if your furniture cushions aren’t designed to stay outside permanently.
Outdoor storage cabinets
A taller cabinet gives you more organised storage while taking up less floor space than a large horizontal box.
Pool toy storage
A simple dedicated storage area for noodles, balls, inflatables and other toys can make a pool area much easier to keep tidy.
Try to keep toys out of the pool when they’re not being used, particularly if they’re interfering with the pool cleaner or skimmer.
Towel racks
A towel rack near the pool sounds like a small addition, but it can save your outdoor furniture from becoming the family’s unofficial drying rack.
More pool furniture and accessories
Once you’ve got the main furniture sorted, smaller pieces can make the area feel much more complete.
Consider:
- Outdoor ottomans
- Footstools
- Outdoor cushions
- Poufs
- Outdoor rugs
- Poolside carts
- Serving trays
- Planter boxes
- Outdoor shelving
- Towel racks
- Outdoor lanterns
- Small side tables
- Outdoor stools
- Pool toy baskets
- Cushion storage boxes
Outdoor rugs can also help define a lounge area, particularly on a large paved or decked space.
Just remember that anything placed close to the pool is going to get wet eventually.
Choose products intended for outdoor use and consider how easily they can be cleaned and dried.
Pool furniture styles and materials
The appearance of your furniture matters, but I’d put durability and practicality ahead of looks.
For New Zealand outdoor conditions, materials such as aluminium, hardwood and synthetic wicker are commonly used because they can handle moisture and outdoor exposure.
Aluminium
Powder-coated aluminium is a popular choice for outdoor furniture.
It is relatively lightweight, doesn’t rust in the same way steel does and is easy to move around.
It’s particularly useful around pools where furniture may regularly be exposed to moisture.
Timber
Timber gives a pool area a warm, natural appearance.
Teak and other suitable outdoor timbers can work very well, but timber isn’t maintenance-free. Depending on the timber and finish, you may need to clean, oil or otherwise maintain it to keep the appearance you want.
Exterior timber finishes are specifically designed to help protect outdoor wood against moisture and UV exposure.
Synthetic wicker
Synthetic wicker can give you the appearance of traditional woven furniture while being designed for outdoor use.
Look for furniture specifically intended for outdoor conditions rather than assuming any wicker product will be suitable.
Steel
Steel furniture can be strong and substantial, but the protective coating matters.
Once a painted or powder-coated surface is damaged, moisture can reach the underlying metal and corrosion can become a problem. This is particularly worth considering around pools and in coastal areas.
Plastic and resin
Plastic and resin furniture can be lightweight, easy to clean and relatively inexpensive.
It’s also convenient when you want furniture that can be moved around frequently.
The downside is that cheaper products may not have the same durability or appearance as better-quality outdoor furniture.
Outdoor fabrics
Don’t forget about cushions.
The frame of your furniture might last for years while cushions and fabrics gradually fade or deteriorate from constant sun exposure.
Outdoor fabrics designed to resist sunlight, moisture, stains and mildew can be a practical choice. Some NZ outdoor furniture ranges use olefin fabrics specifically for these properties.
Matching furniture to your pool area
The best furniture arrangement depends heavily on the type of pool and outdoor space you have.
Small backyard pool
Don’t try to recreate a resort around a small pool.
A couple of comfortable chairs, a small poolside table and perhaps two loungers may be enough.
Folding furniture and small side tables can give you flexibility when space is limited.
Large family pool
A larger pool area gives you more opportunities to create separate zones.
For example:
- Loungers beside the pool
- A dining table further back
- A lounge area under shade
- A storage area near the house
- A dedicated space for children and pool toys
Creating separate zones can make a large outdoor area feel more organised.
Pool surrounded by decking
Decking works particularly well with timber, aluminium and woven furniture.
Just make sure furniture feet aren’t damaging the deck surface and that water can drain properly.
Pool surrounded by concrete or paving
This gives you plenty of freedom with furniture, but remember that dark paving can become extremely hot in direct summer sun.
Furniture that provides shade and comfortable seating can make a big difference.
Coastal pool
If you’re close to the coast, I’d pay particular attention to corrosion resistance.
Salt-laden air can be hard on metal components, fixings and furniture finishes. Stainless steel, aluminium and suitable outdoor materials may be preferable to poorly protected steel, but the specific product still matters.
Common pool furniture mistakes
Buying too much furniture
This is probably the easiest mistake to make.
An empty pool area can make you think you need a huge lounge, six chairs, eight loungers and a dining setting.
Once everything arrives, there’s barely enough room to walk.
Measure first and leave comfortable pathways.
Putting furniture too close to the pool
Furniture doesn’t need to sit right on the pool edge to look good.
Leaving some separation makes cleaning easier and reduces the amount of wet furniture you’ll have to deal with.
Ignoring the wind
Large umbrellas, lightweight chairs and other loose outdoor furniture can become a problem in strong winds.
A piece of furniture that’s easy to move is great until the wind moves it for you.
Leaving cushions outside permanently
Even good outdoor fabrics are exposed to a lot of UV, rain and moisture.
If you want cushions to last and stay looking good, give them appropriate protection and storage when they’re not being used.
Choosing appearance over maintenance
That beautiful timber setting might look fantastic when it’s new.
Before buying it, make sure you’re happy with the maintenance it will require.
How to keep poolside furniture looking good
Pool furniture doesn’t require the same maintenance as your pool equipment, but it still needs some attention.
Regularly:
- Wipe down furniture
- Remove leaves and debris
- Clean spills promptly
- Wash cushions according to their care instructions
- Check for corrosion
- Check timber for signs of deterioration
- Tighten loose fittings
- Store or cover furniture when appropriate
- Check umbrellas and shade structures after strong winds
Pool chemicals can also end up on nearby furniture through splashing, wet swimmers and cleaning activities.
If you regularly notice white deposits, staining or deterioration around the pool, it’s worth looking at where the water is going rather than simply cleaning the furniture more often.
When should you replace pool furniture?
Outdoor furniture doesn’t necessarily have a fixed replacement date.
A well-made piece that’s kept clean and protected may remain useful for many years, while cheaper furniture exposed to constant sun, rain and moisture may deteriorate much sooner.
Look for:
- Cracked frames
- Rust or corrosion
- Splitting timber
- Brittle plastics
- Loose or damaged joints
- Torn outdoor fabric
- Failing protective coatings
- Cushions that have become waterlogged or deteriorated
Don’t assume furniture needs replacing just because it looks weathered. Some timber furniture can be restored, and cushions or covers may be replaceable separately.
When to think about pool safety
Furniture placement should never compromise the safety of the pool area.
Keep chairs, tables, storage boxes and other objects from creating unnecessary access points where children could use them to climb over a pool barrier.
Pool barriers are a separate safety consideration and need to meet the applicable New Zealand requirements. Furniture should not be treated as part of the barrier system unless the relevant design and requirements specifically allow it.
It’s also worth keeping electrical equipment, extension leads and other unsuitable items away from wet areas around the pool.
Pool furniture ideas for entertaining
If summer entertaining is your priority, I’d build the area around how people actually move through it.
A simple arrangement might include:
- A dining area for meals.
- A lounge area for conversation.
- Two or more loungers for people who want to relax.
- Small side tables for drinks.
- Shade over at least part of the area.
- Storage for cushions, towels and pool toys.
You don’t have to buy everything as one matching furniture set either.
A mixture of aluminium chairs, a timber table and a modular outdoor lounge can look much more natural than having every piece from the same collection.
Frequently asked questions
What furniture is best around a swimming pool?
Furniture made from durable outdoor materials such as aluminium, suitable hardwoods and synthetic wicker can work well around swimming pools. The right choice depends on your exposure to sun, rain, wind and salt, as well as how much maintenance you’re prepared to do.
Can you put normal outdoor furniture beside a pool?
Outdoor furniture can generally be used beside a pool if it is designed for outdoor conditions, but furniture placed close to the water will experience more moisture and splashing. Choose materials and finishes that are suitable for the environment and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
What should I put around my swimming pool?
Popular options include pool loungers, outdoor chairs, side tables, dining furniture, outdoor lounges, umbrellas, storage benches and towel racks. The best combination depends on the size of your pool area and how you use it.
What is the best material for poolside furniture?
There isn’t one material that’s best for every pool. Aluminium is lightweight and easy to maintain, timber provides a natural appearance but can need more care, while synthetic wicker can offer an attractive outdoor finish. Coastal locations also need extra consideration because salt exposure can accelerate corrosion.
How do I protect pool furniture from the sun?
Choose outdoor-rated materials and fabrics designed for UV exposure, and use covers or storage where appropriate. Shade structures can also reduce direct sun exposure. Timber furniture may require an appropriate exterior treatment depending on the product and the finish you want.
How close can furniture be to a swimming pool?
There’s no single distance that suits every pool area. You need enough space for safe movement, cleaning and access to the pool, while ensuring furniture doesn’t compromise any required pool barrier. In practice, leaving a comfortable clear area around the pool usually makes the whole space easier to use.
Choosing the right pool furniture for your home
There are plenty of pool furniture ideas to choose from, but you don’t need to fill your pool area with furniture to make it useful.
Start with how you actually use the pool. If you love relaxing, prioritise comfortable pool loungers and shade. If you regularly have friends and family over, an outdoor dining table, chairs and a lounge area may be more useful. If space is limited, concentrate on compact pieces such as folding chairs, small poolside tables and furniture that serves more than one purpose.
For most NZ pool owners, I’d also give some thought to durability before appearance. Your furniture will spend months exposed to UV, rain and changing weather, so materials and fabrics designed for outdoor conditions are worth considering.
The goal isn’t to create a showroom. It’s to create an outdoor poolside area that you and your family will actually enjoy using throughout summer.
