If you are a swimming pool owner, or if you are considering becoming one, now’s a great time to think about your pool landscaping.
What to incorporate in your landscaping project
Landscaping adds to the beauty and ambiance of your outdoor living area and simply makes the pool itself a more inviting area in which to spend time and entertain. What can you do, as part of your swimming pool construction project, to enhance your outdoor living space?
When you’re talking with one of our professionals, make certain the talks involve the entire project from pool design all the way to deck and outdoor living area amenities. What can you do to enhance the beauty of your outdoor living area? Consider adding plants, a plant or rock garden, waterfall or fountain accessories, an outdoor kitchen, a beach entry, and many others.
Limitations to consider
While budget will certainly play a part in the type of landscaping project you undertake, there are some limitations that your pool contractor will share with you when it comes to the overall landscaping plan and they are:
- Don’t include trees that will eventually grow too large or drop too many leaves into the pool as this could lead to maintenance issues and a large root bed can damage the pool structure.
- Consider the root system. If you plant trees that have a root system that fans out, those roots can easily make their way to your pool edge, not only giving the possibility of cracking your patio and surrounding areas, but also cracking your pool.
- Plants can add interest and ambiance but may also bring with them dropped leaves and even bees. You will want to choose plants wisely – those that are low maintenance and will not attract insects or birds. Landscaping rocks also add interest and a unique flair to the entire space.
- Fencing is a must for all swimming pool owners, but you can consider your fence as part of your landscaping décor rather than just a utilitarian item.
Additional elements to consider
- The area surrounding the pool – your deck, gazebo or a patio – should be part of the overall pool construction project. Consider your patio and other outdoor living area as a place where you can add an outdoor kitchen set up or even a pool house so you can move your summer living to the out of doors.
- Regardless of the landscaping you ultimately choose, you will want to add lighting to the area, so the party doesn’t have to stop once the sun goes down. Your pool contractor can install LED lighting to walkways, the pool itself and around your entire outdoor living area.
- If you want a truly unique swimming pool design, you can add a fountain, a rock waterfall, or even include a grotto under which you can rest and relax and enjoy the sound of the water spilling over the waterfall.
- Have a budget in mind for your construction project and then talk with your swimming pool contractor about how to incorporate your design and landscaping ideas into the budget for your project.
Poolside planting tips
- Plants turn your pool into the centerpiece of the back-yard area. Greenery should frame the pool and catch your eye. Plant trees or flowers that complement the pool shape and color or even evoke a particular emotion such as – staycation or tropical locale.
- Add plants in pots so you can move them around to change up the look throughout the season and easily change the plants to match the season such as mums in the fall. We can help you choose plants that are suited to our environment and those that will thrive during the summer and well into the autumn.
- Look for plants that don’t require a lot of water or watering. If you have plants that are always looking for water, their roots could branch out and damage your swimming pool plumbing and/or structure.
- Choose plants that don’t drop leaves or sap into the pool water. Leaves and other debris from trees can clog the filter and prevent it from operating as efficiently as it should.
- Look for plants that aren’t magnets for bees and birds or ants. You don’t want them around your swimming pool.
- Don’t plant any greenery that might have spiky leaves or growths – cactus or pine trees can drop needles and thorns and that is painful on a barefoot.
- Consider plants as an addition to your privacy fence. Strategically planted greenery can shield your pool from the neighbors and vice versa.
- Do you need shade around the swimming pool? If so, check the path of the sun around the pool and outdoor living space and plant for shade.
- Adding plants is a great way to really give your swimming pool and outdoor living space a new look without spending a lot of money. Ask us which plants make sense and we can work with you on a layout that is both pleasing and practical.
Privacy, safety, beauty, and convenience
These are some of the considerations to keep in mind when landscaping around swimming pools. While a privacy fence enhances safety, carefully landscaping your yard gives you and your guests added privacy and enjoyment.
Adding plants & trees is a great way to really give your swimming pool and outdoor living space a new look without spending a lot of money. Visit a nursery to determine which plants make sense as you design a layout that is both pleasing and practical.
