Figuring out the best way to landscape around a pool can be a real headache. For years, I struggled with plants that dropped leaves into the water or roots that threatened the pool’s structure. It’s not just about making it look good; it’s about creating a space that’s enjoyable and doesn’t add endless chores to your weekend. What I found was that a bit of thoughtful planning, focusing on low-maintenance choices, makes all the difference.
Why Poolside Landscaping Needs Special Attention
Unlike a regular garden bed, a pool area has unique demands. You’re dealing with splashes of chlorinated or saltwater, intense sun exposure, and the constant battle against debris falling into the water. I learned pretty quickly that just throwing any plant in there leads to frustration. The goal is to enhance the pool’s appeal while keeping cleaning time to a minimum. It’s a balance of aesthetics and practicality.
Choosing the Right Plants
This is where many people, including my past self, make mistakes. I used to pick plants purely for their looks, only to regret it when the pool filter was constantly clogged. Now, I always plant with a purpose, keeping a few key factors in mind.
Chlorine and Salt Tolerance
Most plants can handle occasional splashes, but placing them too close is asking for trouble. I try to keep plants at least a meter (about 3 feet) away from the pool edge. For garden beds right next to the pool, I’ve had good luck installing a simple drainage system to prevent water from accumulating around the roots. Tougher plants seem to tolerate chlorine exposure better.
Evergreen and Low-Debris Options
One season, I noticed how much time I spent skimming leaves and flowers from the pool. That’s when I shifted to evergreens. Plants like Mondo Grass and hardy perennial flowers are fantastic because they don’t shed much. This keeps the pool filter happy and reduces my cleaning time significantly.
Small Root Systems
This is a non-negotiable for me. I once had a beautiful tree that I planted too close, and a few years later, I worried constantly about its roots damaging the pool wall. Shrubs and plants with small, non-invasive root systems are essential. Avoid large trees with aggressive root growth near the pool structure.
Low Maintenance and Resilience
Poolside plants are often under the sun all day and deal with splashes. I look for tough plants that don’t need constant pruning or fussing. Succulents, like Aloe, and hardy plants like Liriope are great examples. They stand up to the elements and don’t demand much attention, which means more time enjoying the pool and less time working on the garden.
Recommended Poolside Plants I Use
Based on what’s worked for me, here are some plants I’ve found to be excellent choices for various purposes around a pool:
- Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Flat Mat’): This variety is an excellent ground cover or border plant. It also works well on trellises for a flatter climb, offering dark green leaves and attractive white flowers. It’s drought and cold tolerant and handles full sun to part shade.
- New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax): This brings color and texture with its long, strappy leaves. Varieties like ‘Sweet Mist’ (bronze) or ‘Choco Mint Mist’ (mint green with chocolate stripes) are compact, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant. They do well in containers, too.
- Viburnum: Perfect for hedging and privacy screens. ‘Quick Fence’ grows fast and upright with glossy leaves and white flowers in spring. ‘Dense Fence’ offers a finer leaf and denser screen, requiring less pruning. They’re resistant to drought, heat, and cold.
- Liriope (Lily Turf): A slim, strappy evergreen that works for green walls or pool borders. ‘Isabella Liriope’ is a good ground cover with small pink flowers, a great alternative to Mondo Grass in full sun. ‘Just Right Liriope’ is even lower maintenance and can handle full sun, heavy shade, frost, drought, and wet feet.
- Westringia: These evergreen shrubs are excellent for ground cover and hedging. ‘Mundy Westringia’ is a low-growing variety with white flowers, good for full sun to partial shade. ‘Ninga Westringia’ offers dense green foliage and delicate mauve flowers, growing taller for privacy screening.
- Lomandra: A tough, native Australian strappy plant that tolerates most conditions, from full sun to shade and various soil types. The normal variety, ‘Tanika Lomandra’, is reliable for pool borders and mass planting. ‘Evergreen Baby Lomandra’ is a more compact option for smaller borders or pots.
Plants to Approach with Caution
I’ve learned to avoid plants that create more work or risk damage. High-maintenance plants that need constant pruning are out. Also, steer clear of large trees or plants with extensive, robust root systems that could potentially crack pool walls or flooring over time. And, no matter how beautiful, if a plant drops a lot of leaves, flowers, or seed heads into the pool, it’s not worth the extra cleaning effort.
Hardscaping and Design Elements
Beyond plants, hardscaping plays a huge role in creating a functional and attractive pool area. I’ve found that these elements can really tie the whole space together and simplify maintenance.
Patios and Walkways
Installing a generous patio around the pool does wonders for its appearance and provides valuable space for seating, outdoor kitchens, or just lounging. I appreciate having a solid surface that’s easy to clean and doesn’t track dirt into the pool. Using materials like Belgard Mirage Glocal Porcelain Pavers can create a modern, clean look.
Gravel as a Transitional Element
Around the edges of a patio, where it meets the lawn, I sometimes use gravel. It adds texture and color and helps prevent grass from encroaching on the paved area. The trick is to keep it away from the immediate pool edge so it doesn’t end up in the water.
Privacy Walls and Screens
For added privacy, taller shrubs like bamboo or arborvitae work well, but sometimes a solid wall or a well-placed fence is more effective. I’ve seen some beautiful elevated stone walls that not only provide privacy but also incorporate features like fire bowls or waterfalls, adding a touch of luxury.
Convenient Storage Solutions
A small pool shed near the water has been a game-changer for me. It keeps pool toys, chemicals, towels, and maintenance equipment organized and out of sight. It’s a simple addition that makes the pool area feel much tidier and more functional.
Lighting and Finishing Touches
Don’t underestimate the power of good lighting. Energy-efficient, low-voltage outdoor lighting not only improves visibility and safety at night but also extends the usability of your pool area into the evening. It creates a lovely ambiance without racking up huge energy bills. Potted flowers are also a simple way to add bright, movable color to the pool and patio, allowing you to change up the look easily.
Final Thoughts on Pool Landscaping
Creating a stunning pool oasis is entirely achievable, but it requires thinking beyond just what looks good. Focus on plants that are resilient, low-maintenance, and won’t create a cleaning nightmare. Combine these with smart hardscaping choices, and you’ll have a poolside retreat that’s both beautiful and easy to enjoy for years to come. It’s about working with the environment, not against it, to make your outdoor space truly shine.
