Having a pool added to your property isn’t just about the hole in the ground filled with water. The landscaping surrounding your pool is just as important to the finished product as the pool itself. Landscaping not only visually completes the space and sets its tone, but will also shape its usage and safety.

Getting Started

Landscaping refers to all the additional features of your backyard that surround, complement, and enhance your swimming pool. How you landscape your pool will depend entirely on how you intend to use the space, making every pool landscaping unique.

A well-landscaped pool area will not only increase your enjoyment and usage of the pool it surrounds but will help to further increase your property value.

Pool Focused

The swimming pool will almost certainly be the most expensive and central element of your backyard, and as such the landscaping should be designed around it. The best time to start planning your landscaping is at the same time as you are planning and designing your pool. By working on the landscaping and pool design simultaneously, you can better guarantee that the designs work together and complement each other.

Designing your landscaping in conjunction with and around your pool will also help you to select the right lighting options and make the best use of the space you have available.

Safety First

Landscaping isn’t just about the beautification of your backyard space. There is also a safety element to consider, which may also be a legal requirement. The pool itself should be surrounded by a suitably high (usually around 1.2 meters) fence, with a secure self-closing gate or access point. The fence should also be clear of any objects that would allow children or animals to climb over. Click here to learn more about fencing laws in your state.

The requirement of a fenced area for safety doesn’t have to limit your design of a personalised space, though. Secure fencing is available in a variety of styles and finishes from wood to metal and even glass so there is guaranteed to be an option to suit every landscaping design.

Considering Your Usage

The intended usage of your pool and backyard area will be the biggest factor influencing your design. Consider carefully what you want to use the area; do you want a relaxation space? A place to exercise? Somewhere to party and entertain? Some combination of all of them?

The usage of the area will not only affect the look and style but also any additional features you wish to incorporate such as a barbecue area or outdoor gym.

Landscaping Features

There are almost limitless possibilities when it comes to choosing your pool landscaping design depending on the look and feel you wish to create. You can even mix and match styles to create separate areas with different and unique feels. Here are some of the features to consider when planning your landscaping.

Paving

Paving or decking is an essential element of pool-side landscaping. Even if you want to go for a grass or natural garden look, paving or decking is required to cover the coping from the elements and to give a seamless look to the pool area. Paving and decking come in a wide range of materials, though, so whatever style you’re aiming for there will sure to be something to fit.

Lighting

Lighting will play an important role in your pool areas design. There are a number of options to consider here from in-pool lighting to general area lighting. Many lighting options are also available in a variety of colours to create different looks, with higher-end models having the option to change colours at will.

Food and Drink

If you want to use the space as a party and entertainment area regularly you may want to consider allocating an area for a barbecue and possibly a bar. Even when not entertaining a group, a barbecue can be a great way to enjoy the pool area in the summer.

Exercise

An outdoor gym can be a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the fresh air and summer sun. Depending on your budget, space, and workout requirements you can opt for something as simple as a single running or cycling machine or something more complex. Of course, there is also the pool itself which can be a great way to get in some relaxing exercise.

Garden

Adding a garden area or adding plants around your pool can be a great way to add a bit of nature to the space, creating a perfect feel for relaxing. Be careful when selecting plants as you want to avoid any that drop large amounts of leaves or pines clogging up the pool and making the surrounding area slippery.

Rock gardens can also be an excellent way to add a natural feel to the pool area without having to worry about the upkeep and maintenance of plants.

Narellan Pools are on hand to help you choose the right fibreglass swimming pool for your needs. Speak to us today!