A pool without shade can turn a relaxing afternoon into a race for sunscreen. At the same time, bulky structures can block views, feel heavy, and overwhelm your backyard. That’s where a poolside pergola stands apart.
A pergola offers the best of both worlds: open-air elegance with just enough coverage to create a resort-like escape. With a few thoughtful design choices and the right pool furniture, it can double as a luxury cabana—a place to lounge, entertain, or cool off between swims.
Why a Pergola Works So Well Poolside
Pergolas are one of the most versatile structures you can place near a pool, balancing comfort, style, and flexibility.
- Open feel: Pergolas create a light architectural frame that adds structure without closing off the space. The result is an upscale, resort-inspired look that keeps your pool area feeling open and airy.
- Shade control: Unlike solid roofs, pergolas allow you to adjust how much sun you let in. Louvers, canopies, or slatted tops make it easy to shift from sunbathing to shade throughout the day.
- Connects outdoor spaces: A pergola visually unifies your patio, deck, and pool, turning separate areas into a cohesive outdoor living zone ideal for entertaining.
How to Turn a Pergola Into a Cabana
Traditionally, a cabana is a temporary poolside structure designed for privacy and comfort. A pergola achieves the same feel without sacrificing durability. By layering in the right textiles and lighting and adding a high-quality outdoor lounge chair, a pergola becomes a permanent cabana built for everyday use.
Savanna 4-Piece Deep Seating Set with Loveseat in White/Dune Burlap
Poolside Pergola Ideas & Design Styles
Modern, Minimalist Pergola
Clean lines, dark finishes, and angular frames pair beautifully with sleek pool designs. Instead of flowing curtains, structured privacy screens or slatted panels define the space while keeping the look crisp and intentional. The result feels modern, tailored, and uncluttered.
Fully Covered Pergola With Adjustable Shade
Pergolas with louvered roofs or retractable canopies offer maximum flexibility. Open them to the morning sun, close them during peak heat, and enjoy consistent shade all afternoon. Full coverage also makes it easier to incorporate a plush, cushioned lounge chair outdoors that feels almost like being indoors.
Rustic Wood-Look Pergola
Warm wood tones bring a relaxed, coastal feel to the pool area. Natural textures, like woven baskets, outdoor rugs, and soft neutral cushions, add warmth and make the space feel inviting without feeling overstyled.
Poolside Relaxation Nook
Even small pergolas can make a big impact. A compact structure designed for one or two people offers a quiet escape from poolside traffic. For added luxury, a suspended daybed swing transforms the space into a true retreat.
Elevated Deck Pergola
Pergolas built over raised decks work especially well for entertaining. Bar-height poolside seating offers a clear view of the pool while providing a shaded spot for drinks, snacks, and conversation. A portable beverage cart makes the space feel effortless and flexible.
Poolside Furniture & Decor That Complete the Cabana Look
Privacy, Lighting, and Atmosphere
The details are what turn a pergola into a true cabana.
- Privacy: Outdoor curtains offer a classic cabana feel, while fixed privacy screens provide a cleaner, low-maintenance option.
- Lighting: String lights and lanterns add warmth and ambiance for evening swims.
- Warmth: A nearby fire pit extends poolside living well into cooler nights.
Comfortable, Durable Seating
Every poolside pergola needs seating that’s both comfortable and built to last. Pool chairs and loungers, especially chaises or seating with wheels, make it easy to follow the sun or shade, while deep seating creates a relaxed gathering space for friends and family.
When selecting pool lounge chairs, remember that they should be able to handle chlorine, saltwater, and intense sun without fading or cracking.
If you prefer an option that lets you stay in the water, pair your pergola with an in-pool chair that can be placed on a tanning ledge just outside the pergola’s shadow.
Why Material Choice Matters Poolside
Pool furniture faces harsher conditions than almost any other outdoor space. That’s why material matters.
POLYWOOD® furniture is made from Genuine POLYWOOD™ lumber, engineered from HDPE plastic to outperform traditional wood and lower-grade alternatives. It won’t crack, peel, or splinter, and resists fading, sun, and the occasional splash.
If you’re designing a poolside pergola or cabana, weather-resistant pool chairs or outdoor lounge chairs aren’t optional—they’re essential.
Design a Poolside Retreat You’ll Actually Use
Whether your style leans modern, coastal, or classic, the right pergola and furniture can transform your pool into a private retreat. Start with a structure that feels open and flexible, layer in comfort, and choose materials built to last, so your poolside cabana works as beautifully as it looks, season after season.
