How to Create Amazing Outdoor Sound Around the Pool

Friday, 17 July 2020

Spend long summer days relaxing in the pool with great music to keep you company

Now that summer has arrived in Virginia Beach, VA, you’re probably thinking about how to make the most of your outdoor time while the weather is warm. Why not add an outdoor sound system around your pool? Take all your pool parties to the next level or spend a few hours relaxing alone in a pool float with your favorite songs. The right playlist can also accompany you during a high-powered swim workout.

Setting up your outdoor system takes a little planning — keep reading for tips on getting started.

Choosing Your Setup

The first thing you need to consider is how you’re going to power your outdoor speakers. If you already have a multi-channel AV receiver or matrix for whole-home audio or a home theater, then you can add poolside speakers as an additional zone to your existing system. We recommend hiring a professional like WSC Home Audio Video for the job — this type of setup will involve wiring your new set of speakers. Our techs can safely run underground wiring from the pool to your home.

Another option you have is to add a second music source, like the Sonos Amp. The Sonos Amp is a wireless music player with a built-in amplifier, which means it can sufficiently power loud music outdoors. It can support 2 sets of speakers, which may be all you need for a simple setup around the pool and lounging area. You can connect any type of outdoor speakers to a Sonos Amp using speaker wire.

Both power options allow you to play audio from several sources — streaming services, CDs, MP3s, music libraries and vinyl records.

Selecting Your Speakers

You’ll probably want at least 1 or 2 sets of speakers placed evenly around your pool and lounging area to ensure that everyone hears the same high-quality audio from end to end. Today, several brands sell speakers that look like rocks or blend in with plants and the surrounding landscape features for a barely-there aesthetic in your outdoor space.

If you’re concerned about placing speakers so close to water, don’t be. Today, outdoor speakers are designed to live in the elements year-round. They’re waterproof and impervious to dust, dirt, sand, salt, heat and cold.

Simplifying Access and Control

If you’re using your existing home AV system to integrate poolside speakers, you can access and manage your music sources and volume with a smartphone app, tablet or weatherproof universal remote. If you have the Sonos Amp, you can easily control all your music through the Sonos app.

One final component of your outdoor system is network access. The router inside your house likely won’t reach far enough to make good wireless connections outside. At WSC Home Audio Video, we can install a wireless access point or a Wi-Fi extender so you can enjoy all your music streaming sources by the pool without interruption.

WSC Home Audio Video can help you design and install an outdoor sound system perfectly suited to your space. Give us a call today at 757-493-5000 or fill out our online contact form to speak to one of our experts. You can also use the live chat box on our website to talk to a representative!