A pool without landscaping is just a big outdoor tub of water, but with landscaping, it becomes more than just that. It becomes magical and sophisticated. Besides the visual appeal, landscaping can also make your pool more practical. For instance, you can install patio tiles or paving to connect the pool to the house and other parts of the yard. You can also use landscaping to enhance privacy from adjacent properties. Fortunately, there are infinite ways of landscaping your pool area. Below are a few ideas you might consider.
1. Plant Jungle-Inspired Plants on One Side
You can create the illusion of a tropical vacation in your backyard with the right plants and the perfect design idea. The good thing about jungle plants is that they are incredibly low-maintenance, and you can find varieties for any weather. Before you go ahead with this idea, take time to plan. Consider factors like light availability and temperature. It would also be a brilliant idea to create a rough sketch of your pool area while taking note of the sun and full shade. You can do this with the help of a backyard landscape designer. Discuss your plan with them and ask if they have previously handled such a project.
Jungle landscaping designs use materials like rock, timber, and bamboo. However, you can still use modern materials if that is the theme of the rest of the home. When selecting the plants, be careful not to get carried away by all the available tropical flowering plants—you want to stick to your theme. You can always talk to a professional at your local garden center for more information about the best plant selections for your space and climate. Alternatively, you can source plants from online nurseries.
2. Build a Concrete Retaining Wall
Very few yards are perfectly flat, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a pool in a sloped yard. It only means that you might need a retaining wall to hold up any soil on the high end. While a retaining wall is mostly for practical reasons, you can use it to add some pizzazz to your pool area. You can work with a pool designer to come up with a retaining wall design that best fits your style. It is also essential to check your local codes to ensure that your wall meets the height requirements.
Your retaining wall can be made of either concrete or stone. You can also choose between a masonry wall and a segmental retaining wall. In each case, you will need a concrete supplier. If you want to turn this into a DIY project, you are better off with a segmental block retaining wall. Not only is it DIY-friendly, but it is also budget-friendly and has many color options.
Another brilliant way to spruce up your pool area is by adding water features to the retaining wall. For instance, you can include a cascade or a deck jet to your wall and enhance your pool experience.
3. Add Some Elegance Using Waterline Tiles
Water line tiles are used as borders around a swimming pool. But you can also use them as a landscaping feature to add elegance and sophistication to your pool design. Choosing the right tiles will create a beautiful transition between the pool and the surrounding area. You can choose from various materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and glass. You can also play around with colors, shapes, and sizes.
When using waterline tiles for landscaping your pool area, you need to consider factors like the shape, size, and style of your pool. That way, you can pick a material that complements your pool. You also need to ensure that the material you choose can withstand exposure to water and chemicals.
It is also essential to take time to plan the design of your tiles. It could be as simple as straight lines across the waterline or as complicated as mosaics. Ensure that your design is cohesive with other elements in the pool area, such as the decking. Always avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that could damage the tiles when cleaning them.
4. Upgrade your Fencing
Although the primary reason for having a fence around your pool is to make it safe for everyone, you can use it as a landscaping feature. Lucky for you, there are several residential fencing options to choose from—all incredibly stylish and functional.
One of the most popular options is glass. It is an ideal choice if you would like your pool area to scream luxury. A glass fence also means you can look into your pool area from a distance. So, should anyone need help, you stand a better chance of rushing to their aid.
You can also go rustic, especially if you are looking for a pocket-friendly option. However, you must ensure that it is high enough. Otherwise, someone can quickly scale it. Another thing to consider with rustic fences is the strength of the railing—it has to be strong enough to ensure that it doesn’t buckle when someone leans on it. Furthermore, you can never go wrong with a white picket fence. Contrary to popular opinion, white picket fences are not only meant for compounds. Once the fence is in place, you can add some life to it with plants. Flowers are a good choice since they have aesthetic appeal.
5. Add Seating to the Hardscaping
You can have some fun with seating options to enhance your pool’s overall functionality and aesthetics in many ways. Top of that list is built-in benches along the edge of the pool. These outdoor structures are convenient and permanent, and you can achieve the goal using durable materials like wood and concrete. You can throw in some cushions or outdoor pillows for comfort. If built-in benches are not your thing, you might consider lounge chairs. Ensure they are made of water-resistant materials, then have fun with styles and colors for a cohesive aesthetic.
For a larger pool area, you can consider outdoor sofas or sectionals for the hardscaping. What better way to build an inviting pool area, especially if you are one to host pool parties frequently? Another good option if you love hosting is a dining set with benches. You can always find one made from weather-resistant materials like wrought iron. You can also incorporate hammocks or hanging chairs, especially if you are a playful soul. It could hang from a sturdy tree, or you could have a dedicated hammock stand.
6. Incorporate some Ground Cover
Adding some low-growing plants around your pool area creates a visually appealing landscape. You will need to plant them densely to create a continuous cover. The result is a lush, carpet-like appearance that instantly boosts your landscape’s visual interest. Depending on your preferences, you can always choose from a wide range of colors, textures, and growth habits.
Besides the aesthetic value, ground cover plants are useful for erosion control. They reduce runoff and slow down water flow. The dense growth also binds the soil together, protecting it from the impact of rainwater. Additionally, ground cover plants make it difficult for weeds to grow, so your pool area will need less maintenance.
When selecting ground cover plants, it is essential to research to ensure that your plants of choice can do well in your area. It would help if you considered factors like soil type, climate, drainage, available sunlight, and pH levels. You must also ensure that the plant you pick does not spread aggressively, potentially overtaking other elements of your pool area landscaping. Remember that some plants take time to establish, so have a long-term perspective in mind and be patient.
It is also worth noting that some ground cover plants can attract insects. Therefore, you might find yourself in need of animal removal services to ensure the safety of pool users.
7. Build a Wooden Deck
A pool deck sets your pool apart from the rest of the yard. While pool decks come in a wide variety of materials, a wooden deck comes with several advantages. The first one is the versatile installation you enjoy. No matter the shape of your pool or garden, it is easy to cut the wood into the desired shape. Besides, wood doesn’t require much extra work, such as leveling and drainage, as you would with other materials. The organic appearance of wood is also a sure way to complement any pool area. If you’d like to go the extra step, you can match the wood on your deck with the one used on benches and flower boxes.
Another advantage of a wooden deck is sustainability. For instance, you can use modified alternatives, like Kebony, which uses sustainable softwood species. You also won’t need to use sealers or other harmful chemicals to maintain the beauty of your wooden deck after installation.
Since the pool deck gets wet regularly, you want a material that can withstand the water for a long time. The finish on your wooden deck will protect it from water damage, so you don’t have to worry about incurring repair costs every few years.
Additionally, wood doesn’t heat up as much as other materials like concrete. Therefore, even on the hottest day, your deck will still be comfortable to walk on. Not forgetting that wood is coarse, making it less likely for someone to slip.
If you would like to take your landscaping a notch higher, consider talking to deck builders about installing a floating wooden deck. It will create the illusion of additional space. You can add a patio table on the elevated area for the perfect experience.
8. Lighting is Your Best Friend
Professionally installed lighting in your pool area will instantly add a touch of luxury and functionality. It means that the party doesn’t have to end at sunset. So, you might wonder, ‘which areas need some light?’ The first place you want to light up is your pool deck and the pathways. Ensure that these lights have a minimalist effect. For instance, if you have mature trees around your pool area, you can use downlighting for a resort feel.
You might also want to light up the surrounding landscape to create a beautiful backdrop for your pool area. If you have water features in your landscaping, you can light them sparingly. You can even use color lighting to add some character. Other places you might consider lighting include garden beds, steps, perimeters, and walls. You can ask a professional for help picking the proper lighting for your space.
9. Built-In Fire pit
Executed correctly, fire and water can form a perfect combo. Therefore, if you have some generous space in your pool area, you can design a built-in fire pit. It is not only beautiful, but it creates an inviting evening hangout spot. There are various ways to make a built-in fire pit, depending on what you are looking for. If you want a rustic atmosphere, consider using mismatched or staggered materials. Another brilliant idea is building a sunken fire pit. It’s a sure way to add visual interest to your pool area. If you want some flexibility, you can have a portable fire pit. Some options even allow you to fold the fire pit away when it’s not in use.
You will also need to figure out the seating arrangement. You can consider options like Adirondack chairs, metal swivel chairs, or a circular bench. Ensure that your pick goes well with the rest of the landscaping elements.
Winter is the best time to redesign your pool landscaping since your backyard will be pretty much dormant. Remember, your landscaping project will only be as good as your plan. Even if you hire professionals for the job, you still need to start with a list of everything you want because they can’t read your mind. The next step is hiring the right people for the job. Do a lot of research, contact your prospects, negotiate a deal, and sign a contract.