Imagine a space where the gentle glow of water meets the crackle of a warm fire. Creating this magical ambience is easier than you think with clever pool fire pit ideas. These features blend the best of both elements, turning your ordinary backyard into a year-round destination for relaxation and fun.
A pool fire pit combination is more than just a trend; it’s a functional centerpiece. It extends the usability of your pool area into cooler evenings and provides a natural gathering spot for friends and family. Whether you’re planning a new build or looking to update an existing space, the possibilities are truly inspiring.
Pool Fire Pit Ideas
Let’s look at some of the most effective designs to get your creative juices flowing. Each option offers a different feel and fits various budgets and pool styles.
The Integrated Fire Pit Pool
This is a seamless design where the fire feature is built directly into the pool’s structure. A common approach is to have a fire pit on a raised bond beam or a separate island within the pool itself.
* Sunken Lounge End: One end of the pool features a wide, shallow sunken lounge area with submerged benches. In the center of this lounge, a gas fire pit rises, allowing you to sit in the water while enjoying the fire’s warmth.
* Raised Wall Feature: A section of the pool’s coping is built up into a low wall. A linear fire pit or a series of fire bowls are installed along the top, creating a dramatic visual barrier and a source of light.
The Adjacent Fire Pit Terrace
This is a very popular and often more affordable route. Here, the fire pit area is built right next to the pool deck, creating a distinct but connected conversation zone.
* Natural Stone Circle: Use matching pool deck pavers to create a circular patio extension. A rustic stone or modern concrete fire pit becomes the heart of this separate seating area, just steps from the water’s edge.
* Multi-Level Decking: Build a wooden or composite deck with a section raised one or two steps above the pool deck level. Install a built-in or portable fire table on this platform for a defined sense of separation.
The Reflecting Pool Fire Bowl
For a touch of modern elegance, consider a fire bowl that doubles as a water feature. These are typically gas-powered and self-contained units.
* Centerpiece Bowl: A large, sculptural fire bowl is placed at the end of the pool or in a key visual line. The bowl has a ring of water around the base of the flames, which reflects and amplifies the light.
* Floating Fire Pots: Smaller, individual fire-and-water bowls can be placed along the pool’s edge or on pillars in the pool. They look like floating lanterns, providing pockets of intimate light.
Choosing the Right Fuel Source
Your choice of fuel impacts the look, feel, and maintenance of your fire pit.
Propane/Natural Gas
This is the most common choice for built-in pool fire pit ideas. It’s clean, instant, and controllable with a switch or knob.
* Pros: No smoke or soot, easy to start and stop, consistent flame.
* Cons: Requires professional installation of gas lines, lacks the classic wood-burning scent.
Wood-Burning
A traditional wood fire pit offers an authentic crackling sound and that beloved campfire aroma.
* Pros: Authentic ambiance, lower initial cost, no utility lines needed.
* Cons: Produces smoke and sparks (a safety concern near pools and landscaping), requires storing firewood, needs regular ash cleanup.
Bioethanol
A clean-burning, renewable liquid fuel. Bioethanol units are often portable and don’t require a vent or gas line.
* Pros: Smokeless, portable, easy to install, modern designs.
* Cons: Fuel can be expensive, burn time is limited, heat output is generally lower.
Essential Safety Considerations
Mixing fire and water demands careful planning. Never overlook these critical safety steps.
* Check Local Codes First: Always consult your local building department for regulations on setbacks from structures, fuel types, and required permits.
* Maintain Proper Distance: Even for gas pits, ensure there is enough space between the flames and any flammable materials, including pool houses, trees, or umbrellas.
* Use a Protective Barrier: If you have young children or pets, a removable safety screen or guard is a wise investment.
* Mind the Wind: Prevailing wind direction matters. You don’t want smoke or heat constantly blowing toward your house or main seating area.
* Non-Flammable Surfaces: Ensure the fire pit is placed on a non-combustible surface like stone, concrete, or brick, not on a wooden deck unless it’s a specifically rated unit.
Step-by-Step: Adding a Fire Pit to an Existing Pool
You can add a fire feature to your current pool without a full renovation. Here’s a simplified guide.
1. Assess Your Space: Walk your pool deck. Identify underutilized corners, ends, or wide areas that could fit a 6-8 foot diameter circle for seating.
2. Choose Your Style & Fuel: Decide between a portable fire table (easiest) or a built-in pit. Choose your fuel based on the convenience and the availability of a gas line.
3. Consult a Professional: For any built-in or gas-line work, hire a licensed contractor. They can handle utilities, excavation, and masonry safely.
4. Prepare the Site: For a simple portable unit, you may just need to clear and level a spot on your patio. For a built-in, the contractor will excavate and prepare a stable base.
5. Install the Base: A gravel base followed by a layer of sand is typical for a stone or brick pit. Gas lines are run at this stage by a pro.
6. Build or Place: Construct the fire pit structure with fire-rated materials, or simply position your purchased fire table.
7. Finish the Surroundings: Add comfortable, weatherproof seating, some outdoor lighting, and maybe a side table for drinks.
Materials That Work Best
The materials you choose need to withstand heat, water, and weather.
* Natural Stone: Granite, bluestone, and flagstone are excellent, durable choices that blend beautifully with landscaping.
* Concrete: Poured concrete or concrete pavers offer a modern, uniform look and can be stained many colors.
* Fire Brick: A must for the interior lining of wood-burning pits to handle extreme heat.
* Stainless Steel: Perfect for modern fire bowls and tables, as it resists rust and corrosion from pool chemicals in the air.
* Tile: Use only rated, non-slip outdoor tile for any surfaces near the pool or pit.
Lighting and Ambiance Tips
The right lighting makes your pool fire pit area magical after dark.
* Low-Voltage Path Lights: Use these to softly illuminate walkways to and from the area.
* Uplighting in Plants: Place small lights in nearby shrubs or trees to create depth and shadows.
* String Lights: Drape them overhead for a festive, cozy canopy effect.
* Submerged Pool Lights: Don’t forget your pool’s own lighting. Coordinating the color temperature (warm white is best) with the firelight ties everything together.
FAQ
What are some small pool fire pit ideas?
For compact spaces, consider a single, sleek fire bowl placed on a corner of the deck, a narrow linear gas burner along a wall, or a simple, portable smokeless fire table that you can move as needed.
How much does a pool with a fire pit cost?
Costs vary wildly. A simple portable fire table starts around $300. A custom, built-in gas fire pit with stonework can range from $3,000 to $8,000 or more, especially if it involves new gas lines and deck modifications.
Is it safe to have a fire pit near a vinyl pool?
Yes, but with strict precautions. Maintain a significant distance (consult manufacturer guidelines, often 10-20 feet). Use a gas pit to avoid flying embers, and install a physical, heat-resistant barrier if possible. Never place a wood-burning pit directly on a vinyl pool ledge.
Can I add a fire pit to my above-ground pool area?
Absolutely. The key is creating a stable, level, and non-flammable surface away from the pool structure. A paver patio or gravel area with a portable fire pit is a great and safe solution. Always keep safety clearances in mind.
Creating your perfect pool fire pit area is about blending your personal style with practical safety. Start with a clear vision, follow the necessary steps, and you’ll soon have a backyard space that everyone wants to gather at, day or night. Remember, the goal is to create a place where memories are made, surrounded by the unique harmony of water and flame.