Even though it’s that time of year where most people are closing their pools for the season, now is a great time to consider finishing those final projects around your pool (or having one installed). Whether you have an existing pool or are wanting to install one in in the future, landscaping and hardscaping around pools can oftentimes be an afterthought due to the excitement of the pool installation itself. No problem! In most cases, the finishing touches can be added at a later date or even completed in stages.
If you have an existing pool that needs the finishing touches, this article is for you. If you’re looking to have one installed in the future, this article is also for you. It’s never too early (or too late) to make a plan for your finishing touches. Even if it is a little more difficult to add on after the fact, a skilled and qualified Landscape Designer like one on our Envisioning Green team can make it happen!
Read on to find out some of the things you should consider when planning around your pool:
- Privacy – Do you live in an area where your neighbors can see into your backyard? You may want to consider this when it comes to your pool. Whether you choose to use privacy fencing or plantings, there are plenty of options in order to keep your neighbors from seeing you every time you take a dip.
- Paved Surfaces – There’s nothing worse than getting out of the pool on a perfectly sunny day and your feet are burned against the hot pavement. Unfortunately, a lot of time this happening isn’t considered until after the paved surface is installed. Additionally, you’ll want to think about whether the surface will be slippery when it’s wet. It won’t be very fun if the kids that enjoy your pool can’t also enjoy themselves outside of the pool. Whether you choose cool-crete or pavers, these are definitely things to ask about.
- Pool Equipment – The placement of the pool equipment is significantly more important than people often consider. You don’t want to place it close to the pool where you always have to listen to it and also don’t want it to sit out in the middle of your yard to be an eyesore. Luckily, there are lots of options when it comes to plants, privacy fences, or walls in order to hide the equipment and block out some of the noise.
- Plants and Landscape Beds – Landscape beds and plants are a great addition to around your pool. When choosing plants and materials, there are things to consider (that any good landscape designer will help you do). You’ll want to choose plants that are, of course, ideal for your climate and the level of sun in the area. In addition to that, you may want to consider not planting plants with thorns or sharp needles immediately next to the pool because they can cause injury when things get a little crazy (as they do when you’re at the pool)! As for the landscape beds, you’ll want to consider using medium to large size landscape rock instead of mulch or small gravel. The reason for this is because mulch or small gravel can get stuck to feet or get dislodged into your pool.
- Shade – Do you plan on having parties including small children or the elderly at your pool? Or are you just generally susceptible to the sun or burn easily? Then you’ll need to consider having a shaded space to get a break from the sun. While you may want to use an umbrella or trees, these have drawbacks of their own. Umbrellas can sometimes be destroyed in places with lots of wind and need to be replaced and trees can sometimes cause debris to fall into your pool. You may want to consider a more permanent shade structure over your patio in a pergola or a pavilion. These can provide the shade you need and also create the ability to use your space in many different climates and weather.
- Keeping Your Pool Clean – When planting plants and creating landscape beds, you’ll want to consider the ramifications of plants and materials on keeping your pool clean. Like we said before, mulch and small gravel can often get caught on people’s wet feet and end up in the pool. Additionally, different types of trees don’t shed their leaves as early or their leaves are more easily caught in the skimmer on the pool which makes it easier to keep your pool clean.
- Space to Entertain – Do you enjoy having large gatherings? Do you just want space to dance and run around? Make sure that, whatever you will use the pool for, there is plenty of space for it! The last thing you want is to have this beautiful space and not be able to use it the way you want. There’s even the option of adding on to your existing pool patio with pavers!
Feeling overwhelmed? No problem. That’s where a Landscape Designer comes in! From years of experience, they know the things to consider when creating a master plan for your pool and surrounding area. Want to phase things out? Also not a problem, your Landscape Designer can help you figure out the best and most cost-effective way to do this.
Ready to get started on your Edwardsville IL, Glen Carbon IL, Maryville, IL, O’Fallon, IL pool outdoor space? We’d love to help! Give our office a call today at 618-307-6677 to schedule your consultation or fill out the consultation request form by clicking here.
