How to Landscape Your Yard for Your Pool

If you have a pool or are considering getting a pool, one of the things that may be on your mind is how to landscape for your pool. When you have a pool, you want landscaping that not only compliments your home, but will give you shade and privacy. You also do not want plants that are going to mean more pool cleaning. It is possible to get landscaping for your pool that is both beautiful and functional. It is even possible to have landscaping that will not land in your pool. Here are some tips to consider.

Hardscape

The first ring around your pool should be a hardscape. After all, you will need a place to set lawn chairs and sit around your pool. For an above ground pool, a deck is a good idea. For inground pools Virginia homeowners believe a patio is the way to go. In fact, a patio should just be figured in as part of the inground pool pricing.This will give you a place to enjoy your pool and the beautiful weather. A patio or a deck should probably be part of the planning process when you decide to get a pool. It would be pretty strange to have a pool and nowhere near the pool.

Fencing

Fencing should already be around your pool as a safety feature. It should be installed as soon as the pool is. Just because it has a purpose, however, does not mean it cannot be attractive. Check with a fencing contractor for your options. You could get a simple chain link fence around your pool, but why? A wooden or vinyl privacy fence can be much more elegant and has the added bonus of offering you privacy from the neighbor's prying eyes.

Hedges

If you can only afford a chain link fence around your pool or if you do not require a fence around your pool at all, consider installing a hedge. This will give you added privacy and improve the yard's appearance, too. Even if you have a solid privacy fence, a hedge can make a border that creates a transition between the yard and the fence. If you do decide on a hedge to go with your fence, give yourself some space between the hedge and the fence for performing maintenance.

Shade

When you are outside using your pool, one thing that will always come in handy is shade. You can have an umbrella set up on your deck, but trees can be more permanent and more aesthetically pleasing. Do not plant them too near the pool as you want to enjoy their shade but do not want to constantly fish their leaves out of the water. Before planting any trees, keep the orientation of your yard in mind so that you know the path that the sun travels over your yard. This will help you to determine where to place your trees. Trees planted closest to the pool should be smaller, dwarf varieties, while larger varieties can be planted closer to the property line.

Decorative Plants

Decorative plants can create a transition between your border and your yard while bringing some production value to your yard. These could be taller flowering plants, big leafy plants and tufts of decorative grasses. Study home and garden magazines or hire a landscaper before making any decisions about the layout for these plants.

Plants to Avoid

There are some plants you should avoid having around your pool. In general, these are considered “messy” plants. They shed leaves or needles everywhere. For example, a pine tree will shed a ton of needles. Any value it might have as a shade tree is negated by the amount of work it will take to keep your pool clean forever after. You may also want to avoid plants that attract bees.

Having a pool will give you even more excuses to go out and enjoy the summer sun. It is a place where you can entertain friends and family. Choosing the right landscaping will only enhance your ability to enjoy your pool all summer long.