When summer heat makes it unbearable to be indoors—but somehow even worse outside—what’s a person to do? For many lucky enough to have a pool at home, the answer is simple: stay exactly where the water is. Emily Carter, a designer based in Portland, laughs as she describes her ideal summer day: “I just want to float, tan a bit, and maybe lift a finger to grab a mojito.”
This casual daydream isn’t as indulgent as it sounds. Across the U.S. and Europe, more and more people are turning their poolside spaces into sanctuaries of calm, comfort, and quiet luxury. With just a few thoughtful upgrades, your backyard pool can feel like a boutique resort—and the best part is, you won’t need to share the chaise lounge with a stranger.
Let’s start with smart technology. French writer Paul Scott lives in Provence, where he used to spend up to two hours a day cleaning his pool—until he discovered the iGarden K Series pool cleaner. “It runs for 15 hours straight, navigates the pool on its own, and lets me do what I really want to do: nothing,” he says. Watching the little machine methodically sweep the bottom of the pool has become part of his daily unwind ritual.
Now, what’s the point of having free time if your lounger doesn’t do justice to it? Enter the Ardingly outdoor chaise. Crafted from teak with a striped cushion that recalls lazy afternoons on the Amalfi Coast, this chair solves the most underrated poolside annoyance—those unsightly imprints on the backs of your legs. Jessica Moore, an illustrator based in Oakland, even pulled hers indoors. “I use it on the balcony with a book and a glass of wine—it makes me feel like I’m vacationing in Nice.”
Of course, a proper lounging setup calls for equally elegant drinkware. The Squiggle tray and pitcher set by Sophie Lou Jacobsen blurs the line between practical and artful. Whether you’re hosting friends for a sunset cocktail hour or pouring lemon water after a swim, it just feels right. It’s the kind of piece that works just as well indoors as it does poolside, without ever feeling like a compromise.
Then there’s the terry robe—an often overlooked essential. Brooklyn-based photographer Lena Foster swears by her OEKO-TEX-certified cotton robe. “It’s soft, absorbent, and honestly, it looks so good on camera,” she says. “I’ll throw it on after a dip and still feel like I’m dressed for an editorial shoot.” And for those who love color? A set of reversible towels with four colorways gives you eight different looks depending on your mood—or your swimsuit.
For drinks and treats, a compact but stylish outdoor bar cart can do wonders. Business & Pleasure’s alfresco cart is a favorite among parents and entertainers alike. Aiden Smith, an interior designer in Melbourne, Australia, keeps his stocked with soda, sliced fruit, and a jug of iced tea for the kids—and a few cocktail essentials for himself and his partner. “It’s like hosting a party without ever having to send an invite,” he says.
If you’ve got kids, or if you’re simply a kid at heart, you’ll want to consider the Celine Grand Float from Petites Pommes. These aren’t your average inflatable toys—they’re free of BPA and phthalates, made with high-quality materials, and come in a rainbow of Instagram-worthy colors. London screenwriter Joanna Reid bought one for each member of the family. “We look like floating scoops of sorbet,” she jokes. “It’s the highlight of our weekends.”
At the end of the day, luxury poolside living doesn’t mean marble fountains or overpriced cabanas. It’s about thoughtful details—a soft towel, a drink within arm’s reach, a robot quietly doing your chores. These are the small things that elevate your lazy Sunday into a full-on lifestyle.
And when you take time to build this oasis at home, you start to understand why so many American and European families skip the airport and stay poolside all summer long. This isn’t escapism. It’s life, lived well. Call it “intentional laziness” or “refined lounging”—either way, you’ve earned it. The sun is out, your drink is cold, the pool is just right… and there’s nowhere else you’d rather be.