Pool landscaping ideas that elevate your backyard oasis

The backyard pool has changed a lot over the years from a simple recreation area to a beautiful oasis, which can add to the atmosphere of an entire home. More and more homeowners are transforming their pool areas into serene retreats that they can escape to when they want to relax and enjoy some outdoor living. The key to bringing out this change lies in pool landscaping that helps in turning the backyard into a peaceful and functional space.

A thoughtfully designed landscape will transform an ordinary pool space into an extraordinary getaway. With the right plants, hardscapes and privacy features, the space can be as inviting as a family room. Whether that involves adding some greenery, laying down some decorative stone, or simply making sure the area feels private, every detail counts when it comes to creating the ideal poolside space.

How to Design a Functional Pool Landscape

A workable pool landscape design tips a balance between aesthetics and functionality. It’s crucial to successfully blend the pool and landscape together to develop a backyard masterpiece that is both aesthetic and functional.

Layout Considerations

A well thought design is key to producing a space that looks great and is practical. The pool must be situated to take full advantage of views as well as the movement of the sun and any existing backyard structure or features.

One option is to put the pool next to a patio or a deck, to combine water with a comfortable space to relax. The design should make room for future additions, such as a bar area, fire pit or garden.

Flow and Accessibility

Freedom to move between the pool, seating areas and other outdoor spaces is a necessity. Understanding the circulation is paramount so guests can have an uninterrupted experience. Try incorporating large, easy-to-maneuver walkways or pathways to lead guests around the space, such as from the pool to a lounge area or a nearby garden.

Accessibility also contributes to user-friendliness because it will otherwise not be possible to place furniture such as couches or tables around the pool area. A practical design will also account for easy access to poolside items, such as towels, drinks or pool toys, that can all be incorporated into the design.

Top Plant Picks for Pool Landscaping

There are few better ways to bring a backyard to life or make it feel like a garden retreat than by adding a swimming pool. The perfect plants will turn a pool area into a tropical oasis. Let's take a look at a few ways to add plants to a stunning pool landscape.

Tropical Vibes

Tropical plants make for a resort-style oasis. These plants offer a lush, colorful look that will instantly make any pool feel like a vacation spot.

• Palms: Palms are iconic, tropical plants that provide height and interest. They also make for great tropical-themed additions to the pool. Areca and coconut palms are solid choices challenging to a back yard and able to grow tall enough to be a natural privacy screen.
• Hibiscus: Hibiscus plants have big, bright flowers. These plants can turn pool into a colorful oasis. They do great in heat, and they are nice around a pool.
• Banana Trees: Banana trees make the setting feel more tropical with their big, lush green leaves. In addition to providing shade and seclusion, they create a lush, jungle-like environment around the pool.

Low-maintenance Pool Landscaping

Low-maintenance plants are an excellent choice for those who want a stunning pool landscape with very little effort. They’re low water and easy to maintain plants.

• Succulents: Succulents such as agave or aloe vera make sense for people who don’t want high-maintenance gardens. They store water in their leaves, so they are perfect for pool landscaping. And they do so in a variety of shapes and colors for a unique touch.
• Ornamental Grasses: Both blue fescue and feather reed grass are nice for pool landscaping. They’re easy and offer a low-maintenance, natural look. These grasses would be great for adding texture and movement around the pool.
• Lavender and Rosemary: Lavender and rosemary are not only fragrant but also low-maintenance. They are drought-tolerant once established and provide flowers to color the pool area.

Privacy Hedges

To keep the pool area private and away from prying eyes, planting privacy hedges can help block out unwanted views. These plants act as protective walls that give a more intimate and serene feeling in this space.

• Boxwood: Boxwood is a dense evergreen shrub that is ideal for privacy, with its full shape. It looks great and is perfect for both formal and casual gardens.
• Lilacs: Not only do lilacs create a screen between you and the neighbor, they also fill the air with the scent of blooming flowers. They may block views but provide a nice fragrance around the pool.
• Laurel or Privet: Laurel and privet are good choices for fast growing privacy. They’re quick to grow, and their thick leaves make them ideal for creating privacy around the pool in no time.

Color and Texture

Some colorful and textured plants could help to create a more interesting and attractive poolside area. When gardeners mix plants with different shapes and colors, the garden becomes more stylish and interesting.

• Mix of Plants: Mixing different plants of various textures, such as ferns with agave, creates diversity and interest around the pool. It’s a combination that makes for the most natural and balanced look.
• Textural Contrast: Combining soft grass plumes with bold, statement plants such as yucca or palms provides a contrast. The variation in texture gives interest to the scenery.
• Color Accents: Colorful plants such as red canna lilies or yellow marigolds provide bright color accents. Softer plants such as lavender or silver succulents, on the other hand, give a little less intense, relaxed energy to the vibes.

Poolside Privacy Landscaping

Creating a private oasis around the pool is the key to turning it into a sanctuary. Landscaping around a pool with plants cannot only add some privacy but also provide natural screens from tall plants and shrubs.

Strategic Planting

The easiest and most effective solutions to gain more privacy around the pool is to plant strategically tall trees and shrubs. Such plants can be living privacy screens, shielding from neighbors or passersby.

• Tall Trees: A well placed row of tall trees, such as evergreens, cypress and pines, around the pool space can make a natural fence. These trees offer privacy and serenity, in addition to hiding those peering into the garden. The tall and thick foliage of the trees provides a serene retreat.
• Shrubs: Thick shrubbery, such as boxwood, laurel or holly can be used to create a low-maintenance privacy shield. These plants are dense, providing an instant screen and hiding unsightly pool equipment from view.

Natural Screens

For people who want to add privacy without blocking the view completely, natural screens are an option. These can be made with climbing vines or trellises to serve as green barriers, yet allow some light and air to pass through.

• Climbing Vines: Plants such as ivy, wisteria or morning glories can be trained to grow on trellises or fences. While they grow, they create a wall of green that gives privacy and softens the pool area with a soft, natural look.
• Trellises: Adding trellises around the pool can be the ideal place for climbing roses or clematis. They can also be strategically placed to form a living wall that provides privacy and beauty without overshadowing the landscape.

Fencing Alternatives

For a more formal look, replace it with a simple fence alternative such as a bamboo or reed screen. These materials form a natural looking, aesthetically pleasing barrier that will fit in with other landscaping.

• Bamboo: Bamboo fences are a great option if people need privacy. Bamboo is not only fast-growing, but it also has a unique and exotic appearance that is perfect for tropical pool landscaping ideas or modern poolside landscapes. It can be built to give a perfect privacy screen for those pools that require privacy and security.
• Reed Screens: Like bamboo, reed screens add a natural look that looks perfect in any garden. These screens are lightweight, portable and delicate but solid and reliable, and can be simply placed indoors. Add the perfect touch to a variety of indoor or outdoor decorations. Reed fences are also flexible and can be easily cut to size and installed to confine the area.

Modern Hardscaping Elements

Hardscaping is an important element in transforming the pool area into a stylish, useful outdoor sanctuary. Whether it be walkways and seating areas, carefully chosen materials and features can add style and atmosphere to an outdoor area.

Pavers and Pathways

Pavers and pathways are a key element to control circulation around the pool and are a great way to introduce texture to the composition.

• Flagstone is a material that lends a touch of the outdoors to any home, offering a rustic appeal that blends in with any space. It comes in multiple shapes and sizes, so the pool deck can have a more natural approach.
• Concrete pavers come in a variety of colors, textures and shapes. They're tough, slip-resistant, and can be laid in intricate designs, so they're a good all-purpose solution for poolside walkways.

Decking Options

When it comes to poolside decking, choosing the right material is important for both durability and aesthetics. Three typical choices are:

• Wood decking is beautiful and is warm under the feet. One downside is that it does need to be treated regularly to avoid weathering, rot and staining.
• Composite decking is made from a material that is a mixture of wood fiber and plastic, is durable, moisture- and stain-resistant, and easy to clean. It is also available in a range of colors and textures.
• Stone decking is very durable and prevents slipping, making them an ideal option for modern backyard pool landscaping and classic pool designs.

Water Features

Water features such as fountains or waterfalls can create the natural sound of motion and peacefulness. A waterfall that pours into the pool makes a soothing sound like a babbling brook, and a fountain introduces formality. These elements both make the landscape more attractive and add to the general ambience of tranquility within the area.

Fire Pits and Seating Areas

Fire pits and seating areas are perfect for inviting spots to relax and entertain after a swim. A fire pit adds heat and atmosphere that is perfect for evening entertaining. A set of lounge chairs, or a complementing built-in bench, will turn it into an inviting outdoor living room.

Sustainable and Low-Maintenance Landscaping

Sustainable landscaping is the implementation of designing beautiful outdoor spaces in order to conserve water and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers. For a more eco-friendly and low maintenance poolside landscaping, consider these project ideas.

Water Conservation

There are few better ways to save water around pools than with xeriscaping. Xeriscaping refers to choosing plants that are not so thirsty and using mulches and ground covers to retain water around the plants. This approach reduces the requirement for watering and is thus an intelligent choice for water conservation. Succulents, display grasses and indigenous shrubs are good plants for xeriscaping.

Native Plants

Selecting native plants adapted to the climate of the region can greatly reduce the maintenance and water requirements. These plants are pest, disease and weather resilient, and need less attention and water. Native grasses, wildflowers and shrubs are a good match for local conditions and can grow without the need for a lot of water and added fertilizer.

Efficient Irrigation

Drip irrigation can also save water and still provide a lush landscape. Unlike conventional sprinklers, drip irrigation targets water to roots, requiring less water and ensuring each plant gets just the right amount of moisture. This system is perfect for deserts and for plants that need regular watering.

Eco-Friendly Materials

When it comes to hardscape, use recycled or sustainable materials. Use recycled concrete, reclaimed wood, eco-friendly pavers for walkways and decking and other elements. These being long wearing options, are more environmentally friendly as well and contribute to green pool area design.

The Bottom Line

There is a lot of thought that goes into pool landscaping in order to make this space an extension of the home, and a beautiful and functional space. With the right design, plantings, hardscaping and privacy features, anyone can create his or her perfect poolside getaway.

For those who are into sustainable landscaping, consider exploring Growcycle which educates with great information and gardening tools to turn their yards into a haven for earth friendly gardening. They specialize in smart, low-maintenance pool landscaping to complement a beautiful green backyard that is conditioned for enjoying outdoor living in and around the pool.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.