Plants That Are Good Around Pools

What’s your view when you’re relaxing in your pool after a long, hot day? A fence? Concrete? Dead plants? The landscape that surrounds your pool should be just as nice to look at as it feels to lounge in the cool water. So, let’s talk about plants that are good around pools.

Best ideas for plants around a pool

When we think about plants that are good around pools, it’s not enough just to know what they are. We need to have ideas for how to arrange them to make the most out of a pool area. So, here are a few of the best ideas for how you can incorporate plants around your backyard pool.

Potted plants

Potted plants around a pool are a great idea for a quick landscaping fix. This is due to their nature to be moved around easily, as they don’t require permanent excavation work. Poolside potted plants can be set along one side of your pool deck as a focal point. Or, they can be spaced out around your entire pool to create a nice border.

One of the best benefits to having your plants in pots is that you can bring them inside your home during the frigid, winter months. So, if you live in a region that experiences cold winters, you don’t have to worry about your pool plants dying.

A few examples of plant types that do well in poolside pots are violets, ferns, and hibiscus.

Important note: If you opt for potted plants, make sure you stay on top of irrigation. This is because containers tend to dry out quickly. If you’re concerned about providing sufficient hydration, consider flower beds. These beds have a more flexible watering schedule and can also make a lovely garden path.

Garden path 

A great technique for gardening around a pool is to incorporate a pathway. Garden paths offer a variety of colors and provide structure all year long. To create a defined path that boosts curb appeal, use flower beds. These beds serve as dividers and create a beautiful path of flowers around your pool. You can also mix in taller plants with your flower beds to establish a little more privacy.

Tall, architectural plants are good around pools with garden paths. This is because they’re a sophisticated way to set the boundary between your pool area and your garden.

A tropical paradise

A tropical touch can make your backyard feel like the Bahamas. Three beautiful, tropical plants for pool areas are Cordylines, Cacti, and Golden cane palms.

Cordylines

These versatile plants come in many different colors and growing heights. The color of Cordyline foliage can be seen in shades of pink, purple, green, and black. You can arrange the taller Cordylines around areas of your pool where you want more shade.

Cacti

Cacti (and other shrub variations) emit delightful scents that enhance a pool experience. These tropical plants have vibrant colors and also help keep squirrels and chipmunks away.

Golden cane palms

Palm trees are the epitome of a tropical oasis. Golden cane palms are plants that are good around pools because they don’t shed leaves. This means you won’t have to worry about constant sweeping. It’s important to remember that Golden cane palms thrive in sunny or partially shady conditions. So, keep that in mind when designing your perfect tropical paradise.

Benefits of having plants that are good around pools

Poolside plants don’t only boost aesthetics. The right kind of plants also provide benefits such as privacy, insect repellent, easy upkeep, and chemical resistance.

Provide privacy

No one wants to feel like they’re swimming in a fish bowl when they’re in a private pool. Your pool should be your sanctuary where you can relax away from the eyes of unsolicited neighbors.

This is why Evergreen trees are a good choice for ensuring some privacy. These trees are also good around pools because they block noise and hide above-ground pool walls.

Other plants that are good around pools for privacy are Hydrangeas and boxwood hedges. These are large plants that create a natural fence of foliage.

Repel pesky insects

Constantly having to swat insects away can ruin a pool day. And unfortunately, pools are a mosquito magnet. But, incorporating plants like citronella and basil is effective for naturally repelling insects.

Easy maintenance

Pool garden designs that don’t require constant upkeep are always a plus. Your backyard pool can become a nightmare if you’re spending more time cleaning it than relaxing in it.

Plants that are good around pools for easy upkeep include aloe, yucca, and agave. These plants require minimal maintenance and are easy to grow in full sunlight. 

It’s also important to think about using plants that have low leaf litter. Sweeping up leaves and picking out debris from your pool can be a hassle. So, opt for low leaf litter plants like Willow Acacia, Bush Morning Glory, and Gazania.

Chlorine-tolerant

The best plants to plant around a pool should be highly tolerant to pool chemicals, such as chlorine. Pools are prone to splashing, so it’s critical that your surrounding foliage can resist chemically-treated water.

A few plants that will stand up to chlorine splashes are Dwarf Palmetto, Evergreen shrubs, and Carolina Jessamine.

Plants to avoid around a pool

As vital as it is to know what plants are good around pools, it’s just as important to know what plants to avoid.

Deciduous trees

Deciduous trees shed leaves every fall that can cause a huge mess in your pool. Plus, any plant that drops leaves or other debris tends to clog pool filters. A few plants to avoid because of their litter are Azalea, Crape myrtle, and Bougainvillea.

Large leaves

It’s important to note that deciduous trees with especially large leaves don’t only end up in your pool. Large leaves can also put stress on pool equipment and clog pool vacuums and skimmers.

Trees with aggressive roots

Aggressive root systems can be damaging to pool walls or liners. Trees with aggressive roots include willows and river birches. These trees have very invasive root systems. Therefore, they can erode the ground that surrounds your pool and wreak havoc on plumbing.

On the other hand, Pawpaw trees and Amur Maple trees have non-invasive roots. As a result, they make for great pool landscaping plants.

Other pool ideas to complement your plants

There’s no question that plants are good around pools for creating a pleasing sight. But, it’s not only the job of plants to boost pool aesthetics. Lights, seating, and grass also play a role in creating your pool paradise.

Lights

Lighting around your pool area is a perfect way to enhance backyard aesthetics. You can use lights to highlight specific features, like uplighting trees and shrubs. Plus, lights near a pool increase the safety of swimmers too.

Sitting area

Having a sitting area around a pool creates more lounging areas. Thus, you’ll have a spot where you can experience the relaxing effects of water without diving in. You can make seats by building a retaining wall around your pool area. A retaining wall is a clever way to create a permanent sitting area. As a result, you won’t have to worry about chairs succumbing to harsh weather conditions like wind and heavy downpours.

Grass

Two great types of grass to consider around your pool area are artificial and ornamental.

Artificial

Artificial grass around a pool area is a smart choice. This is because it has a slip-free surface that helps prevent pool-related injuries. Plus, artificial grass is chlorine-tolerant and has effective water drainage.

Ornamental

Ornamental grasses add pops of color and texture to a pool area. Some types don’t even need routine care because they rarely shed. Examples of these ornamental grasses are feather grass and lemongrass. They’ll give you a refreshing look and a wispy, elegant feel.

Your private sanctuary

These ideas for plants that are good around pools can transform your backyard into your private sanctuary. Talk to one of our landscaping professionals today to make your backyard dream a reality.