There’s nothing better than having your own swimming pool right in your backyard in the heat of summer. It provides an inviting cool-down spot in a private oasis and can serve as a gathering place for family and friends. One of the things that can make your backyard stand out is adding a landscaping design. Unique planting, pavement, colors, accents, and ground cover can all dramatically change the look of your pool area. Read on for some top ideas for landscaping around a pool!
3 Top Ideas for Landscaping Around a Pool
Pool landscaping requires thoughtful planning to achieve a harmonious blend of peaceful relaxation, entertainment, fun, and a fair amount of privacy. Here are some intriguing suggestions for landscaping around a pool!
1. Natural Oasis
A new take on pool landscaping is a nature-inspired theme. Traditionally, pool areas are manicured, groomed spaces with perfect pavement and clean-cut grass. A popular trend today is creating a more natural pool area to feel closer to the great outdoors. Surround your pool with a border garden instead of a formal lawn. Choose rocks and boulders in place of pavement, bricks, or stamped concrete. Plant natural bushes, flowers, trees, and reeds to give your pool area the feeling of a natural swimming hole.
2. Lighting in Landscaping
Don’t limit your landscape designs to just plants and ground cover. Think outside of the box about other elements you can incorporate, such as lighting! Lighting complements landscaping by emphasizing feature pieces. Uplighting trees, shrubs, or hardscapes can dramatically change the ambiance of your space. Edison string lights draped over your pool area can turn your backyard into a nighttime gathering place!
3. Privacy Please
Our yards are a place we want to be away from prying eyes – especially when trying to relax by the pool! If privacy is what you are after, try incorporating some shielding structures and plants into your landscaping. Creating a feature wall such as an ivy lattice, trellis, or other living wall is a great start. Other ideas could be planting a deciduous hedge, high trees, rock walls, or unique fencing.
What is Best Around a Pool?
A wide variety of materials can be used for pool decking, but the most historically popular has always been concrete. Concrete around a pool is both durable and water-resistant. It is also incredibly versatile compared to other decking options. Concrete can be stamped, brushed, pressed, colored, and shaped in any way you’d like. It can fit in seamlessly with any landscaping vibe and is extremely affordable. It is the go-to of pool landscapers for good reason!
What Material Should I Use Around My Pool?
What material you should select around your pool depends on what vibe you want to achieve. If you want a more natural look that is durable, try natural stones and stone borders or even well-manicured grass. For a more contemporary look that is non-slip, go with well-placed or patterned concrete pavers. To mix a natural and modern look install short grass around pavers for pathways. If an artsy look is what you want to achieve, try colorful or geometric tiles around the edges of the water.
What are the Best Non-Slip Surfaces for Around a Pool?
Poured concrete pool decks are the best non-slip surface around water. These platforms are highly water-resistant and can come in different textures. Adding texture to concrete is completed by adding aggregates. Aggregates are small rocks, pebbles, and stones that give your surface more texture. They mix in easily with the concrete as it is poured, and the variation in texture helps your concrete stay slip-free. These aggregates also add a unique look to your space.
How Do I Make My Pool Look Like an Oasis?
An oasis is an escape – a secluded, lush respite from the world. To achieve this feeling, start by planning a lush landscape. Incorporate tall trees such as one of the many palm varieties. Then plan to install medium-sized shrubs around these trees at eye-level, and finally, flowers below. As you round out the vegetation, incorporate a privacy structure. For a natural look, go with a trellis covered in greenery or an ivy wall. For a hardscaped backdrop, try a neutral-colored fence behind your planting that blends into the background.
How Much Does It Cost for Landscaping Around a Pool?
The rule of thumb is that you should spend about 10% of your home’s value on landscaping. It increases both the beauty of your home and the resale value. However, the actual cost of your landscaping depends on your design. On average, planting trees, shrubs, and flowers costs approximately four to twelve dollars per square foot. Adding natural rocks can cost anywhere from $500-$1000. Landscaping costs also depend on your budget. An experienced landscape designer can guide you in the right direction while remaining true to your budget and aesthetic.
How Design Scapes Can Help with Landscaping Around a Pool
Do you want a pool area refresh and don’t know where to start? If you are searching for ways to spruce up your landscaping, Design Scapes can help! Our Southern California-based team has years of experience creating unique, personalized pool and lawn aesthetics. We are experts at balancing your budget with your dreams. For more information, visit our website, or call us for a quote today! We look forward to working with you to achieve the pool of your dreams!
