FATHER’S DAY OUTDOOR OASIS: HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT SPACE FOR DAD

“Why was the man at the barbecue so happy?”

“He met the grill of his dreams.”

There was no other way to start this article than with a sizzling dad joke. Between the tangible cringe, your half-smile, and the cognitive dissonance of secretly loving this type of humor is an important truth: dads really like grilling.

With Father’s Day just around the corner, you might be scrambling to find a gift for the person who’s given you everything and asks for nothing. Is this your final summer living at home before you start that full-time Silicon Valley Tech internship? You draw a blank as you rack your mind for ways to surprise your old man and make him feel special.

While there’s no Hollywood Star being awarded for your dad’s legendary ten-hour performance smoking brisket, we’ll help you roll out the red carpet for the Father’s Day premiere of, The O.C.: Ordinary Dads, Extraordinary Kitchen Islands.

With a rich legacy of over 15 years, J Designs Pool and Spa has perfected the art of creating personalized pool havens that go above and beyond expectations. Our passion and commitment shine through in every project, especially when it comes to crafting inviting bar and grill spaces that perfectly complement the poolside ambiance.

This article will detail the best features guaranteed to transform your Father's Day celebration into an unforgettable experience where Dad can relax and savor delicious food in his customized bar and grill.

OUTDOOR KITCHEN ISLANDS: CONSCIOUS COUNTER SPACE

An outdoor kitchen island can be as customizable or cookie-cutter as desired. They are a commodity made for a set space, and some manufacturers offer base models with set sizes and features available.

Kitchen islands have been gaining popularity since the time of our dads wearing neon windbreakers while trying to nail the Moonwalk. With all that time on the market, these islands have increased in features possible for each outdoor property. They can include sinks, bars, kegerators, and even convection pizza ovens (a favorite for the kids).  

With so many options available, you may wonder where to start. A pool contractor will first assess your needs by asking you what exactly you’d like to do with this island. This is vital because added features mean more appliances that can take up counter space, so giving the homeowner dimensions is typically the top priority. Planning is particularly important for this poolside add-on because of crucial details that will affect the enjoyment and safety of your outdoor kitchen island.

One such detail is planning for and installing proper shade over the island. 

• Pergola: Covering that can be made out of material like aluminum, steel, or wood. They can protect you from UV rays and open or close through automation according to the weather conditions and how much Sun you’d like to let in (think adjustable blinds).

• Soft Vinyl: This shade can be better than the mainstream cloth or fabric cover because it can easily be power washed. Shades made of textiles have to be removed, washed, and re-inserted, which can be a hassle and problematic with the washing machine causing the shade to shrink or lose its color over time.

• Umbrellas: You’ve seen these more often than the former two examples. However, just because they’re more readily available doesn’t mean they’re automatically the best option for your kitchen island. On larger structures, they can be lacking in proper covering.

Where there’s smoke, there needs to be proper ventilation. Since kitchen islands are built outside to begin with, there’s already decent ventilation. However, planning is still very important because the smoke can be a nuisance in coastal areas like Southern California if the kitchen faces the beach or shore.

Since the breeze comes from the beach, the barbecue needs to be positioned in the opposite direction of the beach, not in front of it. If this detail is overlooked, the smoke and smell on grill days can blow behind your property and intrude on those behind you. Mindfulness and a vigilant pool contractor with attention to detail make for happy neighbors.

OUTDOOR KITCHENS AND INTERNAL JOY

Outdoor kitchens are different from islands because they’re enclosed with walls and a roof. While this enclosed structure requires more ventilation and planning, it also provides a cozy and exclusive atmosphere for your grill master dad and pool goers!

“To create a true destination spot, designers sometimes even combine the outdoor kitchen with a living room space, including such features as fireplaces, fire pits, televisions and comfortable seating. This is all great for the grill master, who no longer has to choose between cooking and socializing. ‘I was a grill guy, and I got upset a lot of times because I wasn’t even part of the rest of the conversation and other activity in the yard,’” says Pool and Spa News.

It’s important to note that since outdoor kitchens are more enclosed and not primarily functioning in the open air, they require a more traditional exhaust system akin to the one in your kitchen. 

WETBARS SERVE UP POOLSIDE GLEE

Wetbars make for a spirited splash, but their design has to have vital safety codes in mind.

Chances are you’ve seen the high-top bars build into the sidewall of pools, with the top of that acrylic wall serving as a bar top. This design is fine regarding safety codes because there is no code about attaching bars to the side of the pool.

Wet bars are a completely different design paradigm because they’re meant to be installed in the middle of the pool, incurring stringent safety codes that must be followed. According to the International Code Council, you cannot place anything inside of the pool that can potentially cause obstruction or entrapment.

As such, wet bars pose a difficult conundrum because their design is predicated upon literal bar seating inside of the pool. This code doesn’t mean you can’t have a wet bar, but just that your pool contractor needs to be creative in its design. For example, instead of traditional seating, your pool contractor may install swings above the water but still allow your feet to soak in the water while you’re drinking and conversing at the bar. 

When backed into a corner, the best way to get out of it is through creativity! 

NEXT STEPS: YOUR POOLSIDE CELEBRATION IS HEATING UP

After reading this article, you know what features will curate the bar and grill space that will leave dad in awe and serve up cherished memories for years to come.

At J Design Pool and Spas, we’ve spent 15 years installing thoughtfully designed features to enhance our clients’ poolside ambiance. Just as your dad has always been your champion, we're champions of your dad’s maximum aquatic enjoyment. Our wealth of education and experience is primed for that end goal; we steak our reputation on it.

If these dad-friendly features excite or inspire you, please get in touch with us and schedule a consultation to get started on your dad-centric pool project.

Still want to learn more about the best poolside bar and grill enhancements before speaking with a team member? We understand; it’s a slow burn! Check out these related articles for more information:

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