Landscaping Tips for Yards with Swimming Pools
Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009
Adding a backyard swimming pool? Trying to revise your landscaping around an existing pool? Here's how to approach landscaping in this key area in your backyard.
When planning to add or revise the landscaping around your swimming pool, you should understand the special characteristics of this unique area. Unlike the rest of your backyard, the pool area is characterized by massive amounts of concrete or a large above-ground structure. When landscaping, focus on softening the hard edges of the pool materials and adding some privacy.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Also consider where people will sit around the pool and plan the location of key landscaping materials accordingly. You may need taller bushes or fragrant flowers planted in key spots.
However, if privacy is your priority:
The landscaping around your pool can make a dramatic difference in the way your pool area feels and functions. With a little planning, this can be the centerpiece of your backyard entertainment area.
About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.
When planning to add or revise the landscaping around your swimming pool, you should understand the special characteristics of this unique area. Unlike the rest of your backyard, the pool area is characterized by massive amounts of concrete or a large above-ground structure. When landscaping, focus on softening the hard edges of the pool materials and adding some privacy.
Landscaping Design around the Swimming Pool
There are many ways to spruce up the landscaping around a swimming pool. Among the options are:- Curved shrub and flower beds that soften the edge of the pool deck
- Tall rows of evergreens for soft privacy screening
- Rock gardens with a waterfall, creating a sitting area near the pool
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Is adding privacy your main concern?
- Do you want to add colorful flower beds?
- Do you want fragrance to fill the air as people walk around the pool?
Also consider where people will sit around the pool and plan the location of key landscaping materials accordingly. You may need taller bushes or fragrant flowers planted in key spots.
Adding Privacy to Your Swimming Pool
The amount of privacy you need around your swimming pool will depend on the lot size and conditions. If your house sits on many acres, then privacy may not be as important. You may be selecting trees and shrubs to soften the look of the swimming pool and enhance the overall look of the backyard instead of focusing on privacy.However, if privacy is your priority:
- Add evergreens to give you landscaping color and screening year round
- Avoid deciduous trees that shed leaves in the fall, as the leaves will end up in the pool
- Look for trees and shrubs that grow 6 to 8 feet high or taller
- Pay attention to whether trees and shrubs grow up or out--each will give you different types of screening
Landscaping Maintenance Issues
As you look at landscaping materials, opt for those that require little maintenance. You don't want to be leaning around the pool chairs to trim a sculpted hedge every few months. Also avoid planting fruit trees, as the fruit is messy and attracts bees.The landscaping around your pool can make a dramatic difference in the way your pool area feels and functions. With a little planning, this can be the centerpiece of your backyard entertainment area.
About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.
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