Above Ground Poolside Bar Ideas for Summer Fun

Spending hot summer days lounging by the pool is one of life's simple pleasures. But why not take your poolside relaxation up a notch by adding an above ground poolside bar? Having a designated bar area makes it easy to serve up cold drinks and provide a central hangout spot for family and friends. With a bit of planning and DIY handiwork, you can create a fabulous above ground poolside bar without breaking the bank.

An above ground poolside bar adds a touch of luxury to your backyard. It provides convenient access to chilled beverages so you don't have to run back and forth from the house. And it gives your outdoor living space a fun, social atmosphere for relaxing and entertaining all summer long.

Choosing the Right Location

One of the first steps in designing your above ground poolside bar is picking the perfect location. Here are some factors to consider:

• Proximity - Place the bar close enough to the pool for convenient access but not so close that it gets constantly splashed.
• Sun Exposure - Pick a spot that gets some shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
• Foot Traffic - Choose a space with enough room for people to easily maneuver around the bar area.
• View - Position the bar so you and your guests can enjoy lovely views of your yard and garden.

Also think about how the bar will be accessed. Allow enough space for a clear pathway from your patio or deck. Locating it near the pool entry steps is also convenient.

Incorporating Shade and Shelter

In addition to finding a partly shaded area, consider adding extra shade elements around your above ground poolside bar. An umbrella attached to the bar counter or a freestanding patio umbrella positioned nearby both provide sun protection. For more extensive shelter, build a pergola or gazebo over the bar. This creates an inviting hangout space.

Picking Furniture and Decor

Outfit your above ground poolside bar with suitable bar furniture and fun decor. Typical bar stools or chairs work well for seating. For the bar itself, build a custom wooden counter or use a pre-made outdoor bar kit. Include necessary barware like drink dispensers, cocktail shakers, a cutting board, knives, and glassware or plastic cups.

For decor, nautical accents like buoy prints and rope lighting add to the poolside ambiance. Mason jar candles, greenery, and citronella torches help provide mood lighting in the evenings. And don't forget small decorative touches like drink napkins, coasters, and festive straws and drink picks.

Building Your Above Ground Poolside Bar

Once you've settled on the bar's location and style, it's time to tackle the actual construction. Here are some options to consider:

DIY vs Hiring a Contractor

Ambitious DIYers can certainly build their own above ground poolside bar. But for more complex designs, consider hiring a professional contractor. They have the necessary expertise to handle tricky structural engineering and compliance with local building codes.

Obtaining Permits

Most permanent poolside bar structures require permits, just like any other home addition or renovation project. Your contractor will be familiar with the permit process. If tackling it yourself, check with your local permitting office first.

Material and Construction Options

Above ground poolside bars can be made from various materials like wood, composite lumber, concrete, stone, or brick. Wood is an affordable option. Cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant woods ideal for poolside use. Concrete and stone have a more elegant, built-in look. But they often cost more to install.

For the counter, choose a smooth and durable surface material that's easy to clean like concrete, tile, marble, quartz, or stainless steel. Waterproof bars made for pools are also available. Construct the bar itself to be 42-45 inches high for comfortable seating and serving.

If building a custom bar, sink posts into the ground and attach horizontal planks or spindles. Waterproof all wood surfaces with exterior deck sealer. Have electrical outlets installed if you'll need power for lighting or blenders and mixers.

Stocking and Styling Your Above Ground Poolside Bar

Once your above ground poolside bar structure is up, it's time for the fun part - filling it with everything you need for endless summer entertaining!

Essential Equipment and Accessories

Be sure to stock up on bar accessories that make serving drinks easy. Must-haves include:

• Insulated coolers or refrigerators for keeping drinks cold
• Ice buckets and ice packs
• Cocktail mixers and shakers
• Cutting board and citrus juicer
• Bottle openers, corkscrews and can openers
• Cocktail napkins
• Straws, drink picks and swizzle sticks

Ideas for Decor and Ambiance

Decorate your above ground poolside bar with fun touches like:

• Inflatable palm trees, flowers and drink floats
• Tropical drink signage and nautical accents
• String lights for evening ambiance
• Themed props like leis, seashells and pineapples

Keeping Drinks Chilled and Refreshing

Proper cold storage is key for an above ground poolside bar. Fill coolers with ice packs or block ice. Use separate coolers for bottled beverages and fruit/produce. Position them in shaded spots or shelter them with umbrellas. Insulated hard coolers retain temperature best.

For chilled wine and cocktails, use stainless steel buckets filled with ice. Place drink dispensers in larger tubs filled with ice. Frost mugs and glasses by chilling them in the freezer beforehand. With good cold storage, you'll be serving frosty beverages all afternoon!

Getting the Most Out of Your Above Ground Poolside Bar

After all the hard work of building your above ground poolside bar, it's time to put it to good use! Follow these tips for maximizing the enjoyment of your backyard oasis:

Entertaining and Party Ideas

A poolside bar instantly amplifies the fun of summer pool parties! Some theme ideas include:

• Luau party with tropical cocktails
• Margarita and nacho bar for a Mexican fiesta
• Pina colada party with steel drums or reggae music
• Frozen drink bar for an all-out summer bash

Serving Up Delicious Drinks and Snacks

Take advantage of harvest-fresh produce and make homemade agua frescas, sangrias, lemonades, and fruit spritzers. Infuse water and tea with fruits and herbs. Serve up tropical cocktails like mai tais, rum punch, and hurricanes. Offer festive snacks poolside too like chips and guacamole, mini caprese skewers, and tropical fruit kabobs.

Even without a special occasion, a poolside bar transforms your backyard into a private oasis. Set up cozy lounge areas with sunbathing chairs, outdoor pillows, and comfy hammocks. Add ambiance with soft music or the soothing sound from garden water features. Your above ground poolside bar becomes an at-home escape that makes every day feel like a vacation.

You can create a backyard paradise with an above ground pool. Just add sunshine, family and friends, frosty beverages, and let the summer memories begin.