Pools used to be simple. A rectangle, some concrete, and maybe a diving board if you were feeling fancy. But times have changed. Pools aren’t just for the hottest days of July anymore. With the right upgrades, a pool can turn into a full-blown backyard destination, no matter what month the calendar says.
In Metairie—and let’s be honest, just about anywhere in Louisiana—the weather doesn’t always follow the rules. Some days it’s winter in the morning and spring by the afternoon. That’s why more pool owners are rethinking their setups and adding features that extend the season, boost comfort, and make every backyard hangout feel like an event.
If the goal is year-round use (and maybe a few fewer reasons to explain why the pool looks lonely in January), here are seven add-ons that can make a big difference—without turning the backyard into a construction zone.
1. Pool Heaters
Let’s start with the obvious one. No one wants to jump into an ice bath unless it’s for a dare or a football injury. A pool heater—gas or electric—can keep things swimmable when the air is cool but not freezing. Heat pumps work especially well in our climate, where winter often means “light jacket” instead of “shovel the driveway.”
Having a heater doesn’t just mean more months in the pool. It means spontaneous February swims, spring break staycations, and less explaining to guests why the pool is off-limits at your Mardi Gras party.
2. LED Lighting Systems
Night swimming should feel like a luxury, not a safety hazard. Integrated lighting in and around the pool makes evening dips more inviting and less like navigating a pond in the dark. Color-changing LEDs can set the mood—whether it’s quiet, romantic, or “a few too many people in one float.” Functional and festive, these lights also help guests avoid tripping over the garden hose or walking straight into the deep end by mistake.
3. Fire Features
Here’s where things start to feel like a resort. Fire pits, fire bowls, and even fireplaces near the pool add a cozy element for the cooler months. They look great, provide warmth, and double as a place to toast marshmallows or tell stories that are only about 60% true.
Gas-powered fire features are easy to use and don’t require gathering kindling or learning survival skills. Just flip a switch, enjoy the ambiance, and try not to burn the chips and dip.
4. Outdoor Sound Systems
What’s a pool party without music? Weather-resistant speakers blend into the landscaping and bring sound to the whole yard without blasting the neighbors off their porch. Whether it’s jazz, zydeco, or something the kids swear is music, a good sound system makes the space feel alive.
Bonus: It also covers up the sound of splashing, yelling, or one uncle’s detailed explanation of his fantasy football strategy.
5. Shade Structures
Not every day is sunny and pleasant, and even when it is, there’s only so much heat people can handle. Pergolas, cabanas, and retractable awnings offer refuge from the sun—or shelter from a surprise sprinkle. Add a fan, some comfy seating, and maybe a cooler, and suddenly the shaded area becomes the VIP section of the backyard.
Perfect for guests who want to enjoy the pool party without getting their hair wet, or for anyone still recovering from last year’s sunburn.
6. Automatic Pool Covers
These aren’t just for keeping out leaves. Automatic covers help retain heat, reduce evaporation, and add a layer of safety for kids and pets. With the push of a button, the pool is sealed up tight—like Tupperware for water.
They also help keep maintenance under control, which means more time enjoying the pool and less time fishing out mystery debris.
7. Outdoor Kitchens and Wet Bars
People like to eat. And they like to do it near the action. An outdoor kitchen or a wet bar lets food and drinks stay close to the pool without anyone dripping across the house looking for a soda.
From built-in grills and mini-fridges to sinks and countertop space, outdoor cooking setups keep the party outdoors and the carpet inside safe from barbecue sauce. Add a few barstools and the right playlist, and it’s easy to forget there’s a whole house just steps away.
In Metairie and across southern Louisiana, the climate practically begs for outdoor living. The key is building a pool area that works in more than one season. Whether it’s a quiet evening swim in November or a backyard crawfish boil in April, a well-equipped pool isn’t just for summer anymore.
These seven upgrades aren’t just about appearances—they’re about making the most out of the space already in place. Year-round use doesn’t mean year-round construction. It means a smarter, more enjoyable setup that works with the rhythm of local weather and the rhythm of everyday life.
And let’s be honest—if the backyard pool is going to be the centerpiece of the home, it might as well be ready for anything, from cannonballs to cozy winter cocktails by the fire.
