Your home is more than just a place to sleep in today’s busy world. It’s a sanctuary, a retreat, and a versatile hub for activities of all kinds. There’s no better place to enjoy outdoor living at its finest than in your very own backyard pool area. If you want to truly maximize the potential of this space, you need to design with multipurpose use in mind. This blog post’ll take you through some innovative landscaping pools ideas that transform your backyard into a multifunctional oasis. These concepts will inspire you to think beyond just swimming, allowing you to lounge, dine, entertain, and more right beside your pool.
5 Multipurpose Landscaping Pools Ideas to Enhance Your Outdoor Space
1. Lounge in Luxury: The Poolside Sun Deck
The sun deck is a quintessential part of any pool landscaping idea. It’s not just a place to dry off after a swim—it’s a luxurious spot to sunbathe, read a book, or simply enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. Consider adding plush loungers with weatherproof cushions, umbrellas for shade, and perhaps even a hammock tucked away in a quiet corner for those afternoon siestas.
2. Al Fresco Dining: The Outdoor Kitchen and Pool Bar
There’s something incredibly appealing about dining outdoors, especially when the weather is just right. An outdoor kitchen or a poolside bar not only serves up food and drinks but also introduces an entirely new dynamic to your backyard. With the proper set-up—including a grill, a prep area, and comfortable seating—you can easily transition from a midday swim to a laid-back barbecue with family and friends.
3. Socialize in Style: The Poolside Fire Pit or Lounge Area
As the sun sets, your pool area can transform into the perfect social space. Adding a fire pit or a comfortable lounge area not only provides warmth on chillier evenings but also creates an inviting ambiance for guests. Surround your fire pit with cozy seating. To make this space genuinely comfortable, include a shade structure such as a patio cover or pergola. It provides a respite from the summer heat and an inviting cover for your social space, allowing for relaxing conversations or quiet solitude even in the heat of the day
4. Retreat and Relax: The Poolside Spa Area
Your pool landscape can also double as a serene spa-like retreat. Consider incorporating a hot tub or a smaller plunge pool surrounded by lush greenery for privacy. Add soft outdoor lighting and perhaps even a water feature, such as a waterfall or fountain, to create an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. This combination of features will ensure your poolside spa area is a soothing sanctuary, no matter the time or weather.
5. Stay Active: The Poolside Sports Court or Fitness Area
For fitness enthusiasts, your poolside area can be more than just a place to swim laps. Consider setting up a mini sports court for games like volleyball or badminton, or designate an area for yoga mats or exercise equipment. This way, you can stay active and enjoy your workout routine in the beauty of your own backyard.
To conclude, the potential of your pool landscape is limited only by your imagination. Whether you want to create a space for rest and relaxation, socializing, dining, or staying active, there are countless ways to make your pool area a multifunctional extension of your living space.
What is the best landscape material around a pool?
The best landscape material around a pool largely depends on your specific needs, climate, and style preference. That said, one of the most popular landscaping pools ideas is natural stone. Materials like travertine, bluestone, or flagstone are aesthetically pleasing and have practical benefits. They’re durable, can withstand water exposure, and are typically non-slip—a crucial safety feature for pool areas. Additionally, their natural variance in color and texture adds an elegant, organic touch to your pool landscape. However, it’s essential to work with a professional landscape designer to select the best materials that meet your personal needs and preferences.
What is best to put around an inground pool?
When it comes to what’s best to put around an inground pool, several factors come into play. Apart from the landscape material like natural stone or concrete pavers for the pool deck, you should also consider elements such as plants, furniture, and shade structures. Choose pool-friendly plants, meaning they’re resilient to pool water and don’t drop excessive debris. Outdoor furniture should be comfortable and weather-resistant, and a patio cover, pergola, or umbrella is advisable for shade. Finally, amenities like an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or spa area can elevate your pool space into a truly multifunctional outdoor living area.
What should you not plant around a pool?
When landscaping around a pool, it’s best to avoid plants that shed leaves, bark, or seeds excessively, as they can clog filters and make pool maintenance a challenge. Also, steer clear of plants with invasive root systems that could potentially damage your pool structure. Thorny or spiky plants are not ideal either, as they pose a safety hazard for people moving around barefoot. Lastly, some plants attract bees or other insects, which you might want to avoid for the comfort of swimmers. Examples of plants to avoid include willows, poplars, mulberries, and plants from the Prunus family, like cherries and plums.
What is the safest surface around a pool?
The safest surface around a pool combines slip resistance with comfort underfoot, and this is where multi-material landscaping shines. Natural stone such as sandstone or travertine is an excellent choice due to its non-slip properties and durability. They stay cool underfoot, preventing burns on hot days. On the other hand, areas of well-maintained grass can provide soft, safe zones for children to play and for adults to lounge. Additionally, synthetic grass can be an attractive, low-maintenance option. By blending stone and grass, you can create a pool area that is not only safe and functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
Design Scapes Inc if Your Pool Landscaping Specialist
At Design Scapes Inc, we specialize in turning your dreams into reality. Our team of landscape design professionals is ready to help you create a backyard pool landscape that caters to all your needs and enhances your outdoor living experience. Contact us today to get started on your own multipurpose pool landscape project, and we will share our top landscaping pools ideas for your unique home type with you. Together, we can create an outdoor space you’ll love and enjoy for many years.
