You got an Intex pool? Good. Now let’s turn it into the neighborhood’s crown jewel. Not just a pool… but the pool. The one people casually mention at BBQs or pretend to “drop by” just to get a peek.
A boring above-ground pool in the backyard? Nah. We’re building a tiny resort back there.
Here’s the scoop on how to make that happen.
1. Build a Dreamy DIY Deck Around It
Plain Intex pools sit there like oversized bathtubs. Functional, but zero vibes. Add a wraparound deck and boom—suddenly you’ve got levels, literally and figuratively.
You don’t need fancy lumber or a contractor cousin. Just grab treated wood, a saw, and a weekend you can sacrifice. Leave space for sunbathing, towel tossing, and late-night chats. A few solar lights tucked along the edges? That’s golden hour magic.
Your neighbor’s gonna ask if you’re renting it out. Promise.
2. Create a Floating Bar Setup
Okay, this one’s cheeky, but it works. People love two things in the summer: cold drinks and not leaving the water. Combine them.
You can buy a floating bar online, sure. Or you can DIY it with pool noodles, a tray, and a hot glue gun that’s seen better days. Add cup holders, maybe a mini cooler section, and you’re basically hosting a poolside tiki lounge without the rent.
Invite two friends and tell them to bring their own float. Suddenly, it’s an event.
3. Add a Cascading Pool Fountain
Sounds fancy, right? It kinda is. But also… it’s weirdly easy.
There are clip-on fountains made just for Intex pools. You attach it to your filter outlet and—voila—it spits a perfect arc of water into the pool. Sounds like a spa, looks like a hotel.
And yes, the kids will be obsessed. So will adults who pretend they’re not. It’s like your pool now has a personality.
4. Set the Mood With Pool Lighting
Lights change everything. A basic Intex pool at night? Not cute. But throw in some LED submersibles, string lights, or even floating glow orbs… and you’ve got a mood.
People love glowing things in water. Science probably has a reason, but we just know it looks dope.
One cool tip? Grab waterproof fairy lights and wrap them around the poles of your pool frame. It gives off a cozy, soft glow that makes even late-night swims feel like movie scenes.
5. Bring in a Poolside Lounge Zone
The pool’s cool. But what happens around the pool matters just as much. You want places for people to sit, sip, and gossip.
Get two lounge chairs, a big umbrella, and a side table that looks expensive (but wasn’t). Add a waterproof speaker, maybe some citronella candles that sorta work, and a jug of something cold.
Now your pool’s not just a dip spot. It’s a chill zone. One where people hang out for hours even if they never actually swim.
6. Throw in a Pool Cinema Night
This one’ll get you “pool legend” status fast. Set up a projector facing a blank wall, or hang a white sheet behind the pool. Floaties become theater seats.
Movie + water + snacks = magic. Pick classics like Finding Nemo (ironic, but fun), or go retro with Grease.
Just make sure the popcorn’s in something that floats. And maybe skip horror movies unless you wanna see folks sprint outta the water screaming.
7. Upgrade the Pool Floor
Let’s be honest. That vinyl pool floor isn’t winning any design awards. But you can fix that.
Pool floor mats, foam tiles, or even patterned outdoor rugs (underneath the pool!) can level up the look. Also, bonus: soft on your feet and harder to slip.
It’s a tiny change with a big feel. Like when you swap old sneakers for a pair that actually match your vibe.
8. Name Your Pool… and Make a Sign
Is it extra? Yes. Is it amazing? Also yes.
Give your pool a name. Something playful, cheesy, or oddly elegant. “The Splash Palace.” “Club Chlorine.” “No Kids Allowed Pool Lounge” (just kidding… or not).
Paint it on a little sign and hang it near the entrance. It adds personality, humor, and an excuse for people to post pics of your pool on Instagram. Free promo.
Bonus: Don’t Forget the Fun Stuff
Okay, eight ideas wasn’t quite enough. So here’s a little cheat list of extras to sprinkle in when you’re feeling fancy:
- Giant inflatables – flamingos, pizzas, unicorns… anything too big to make sense.
- Bluetooth pool speaker – because tinny phone audio just won’t cut it.
- Reusable party cups – the good kind. No one wants soggy paper.
- Sunscreen station – thoughtful and responsible.
- Mini fridge extension cord – thank me later.
These lil touches are what make people linger longer. Suddenly, everyone forgets their own pool-less backyard.
Final Words (With Chlorine in the Air)
Look. You don’t need an in-ground pool or some $40k renovation. You’ve got an Intex, and that’s your blank canvas. The secret? How you dress it up, play with it, and share it.
People remember the vibes, not the price tag. They remember cannonball contests, floating margaritas, and twinkling lights dancing on the water.
Make your Intex pool the place this summer. Not just a pool. The backyard’s beating heart.
Go on—inflate the dream.
