A tree, strategically placed, can be a haven of coolness on a blistering summer day. The same principle applies to poolside landscaping – the right elements can turn a mundane backyard into a private retreat. And you’re not the only one looking for fresh ideas to jazz up your pool surroundings. More homeowners are investing in their outdoor space, and that shift is not just about visual appeal. It’s about crafting a welcoming, practical area that aligns with your way of life. From the comeback of lush tropical plants to the surge of minimalist layouts, there are plenty of concepts to consider. Let’s take a look at some of them, and you might just find a design that fits your poolside space.
Exploring Tropical Poolside Landscaping Trends
If you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway, why not bring that feel to life in your own backyard? Think about surrounding your pool area with tropical plants like palms, bird-of-paradise, and large-leaf plants. They can be kept in containers, which makes them easy to move and maintain. This is a hit, especially for folks in colder regions. By adding these tropical touches, you can design a pool area that feels like a private island escape.
Just remember – these plants aren’t frost-friendly, so you’ll need to move them inside before the chill of autumn sets in. This way, you can keep the tropical feel going regardless of the season. Your pool area can become a year-round retreat, blurring the lines between summer and winter.
Large-leaf plants and caladiums are particularly effective at creating that tropical ambiance. Their big, vibrant leaves give a nod to the lushness of a jungle, adding an exotic edge to your backyard design.
Colour is another key element in creating a tropical feel. Think bold, vibrant, island-inspired tones to really bring your space to life. With a thoughtful selection of local plants, you can make your pool area feel like an oasis, a space that feels distinctly yours.
One note if you are in the Lower Mainland: a poolside tropical planting scheme still needs to survive wet winters. Planting in containers so you can overwinter plants indoors is usually the more reliable route than trying to protect in-ground tropical specimens through a wet, mild winter.
Modern Minimalist Poolside Designs
Let’s look at the serene, clean world of modern minimalist poolside design. Here, simple lines and uncluttered landscaping blend to create a contemporary look that’s all about simplicity and practicality. The focus is on open space and a small number of strong elements, so the poolside area feels like a peaceful haven rather than a busy garden.
The main elements to think about:
- Smart use of geometric shapes and structures to create a minimalist feel
- A neutral colour scheme that keeps the focus on the water
- Clean, tidy open space
- Low-maintenance planting for a streamlined appearance year-round
Minimalist poolside design also has a practical advantage. Fewer plants near the water means less leaf litter dropping into the pool, which translates directly into less work for your filtration and less time spent skimming and vacuuming. If reducing maintenance is a goal, the simplest design is usually the one that delivers it.
Prioritizing Privacy in Pool Landscaping
When you’re planning your pool landscape, privacy is a key element. It’s all about creating a peaceful, secluded haven. Making sure your pool landscaping is private can transform your backyard into your very own retreat. Think about adding evergreen hedges or privacy fences around your pool. This creates a natural space that keeps unwanted glances away. You can also use tall, thick plants and trellises to block sight lines and increase the feeling of seclusion.
Consider the strategic placement of trees and shrubs. It can help maintain privacy without ruining the overall look. Adding structures such as pergolas, cabanas, or outdoor curtains can take your privacy further, and each gives you a private poolside space for unwinding or hosting.
Think about introducing elements like water features and retaining walls into your poolside landscape. They can boost privacy, add natural texture, and give your pool area a more settled atmosphere. In short, making privacy a priority in your pool landscaping does more than create a secluded getaway. It also adds value and character to your home.
One caution worth mentioning: tall hedges and dense planting near a pool need to be planned around sightlines from the house. If a planting scheme is going to block your view of the water from the main seating area, it will work against the supervision habits described in our pool safety guide. Keep the sightline from the house to the pool clear.
Creating a Poolside Rock Oasis
If you’re looking to give your pool area a natural, rustic feel, a poolside rock garden could be just the thing. Done well, it offers a calm look and turns your pool into the centrepiece of your outdoor space.
Here’s how to pull this off:
- Choose large rocks proportionate to your pool area. This balances the landscape and makes it look unified rather than cluttered.
- Keep away from small loose rocks near the pool edge, particularly where they are placed in large beds next to tall plants. Small stones near a wet deck are a slip hazard.
- Use rocks to echo the feel of the surrounding landscape, which helps create a smooth transition from your pool to its natural setting.
- Use boulders to give your poolside area a sense of rustic character.
On the safety point above: if you are adding rockwork, make sure it does not create ledges or steps a child could climb to reach the pool without supervision, and keep any water feature properly maintained so it does not become a slip surface when wet.
The Rise of Xeriscaping Around Pools
If you’re thinking about sprucing up the area around your pool, xeriscaping is worth a look. It’s all about using plants that don’t need much water, like those that handle dry conditions or thrive in a Mediterranean climate. The result? You save water and create a low-maintenance setting around your pool.
Why not introduce native plants that can withstand dry conditions? This not only saves water, but it also gives a natural, attractive look that fits effortlessly with your pool house and deck. And don’t forget about using pebbles and rocks. They’re easy to care for, drain well, and can be used to make walkways or seating areas.
A strategically placed planter can introduce a pop of colour to your pool deck. The ‘thriller, filler, spiller’ method is a reliable way to do this – a tall plant (thriller), a medium-sized bushy plant (filler), and a plant that falls over the edge (spiller). This combination creates visual appeal and works well alongside a low-water planting scheme.
Native, low-water planting is a particularly good fit for the Surrey, Langley, and Maple Ridge area, where summers are dry and water restrictions are a real consideration. It also tends to need less pruning and replacing than a high-maintenance tropical scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Thing to Put Around a Pool?
So, you’re trying to figure out what to surround your pool with, aren’t you? Drought-tolerant plants, stone features, and hardy perennials are all good options. These will beautify the space and increase its usefulness, creating a welcoming, tranquil poolside environment. The best choice is usually the one you can maintain without it becoming a chore, so favour plants that suit your local climate over ones that need constant attention.
How Do I Landscape Around a Pool?
Start with plants that are easy to care for and can handle dry conditions, and consider a Mediterranean style if you’re after a refined aesthetic. If you’re working with a tighter budget, containers and planters are a cost-effective way to add colour and structure. Tropical-themed planting can really elevate the mood by the pool, and of course, you can’t forget to keep up with routine care and maintenance.
What Is the Best Landscaping for an Above-Ground Pool?
One great approach is to incorporate plants that can withstand dry conditions along with raised planters that echo the height of the pool wall. To add style without breaking the bank, use planters that feature a mix of upright, bushy, and trailing plants. Keep in mind that an above-ground pool sits lower, so anything planted directly behind it can disappear from view – place taller specimens where they will still read from the house.
How Do I Beautify My Pool Area?
There are plenty of ways to spruce up the area around your pool. Start with potted plants, which can instantly bring greenery and a fresh feel. Installing soft, ambient lighting can also make a big difference, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere during evening swims. Decorative rocks add interesting texture, and a patio lounge gives you a proper spot for relaxing or entertaining. Working to a theme that matches your personal style gives the whole area a unified, deliberate look.
Get In Touch
JK Pools and Spa provides pool maintenance, repairs, and inspections across Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge, and White Rock. If your landscaping work means you are dealing with more debris in the pool, or you would like a seasonal clean and inspection, call 778-990-4539, email [email protected], or use our contact form.
Need a hand with this? JK Pools and Spa has been maintaining, cleaning and repairing pools across the Lower Mainland for more than 20 years. Whether you want weekly pool servicing or a regular service visit in Surrey, call 778-990-4539 or get in touch.
We also serve Surrey, BC and the surrounding area.
Written by Jeff Kingdon, owner of JK Pools and Spa. Jeff has maintained, cleaned and repaired pools across Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge and White Rock for more than 20 years. If you would like a professional opinion on your own pool, get in touch or read more about Jeff and the business.