Creating a Backyard Pool Paradise: Tips for Every Budget

Your Barrier Reef Fiberglass Pool is the crown jewel of your backyard and now you want to turn the whole space into a pool paradise!  Here's how to create your own slice of resort life—and where to splurge or save while doing it, no matter what your budget.

Please note: Prices listed in this guide are approximate and may vary by region, season, availability, and supplier. Always check with local retailers or contractors for the most accurate, up-to-date pricing specific to your area.

Start with a Vision

When you are planning the shape, color and features of your fiberglass pool, you should also be considering how you want the space to look and feel.  Before you start buying furniture or planting flowers, ask yourself: What do I want this space to feel like? Relaxing spa? Lively social hub? Tropical escape? Having a clear vision helps you make smart design choices and avoid mismatched elements or impulse buys. Form a list of the items you want in your space.  Create a mood board with colors, textures, and features you love. Pinterest, Instagram, or even your favorite hotels can be great inspiration.  Sticking to your design inspiration will help you avoid buying things that aren’t the aesthetic you were going for. 

Vision:  Bondi (U.S. Patent #10,472,83) in Aquamarine Shimmer with modern lounge chairs,
Outdoor Pergola featuring a kitchen and seating area, beautiful stonework, and greenery.

Plan a Budget

When planning your outdoor space, a budget can range anywhere from $3,000 to $130,000 (or more) for the space around your fiberglass pool, depending on the size of your area and the level of transformation you're aiming for. If you're focusing on essentials—like furniture, lighting, and a few potted plants—you can create a cozy and functional space on the lower end of that range. If you're looking to include upgrades like a pergola, hardscaping, or an outdoor kitchen, you'll want to budget more. The key is to prioritize elements that bring the most value to your lifestyle—like shade, comfort, and usability—while leaving room for small, budget-friendly accents that add personality and charm. 

High-End Options

Let’s look at the higher cost items.  Remember you don’t have to do everything all at once.  You can build your outdoor space over time.  You might start with a kitchen area if outdoor cooking is a priority, or a shade structure if you want to keep the little ones out of the sun, or amazing lighting for all the evening parties you plan to throw.  Whatever it is that is most important to you, splurge on that, and then opt for more budget friendly options in other areas.  Let’s review some of the higher end outdoor features and the cost associated with each of them to help you plan your budget.

Outdoor Kitchen & Bar Area - A full outdoor kitchen can include a built-in grill, mini fridge, sink, bar seating, and even a pizza oven.

Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $25,000+
Custom countertops, premium appliances, and plumbing drive up the cost, but it’s a showstopper feature for entertainers.

Built-In Fire Features - Gas fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, or sleek fire bowls built into the patio or poolside area.

Estimated Cost: $2,500 – $15,000+
Natural gas hookups, masonry, and design complexity impact the total cost.

Whitsunday in California Shimmer with an outdoor fireplace, kitchen, and Pavilion.

Custom Pergola or Pavilion - A custom-built structure for shade and style. Add drapes, lighting, or even a ceiling fan for added luxury.

Estimated Cost: $3,000 – $15,000+
Aluminum and vinyl are cheaper; cedar or timber frame builds can increase the cost significantly.

Premium Poolside Furniture - Luxury loungers, outdoor sectionals, and dining sets made with weatherproof, high-end materials like Sunbrella fabrics and teak wood.

Estimated Cost: $3,000 – $10,000+
This is a worthwhile investment—cheap furniture breaks down fast in sun and rain.

Whitsunday in Ocean Shimmer featuring Adirondak rocking chairs and fire pit.

Professional Landscaping & Hardscaping - Think designer-planned garden beds, water features, stone walkways, or retaining walls.

Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $30,000+
The price varies based on materials, the size of your space, and how elaborate your plan is.

Integrated Outdoor Lighting System - Includes path lights, accent lights, and smart color-changing pool lights—all hardwired and app-controlled.

Estimated Cost: $2,000 – $10,000+
Lighting adds safety, ambiance, and is one of the best ROI features for nighttime usability.

Pretty Lights: Featuring the Coral Sea

Custom Water Features - Think waterfalls, sheer descents, deck jets, or a connected spa.

Estimated Cost: $2,000 – $10,000+
They add sound, movement, and a luxury aesthetic to your backyard retreat.

Automated Shade Systems - Motorized awnings or louvered pergolas that open and close with the push of a button.

Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $20,000+
Adds year-round flexibility and protection from sun or rain.

Outdoor Entertainment System - Includes mounted weatherproof TVs, speakers, and sometimes an integrated AV system for music and movie nights.

Estimated Cost: $2,000 – $12,000+
A must for sports lovers and entertainers!

Custom Poolside Cabana or Guest Retreat - Fully enclosed structures that can serve as a changing room, lounge area, or even guest space.

Estimated Cost: $10,000 – $50,000+
Think of it as an extension of your living space—outdoors.

Money-Saving Options

You don’t need a luxury budget to create a beautiful, relaxing outdoor paradise. With smart choices and a little creativity, you can design a stunning space that’s stylish, functional, and affordable. Here's a breakdown of more budget-friendly options and what they typically cost.

String Lights & Solar Lighting - Soft lighting goes a long way in creating ambiance. Drape string lights over a fence, across a pergola, or between trees. 

Estimated Cost: $20 – $100
Solar pathway lights can be found at big box stores like Home Depot and are easy to install with zero wiring.

Affordable Outdoor Furniture Sets - Stores like IKEA, Walmart, Target, or even Facebook Marketplace have great deals on stylish, weather-resistant furniture.

Estimated Cost: $300 – $1,500
Look for metal frames and replaceable cushions to extend life. A simple bistro set, or a pair of loungers can do the trick.

DIY Shade Options - Pop-up umbrellas, sail shades, or budget-friendly pergola kits offer both function and style.

Estimated Cost: $100 – $800
You can add outdoor curtains or fabric panels for a cozy cabana feel.Outdoor Rugs & Throw Pillows - These simple additions bring in color, texture, and comfort.

Estimated Cost: $50 – $250
Choose fade-and mildew-resistant fabrics designed for outdoor use.

Container Plants & Planter Boxes - Create lush surroundings with potted palms, flowering plants, or herbs. Grouping planters together creates a more intentional, layered look.

Estimated Cost: $100 – $500
Use budget-friendly pots or repurpose items you already have—like crates or buckets.

DIY Fire Pit - A small above-ground fire pit or a DIY stone ring kit creates that cozy glow without the cost of gas lines.

Estimated Cost: $60 – $1000
Great for making s’mores, setting a mood, and extending outdoor time into cooler evenings.

Inexpensive Water Features - A small fountain or DIY tabletop water feature adds soothing sounds and a spa-like feel.

Estimated Cost: $50 – $250
Solar-powered options eliminate the need for cords or complicated installation.

Trellises, Lattice Panels, or Privacy Screens - Add dimension and privacy without breaking the bank. You can use these for climbing plants or simply to define a space.

Estimated Cost: $50 – $350
Bamboo rolls or vinyl panels work well for small yards.

Repurposed Decor & DIY Projects - Thrift finds, spray-painted old furniture, or pallet-based builds (like tables or planters) can stretch your budget and show off your creativity.

Estimated Cost: $0 – $200
Facebook Marketplace, YouTube, and Pinterest are your best friends here.

Final Thoughts: Your Paradise, Your Way

Creating a backyard paradise doesn't mean you have to go over the top. It just means making intentional choices that reflect your lifestyle and bring you joy. Whether you're investing in a few key pieces or going all-in with a luxe makeover, your pool area should be a place you love spending time in.

Start small if you need to, work in layers, and most importantly—have fun with it. Paradise isn’t about perfection. It’s about feeling like you’re right where you want to be, even if it's just a few steps out your back door.

Want to see a Barrier Reef Fiberglass Pool in your backyard?  Check out our Backyard Pool Planner and see which of our pools make your backyard the perfect outdoor retreat!

Ready to connect with a dealer in your area?  Click HERE to get started!