7 Outstanding Pool Landscaping Ideas and Designs

Pool Landscaping Ideas and Designs

A well-landscaped pool area can add a lot of beauty and style to your home. And adding a corner hot tub or other pool features can help you create the perfect backyard oasis. This article will discuss seven outstanding pool landscaping ideas that will help transform your backyard!

How a Pool Area Help Add More Value to Your Backyard

Having a pool in your own backyard is a luxury that many homeowners appreciate. Not only does having a pool make it easier to cool off on hot days, but swimming can be an excellent way to stay active and fit.

On top of these practical benefits, having a pool can also add more value to your home. However, to maximize the value of having a pool, you must invest in some quality pool landscaping. 

Pool landscaping can make the area around the pool more visually appealing and inviting and add an extra layer of luxury to your outdoor space. When done correctly, pool landscaping can help make your backyard feel like a true oasis.

Best Landscaping Ideas for Pools

Introducing a pool into your landscape can add a whole new dimension of beauty, fun, and leisure to the outdoor experience. With careful planning and imagination, you can create an oasis that will be the envy of your neighbors. 

To help get you started, here are seven outstanding pool landscaping ideas and designs.

Creating a Natural Environment

Creating a natural environment around your pool can help it blend into the landscape and make it look more like an extension of your backyard. This could mean incorporating plants, trees, shrubs, or stones to create a serene atmosphere.

For example, adding a pond with a waterfall or a surrounding vegetable garden can help your pool feel like part of nature. You could also use native plants that are pest-resistant and require less maintenance.

It's a great way to add color, texture, and structure to the surrounding area while creating a relaxing atmosphere. But you have to be careful not to overdo it. For example, if you're going with plants that need lots of sun, don't put them too close to the pool area because they could get sick from the water. 

Also, if your pool has a septic system, make sure that you don't use plants that have lots of roots or are invasive. They could clog up the pipes and cause trouble for you. 

Adding Attractive Focal points

Attractive focal points such as waterfalls, fountains, colorful planters, or statues can add a special touch to your pool area. These features can bring the whole design together while also adding texture, color, and movement to the space. 

You can include these features in a variety of ways: 

• Use a fountain as a water feature in the pool. Create a small waterfall by adding a small pump or filter and placing it near the pool's edge. You can also add rocks to create an edging effect. 
• Use planters along the side of the pool and fill them with colorful plants to give a pop of color. But be careful not to over-plant. 

However, make sure your focal points are set back away from the pool, so they don't block any views or sight lines.

Splash Pads and Feature Walls 

Splash pads and feature walls can be a great way to add another level of texture and color to your landscape design. Basically, these are pools that you can use to splash around in. They're fun, and they offer a great way to cool off in the summer heat.

Add a splash pad in front of your yard for this design. It will be a great place to take the kids, and it can double as an additional seating area around your pool. 

Feature walls are another great way to add color and texture. These are walls that are built right into the landscape design. They are usually constructed from a solid block of stone and can be beautiful.

It's also a great way to add structure to the space around your pool area. Add some feature walls in the front of your yard along your driveway and around your pool. These can be very simple and flat or more ornate and feature a more complex design.

Underwater Pool Lighting

If you want to add a unique and beautiful touch to your pool, consider investing in underwater pool lighting. This type of lighting creates an amazing ambiance and can truly bring your swimming area to life.

You can also change the color of the light to match your pool and surroundings. Underwater lighting can be a great way to add some beautiful accents around your space if you live in a dry climate.

If you're up for getting more adventurous, you can explore lighting options that move and project patterns onto the water. Lights that spin, strobe, and swirl create a party atmosphere that impresses your family and friends. 

Some lights also have remote control capabilities to change the light effects without getting out of the pool. Aquatic lighting can transform your swimming area into a magical paradise with the right setup.

Wooden Furniture

Wooden furniture is a timeless classic that adds beauty and sophistication to any outdoor space. Near the pool, it can provide a comfortable place to relax and soak up the sun. You can choose from various types, such as outdoor lounges, porch swings, and outdoor benches. 

Wooden furniture is also easy to care for and maintain with regular cleaning and oiling. In addition, it's durable and can withstand the elements, making it an excellent choice for poolside seating. 

Whether you're looking for rustic charm or contemporary elegance, wooden furniture near your pool is a great way to enjoy your outdoor space. Plus, wood has natural heat-reflecting properties that will help keep you cool on hot summer days.

Fireplace Lighting

Consider a firepit if you want to make your pool area a cozy gathering place in the evening. They come in a variety of styles and sizes — from traditional wood-burning models to modern gas fireplaces — and can be an inviting spot for guests to gather around during cooler weather months.

When using a wood-burning fireplace, it's important to remember safety tips such as keeping the area around the fireplace clear of flammable materials and using a fire screen to contain sparks.

With gas fireplaces, use caution when lighting and make sure the pilot light is off before leaving the area. Additionally, keep an eye out for possible carbon monoxide leaks from any type of fireplace.

No matter what type of fireplace you choose, you'll need to plan for lighting in the area. Consider using outdoor sconces or lanterns for a warm glow, or string lights along the mantel or around the pool deck to add ambiance.

For added convenience and safety, consider adding motion-sensor lights that will turn on when someone approaches the fireplace.

Terraces

Terraces are a great addition to your pool area. These elevated areas can be used for seating or simply above the water's surface. This would allow you to have an attractive and impressive entrance to your pool area without having to worry about stepping into the water.

You can even incorporate a waterfall feature that spills into the pool with the extra height. If you want to add some more drama and excitement, consider setting up spotlights or other lighting fixtures around the terrace area. This will create an enchanting atmosphere and help set your pool area apart from others.

You can also use terraces with elevated seating spots to provide extra space for lounging, sunbathing, or even holding events like parties and barbecues. This will give your pool area a more inviting and relaxed feel, as well as provide you with additional room for activities.

Depending on the size of your terrace, you can also incorporate tables and chairs so that your guests will have a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the view.

Things to Do Before You Start Pool Landscaping

Before you start pool landscaping, you should do a few things to ensure the best possible results.

1. Gather information

Before you make any decisions about landscaping around your pool, it is important to get as much information as possible about your pool and its surroundings.

This includes measurements of your yard, the type of soil in the area, the approximate depth of your pool, and the amount of sunlight it receives. You should also consider any surrounding structures or trees that may impact your landscaping design. 

2. Set a budget

Pool landscaping can be expensive, so it is important to set a realistic budget before you begin. Consider the types of materials and plants you will need, as well as any additional features such as lighting or water features.

This will help you determine how much to spend and help you stay within your budget.

3. Choose a design

Once you have gathered all of the necessary information and set a budget, it is time to start thinking about design ideas for your pool landscaping. If you’re overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional landscape designer or looking online for inspiration.

Make sure to take into account the type of pool you have, as well as any other features in your backyard.

4. Choose plants and materials

Now that you know what design elements you want to include in your pool landscaping, it is time to choose plants and materials. Consider the climate where you live and the amount of sunlight your backyard gets when selecting plants.

You will also need to determine what type of material you want for the pool deck, as well as any other features. 

5. Prepare your pool

Before landscaping around your pool, it is important to ensure the area is ready for change. This includes removing debris and weeds, leveling the ground, and adding any necessary nutrients to the soil. 

6. Hire a professional

If you don’t feel comfortable completing any of these steps on your own, it is recommended that you hire a professional landscape designer or contractor to complete the work for you.

This will ensure that everything is done correctly and your pool landscaping looks its best.