20 Beautiful Pool Landscaping Ideas for Creating a Relaxing Oasis (2024)

Pool landscaping ideas don’t have to be expensive or difficult. A low-maintenance flower bed, a DIY accent wall, or some budget-friendly planters can transform a blah space into an inviting oasis. Dive in to see refreshing ideas for privacy, use of color, and creating intimate spaces.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert in pool landscaping, I can provide you with information related to all the concepts used in this article. Let's break it down and discuss each concept:

Low-Maintenance Flower Bed

A low-maintenance flower bed is a type of landscaping that requires minimal upkeep. It typically consists of plants and flowers that are hardy, drought-tolerant, and easy to care for. These types of flower beds are great for pool areas as they add color and beauty without requiring excessive maintenance.

DIY Accent Wall

A DIY accent wall is a creative way to enhance the visual appeal of a pool area. It involves using materials such as wood, stone, or tile to create a focal point or decorative element on one wall. Accent walls can add texture, color, and visual interest to the pool area, making it more inviting and aesthetically pleasing.

Budget-Friendly Planters

Budget-friendly planters are containers used to hold plants and flowers around the pool area. These planters are designed to be affordable and accessible, allowing you to add greenery and beauty to your pool landscape without breaking the bank. They come in various sizes, materials, and styles, making it easy to find options that suit your budget and design preferences.

Privacy

Privacy is an important consideration for pool landscaping. The article suggests using strategically placed hedges or evergreen plants to create a sense of privacy around the pool area. This can help shield the pool from neighboring houses or public view, allowing you to enjoy a more intimate and secluded swimming experience.

Use of Color

Adding splashes of color to the pool area can brighten up the space and make it more visually appealing. The article suggests using colorful flowers and plants, such as purple salvia and orange dahlias, to break up the monotony of straight lines and add vibrancy to the outdoor space. You can choose a color theme or create bold color contrasts to make a statement and enhance the overall aesthetic of the pool area.

Creating Intimate Spaces

Creating intimate spaces within the pool area can enhance the overall ambiance and make it more inviting. The article suggests using landscaping elements like hedges, fencing, and trees to frame the view from the pool. By strategically placing taller and shorter plants, you can draw the eye and create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere for swimmers and loungers alike.

Poolscaping with Rocks

Using rocks in pool landscaping can create a more natural and organic feel. The article suggests adding large rocks and boulders to poolside garden beds to bring the feel of the surrounding mountains into the backyard. It is important to choose rocks that are proportionate to the size of the garden beds and other landscaping elements to ensure a harmonious and visually pleasing arrangement.

Embracing Curves

Embracing curves in pool landscaping can soften the hard edges and create a more organic and relaxed look. The article suggests using natural edge pavers to break up the formal look of a pool area. Curving lines and random shapes can add visual interest and blend well with less regimented gardens. Choosing light colors for the pavers can also prevent them from becoming too hot under bare feet.

Creating Focal Points

Creating focal points in pool landscaping can draw attention and add visual interest. The article suggests using large planters as focal points near pool entrances or seating areas. These planters can be filled with lush plantings to create inviting spaces. Additionally, adding shade from an umbrella over the chairs can reinforce the message to sit and relax by the pool, making it a more enjoyable experience.

Ornamental Grasses

Using ornamental grasses in pool landscaping can provide a lush and low-maintenance option. These free-flowing grasses can blend with the pool's edge to create a natural look. Planting them at the pool's edge and allowing them to arch over the water can enhance the effect. Choosing taller grasses that sway gently with the breeze can create a more impactful and dynamic visual display.

Arbors and Pergolas

Arbors and pergolas can provide shade and create a cozy seating area near the pool. These structures offer a spot for adults to relax while keeping an eye on pool activities. By locating them near the water, guests in the seating area can still interact with those in the pool. Arbors and pergolas can add architectural interest and create a more inviting and functional pool landscape.

Freeform Pool Shapes

Freeform pool shapes can be accentuated by informal plantings. Instead of arranging plants in rows, the article suggests placing them in patches or scattering them randomly to keep the look low-key. Varying the height and choosing plant varieties that flower at different times of the season can provide continuous color and interest, creating a visually appealing and vibrant pool area.

Matching Color Palettes

Matching the color palette of your pool with your landscaping can create a cohesive and harmonious look. The article suggests using annuals in various colors to bring out the hues of the patio, furniture, and pool. Setting up an irrigation system with a drip line can help keep the plants watered, saving time and hassle. By matching the colors, you can create a visually unified and pleasing pool landscape.

Cascading Stems

Including plants with cascading stems in pool landscaping can evoke the look of waterfalls. The article suggests using plants like sweet potato vines that soften the hard lines of the pool shape while adding vibrant colors. Choosing plants with upright growth, like cannas, can create a pleasing contrast with the cascading vines, adding visual interest and enhancing the pool's overall aesthetic.

Grouping Elements

Grouping elements together in pool landscaping can create a more impactful visual effect. The article suggests grouping chairs to create a conversation area and clustering planters to provide lushness and greenery. By placing elements closely together, you can create a sense of cohesion and make a stronger visual statement in your pool area.

Tucking in Trees

When incorporating trees in pool landscaping, it's important to consider their proximity to the pool. Locating trees far enough away from the pool ensures that leaves, cones, fruit, or seeds won't fall into the water. Surrounding the trees with a natural mulched bed can keep the area clean and avoid the need for constant sweeping or staining of the pool deck.

Living Fence

A tall fence can provide privacy in pool landscaping, but it may look drab and uninviting. Planting tall evergreen trees in front of the fence can create a more natural and welcoming look. If a fence or wall is not allowed by local ordinances, a closely spaced evergreen hedge can be an excellent alternative for privacy.

DIY Accent Wall with Wood

Adding a wood accent wall is a popular DIY pool landscaping idea. It can completely transform the look of a concrete block retaining wall, adding warmth and a more natural atmosphere. When choosing wood for an accent wall, it's important to select a finish that is rated for outdoor use. By aligning the horizontal boards with the long axis of the pool, you can create a sense of symmetry and visual flow.

Intentional Reflection

Considering different times of day and multiple uses for your pool landscaping can enhance its overall appeal. The article suggests creating a private nook with a seat that is perfect for enjoying a peaceful outdoor breakfast. The colorful garden border is reflected on the pool's surface, enhancing the effect of being surrounded by flowers and greenery.

Strategic Seating

In a large backyard, minimal landscaping and ample seating areas can fill the space around the pool in a low-maintenance way. Placing seating on opposite sides of the pool allows you to take advantage of the changing sun or shade throughout the day. Locating seating areas according to their most likely use, such as placing tables near the grill and loungers in the sun, can optimize the pool area for relaxation and enjoyment.

No-Mow Solution

Using landscaping gravel as an alternative to grass can keep the pool area clean and prevent grass clippings from getting into the pool. Opting for pebbles over crushed rock and choosing a light, neutral color can hide messy materials like grass clippings and small sticks. Light-colored gravel is also cooler on bare feet, creating a more comfortable pool experience.

I hope this information helps you understand the concepts discussed in the article and provides you with a comprehensive overview of pool landscaping ideas. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!