The best way to kick the summer heat is with a pool. But if you really think about it, a pool by itself isn’t really finished. It’s everything around the pool that makes it look right at home in your yard. That’s why landscape design for pool areas is an important consideration when planning for summer fun in the yard.
In this blog, we’ll share our top landscaping tips for pools, so you can create a summer getaway that makes the whole neighborhood jealous.
What Makes Good Landscape Design for Pool Areas?
When you think about pool landscaping, you probably think about what looks good with the pool. And while how it looks is definitely important, the best landscape design for pool spaces also considers functionality.
Sit down and ask yourself some of these questions:
- How much maintenance do I want?
- Do I need privacy from neighbors?
- Will the space be used for entertaining?
- Do I want a tropical feel, a modern look, or something more natural?
- How will people move through the space?
Answering these will help you shape all your design decisions from the start.
What Plants Work Well With Pool Areas?
One of the biggest mistakes we see when it comes to landscape design for pool areas is owners choosing plants just based on appearance. Some plants may look beautiful but give you a headache later when they drop flowers, leaves, berries, or seeds into your crystal clear pool.
For an effective pool landscape, you want to look for plants that are:
- Low litter
- Drought tolerant
- Heat tolerant
- Easy to maintain
- Resistant to pool splash and reflected heat
Some popular options that fit this criteria include:
- Ornamental grasses
- Boxwoods
- Agave
- Yucca
- Lavender
- Dwarf evergreen shrubs
Plants like these bring texture and visual interest without you needing to invest in another pool skimmer.
How Do You Create Privacy Around a Pool?
Another concern you might have about your pool area is privacy. After all, it’s hard to relax by the poolside if you feel like you have an audience!
Luckily, your landscaping can help create some privacy, too. Try one of these (or a combination of them):
- Layered Plantings: Mix shrubs, ornamental grasses, and small trees to create a natural privacy screen.
- Evergreen Screening: Evergreens offer soft, year-round coverage to block views from your neighbors.
- Pergolas and Landscape Structures: Sometimes you need some hardscaping and added elements to your landscape to create privacy. Consider adding elements like pergolas, privacy walls, or decorative screens.
Should I Use Tropical Plants Around My Pool?
Whether or not you should use tropical plants around your pool ultimately depends on where you live.
Many homeowners want pools that feel like tropical resorts. Unfortunately, not all climates support tropical landscaping. Trying to force tropical plants to thrive where they don’t belong will just land you with dead plants and heartbreak.
Rather than trying to force specific plants into your climate, focus on achieving the feeling you want. For example, you may be able to have palm trees in Florida or Southern California, but northern pool owners may opt for ornamental grasses to create that relaxed movement instead. Layered evergreens can also make your pool area feel lush without needing any tropical conditions.
Remember, good landscape design for pool spaces means working with your local environment, not against it.
How Can I Add Shade to My Pool Design?
It’s easy to forget about shade since you’re so focused on keeping cool in the pool, but shade is an important aspect of pool landscape design! After all, you don’t want to bake when you get out of the pool.
Some things you can incorporate into your design to keep cool out of the water include:
- Shade trees
- Pergolas
- Covered seating areas
- Retractable shade structures
You don’t want to block the sun entirely, but it’s important to create options when you’re lounging. Then, you can choose if you want to tan in the sunshine or lie in the shade when you don’t want to feel like a rotisserie chicken.
How Can Landscaping Make a Pool Look More Expensive?
If you want your landscaping to make your pool look more expensive, the way to do this is shockingly simple: create layers.
Luxury pools don’t rely on a single row of plants around the perimeter. They combine different heights, textures, and materials to create visual depth. They also add elements like natural stone and layered lighting to make it feel extra luxurious.
Consider layering:
- Groundcover
- Low shrubs
- Mid-height plantings
- Accent trees
- Decorative grasses
Combining these elements will give you a pool landscape design that will make everyone want to come over for a pool party.
Don’t Forget to Make the Pool Feel Connected to the Rest of the Property
One big mistake we see homeowners make is to treat the pool as separate from the home. In reality, the most beautiful outdoor spaces feel connected to the home itself.
When considering materials, ask yourself: Do these coordinate with my home? Is the landscaping consistent with the front yard? Does the pool area flow naturally from the house?
When everything works together, the result is a cohesive, luxurious pool area. That’s what makes your property stand out from the rest.
Use Landscape Design for Pool Areas to Complete Your Space
Your pool may be the focal point of your backyard, but the landscape around it is what really makes it feel complete. The best landscape design for pool areas combines beauty, privacy, and practicality, resulting in a space that both looks great and functions well.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing pool area, thoughtful landscaping can make a world of difference.
Ready to Create a Pool Landscape That Feels Professionally Designed?
The difference between a pool that feels isolated and one that feels perfectly cohesive with your home is design expertise. At brick&batten, our expert designers are here to partner with you to bring your vision to life. With our Premium Landscape Design service, our designers help you create a complete design for your property, from plant selection to privacy.
The design helps you see the possibilities. The real value is the professional guidance behind it.
Explore our Premium Landscape Design package and discover what your backyard could become.
