A pool turns any backyard into the perfect summertime oasis. But a pool by itself doesn’t make that yard worthy of something in Better Homes and Gardens. For that, proper backyard pool landscaping is needed.
For homeowners wondering how to do this, look no further. Here is a fabulous list of the best pool landscape design ideas!
Safety First
Swimming pools pose a very serious risk of drowning, injury, or death, especially to children. Protect people and pets by always fencing a pool, using pool alarms, and supervising children around water. More information can be found in these guides published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
1. Choose Evergreens
Evergreens are always a popular choice and they are perfect for backyard pool landscaping. They are easy, low-maintenance plants that add consistent green to the yard all year round.
And for those looking for privacy, evergreen arborvitaes are a great option. These shrubs come in a variety of heights and are well suited as privacy hedges. Choose mature plants if privacy is needed immediately. Otherwise, smaller plants are less expensive and will grow in time.
The best part is that evergreens don’t drop leaves that will eventually end up in the pool or clog up the plumbing lines. Though most homeowners probably think of pine trees when they think evergreen, an even more fitting option is a palm tree!
There are two species that do best in the Atlanta area: the windmill palm and the needle palm. The windmill palm is one of the most cold-hardy palms and has an upright habit for that tropical oasis look. Conversely, the needle palm has a shrub-like form with palm leaves all around the base.
2. Install Pathways
To keep swimmers from running through more delicate parts of the pool landscape design, give them a dedicated walkway. Keep in mind that bare, wet feet will be walking here so choose a material that doesn’t get too hot, is slip-resistant, and won’t stick to wet feet.
If space allows, curving walkways add interest to the yard and create natural spaces for greenspace. If the path is a new installation, consider planning for lights at the start of the project.
3. Build a Pool Deck
To keep the more natural elements of the pool landscape design away from the pool, consider surrounding it with a pool deck. Many people love textured concrete for its non-slip properties, but pavers, natural stone tile, and wood (both manufactured and natural) are all popular options.
Avoid materials like glazed tile that become slippery when wet. Also, consider color before installation. Lighter materials will stay cooler under bare feet while very dark materials could get hot to the touch out under the sun.
4. Provide Seating
Where there is a pool, there will be sunbathers and other loungers enjoying a lazy day at the water’s edge. Poolside seating in the form of patio chairs, chaise lounges, or outdoor couches creates a fantastic entertaining space.
Choose furniture in a texture and color that reinforces the chosen backyard pool landscaping style. A resort aesthetic keeps colors light and crisp while a tropical theme utilizes busy florals and wild color schemes. Deciding on a style can help when choosing the plants as well.
5. Don’t Plant Large Trees Overhead
To keep everyone safe, it is important to have a clear view of the entire pool. Don’t plant large plants or trees around the pool that will compromise this view. Safety aside, nobody wants to spend hours filtering leaves and other plant debris out of the pool!
And that’s to say nothing of the critters that might use the tree to hang out over the water’s surface and cause all kinds of mischief. Between bird droppings and small creatures falling in the pool, it’s much easier for maintenance to keep branches trimmed back.
6. Add Potted Plants
A better idea is to use potted plants in the pool landscape design. These add delightful splashes of color but aren’t so big that they block the line of sight or hang out over the water’s edge.
Plus, this is an easy DIY backyard pool landscaping project for those who love to garden and/or spruce up their space! For a coordinated look, choose plants in colors that complement the furniture and other outdoor décor.
To make your poolside containers low maintenance, run a drip line from the existing irrigation system through the drain hole at the base of the planter. This way the line will be completely hidden in the pot.
Another tip for an especially large planter is to fill space with capped, empty milk or gallon jugs to keep the weight down. Just be sure not to block the drainage hole for the health of the plants.
7. Include Some Shade
Though large trees are a bad idea, swimmers and sunbathers alike will enjoy a place to get out of the sun for a while. Structures such as pergolas, awnings, and umbrellas are perfect for this purpose.
8. Choose a Theme
What’s the easiest way to create a cohesive pool landscape design? Choose a theme and make sure all the elements support that theme.
For example, a tropical poolside theme is common, but Mediterranean and modern styles are also popular. Homeowners looking for inspiration should look to their overall landscape type for design ideas.
9. Don’t Plant Grass Right Next to the Pool
Grass might seem like an ideal material for a border around the pool. It won’t heat up, absorbs water, and looks attractive.
However, it is a nightmare to keep it from ending up in the pool during maintenance. Think about what happens when someone is mowing or using a weed whacker. The grass flies several feet away! Those little bits will easily end up in the pool if the grass is planted too close.
10. Hide the Equipment
Pool equipment is necessary but not pretty. Find a way to cover it up with something more pleasant to look at. For example, a row of plants, a trellis, a wood lattice, or a screen.
Don’t forget that this equipment must be maintained and repaired regularly. Take care to leave enough space for easy access.
11. Skip the Bees
Bees are wonderful creatures for fruit production, but they are not fun around a pool. Consider this when choosing poolside plants. Avoid planting bee-friendly plants like flowering herbs or honeysuckle near the pool.
A better idea is to plant them in a distant corner of the yard to keep the bees away from your pool yet still benefit from their presence.
Create Living Art in Your Backyard
Here at Atlanta Turf & Tree, we have 35 years of combined experience in the industry and a unique focus on creating lasting landscapes that double as living art. Contact our landscaping services experts to finalize your vision and finally get that landscaping done!
