Here's how to implement a swimming pool renovation that will last for decades.
A summer afternoon in Bala Cynwyd often gathers around the swimming pool. Children dive while grandparents watch from shaded patios, and friends linger by outdoor tables. In this part of Montgomery County, PA, where stone houses and green backyards carry both history and charm, the pool is more than water. It is a stage for family life, for weekends, and for creating a setting that matches the character of the homeowners who live there.
Renovating pool areas in Bala Cynwyd brings a chance to reimagine that stage. Some add stonework terraces with Pennsylvania bluestone, others select new pool finishes and glass tile that catch the light. Modern water features like fountains and waterfalls give movement and sound, while a built-in spa extends use into cooler months. Each renovation becomes an entire process of design and construction, blending quality work with the right materials. The results are residential pools that feel complete, that look beautifully matched to the house, and that deliver decades of pleasure and fun.
Stone Terraces that Reflect Bala Cynwyd’s Architecture
A pool surrounded by Pennsylvania bluestone terraces matches the stonework of Bala Cynwyd’s historic houses. Level platforms create room for dining areas, lounge chairs, and shaded seating, solving the slope challenges common in Main Line backyards. Coping in bluestone or granite ties the edge of the swimming pool to the façade of the home, creating a unified design.
Terraced layouts also allow for layered features. Built-in planters soften the hardscape, while seating walls double as retaining structures. A fire bowl on one level and a spa on another add function and rhythm without feeling out of place. For homeowners with larger residential pools, adding multiple elevations helps separate activity zones: quiet relaxation in one space, fun and games for the family in another.
With durable pool deck materials and proper construction, terraces are a renovation that deliver both beauty and longevity. The entire process adds usable outdoor square footage, protects against erosion, and keeps the pool setting beautifully matched to Main Line architecture.
Outdoor Kitchens for Family Living
A pool renovation in Bala Cynwyd often starts with the family calendar. Summer weekends fill quickly, and the pool becomes the center of every gathering. Adding an outdoor kitchen turns the water’s edge into a complete entertaining space. Picture a grilling station beside the swimming pool, a pizza oven for kids’ parties, and shaded tables where grandparents can sit while staying part of the activity.
This type of project blends lifestyle and design. It reduces back-and-forth from the house, keeps everything covered in one pleasant location, and extends the usable hours of the pool area. Smart layouts even integrate cold storage or beverage fridges, so every job feels seamless.
The value goes beyond convenience. Outdoor kitchens protect the main home from traffic and spills, simplify poolside dining, and make maintenance easier by containing food prep in one zone. With proper planning, we can install gas lines, lighting, and top pool deck materials that withstand Pennsylvania’s changing seasons.
Get some seasonal tips for pool deck maintenance.
For Bala Cynwyd homeowners, an outdoor kitchen brings satisfaction that lasts well beyond one summer. It is a service designed for everyday life, not just special occasions, and it gives the pool area year-round relevance. Families can schedule events confidently, knowing the space is ready. A renovation like this doesn’t just add features, it creates a hub that leaves everyone satisfied.
Fire and Water Features for Evening Entertaining
Fire bowls placed along the pool’s edge set a warm glow as the sun drops behind Bala Cynwyd’s tall trees. Water walls trickle into the swimming pool, their sound mixing with conversation, while fountains and waterfalls bring movement and drama. These features change the pool area from a daytime hangout into an evening destination.
Each detail carries weight. Selecting a fire bowl brand that resists heat cracking, or choosing a water feature finish that will match the color of existing stone, shows the difference between a quick idea and a well-executed renovation. Professional design means considering sight lines from the house, placing fire elements safely, and running utilities in ways that keep the space clean and functional.
Projects like this show excellence when they balance beauty with function. A single fire line beside a wall may be decorative, but layered features that integrate water, fire, and light become the mark of a truly custom renovation.
Covered Pergolas and Garden Rooms
A poolside pergola built with timber beams and stucco columns gives shade while still keeping the area open to the air. Glass garden rooms extend that idea, creating structures that feel like part of the house and stand beside the swimming pool as if they were always there. These additions make pool areas in Bala Cynwyd more usable in spring and fall, when sun protection or shelter from rain keeps gatherings comfortable and pleasant.
The design often ties directly into existing exterior walls. Matching stone bases or repeating trim patterns allows a pergola to feel original, not added. For properties with older pools, pergolas and garden rooms can be paired with masonry repairs and surface restoration, giving the setting a fresh frame while keeping historic details intact.
Many homeowners also choose to replace worn wooden structures with steel or composite framing that withstands Pennsylvania’s changing seasons. This type of project does more than expand seating, it helps protect the investment in the pool itself. When sun and weather are moderated by shade structures, surfaces and pool finishes last longer, and the entire yard gains architectural depth.
With the right layout, pergolas and garden rooms bring charm that feels aligned with Bala Cynwyd’s tradition of outdoor entertaining. They serve as both shelter and statement, making every pool area look intentional and complete.
Need a pool deck repair? Contact APS Masonry Contracting to get a free quote.
Lighting for Ground Pools and Bala Cynwyd Nights
LED lighting brings depth to a swimming pool after dark. Subtle uplights highlight tall trees, lanterns placed along stone paths create rhythm, and underwater color shifts turn the water into a changing canvas. For homeowners in Bala Cynwyd, lighting is not decoration. It is part of how you maintain the safety and atmosphere of the pool area.
Projects often expand beyond the pool edge. Fixtures set into exterior walls wash surfaces with light, while recessed step lights guide movement between levels. In sloped backyards, carefully placed lights protect footing and make elevated decks with ground pools just as usable at night. These are the details that keep the setting functional while also making it amazing to look at.
Lighting is also about planning. A team of skilled workers can integrate wiring during repairs or resurfacing so there’s no visible conduit. Using long-life LEDs lowers operating costs and reduces future concerns about frequent replacements. For Bala Cynwyd and nearby King of Prussia, where pools often sit close to neighbors, layered lighting helps balance privacy with visibility.
For homeowners ready to take the next step, it’s worth noting that lighting upgrades are not a matter of luxury. They are a service that extends pool use, protects surfaces, and adds value to the property. A clear plan avoids delays, limits the price of change orders, and moves the project forward on schedule. Waiting only makes the work more complicated. The right design counts, and so does the right installation.
Pool Finishes, Equipment, and Smart Upgrades
Technology makes pool care easier for homeowners in Bala Cynwyd. Modern pool equipment includes automated pumps, smart heaters, and app-controlled lighting systems. These upgrades cut daily upkeep and allow owners to maintain consistent water quality without extra effort.
A system upgrade is also about longevity. Replacing outdated filters or worn pumps adds efficiency and reduces strain on the swimming pool structure. For larger estates located near Old Lancaster Road, smart automation can even run multiple zones, from the spa to fountains and waterfalls, on one control.
The options are wide, but the results are focused. When a team that specializes in pool systems handles the work, the improvements feel seamless. Upgrades deliver cleaner water, lower operating costs, and reduce future repairs. For Bala Cynwyd homeowners, these smart projects add something amazing: more time enjoying the pool, and less time worrying about it.
Good equipment is never a small detail. It’s a matter of performance, comfort, and value. Getting these choices right means fewer concerns later and confidence that the investment will count for years.
If you have more questions then speak with Philadelphia’s premier pool contractors.
Choosing APS vs. Other Pool Companies in Bala Cynwyd
From historic Main Line estates to modern Bala Cynwyd residences, each pool renovation carries its own character. Terraces, outdoor kitchens, fire and water features, pergolas, lighting, and smart systems all show how the pool can become the heart of the property. The ideas are varied, but the goal is the same: a space that feels designed for your family, built to last for decades, and crafted with excellence.
APS Masonry Contracting is more than just one of the local pool companies. We specialize in thoughtful upgrades, dependable service, and quality work that stands apart from other pool companies. Our team of skilled workers treats every job as a long-term investment, whether it’s upgrading pool equipment, handling repairs, or guiding homeowners through larger projects.
We’re located in Pennsylvania, serving Bala Cynwyd, the Main Line, and King of Prussia, and we’re ready to move your renovation forward. If you have concerns about your current pool or want to talk about what’s possible, pick up the phone and call APS today on (215) 559 - 4582. Every detail matters, and your satisfaction is what we count on. With APS, you’ll be more than satisfied, you’ll have a pool that delivers both charm and lasting performance.
Alec Serowatka : Aug 29, 2024 11:30:00 AM
Alec Serowatka