Top 13 Tips for Pool Landscaping

A pool that has the “wow factor” is more than just the pool itself. Its surroundings and landscaping make up a huge proportion of its overall appeal. A well-designed pool ties in with the existing layout of the yard as well as the exterior of the home. To get the most use out of our backyards, it’s important to create a space that is relaxing and inviting. By implementing some clever landscaping ideas, you can enhance the look of your pool area drastically. Here are our best tips for pool landscaping to help you get started.

You also want to make sure that you have the right permits before you start to build. Have a company like Scalice Land Surveying conduct a site survey for you.
It’s a good idea to research some landscaping styles to give you an idea of what you are looking for before hiring a landscaper. That way you’ll have a clear vision of what you want and you can present it to your landscaper before they get started.

Here are some things you should consider when planning your landscaping:

Safety

When thinking of your pool and the landscaping, the first thing that should be taken into consideration is safety. Pool fencing is a mandatory requirement for a body of water over 30cm and it must comply with Australian Standard AS 1926. Fencing is something that you will have to factor into your landscaping design. In most states and territories pool fencing must have a non-climbable zone of 900mm which means nothing can be placed in this area. This includes things such as trees, large rocks, and furniture items. Having a pool means that a lot of the things surrounding it will inevitably get wet. You should allow enough space to have clear access to the pool and you should consider things such as non-slip surfaces to prevent injuries. Your landscaper will be able to offer advice on where you can and can’t place your landscaping features.

Your budget

Before starting your landscaping, you should establish how much you can afford to spend and if your budget will accommodate your backyard vision. It’s a good idea to get a few quotes from different landscaping professionals and work out what you do and do not want to stay in your backyard.

What are your entertaining requirements?

Having a pool in the backyard is a great way to entertain and socialize with family and friends. You should consider if you want an entertaining area and where it should go. You can then work your landscaping around it. Some additional features you can include to your pool landscape to add the “wow factor” include:

1. Outdoor shower
2. Enclosed change room nook
3. Pool day bed

If you plan on entertaining through the afternoon to night, building lighting elements into your surrounding landscape can completely enhance the area. It makes it much safer too.

Establish the colors and tones you want for your backyard

Choosing a color palette to tie in with the interior and exterior of your home is a sensible choice if you want to your indoor spaces to flow into your outdoor areas.

Visit here: discover how hardscapes can improve your home value?

How much sunlight your pool area gets

Sunlight and the pools surrounding environment can alter the appearance of the pool water. For example, your pool will seem more vibrant and glisten on a sunny day and appear much darker on an overcast day. As water reflects, the greenery you have near your pool will mirror in your pool water. It’s a good idea to discuss the placement of your plants with your landscaper to establish if they will affect the appearance of the pool area and if they will interfere with the natural sunlight that your pool gets throughout the day.

Choose to landscape to compliment your home

An appealing backyard is one that ties in cohesively with the style of the home. Your backyard and home shouldn’t be considered as two separate areas but rather as one. By choosing a pool and landscaping to suit your home, you can create a cohesive space that will make it look much more enticing. For example, if your home is contemporary in design your backyard and pool area can benefit from incorporating sleek, straight lines into your landscaping.

The weather

Weather should be factored into your landscape designs as there will be days when the sun is relentless, or rain is predicted. You want to have a place close by the pool to take refuge if need be whilst still enjoying your pool. Without an area to retreat to, the weather can have a negative effect on your enjoyment of your pool. Popular choices include retractable awnings, pergolas, and large demountable umbrellas, however, it doesn’t have to be a manmade structure, you can use plants such as hedging or clumping bamboo to create shade and privacy, they look great too.

Plants and greenery

A big thing to consider when planning your landscaping for the backyard is the plants and greenery that you will incorporate into space. It is advisable to plant trees and plants outside of the pool area as leaves will end up falling into your pool water. This means you will spend more time cleaning it trying to get them out and it will require more chemicals to keep it clean as leaves, dirt, and debris can throw off your pool’s pH level. Some additional gardening tips:

1. Choose plants that are suited to your climate, this will enable them to flourish without constant assistance for you.
2. You can make your garden look bigger by only using a couple of plant varieties and colours.
3. You can create an illusion of more space within a narrow yard by adding screenings and raised planter boxes to break up the yard into sections.
4. If you have children using the pool, make sure your plants/trees don’t obstruct the view of the pool.

A professional landscaper will be aware of the plants that are suited to your area and can assist you with your choices.

Outdoor flooring

You may already have outdoor flooring such as paving or decking that needs replacing, or you may not have any at all. Incorporating outdoor flooring into your backyard creates defined spaces and walkways. There are many different flooring options and you can pick one to suit the style of your home and budget.

Some popular landscaping ideas

If you need a little bit of landscaping inspiration, here are some popular pool landscaping ideas.

Outdoor room

If space allows, adding an outdoor room can really take your backyard events to the next level. Things such as outdoor lounges, coffee tables, and an outdoor kitchen can bring entertaining and the pool together to create the ultimate outdoor experience.

Firepit

Fire pits are popular and can add texture to your backyard against your greenery. There’s nothing better than sitting around the fire catching up with friends and family after an evening swim.

Stone

Stone flooring and surrounds such as granite and limestone are long-lasting and look great too. They can be used in both contemporary and traditional pool designs.

Companies like Barrier Reef Pools Perth not only fit and install luxurious fiberglass pools, but they can work with your landscaper to create the perfect outdoor space for your home.

Corona is here to stay, so your backyard will be your beach this summer, make the most of it!