Our mild December climate offers a unique opportunity to extend holiday festivities to our outdoor spaces, particularly around the pool, so enhancing your pool area with Christmas decorations can create a festive atmosphere that delights family and guests alike.
Looking for a Traditional Vibe or a Tropical Holiday Home Getaway?
Traditional Pool Area Holiday
Lighting
- Illuminate with Festive Lighting: String lights are a versatile and enchanting way to brighten your pool area. Drape LED string lights along fences, wrap them around palm trees, or outline the pool’s perimeter to cast a warm, inviting glow. Opt for waterproof, shatterproof bulbs designed for outdoor use to ensure safety and durability. For added flair, consider using solar-powered lights to enhance energy efficiency.
- Floating LED Ornaments: Place waterproof, color-changing LED globes in the pool to mimic floating ornaments or snowballs.
- Underwater Glow: Use programmable LED pool lights (like Hayward’s ColorLogic®) to set holiday-themed light shows— like gold and white for New Year’s Eve!
- String Lights Everywhere: Drape twinkle lights along fences, umbrellas, and pergolas. Go for warm white for elegance or multicolor for a cheerful vibe.
Adding Holiday Greenery
- Adorn Poolside Greenery: Extend your holiday décor to the surrounding landscape by decorating poolside plants and trees with weather-resistant ornaments and ribbons. This not only enhances the festive ambiance but also seamlessly integrates your pool area with the overall holiday theme of your home. Incorporating poinsettias and holly plants can further enhance the seasonal feel.
- Set Up a Poolside Christmas Tree: For a traditional touch, place a decorated Christmas tree near the pool. Ensure the ornaments and lights are suitable for outdoor conditions to maintain safety and longevity. A waterproof tree skirt can protect the base from moisture, and anchoring the tree securely will prevent it from toppling over in windy conditions.
Pool Patio Decorations
- Craft DIY Pool Noodle Decorations: Get creative by transforming pool noodles into festive decorations. For instance, you can bend a pool noodle into a circle, secure it, and wrap it with tinsel to create a waterproof wreath. This budget-friendly project adds a personal touch to your décor. Additionally, pool noodles can be fashioned into oversized candy canes or candle displays, adding a playful element to your poolside setting.
- Incorporate Floating Decorations: Introduce floating elements like inflatable Santas, reindeer, or waterproof LED candles to add a whimsical touch to your pool. These decorations create a captivating visual effect, especially in the evening, and are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Additionally, floating floral arrangements with holiday colors can add an elegant touch to the water.
Holiday Lounge Setup
- Festive Drink Station: Set up a small table with a holiday drink dispenser (think cranberry spritzers or hot cocoa bar) and string mini lights around it.
- Cozy Corners: Add red, green, or plaid outdoor pillows and fleece throws for chilly evenings. Arrange comfortable seating with holiday-themed cushions and throws near the pool. Adding a fire pit or outdoor heater can provide warmth during cooler evenings, making the space inviting for gatherings and relaxation. Consider setting up an outdoor bar with holiday-themed beverages to enhance the festive atmosphere.
- Fire Feature Glow: If you have a fire pit, decorate the area with pinecones, lanterns, or string lights for a warm winter retreat.
- Play Festive Music. Enhance the holiday spirit by playing Christmas music through outdoor speakers. Curate a playlist that includes a mix of classic carols and contemporary holiday hits to cater to all age groups. Ensure the speakers are weatherproof and positioned safely away from the pool to prevent any electrical hazards.
Kid-Friendly Fun!
- Organize Themed Pool Activities: If you plan to use the pool during the holidays, organize themed activities such as a “Christmas Float Parade” where guests can showcase their decorated floats or a “Holiday Treasure Hunt” with waterproof gifts hidden around the pool area. These activities can engage guests and create memorable experiences.
- Poolside Movie Night: Project classic holiday movies onto a screen or wall—float in the pool with blankets and watch Elf!
- Floating Wreath Craft: Let kids design their own floating wreaths or candle lanterns using foam rings and waterproof candles.
- Polar Plunge Challenge: Host a “Florida-style” Polar Plunge on Christmas morning—fun for photos and laughs!
Tropical Holiday Spin
Tropical Christmas Lighting
- LED Pool Glow: Use programmable pool lights in teal, coral, and gold for a tropical twist on traditional red and green.
- Lanterns & Tiki Torches: Line the deck or pathways with solar lanterns or bamboo torches wrapped with faux poinsettias or red ribbon.
- Mini Tree or Tropical Twist: Decorate a palm or potted tree with waterproof ornaments, shells, or starfish garlands for a “coastal Christmas” look.
Beachy Holiday Decorations
- Seashell Ornaments: Decorate with painted shells, sand dollars, or driftwood pieces stamped with holiday sayings.
- Tropical Wreath: Make or buy a wreath with palm fronds, orchids, and mini ornaments in turquoise and coral.
- Floating Fun: Add inflatable flamingos wearing Santa hats, floating candy canes, or even a “surfing Santa” inflatable for humor.
- Poolside Tree: Use a small palm or artificial tree decorated with beach ornaments—flip-flops, sunglasses, and mini surfboards.
Festive Lounge Area
- Bright and Breezy Textiles: Swap cushions and towels for ones in tropical prints or colors like aqua, lime, and gold.
- Pineapple & Coconut Centerpieces: Fill hollowed-out pineapples or coconut shells with flowers or mini ornaments for a table display.
- Holiday Bar Cart: Serve tropical-themed holiday drinks—like a “Merry Mojito” or “Coconut Snowball Punch”—in colorful glassware with little umbrella picks.
Atmosphere & Entertainment
- Island Christmas Playlist: Mix steel drum versions of holiday songs with classic surf tunes.
- Tropical Movie Night: Project Christmas in Hawaii or The Grinch poolside while guests relax on floats.
- Photo Spot: Set up a “Santa’s Surf Shack” backdrop with surfboards, leis, and a beach umbrella for pictures.
Finishing Touches
Add scented candles or diffusers with coconut, citrus, or sea breeze fragrances.
Scatter faux snow made from biodegradable paper flakes on tables for contrast.
Use gold and white fairy lights for a touch of holiday sparkle without overpowering the tropical vibe.
Safety Considerations
While decorating, it’s crucial to prioritize safety:
- Electrical Safety: Use outdoor-rated extension cords and lighting to prevent electrical hazards. Ensure all connections are secure and away from water sources. Utilizing battery-operated lights can further reduce the risk of electrical issues.
- Supervision: If the pool is accessible during gatherings, designate an adult to supervise swimming activities, especially when children are present. Implementing safety barriers or pool covers when the pool is not in use can also prevent accidents.
- Clear Pathways: Keep walkways around the pool free of decorations that could cause tripping or obstruct movement. Ensure that any cords or decorations are secured and do not pose a hazard.
By thoughtfully decorating your pool area, you can create a festive and safe environment that enhances the holiday spirit.
For homeowners seeking professional assistance in remodeling their pools or upgrading their pool equipment, JJB Pools & Spas offers expert services tailored to the Tampa Bay area’s unique needs. Their team can help ensure your pool is in top condition for the holidays and beyond.
JJB Pools & Spas provides expert pool maintenance, pool repair, pool resurfacing, pebble surfacing, and pool renovation across Tampa Bay — serving Largo, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Belleair, South Tampa, Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, St. Pete Beach, Westchase, Odessa, Nine Eagles, Davis Islands & Clearwater Beach, and surrounding areas. We use only the best pool and spa industry brands, including Wet Edge Technologies, Primera Stone, Prism Matrix, Luna Quartz, Signature Matrix, and Aquabella Tile. JJB Pools is also a platinum warranty station for all Hayward brand equipment, and an expert in Variable Speed Pumps and energy-efficient pool heating. Call for a free estimate! (727) 412-4373