Your pool area is an oasis during the heat of summer. A well-designed space can create stunning conversation areas, attention-grabbing features, and fun toys and games in and out of the water. There are a thousand different unique ideas for pool landscaping that will transform your yard. Your choice will depend on your space, budget, and aesthetic.
The Top 6 Ideas for Pool Landscaping
These top six unique ideas for pool landscaping will help you achieve a breathtaking and functional pool area.
1. Chase Those Waterfalls
Did you know that studies show that water sounds affect the rhythm of the waves of our brain, helping us reach a more peaceful, calm pace of thought? Installing a waterfall, wall, or other water feature in your yard can be a stunning focal point and like therapy for your mental health!
2. Everything and the Kitchen Sink
If you’re a chef or a frequent host, adding outdoor cooking elements to your pool area is an excellent way to add new design elements to your space. An outdoor kitchen, bar, or simply a dining area can transform your ideas for pool landscaping into another room of your home. A grill, countertop, sink, and mini-fridge is all it takes to be on your way to outdoor cooking success!
3. Change Up the Lighting
Sometimes you don’t need grand ideas for pool landscaping to change the look and feel of your space. Small changes, such as adding landscape lighting, can transform your yard after dark. Illuminate your pool area with creative lighting solutions – you can incorporate underwater lighting, pathway lights, or even string lights above your head in trees or other hardscape structures to make your yard come alive at night!
4. Bring on the Flames
If you’re looking for a unique idea for pool landscaping, try adding a fire element to your yard. Extend your pool area’s usability into the evenings with a cozy fire pit. Alternatively, add a couple of fire bowls near your pool to contrast the water throughout the day or night!
5. Add an Outdoor Shower
Creating space for an outdoor shower is an idea for pool landscaping that not many can incorporate into their yard. An outdoor shower provides a refreshing, convenient place to rinse off before and after jumping in the pool. It helps keep your pool water and house clean and can have many other functions, such as being a perfect place to bathe your pets or wash outdoor supplies! Outdoor showers can be landscaped beautifully to create a private, peaceful little oasis in your yard.
6. Create Green Privacy
You can use a variety of plants to help create a natural feeling of privacy around your pool area. Lush tropical greenery, palm trees, and other exotic plants can bring a touch of the islands to your space. Alternatively, bamboo, climbing plants, dense trees, shrubs, and hedges can create a sense of seclusion and block your pool from the street or neighbors.
These six ideas for landscaping your pool will transform your yard into a breathtaking sanctuary or add new, unique functionality. Whether you want to add privacy through planting, outdoor hardscaped features, or choose another way to spice up your yard, there is an idea out there to suit your style and budget! Creativity and planning go a long way – if you’re lost, contact a local landscape design company such as Design Scapes to help you design the pool area of your dreams!
What is Best to Put Around an Inground Pool?
You not only want your ideas for pool landscaping to be aesthetically pleasing, but they have to be functional as well. Pool areas can be hazardous, and you must ensure your yard, family, and guests are safe. Paving slabs are one of the most common materials to put around an inground pool because of their wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. They can be laid in several pattern configurations, meaning you can find pavers to match any aesthetic! These stones are affordable, readily available, and not slippery when wet. Their heat resistance and fast-drying properties can help keep your pool deck safe and pristine year-round!
Is It Better to Mulch or Rock Around a Pool?
If you want to incorporate planting beds in your ideas for pool landscaping, avoid using mulch in these areas. Mulch is lightweight and is easily displaced by wind or other weather, meaning it will eventually end up in your water. Instead of mulch, use rock or gravel to line your beds and contrast your plants! These materials stay weighed down and are more cost-effective over the years.
What Should You Not Plant Around a Pool?
Not every plant should be used in your ideas for pool landscaping. Although some can be stunning, they may have unwanted side effects, like leaves and other debris dropping into the water. This means you should avoid the following plants: acacia, azalea, bougainvillea, crape myrtle, dwarf arborvitae, honeysuckle, ash trees, evergreen elms, and mesquite. Also, choose plants that can tolerate or thrive in direct sunlight around your pool!
Is Grass Around a Pool a Good Idea?
Installing grass around your pool is a unique and environmentally friendly idea for pool landscaping. The grass is much more cost-effective than installing a traditional deck, creating a garden-like, nature-inspired feeling in your yard. Grass also keeps your pool area cool, as it doesn’t retain heat, and you don’t have to worry about anyone slipping and falling on the surface as it is water absorbent, slip resistant, and cushions any falls.
Grass does have a few drawbacks. Natural grass requires watering, fertilizing, and resodding of decaying patches. This can become expensive over time. Additionally, it requires regular maintenance, such as mowing or pest control. Maintaining grass around your pool in Southern California will be a commitment!
How Design Scapes Can Help
Are you searching for ideas for pool landscaping in the Southern California area? Design Scapes is here to help! Our team of professional landscape designers is ready to put their skills to the test, building you the perfect yard and pool area. We consider your space, budget, aesthetic, and needs and aim to design the optimal landscaping for your home. Visit our website to learn more about our services, or contact Design Scapes Inc for a consultation today!
