Pool landscaping entails a lot of planning, thought, and preparation. It’s not just about the water. There are issues with privacy, functionality, and maintenance to consider. There’s also the budget. You want to create the pool of your dreams while staying within a reasonable price range.
Don’t worry; it’s possible to get what you want as long as you do your homework. To help you get started, here are the best pool landscaping ideas for your home.
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When is the best time to redesign your pool?
Believe it or not, the best time to redesign the landscaping around your pool is during fall or winter.
There are several benefits to this. First, you get to have the yard all to yourself for this project. No worrying about plant beds or children running around. Second, should you want to hire a landscaping service, most of them offer hefty discounts then. Unlike in summer, many skilled contractors are open by fall and winter. So your project can run smoothly and on time.
And the best part about redesigning a pool on cold weather? It’s sure to be done by summer – perfect for the warm days ahead!
Magnificent Pool Landscaping Ideas
With a lot of creativity and a bit of inspiration, you can work with any budget you have. Just check out these amazing pool landscaping ideas.
1. Go natural with organic materials.
Credits to Hometalk
Natural swimming pools are all the rage! Instead of chlorine, natural pools use organic methods for filtering and keeping clean. They’re beautiful, sustainable, and makes for a wonderful conversation piece. You can also use the pool or pond to keep fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
2. Surround your pool with trees and shrubbery.
Credits to GoodManors via Homes To Love
Looking for a quick way to spruce up your pool landscaping? Include lots of trees and shrubs! The greenery will be a mood enhancer, while taller plants should provide ample privacy against prying eyes.
3. Be ready to entertain.
Credits to Blog Lady Life
Functionality is one of the first things you need to consider before planning your pool. Other than swimming and lounging around on a hot summer’s day, what else do you see yourself and your loved ones doing? Do you love having guests over? What would they like to do? Think more than just Jacuzzis. A swim-up bar for example, would be a great addition to a pool, particularly for families who love to entertain.
4. Re-create a luscious lagoon.
Credits to Line T Klein via House & Garden UK
A lagoon-inspired pool is like mimicking actual lagoons. It will require a freeform swimming pool shape, lots of plants and shrubs, and the water is typically blue, green, or teal. To complete the look of your mini paradise, you can include a waterfalls, LED lighting, a fire pit, and spa area.
5. Choose to be a minimalist.
Credits to Katy Ironman via Pinterest
There’s nothing wrong with simply wanting the essentials. Besides, a minimalist pool design is ideal for houses with a modern, industrial, or contemporary theme. Complement the hard materials with organic ones such as wood, stone, or sand. Don’t forget to add a bit of greenery to balance everything.
6. Pretend you’re in a chic resort.
Credits to Blog Lady Life
Having a pool in your backyard is like having a little resort right in your own home. So spruce it up a notch! Go glam with luxurious chairs, décor, and large potted plants. Add a space for spa treatments or maybe an outdoor bar. Make it a personal yet super chic retreat.
7. Elevate the seating area.
Credits to Casa Très Chic
An easy and quite inexpensive project for your pool landscape would be an elevated terrace or deck. This will give you an unobstructed view of the water as you relax or watch over your kids.
8. Add magical pool lights.
Credits to CNN Money
Never underestimate pool lighting. Plan smart and include all kinds of lights, depending on what you want to highlight. For instance, strip LED lights around the pool will brighten it for night swimming. For something magical, try fairy lights or globe illuminators. As long as they’re water-proof, they’re good to go.
9. Take advantage of geometry.
Credits to The Rex Garden
Symmetry has always been considered beautiful. Whether you choose to apply geometry on the tiles or on the shape of the pool itself, the outcome is bound to be impressive.
10. Use fire pots for warmth.
Credits to Pratt Guys via Pinterest
Fire pots are not only decorative, they can also be practical. Use it for cold weather so you can quickly warm up after a quick dip in the pool; or light it up to create an inviting ambiance for sharing stories.
11. Opt for an endless pool design over zero edge.
Credits to Fran Parente via Arch Daily
Infinity pools may look amazing (especially for those whose properties have gorgeous views), however, they can be costly, unsafe, and difficult to maintain. Endless pools on the other hand, are affordable, can be used for all kinds of activities (e.g. swimming, boogie boarding, Marco Polo, etc.), and can be installed even in small spaces. Want a pool that works for your home? Ask your contractor about an endless pool design.
12. Try bedhead garden design.
Credits to Casa Très Chic
Complement your structured pool with a ‘bedhead’ garden. As the name suggests, this landscaping style is all about natural beauty and local plants. Use colorful flowers and native grasses. Create an ‘overgrown’ look by letting wildflowers randomly spring up against lush foliage. For décor, opt for natural materials such as wood, stone, or pebbles.
13. Make use of decorative walls.
Credits to Tiffany Kim via Green House Studio
Got a bare wall against your pool you have no idea what to do with? How about art! It’s time to let out your inner artist. If you have kids, this could be a fun project to do together. Another option would be to use creeping plants or succulents to create a green wall. Whatever you choose, don’t let that wall go to waste.
14. Be green with recycling.
Credits to Stevenson Projects LLC via Etsy
Natural materials aren’t the only sustainable things you can add for your pool landscaping. Try wooden pallets for a deck, old coat hangers as towel holders, or even worn-out car tires to hold in plants. Almost anything can be re-used and recycled – it’s a matter of creativity.
15. When in doubt, go all out!
Credits to Next Luxury
If money is not an object, then pull all the stops for your pool landscape with everything your heart desires! Add slides for kids, a Jacuzzi for adults, lounges for the ladies, and a bar for friends. Include a garden with all your favorite flowers, as well as a fire pit for cozy night talks about the future.
Which of these pool landscaping ideas is your favorite?
