Above: Pretty plain. Simplicity is the key to successful landscaping around your pool. Here the pool has been positioned close to a wall enclosing the pool area and timber decking used as a surround. There is little room for planting; a narrow bed has been incorporated along the edge and a trellis erected to allow creepers to establish themselves. Pots planted with small trees trimmed into neat round shapes.

Add Style and Interest to Your Pool Area by Making Landscaping Around Your Pool a Lifestyle Experience

Landscaping around your pool is a priority when you have a pool. Interior design trends come and go, so it should come as no surprise that swimming pool trends also change from time to time. This relates not only to the pool itself, but to the landscaping around your pool as well as adjacent garden areas too. The good news is that it is relatively easy to change your landscaping approach and quickly make landscaping around your pool a lifestyle experience.

Swimming Pool Design Changes

The international swimming pool industry is a relatively young industry, having been founded not much more than three or four decades ago. But in that time swimming pool design has developed and changed enormously.

Initially, pools were square or rectangular in shape (described by some pool builders of the time as ‘coffins’) and at best surrounded by some type of hard surface – although usually not much of it. As brick paving became increasingly popular, this material became an obvious choice for pool surrounds and one that was used for hard landscaping throughout the garden.  As other materials, including non-slip tiles, slate and simulated stone products, have become available, the options have increased. Some of these are low maintenance whilst others will need more maintenance.

Generally, we have also become more aware of outdoor aesthetics and the value of landscaping around the pool.

Rockeries And Waterfalls

The average pool (if there is such a thing any more) tends to be considerably smaller than those of yesteryear. When landscaping around your pool where the rustic and a natural look is preferred, rockeries and waterfalls are often incorporated in the design, in or around the pool. Planting is lush and plentiful and the hard surfaces become practical areas where chairs and tables may be placed and used for entertaining. But any pool should also form an integral part of your garden design and it should be modeled to complement your lifestyle.

Planning You Pool Surrounds

For landscaping around your pool to succeed, careful thought and planning are essential. It is not just a question of setting out the area, laying the surround, establishing a lawn and planting a few shrubs and flowers. You also need to consider adjacent areas where you can build patios and seating, as well as suitable spots to plant trees for shade and create screens which will protect the pool from wind. You may also want to incorporate complementary structures including built-in barbecues, gazebos and pergolas.

Try to take an environmental and holistic approach which will result in the creation of a setting which will suit the needs of you and your family.

Harmony

A successful pool landscape will combine a variety of elements which are pleasing to look at. Whatever style pool you choose, the final impression should be a unified whole which is well balanced.

Square and rectangular pools generally invite a formal approach to garden design and landscaping, with well proportioned features (including planters, pots and seating) placed in a symmetrical way. A free-form pool usually looks best in a garden with curved beds and rockeries.

A theme often helps to link individual elements, in which case even a variety of features can complement one another quite successfully.

Variety

The importance of a unified pool landscape should not underestimate the value of variety. There needs to be a reasonable diversity of features, materials and plants to create interest.

Just as a good interior design scheme relies on a balanced combination of color, pattern and texture, so too does any well designed garden, including the pool area. In fact a pool, more than anything, will benefit from an interesting backdrop and in this way make landscaping around your pool work well.

Proportion

Also remember that all elements of the landscape, particularly your swimming pool, must be in proportion to one another and in proportion with the house and garden.

10 Landscaping Ideas

 

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Though Not Strictly “Landscaping” These Items Will Add Charm To Any Pool Surround