A pool is a fun and exciting addition to your home, but your plans can include more than just the shape of the pool, the texture of the flooring, and fixtures like the stairs and ladders. Even before the pool company breaks ground, think about the landscaping and surrounding elements that contribute to your beautiful lounge area.
There are several benefits of considering the big picture of your backyard during the pool construction process. You can take time to discover design elements that you love while also ensuring you find the right plans, lounge chairs, and accessories. By the time your pool is complete, your friends and family will be impressed by your backyard as a whole.
Use the following landscaping ideas to brainstorm how you can elevate your backyard and create a living paradise just a few steps from your back door.
1. Greenery
The first step in your planning process is to think about the plants, shrubs, flowers, and trees you can place around your pool. This greenery shades your pool area and makes your space seem like a tropical getaway. Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, there are always opportunities to place plants and other greenery around the space.
There are a few things to consider when choosing your greenery, which is why you need to carefully research options before visiting your local nursery. First, check your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to determine what types of foliage will thrive in your area. For example, while a tropical papaya tree can thrive in zones nine through 11, it’ll die during the winter in most of the U.S.
Next, make sure you don’t buy plants that will shed into your pool. Pine trees, for example, drop their needles constantly. Look for plants that won’t create more work for you and your pool filter.
2. Rock Features
Along with plants, look into rock features to add texture and elevation to your backyard. You can build a rock wall against your fence or install a waterfall that flows into your pool.
While rock features often require less upkeep than plants — you don’t have to worry about a rock wilting and dying — there are other maintenance and safety considerations to keep in mind. Rocks can be slippery when wet, which means you don’t want people climbing on them after they go swimming. You also don’t want your guests trying to jump off of your waterfall if your pool isn’t deep. Make sure you place rock features so they are aesthetically pleasing but not a temptation to use near the pool.
3. Pool Built-Ins
As you explore your pool options, you might discover a variety of built-in accessories that can make your backyard more fun. There are a variety of built-in features available that can make it easy to get into the pool, lounge in the water, or make swimming more enjoyable. Here are a few to consider:
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Swim-up bar: Lounge in the cool water while sipping cocktails in a pool bar.
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Seating options: Take a rest from floating with built-in ledges or benches.
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Tanning ledge: Relax in the sun with this shelf in the shallow end.
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Infinity edge: Build your pool around an overlook if you are in an elevated area, and use an infinity edge to create the illusion of an endless pool.
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Spas: Create a heated area where you can soak in the cold months. Add jets for a bubbly massage experience.
Decide which of these elements makes sense based on your lifestyle.
4. Lounge Area
Evaluate what kinds of seating you would like around your pool. These can range from lounge chairs that allow you to nap through the afternoon or tables and chairs for playing cards and sharing snacks with friends. Here are a few options:
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Adjustable lounge chairs
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Tables and standard chairs around them
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Umbrellas to create shade
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Baskets with clean towels for your guests
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Outdoor kitchen elements, like a minibar or food-prep station
With a lounge section, your guests will have somewhere to sit when they aren’t swimming. This is also a good way to dry off before returning to the house.
5. Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is the practice of designing landscaping that requires little to no irrigation. This is a great option if you live in the desert or simply don’t want to maintain a lot of plants. It’s particularly beneficial around your pool because you won’t have as many leaves and twigs to remove each day. Here are a few plants and features to consider for xeriscaping:
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Adding pebbles instead of grass
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Using mulch around your yard to prevent evaporation
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Planting drought-tolerant trees and shrubs that are native to your area
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Installing rain barrels to collect water you can use for free
Xeriscaping is often considered an eco-friendly backyard upgrade because it cuts down on your water usage. This is essential for drought-prone areas and useful if you want to reduce your monthly water bill.
6. Deck
A deck is an incredibly useful accessory around a pool. Decks make it easier for people to walk around your pool while also limiting the amount of grass and leaves that fall into the water. They also create a transition from your home to the pool.
If you want to build a deck, talk to your contractor about choosing safe materials. You don’t want anything slippery which could create a fall risk, like marble, tile, or overly smooth concrete. You also need materials that are safe for bare feet to walk on. Consider quality wood or textured stone for your deck so it won’t get too hot in the sun.
7. Resort-Inspired Features
Let your favorite memories inspire your backyard features. Picture your top vacation destinations and what made those resorts special. Think about how you can add these elements on a small scale to stay within your budget. While you might not be able to install a swim-up bar, you can create a ledge that provides a similar service.
Remember, you might not be able to have every element of your favorite resort in your pool area. The tropical plants you loved in Puerto Rico weren’t designed to survive Minnesota winters.
8. Water Features
Water features are a fun feature to add to almost any pool. They create movement and can add a soundscape to your backyard. There are multiple water options to consider as you design your pool area:
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Miniature fountains
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Waterfalls
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Water slides
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Decorative water spouts
Decide whether you want your water features to be decorative or used by adult guests or kids. A water slide is usually a kids' feature, but some adults might enjoy the rush of sliding into the pool.
9. Shaded Areas
A pool is great for cooling off, but some guests might want to sit in the shade to cool down without getting wet. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to create shade in your backyard. Here are just a few ideas to consider:
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Plant trees
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Install a pavilion, pergola, or gazebo
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Open pool umbrellas that can be adjusted against the sun
If you’re interested in building a pavilion or vinyl or wood pergola, get inspired by your options. For example, options for a pavilion include:
You’ll have to consider which matches your home aesthetic better. The same goes for pergolas. Decide if a vinyl or wood design is right for your needs.
10. Lighting
Lighting in and around your pool brightens up the area and create a perfect environment for night swimming. Lights also make navigating your backyard safer, reducing the risk that your guests trip or bump into various features.
Remember to be mindful of water near electrical outlets that can create a safety hazard. Consider using hanging strands of lights and wall-mounted lights to avoid any issues. You can also hire a professional pool lighting contractor to install electrical elements in your space.
11. Fencing
Fencing isn’t just an accessory around your pool, it is also a legal requirement in many states. A fence can prevent a small child from falling into the pool and drowning. Consider adding a secure, enclosed fence to save lives. Look up pool fencing laws in your area to make sure you use the right materials and have the correct height to meet safety guidelines.
12. Pool Accessory Storage Options
Any pool, regardless of size or water type, requires maintenance. Along with pool floaties and other toys, you also might need to store cleaning tools and chemicals to maintain the right chlorine balance. Consider where you plan to store these items so they aren’t outside throughout the day. One option is to store your accessories in a pool house or invest in a shed or storage closet if you can find one that’s big enough.
Storing your items when they aren’t in use creates more space in your backyard while also protecting your toys and games.
Consider the above landscaping ideas to create the best possible experience for you and your guests.
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