Pool landscaping is the essential finishing touch on your backyard paradise, especially if you have already borne the expense of purchasing an in-ground pool. The blandness, the utter aesthetic mediocrity of a simple water-hole surrounded by…plain concrete? grass? – is unacceptable to anyone who truly takes pride in a significant investment. This is the fun part, the accessorizing. You have laid the foundation, and it is now your joyful opportunity to set this pool apart from the rest of suburbia. To do otherwise is to go halfway.
But where to start? You know that what you want is an oasis: a smartly designed, inviting, unique version of what every other schmoe on the block with a hole and a hose has. Planning is key. Don’t’ be afraid to break out the graph paper and the pencil. You don’t have to be a professional to plan great backyard pool landscaping, but knowing what fits where in the space you’re working with will save a lot of guesswork.
Step 1: the flora. If you wish to include plants, trees, or any other decorations inclined towards photosynthesis, you’re gonna have to make sure that the layout is conducive to catching rays (you’re not the only one sunbathing). Be sure that no feature of your backyard setup deprives plant life of sunlight. This includes larger plants blocking smaller ones. In fact, you must also be careful not to block the pool itself from sunlight, as well as any “lounge areas” where one poorly-placed shrub can result in tan lines that would make Hasselhoff cringe. Bear in mind also that any trees in the area of your swimming pool may prove more trouble than they’re worth come autumn.
Having established the plant plan, focus next on the manmade accessories, in order from biggest to smallest. There are truly no limits to what you can do, aside from imagination and budget. Waterfalls, slides, diving boards, etc…these big-ticket items should act as centerpieces around which the rest of your planning can occur. Decide on their location first. Make sure your pool is of appropriate depth (for safety reasons) to support such features, and make sure that any electricity or water that needs to flow to/from these things has a clear and safe pathway, consistent with local ordinances.
Be mindful of the need for some shade, and consider a canopy or umbrella. This allows children, the elderly, and redheads (if you know any) to take a break from the heat. Always install a proper pool fence, again considering safety and legal requirements, as well as privacy. Once these things are established, the rest of your backyard pool scheme can grow around them.
With the big stuff taken care of, decide next on the more subtle amenities. Pool lighting, for instance, is crucial. Even if you haven’t opted for lighting from within the pool itself, some mood-setting lamps around the pool make a huge difference. In fact, by adding pool lighting, you essentially double the enjoyability of your pool by making it a nighttime hotspot as well. Many lights are even solar-powered, requiring no electricity or wiring but instead charging themselves by day. Consider going beyond the standard white light, and create an atmosphere all your own with the many varieties of colored outdoor lights.
Think of your pool area the same way you would think of any other room in your home. You want it to be welcoming, to be interesting; to be a place that attracts everyone, including yourself. Is the furniture in your living room oriented towards socialization? So should it be in your pool area. Any backyard worth spending a summer in should have at minimum places to sit, lay, eat, drink, and converse. Ensuring those four simple activities have a place to happen makes your in-ground pool more than just a swimming hole.
Finally, one commonly forgotten or neglected necessity is pool storage. Chemicals, skimmers, poles, hoses, parts, etc; these utilitarian items can seriously detract from your poolside ambience. Picture yourself lying in the sun, your pool a glistening blue serenity framed by perfect landscaping, right by the…coiled up pool hose, bucket of chlorine tabs, and skimmer head. No good. Not to mention that in winter, you’re also gonna want to put outdoor furniture indoors, and preferably not in the den. The solution- an affordable but sturdy pool shed, one that can be erected in an out of the way corner. And remember- just because it’s utilitarian doesn’t mean it can’t be attractive. A pool shed can even be an integral part of your overall visual message if you so choose.
By following the advice above, you can take your hard-earned in-ground to the next level.
