The landscaping that you surround your swimming pool with can either make or break the overall appearance of your property. Talk to the pool professionals at Pool Troopers to learn more about the best types of landscaping for your swimming pool if you live in the Sunbelt.
Enhance your pool’s beauty and functionality with landscaping around the swimming pool.
Your Pool’s Appearance
For sure, overall appearance is one compelling reason to landscape your pool area. Be thoughtful in your choices, and realistic in how much work and maintenance you are willing to put in. If you take on too much, you could be causing more harm than good to your pool’s appearance. Since the right landscaping enhances your pool’s appearance, it is safe to say that it will also improve overall valuation of your property. Taking time and utilizing resources to landscape your pool area could provide a return on your investment (ROI) later.
Pool Friendly Plants
Naturally, when you plan to landscape your pool area, you will need to consider which are pool-friendly plants and which will thrive and do well in the environment. It makes the most sense to consider plants and trees that won’t outgrow or overtake your pool space, as well as ones that won’t make a lot of mess with nuts, fruits, or leaves.
Some pool-friendly options include:
Ornamental grass
There are lots of reasons to choose ornamental grasses for your pool area. First, they are easy to maintain, and they are very hardy. Also, they create a smooth transition from one plant or focal point to another. Some grasses to consider include these:
- Zebra Grass
- Bamboo, but watch out for invasive species
- Lemongrass
- Blue Fescue
- Japanese Blood Grass
- Feather Grass
- Stipa
- Rush
Grasses do not leave a mess behind and they can make your space look green and lush.
Succulents
Succulents are perfect for placing near and around your swimming pool, particularly these varieties:
- Crassula
- Dudleya
- Kalanchoe
- Portulacaria
- Sedum
Choose smooth succulents without needles or thorns that could hurt and poke those passing by.
Vines
Vines are very appealing near a pool, often across an arbor or pergola. There is something wild and beautiful about these climbing plants, though you should be selective of species when placing them near and around your chlorinated swimming pool. Some great, pool-friendly vines include:
- Carolina Jessamine
- Jasmine
- Honeysuckle
- Trumpet Vine
Remember that vines are often fast-growing so they can become heavy. Over time, they can create a privacy border that is ideal for pool areas and backyard spaces.
Exotic and tropical plants
Exotic and tropical plants are perfect for a pool and pool deck. They represent the beach and the tropics, so it makes your pool seem very chic and high-end.
Some tropical plants that are ideal for a pool are:
- Bird of Paradise
- Hibiscus
- Canna
- Palms
- Papyrus
Know that some tropical plants can require quite a bit of care; it makes sense to consider professional landscaping services to help maintain exotic plants throughout the peak pool season.
Cacti
Cactus plants can be aesthetically beautiful near a pool, and they bring a great atmosphere to the property. Use raised containers or beds out of the way of activity and foot-traffic to prevent injury to guests or to the cacti.
The Five P’s
Not all pool features need to be living plants and foliage; have you thought about using hardscaping features around your swimming pool? Perhaps the best hardscaping ideas for a pool and pool deck come down to the five ‘P’s’: paths, pavers, planters, patios, and pergolas. Consider implementing some- or all-of these to your property:
Paths are a wonderful way to guide visitors throughout the property and cut down on the grass that you need to maintain.
Pavers can be used to border and edge any areas or focal points around your pool. Plus, they can curb weed growth.
Planters are a wonderful way to add plants without the mess of digging in the ground. Plus, you can move the containers around for optimal sun and temperatures.
Patios provide shelter and a place to relax after swimming. The smooth surface is ideal for fire pits and dining ensembles, too.
Pergolas may offer an ethereal element to the pool area, almost providing an entry to the empty space. You can use these to grow climbing plants and vines for pool privacy.
The Right Light
When talking about pool landscaping, you must evaluate your property’s outdoor lighting. Exterior lighting is integral to maintaining safety and security on your property, particularly if you have a swimming pool. The many merits of LED include energy efficiency, longevity, and coolness to the touch. When choosing outdoor lighting, go with yellow-hued bulbs to deter pests. Incorporate different types of light sources, i.e. footlights, solar lights, spotlights, to illuminate key areas of your property and prevent falls or injuries.
Do you have steps or stairs leading to or away from your pool? Talk to your pool service professional and find out more about installing lights that will illuminate this area either by timer or remote- and that will help bypass a potential hazard that is far too often a cause of serious bodily injury. Poor lighting is one of the main reasons for injurious falls; keep your property safer with the right light for your pool deck.
Benefits of Landscaping your Pool
There are many benefits of landscaping your pool that go far beyond the mere appearance. In addition to the property curb appeal, here are a few of the advantages to consider when landscaping your own pool and pool deck:
- Enhance property value
- Aids in pest control
- Maintains safety, reduces fall-risk
- Provides privacy and security
- Contributes to a sense of community among neighbors and bordering properties
The potential list of advantages goes on and on. Failure to maintain your landscaping around pool area could have detrimental impacts that influences the rest of your property. If you need help with maintaining your pool or surrounding green space, reach out to the professionals for more information and service price quotes.
Contact Us
Got a pool? How is your landscaping? Make sure that your pool is at its best with routine maintenance from the professionals at Pool Troopers in the Sunbelt. Pool Troopers has years of industry expertise to bring to your pool. Plus, use these tips to maximize and optimize the aesthetics, safety, and enjoyment of your pool. Call today!
