Having a backyard pool can be a great way to enjoy the property around your home, and incorporating the right pool landscaping ideas can make this outdoor area beautiful as well as functional. Your backyard fun does not have to be just about swimming, and adding special touches will make your poolside time equally enjoyable. Whether you use what you have or add completely new elements, the final result can be attractive, inviting, and a natural extension of your home.
The Purpose of Landscaping
Beyond simply filling open space, adding to or altering the area around your pool will keep it from looking like a completely separate part of your outside surroundings. Your landscaping efforts should be about connecting the outside with the rest of your home in a way that is visually pleasing. The right landscaping can keep this area safe, secure, and comfortable as well.
What You Can Add
The pool landscaping ideas that you end up using can be as grand or as basic as you prefer, and your final choices may depend upon the size of the pool, the surrounding area, and how much of your time and resources you want to invest in this project. Whether your additions are permanent or will need to be stored away once the warmer weather has passed should be considered as well. Your climate may also determine what selections would be best, but regardless of where you live you may want to consider:
- Patios
- Decks
- Fencing
- Furniture
- Plants
Adding a patio is one of the most popular landscaping ideas, and not just for the typical visual appeal. A patio can help ensure proper water drainage and that mulch, grass, or other nearby plant material stays out of the water. This planned space between the surrounding grounds and the edge of the water will keep things looking neat and ordered, and your maintenance needs may be kept to a minimum as well. Adding a deck typically has a similar effect, and the type of deck surface you choose can add texture, color, and cohesiveness to your overall design.
Fencing is usually a requirement for pool owners in most communities, and the fence usually has to meet height requirements. Any accompanying gates need to meet safety requirements, but this does not mean you cannot incorporate a touch of beauty or individuality. You may even want to consider the amount of privacy you need or want, and this may determine whether you choose wood slats or wrought iron, for example. You may choose a high fence with attractive capped pillars, open lattice work fencing, or one that completely encloses your backyard area.
Pool landscaping ideas usually include adding patio or deck furniture, and this can be an easy way to turn this area into an ideal place for relaxing or entertaining. Patio furniture ranges from subtle hues designed to blend in with the natural surroundings to pieces that will add vibrant color. Wooden deck chairs may be a beautiful addition, and may be easy to keep clean as well. Adding some plant life may round things out nicely, and as with your other choices may be as simple or involved as you prefer.
The plants you bring in may be a similar expression of what you love best, and pool landscaping ideas often mention taking this into account. Even if you are not a gardener, you can select greenery that requires little maintenance. Simple but elegant container gardens, for example, may be easily set up and removed once the weather turns colder. If you live in an area where the weather is mild most of the time, you may want to plant larger items that will be permanent decorative elements.
Whether your pool is above ground or in ground will likely make a difference as to what plant life will work best, and a pool above ground may somewhat limit your options. As one of your main goals should be about adding height, shrubs or trees are likely your best choices if you have a pool that is above ground. For in ground pools, you can add height with smaller trees, shrubs, or even potted plants. If you have an elevated deck, you may be able to incorporate hanging planters as well as a variety of potted plants.
Final Considerations
Even if you enjoy gardening, this does not necessarily mean that you want to spend a lot of time cleaning up your pool area as a result of the plants you have chosen. You can keep maintenance to a minimum by avoiding plants that tend to shed buds, leaves, and flower petals. You may also want to avoid planting things that are especially attractive to bees, as this will probably hamper your poolside enjoyment at least some of the time. Keeping your pool landscaping ideas simple but smart may make your pool area the standout area of your home.
