Pools are meant to be a source of relaxation and fun; don’t let your pool landscaping get in the way. Well-done pool landscaping will emphasize safety while also providing an aesthetically pleasing environment that you and your family can enjoy. In this article, you will learn the dos and don’ts of pool landscaping, what you can do to create a cohesive image around your pool, and creative pool area ideas that will make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood.
Pool Landscaping
Before you install that pool, you need to consider how it will work in your yard. Will it be inground or above ground, how will you decorate it, and what plants will thrive even when surrounded by pool chemicals. Let’s discuss the dos and don’ts of pool landscaping.
Do Prioritize Safety
350 children under the age of five drown every year, with most of them occurring in backyard pools. Safety needs to be your number one priority when designing your pool. Even if you have no young children, pool safety is important to understand.
While it might not fit your aesthetic, it is a great idea that you have a fence around your pool. It needs to be tall enough that a child could not climb over it, even if they stepped on something, and it needs to have a lock. Children move fast and drowning can happen even faster. You might look away for only five seconds, but in that time your child could make their way into your pool.
Do Find Pool Area Safe Plants
Planting grass around your pool is not a great idea. It can damage your pool and requires constant upkeep that could result in grass ending up in your pool and your filter. Choosing the wrong plant will cause more trouble than they are worth. Low maintenance and low-mess plants will be your best bet.
Do some research to find out which plant will work best around the pool. There are many options to choose from to complete your pool landscaping vision. Some great options include aloe, agave, and yucca. They are low maintenance and love the heat. There are many other options to choose from so you are bound to find something that appeals to you and works for the landscaping around your pool.
Do Consider Water Runoff
You do not want water runoff making its way into your pool. It should run around the pool, not into it.
Do Consider Privacy
Most people do not want to be in clear view of their neighbors while they enjoy their pool. Consider ways that your pool landscaping can provide you with privacy.
Don’t Plant Insect Attracting Plants
There is nothing worse than sitting down to enjoy your beautiful pool landscaping only to be swarmed by bugs because you did not research which plants attract bugs. Too many bugs are irritating and ruin your pool landscaping’s ambiance. Not only will the buzzing get on your nerves, but the bugs might end up in your pool. You want to swim with your friends, not dead bugs.
Flowers like honeysuckles will attract bees. Although bees have an important job, pollination, consider planting these types of flowers away from your pool.
Don’t Forget the Landscaping Around Your Pool
The pool itself is only one piece of your pool landscaping. The area around your pool can be used to integrate your pool with the rest of your yard. You can do many things with the area around your pool. Yard furniture, plants, and rock formations are just a few of the ways you can introduce landscaping around your pool.
Landscaping Around Pools
You have beautiful pool landscaping but nothing to go with it. Create a more cohesive yard by implementing landscaping around pools in addition to your pool landscaping.
Poolside Garden
Bring some life to your pool area. Landscaping around pools can include plant life despite the chlorine. In fact, chlorinated water from your pool will have very little effect on plant life. As discussed earlier, you do need to be careful about which plants you choose as some can attract insects, shed into your pool, and clog your filter. If you would like a plant that sheds, consider planting it farther away from your pool with lower maintenance plants closer to the pool.
Rock Gardens
The landscaping around your pool does not just need to be plants. Rocks provide a wonderful addition to landscaping around pools. Rocks can create a river-like feeling and help blend your pool into the rest of your yard.
Plants that do well in rock gardens will also do well near pools. Succulents and creeping phlox will thrive in a rock garden and near your pool. Rock gardens and pools complement each other perfectly.
Pool Area Ideas
Your enjoyment of your pool should not end with swimming. Create pool areas so you can enjoy your scenery and a functional outdoor living area all at once. Here are some pool area ideas to help you design your pool landscaping.
Pool Furniture
Just sitting in the presence of a pool can bring great relaxation if you are sitting in the right chair. It is convenient and the perfect addition to your pool area. Just be sure to choose durable, outdoor furniture. It will need to withstand the weather and chlorine.
Create Shade
Pools are often placed in full sun. Do yourself a favor and create a spot to escape into the shade. A pergola can help keep you shaded without blocking the sun completely. A canopy, umbrella, or roofed patio can also protect you from the sun. Consider putting your pool furniture in the shaded area so you do not have to worry about the sun beating down on you once you are done swimming.
Fire Features
Both pools and fire features are great for people who like to entertain. Add something like a fire pit in your pool area so you have more options when having friends over.
Your Pool Landscaping
If you need help designing your dream pool landscape, consider contacting Arbeen Landscaping. Our expert landscapers can help you bring your vision to life.
