Landscaping Around Swimming Pools

A person’s home reflects their personality and their priorities. People who like to entertain guests have different priorities in how they fill the space in their homes than people who view their homes as oases from the various pressures of dealing with the outside world.This same principle applies to a person’s swimming pool and the poolscapes that surround them. People want different things from their pools. Some want a personal, private cabana area. Some want an open area for grilling during the day and chilling out after sundown with friends. Some people just want to be able to swim a few laps every day without driving to a gym.

One thing that many pool owners have in common is a desire for a measure of privacy from the prying eyes of nosy neighbors. However, more and more people have realized that building a huge fence around their yard doesn’t give a poolscape their desired aesthetic.

But a fence is not the only option for pool owners seeking privacy. Installing privacy plants for pool areas is a major trend in landscaping— and the benefits that come from it are likely to keep this trend around for a long time.

So whether you’re the type to do it yourself or to hire a contractor, here are a few things to keep in mind when you make the decision to use plant life to spruce up your pool.

Consider the Climate

Planning your poolscapes and establishing a timeline for the efforts of a complete landscaping service is imperative— especially when you live in an area with cold winters. 

When the weather turns frigid, there is simply nothing to be done about beautifying an outdoor pool. What you can do is figure out design concepts, select plants, clear any digging with the local utility companies, and finalize plans with your landscapers.

The climate around you will be a factor in what plants and trees will grow most effectively as decorative installations or as privacy shields, so be sure to look into the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to be sure that the hedge you like is likely to survive in your yard.

By making the big decisions in the winter, your crew will be ready to tackle your poolscape project as soon as spring has sprung. Spend your winter planning for a beautiful spring instead of letting the cold, gray skies weigh you down.

Complimenting the Shape of Your Pool

A good swimming pool is not a small investment. That’s why they add value to properties that have them, after all. It’s very important that you don’t dilute the impact of your pool’s shape and placement by ignoring design fundamentals when shaping the surrounding environment.

Generally speaking, if your pool has a rectangular design, use straight lines and right angles in your planning around it. If your pool has a unique, curvy shape, surround it with more curves. 

Many designers and landscapers have access to 3D modeling that will let you get a good idea of what your poolscape will look like when all is said and done. And if you want to take the reins on plotting out your backyard poolscapes, it isn’t uncommon for landscape hobbyists to take some design courses.

Know Your Pool’s Purpose

When designing your poolscapes landscaping, in addition to taking the shape of the pool into account, you should also consider the primary usage of your pool. Is it meant as a lounge area? Is it a place for your kids to play? How does that change your design?

If you are storing toys or exercise equipment by your pool, do you want to conceal that storage? What surface is best to keep people from slipping? What safety features are required in your area, and what would it take to go above and beyond that requirement?

Interestingly, plant life can help you answer these questions. 

Whether concealing storage bins from poolside view, providing a safe surface for people to step out on, or helping to create shaded areas, so the people at the pool don’t overheat in direct sunlight, plants can serve a variety of functions to make your pool serve its purpose as best it can.

Putting Plants in Your Poolscapes

Once you’ve embraced your pool’s intended purpose and incorporated modern pool landscape design ideas into your plans, it’s time to decide what plants will complete your vision. Whether you want a backyard oasis or a stripped-down design meant for exercise, not relaxing, the right plants can make all the difference.

It should be noted that the plants you select may necessitate some alterations to your initial design. This is because, depending on the presence of buried power lines or the spacing needs of your plants’ root systems, you may need to move things to fit the reality of your yard.

Quality landscape services will provide you with information about the plants you want and keep you informed about changes that need to be made to your designs. When you select plants, especially trees and bushes, be aware that their roots will spread— plant them in the wrong spot, and within a few years, you’ll have roots messing up the structural integrity of your pool.

But as long as you do your research and work with a pool builder and landscaping service that know their horticulture, you won’t have to worry about that at all. 

Plants to Avoid

When incorporating foliage into your backyard poolscapes, the best guideline to keep in mind is to “avoid plants that will make your life harder.” 

Trees or bushes that drop their leaves, seeds, or small branches regularly shouldn’t be planted next to your pool. You don’t want to deal with frequent filter clogs or a constant need to skim debris from the water’s surface.

Similarly, trees that produce fruit should be avoided. Not only can they drop leaves and petals into your pool, but the fruit itself can also drop to the ground and rot if not picked up right away— and nobody wants to deal with the smell of rot when they’re looking to swim.

Fruit trees and many other flowering plants can also attract bees and wasps. While bees contribute a great deal to the natural world, they are extremely unwelcome guests at just about any pool party.

Great Plants for Your Pool 

So what are the best plants that quality American landscape services can bring into your space? Here are a few suggestions.

Decorative grasses and ferns are hardy, resilient, can grow in a variety of soil types, and provide a nice bit of texture and color to your poolside area. Zebra grass and feather reed grass are low maintenance grasses that look better and better the taller they get.

Many pool owners also like the look of broad leaf ferns as edging around a swimming pool. Their spreading shapes are very attractive next to the water, they tend to grow back after winter ends, and they don’t tend to pollute the water. Many experts recommend southern sword or bird’s nest ferns in particular.

When it comes to the best plants for privacy, it’s best to avoid deciduous trees and bushes. Spruce trees like the Colorado Blue Spruce or the Norway Spruce have dense branches and, depending on the species, can grow between 10 and 40 feet wide and 60 to 100 feet tall. 

If you don’t want big trees, arborvitae bushes and hedges are very commonly used for privacy. Hedges from the arborvitae family can grow in a variety of soils and light and can withstand both high heat and extreme cold.

Plants like basil and citronella naturally repel mosquitos and look great around a pool. And if you do have a fence but you want to jazz it up with some plant life, ivy always looks great.

And while it’s good to be cautious about flowering plants that may attract bees, flowers can make your pool look incredible. Just be sure to check with your landscaping team to be sure the flowers you pick don’t shed leaves and petals and will grow well in your area. Check the USDA’s Plant Hardiness zones to be sure the flowers you want will work in your yard.

Create Your Sanctuary

Whether you want your own tropical paradise in your backyard or a nice, open space for the kids to play, the right plants paired with intelligent landscape design can give you the poolscapes of your dreams.

Planning out your backyard pool area with a quality landscape service will help you ensure your dreams of the perfect pool can come true. You’ll also be reaping the environmental benefits of landscaping.

The plants you select can help keep the soil around them healthy, contribute positively to the microclimate around your pool, and naturally provide some protection from particulates and certain insect species.

There is no place like home, and there is no swimming pool like yours. Contact one of our experts to start planning your ideal backyard today and make sure your dreams of the perfect pool don’t swim away.