How To Landscape Around a Pool
Landscaping around a pool gives you the chance to show off your creativity and style. Pools are a beautiful addition to a backyard and choosing the right type of landscaping makes the pool area a comfortable and relaxing place to be. Learning how to landscape around a pool is important; choose the right types of plants, plant them in the proper locations and minimize maintenance.
Determine where the immediate fencing around the pool will be located. All your plants and flowerbeds in addition to trees and other landscaping will be designed around the fencing both inside and out.
Mark off the area around the pool equipment and pool pumps. Decide if you wish to fence in this area or hide it with attractive landscaping. If any of this pool equipment could be dangerous to young children, you might want to fence it off.
Consider whether you want one or two places near the pool area for water features before you begin designing garden beds. Birdbaths, water fountains and waterfalls add a nice touch to landscaping, especially near the pool.
Make a drawing of the pool area including fencing and pool equipment. Measure potential planting areas and pencil in garden beds on the drawing. Write down the width and length of each planting area.
Decide what type of landscaping or theme you would prefer around the pool and maintenance requirements. Think about going with a desert landscape or perhaps a tropical theme. The landscaping around the pool should blend with or accent the remaining landscape in the rest of the yard.
Make a list of potential trees, flowers, bushes and vines that support your chosen theme. Write down choices of landscaping gravel, planter boxes, decorative rock, drip irrigation and outdoor lighting.
Research your favorite landscaping plants online or at the library. You need to know if they grow in your planting zone, how tall and wide they get and if they require shade or full sun. Determine if trees are deciduous (drop leaves) or evergreen.
Choose the best plants that meet your growing conditions and fill in the names on your drawing. After listing the position of each plant, divide garden beds into individual sections for each type of plant based on space and lighting requirements. Pencil in decorative landscaping materials, lighting choices and water systems.
- Walk outside to the pool area and compare your landscape drawing to the area you will be landscaping. Determine whether there are any last minute changes required before you begin work landscaping.