Poolside Pergola Ideas for the Vacation Homes and AirBNBs

Poolside pergolas are stylish, open-sided structures meant for poolside shade. Unlike solid gazebos, pergolas allow soft light to pass through while protecting swimmers from direct sunlight. 

For vacation homes, pergolas offer a welcome mix of style and function. They also serve as a dedicated socialization and relaxation zone, upping your property’s value on the Airbnb website. Think lounge chairs, an outdoor barbecue, and everything a guest could want in a home away from home. 

Adding a poolside pergola to your vacation home is an inviting and practical upgrade. Read on to discover creative pergola-over-pool ideas.

Popular Poolside Pergola Styles That Complement Vacation Homes

Choosing a pergola style that harmonizes with your existing look and architecture is the key to achieving a cohesive look. Here are a few pergola designs for pools to kick off your design brainstorm session: 

• Sleek and modern: For a contemporary or minimalist vacation home, clean-lined metal and composite pergolas with dark or natural hues are the ideal choice. These pergolas often feature simple posts and an open, rectangular form that doesn’t feel obstructive. 
• Tropical and rustic: Run a mountain cabin or tropical retreat? You might want to go for something warmer with natural wood. You can also incorporate climbing vines to achieve that shaded jungle cabana effect or add a natural stain to the wood. 
• Coastal and classic: If your Mediterranean pool could use some love, consider a crisp white or light-colored pergola with an airy, cheerful vibe. This style of pergola pairs beautifully with deep blue pools and geometric forms. When painting wood, remember to use a weather-resistant medium.

Material Choices: Why Composite Pergolas Are Ideal for Vacation Homes

Material shopping for your pergola can feel like a gargantuan feat—there’s so much to consider. Nowadays, wood-plastic composites (WPCs) are all the rage. These advanced composites, such as the premium Armstrong pergola offered by Oakio, combine recycled wood fibers and high-density polymers to achieve the natural look of wood while providing exceptional durability. 

Another reason why a composite pergola is ideal for a vacation home is its low maintenance and utmost convenience. With a WPC pergola, there’s no annual sanding, staining, or painting. Additionally, the material is moisture- and UV-resistant, ensuring it won’t peel or splinter. 

In the long run, you’ll get your money’s worth with a WPC pergola, as its lifespan exceeds that of untreated wood. Composites last for over 20 years with minimal maintenance and maintain a like-new appearance.

Functional Features Beneficial for Vacation Homes and AirBNBs

Contrary to popular belief, modern pergolas aren’t just static structures keeping the UV rays off your skin and falling leaves out of your pool. They can be outfitted with functional features to maximize comfort and enhance convenience for your guests. 

A new game-changing option for many modern pergolas is an adjustable louvered roof, which allows guests to control the amount of sunlight that passes through with the click of a button. This luxury touch ensures the pergola remains enjoyable in all weather and throughout every season, whether that means your guests are keen on watching the stars at night and getting an excellent tan in the morning. 

You can also opt for a privacy screen, especially if your vacation home is located in a densely populated area. Privacy screens don’t just block unwanted views—they also dampen noise to create a cozier atmosphere. 

More advanced pergola designs might even include outdoor kitchens, fire features, misting systems, and integrated lighting for that state-of-the-art vibe. 

Enhancing Guest Experience with Poolside Pergolas

On its own, a pergola is a nice addition. However, outfitting it to suit your vacation home’s outdoor space can significantly enhance the experience for Airbnb guests. 

Don’t just stop at a fancy, nice-to-look-at pergola—maximize comfort by adding some lounge furniture. Think weather-resistant cushions for an outdoor sofa, a hanging chair for a fun touch, or maybe a hammock. 

If the space allows, you can also throw in a dining set or bistro table for morning coffee. But as evening falls, good lighting can make all the difference. A simple solution is to drape string lights across the rafters to create a warm and inviting glow—almost kind of magical. 

Is your property in a cooler area? Consider a patio heater mounted to a pergola post or overhead beam during the winter. You can also use a portable fire pit for a more rustic look. 

Practical Considerations for Installation

Don’t just jump straight into the installation process—plan ahead to ensure your pergola is safe and compliant. First, think about sizing and placement. As a general rule, you should cover at least the primary lounging area next to the pool. Think about height, too. The standard pergola height is between eight and ten feet. Of course, you can go larger or smaller depending on your space.

Next, think about orientation. To achieve maximum midday shade, align the open roof slats north-south, as the sun moves east to west. Don’t forget to consider viewlines, as you want your guests to be able to enjoy a view of the pool or scenery. 

If you’re building on a rooftop terrace or raised deck, it’s best to consult a structural engineer or contractor. Your pergola must also be structurally sound enough to resist uplift from wind. 

Finally, ensure that you have the necessary permits and comply with all applicable regulations. Many jurisdictions treat pergolas as accessory structures, though the appropriate licenses will depend on your local zoning laws.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Poolside Pergolas 

A poolside pergola can be both environmentally friendly and elegant, provided you choose durable materials and utilize its shade for natural cooling. Using recycled materials is also a plus, as you’ll find with Oakio’s wood-plastic composites. These materials result in longer-lasting fixtures that require minimal maintenance—a win-win for you and the environment!

One overlooked benefit of pergolas is their ability to provide natural cooling. According to the Department of Energy, exterior shade structures can reduce AC use by up to 25% when blocking the sun’s rays.

Of course, you can also consider eco-friendly landscaping practices, such as designing a pergola oasis with natural plants. Other green choices you can make include installing solar-powered outdoor lighting or a rainwater catchment system to use for garden irrigation.

As consumers become more mindful of their environmental impact, a thoughtfully and sustainably designed pergola space can reflect positively on your property’s image.

Designing for Year-Round Use and Climate Adaptability 

Sometimes, the weather is unpredictable, especially if you live in an area that experiences all four seasons. Designing your pergola for year-round use can prove valuable, especially when it can withstand the climate extremes in your area. 

It can pay off to install a retractable canopy with retractable side screens or drop-down panels. With these fixtures, guests can protect themselves from the scorching heat or turn the pergola into a tented space during the winter. 

Of course, you should consider the specific conditions in your area. Live somewhere prone to wildfires? Use fire-resistant materials, such as steel or fiberglass composite. Get a lot of snow in the winter? Ensure your pergola can bear the load. 

If you receive a high volume of bookings during the summer, installing a misting system can make your guests’ comfort skyrocket. In colder climates, heating elements like built-in fireplaces or portable propane heaters can be a good idea. 

It might also be wise to establish a seasonal routine, such as removing shade sails and canopies in the fall and inspecting for any winter damage in the spring. 

By designing for adaptability, anyone can delight in your outdoor space, regardless of the season.

Final Thoughts: Why Every Vacation Home and Airbnb Needs a Poolside Pergola 

A poolside pergola is more than just the attractive add-on most people think it is. It’s a transformative feature that protects Airbnb guests from the elements, blends style and function, and does many unexpected things to elevate any vacation property. 

From a design perspective, pergolas provide a unique and striking focal point that complements outdoor architecture, seamlessly marrying function and aesthetics. As the vacation rental market continues to grow, having a pergola can be the true differentiator your property needs. 

If you’re ready to install a wood-plastic composite pergola in your rental property, Oakio is the place to get started. The Armstrong pergola can completely transform your space, withstanding harsh climates without needing constant maintenance.

Request a quote today or contact us to discover how Oakio can help you create the shaded sanctuary of your dreams!