Lawn & Garden

A Beginner’s Guide to Pool Landscaping

There is a bit of a misconception that pool landscaping is both expensive and challenging, but this is not always the case. As with most things in life, landscaping a swimming pool is only as hard as you make it, and you can draw inspiration from many simple design ideas.

image - Pool Landscaping

Whether you are planning to build a new pool in the not-too-distant future or want to change your pool area’s current landscape, you don’t need to go anywhere else to find out everything there is to know about pool landscaping.

Read on to find out:

  • What is pool landscaping?
  • Why is pool landscaping important?
  • How to create a good pool landscape design
  • Top pool landscape ideas for 2024

Plus, find out where to find the best pool supplies and how to cut the cost of your landscaping project.

What is pool landscaping?

Before exploring some of the most innovative pool landscaping designs online, let’s first take a closer look at exactly what pool landscaping is and what it entails.

In a nutshell, pool landscaping is the process of designing the areas surrounding your swimming pool. An integral part of the pool design process, the areas surrounding your pool can greatly affect its overall use and aesthetics.

Pool landscaping involves your choice of plants and other elements such as fencing, paving, decking, outdoor furniture, and lighting.

Why is pool landscaping important?

There are many reasons why you need to invest in pool landscaping including:

  • To enhance the overall look of your outdoor space
  • To make your swimming pool safer
  • To improve the functionality of your pool
  • To increase the value of your residential property or business

You do not need to have a huge budget to update the landscaping around your pool as you can find plants, pool supplies, and landscaping equipment for less when you compare prices and shop during sale events.

How to create a good pool landscaping design

Some people already have a good idea of what type of landscaping they want surrounding their pool, whereas others need some inspiration before making any decisions. If you fall into the latter category, the tips below will help get you started.

Make the pool central to your design

Ideally, you want to design your swimming pool before you start to design the surrounding landscape. This is because the pool should be the main focus of the space, with the landscaping complementing it rather than overpowering it.


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It doesn’t matter whether you have a small space to work with or a more expansive area. You can still create eye-catching landscaping with the right know-how and effort.

Focus on perfect positioning.

The position of your pool will also affect your choice of landscaping, so make sure you think carefully about this. Consider how your swimming pool will look from all angles, including from inside your home, as this will help ensure you can enjoy it for many years.

Ideally, your pool should be an integral element of your outdoor space, while still allowing you to pursue other recreational activities.

Consider safety requirements

When it comes to landscaping around your pool area, you need to think first and foremost about safety. This is especially important if you have young children visiting your home.

Pool fencing is a good choice as enables you to keep the area protected and prevents anyone from entering unsupervised. You can choose between permanent or removable pool fencing depending on your space and what you want the area to look like.

Think about your social needs

How often do you socialize in your backyard? Do you prefer to have the adults in one space and the children in another? If yes, then you need to consider this when landscaping your pool area.

There are lots of tricks and techniques that you can use to create different zones around your pool, as well as different atmospheres, many of which you will discover below.

Inject your own personality into the space

Last but not least, make sure that you inject some of your personality into your pool landscaping, as this will stop it from looking like everyone else’s. Don’t be afraid to opt for bolder choices if that is what you like, such as bright colors or clashing designs – remember, it is your backyard, so you can do what you want.

Top pool landscaping designs

If you still need a little bit of inspiration, then check out the below pool landscaping ideas, with designs to suit all budgets:

1. Build an island

Who says that pool landscaping has to surround your pool? Why not bring a touch of vegetation into your swimming pool by building an island right in the center of it?

Perfect for creating tropical and paradise-like vibes!

2. Hang string lights

Your choice of lighting has a big impact on not only your swimming pool but also the space that surrounds it. String lights provide a cost-effective and highly visually appealing way to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your backyard and are ideal for illuminating late-night swims.

3. Place planters strategically

Planters can be strategically placed around your pool to make the area feel more lush and green and also to show off your sense of style.

Choose organic planters and unstructured plants such as ferns for a cool and contemporary vibe.

4. Add a putting green.

For golf enthusiasts, what could be better than having a putting green right next to your swimming pool? Fun, frivolous, and oh-so-fabulous, if you have the space, install a putting green adjacent to your pool patio and let the good times roll!

5. Use hedges for privacy.

If you want to make your swimming pool area a little bit more private but don’t want to install a fence, then hedges are a great alternative.

All you need to do is plant high trees or bushy shrubs around the perimeter of your pool. Not only will this look beautiful, but they will also provide both privacy and shade during the sunnier months of the year.

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Published by
Perla Irish