Landscape Design for Pools: The Best Hardscape Materials and Plants for Your Outdoor Oasis
Your inground swimming pool is not only an investment in your home, but it’s also an investment in the memories you will make in it and around it. Great landscaping and hardscaping make your pool area more functional and enjoyable. This comprehensive guide will cover what you need to know to get the most out of your swimming pool investment, whether you’re considering installing a new pool or looking to spruce up your existing one.
Hardscaping Around Your Pool
Hardscaping refers to the non-plant elements of your pool area, such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls. These features not only enhance the beauty of your pool but also add functionality and structure, making your outdoor space more usable and enjoyable. By incorporating hardscaping elements into your design, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing pool area that serves as the perfect backdrop for relaxation and entertainment.
Selecting the Right Materials for Pool Decks and Patios
Durability, required maintenance, slip resistance, and heat resistance are the main qualities to look for when selecting materials for pool decking. We recommend pavers as the top choice to surround your pool area because individual pavers can be replaced if damage occurs. A poured concrete patio, on the other hand, may need to be replaced in its entirety to fully address cracking or damage. We also advise against wood decking due to its maintenance requirements and lack of durability compared with hardscape materials.
Top Paver Options for Your Pool Deck
When selecting the best pavers for your pool deck, it’s essential to consider their durability, aesthetics, and how they perform in wet conditions. At Liquid Assets Pools, we recommend three primary types of pavers: concrete pavers, Belgard materials, and natural stone. Each option offers unique benefits that cater to different design preferences and functional needs.
Concrete Pavers: Versatile and Affordable
Concrete pavers are a top choice for many pool decks due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility. They are available in various colors, shapes, and textures, allowing you to customize your look to match your vision. Concrete pavers are also:
- Slip-resistant: Many varieties have textured surfaces that provide better traction when wet.
- Durable and easy to repair: Unlike poured concrete, individual pavers can be replaced if they become damaged.
- Heat-resistant options available: Lighter-colored pavers help reflect sunlight and keep the surface cooler underfoot.
Belgard Pavers: High-End Elegance and Strength
For homeowners looking for a premium option, Belgard pavers offer both beauty and superior performance. Recommended Belgard pavers for pool decks include:
- Noon Porcelain Pavers: These sleek, modern pavers offer exceptional slip resistance and are designed to stay cooler in direct sunlight, making them perfect for poolside comfort.
- Lafitt Grana Slab: A contemporary paver with a smooth, elegant surface that mimics the look of natural stone while providing durability and easy maintenance.
- Mega-Arbel Pavers: These irregularly shaped pavers create a natural, flagstone-inspired appearance, making them ideal for blending seamlessly with landscaping and pool designs.
- Dimensions Pavers: A modular paver system that allows for creative patterns and layouts while offering excellent slip resistance and longevity.
Natural Stone: Timeless and Luxurious
For those who prefer a more organic and sophisticated look, natural stone pavers are an excellent choice. Recommended natural stone materials for pool decks include:
- Travertine: Known for its porous structure, travertine remains cool underfoot and provides excellent slip resistance, making it one of the most popular choices for pool decking.
- Limestone: A durable and elegant option that offers a soft, natural appearance while being highly resistant to heat and moisture.
- Bluestone: A dense and durable stone with a rich, natural look that blends well with both traditional and modern poolscapes.
- Sandstone: A naturally textured stone that provides good traction and comes in warm, earthy tones to complement outdoor environments.
Retaining Walls and Planters
Retaining walls are a great way to manage slopes and carve out distinct areas in your backyard, adding depth and personality to your pool area. You can even integrate planters into the walls to bring in pops of color and lush greenery at different heights. This layered look not only adds visual interest but also makes the space feel more inviting and cohesive. With the right design, retaining walls and planters help you make the most of your outdoor space, giving your pool area a polished yet natural feel.
Best Plants for Poolside
Plants can enhance your poolside area in a variety of ways: providing shade, creating a privacy barrier that also blocks sound, enhancing aesthetic appeal, and boosting your well-being while in the space. Being surrounded by greenery has been proven to reduce stress. Native plants are also a boon for pollinators like butterflies and bees, which help support your local ecosystem.
Low Maintenance, High Impact
You can have a lush, well-planted poolside landscape without spending all your time on plant care—after all, you probably put in that pool for relaxation, right? We recommend these plants to create a look of abundance with minimal upkeep required:
Ornamental Grasses
Little bluestem and prairie dropseed are two native, drought-tolerant Missouri grasses that add movement and texture but require little extra care.
Evergreens
Evergreen shrubs and trees provide year-round greenery and can withstand Midwest winter conditions. Taller evergreens like green giant arborvitae (pictured), emerald green arborvitae, and skyrocket junipers are fast-growing and popular as privacy hedges. However, be sure to give larger trees plenty of space! Our experts can help ensure a safe distance so you get the benefits of shade and privacy without risking damage to your inground pool.
Flowering Perennials
Native wildflowers like black-eyed Susans, purple coneflowers, and Missouri evening primroses (pictured) attract pollinators, don’t require much extra watering, and add long-lasting color to your poolside space.
Tropical-Looking Natives and Cultivars
You might be landlocked, but your poolside space doesn’t have to feel like it! Capture the essence of an island resort and get the benefits of planting natives with hardy hibiscus and wild senna. While not native to Missouri, cultivars such as canna lilies (pictured), cold hardy banana trees, and elephant ears are also great options to create a tropical vibe.
Mosquito-Repellent Plants
Keeping mosquitos away from your outdoor space makes it more comfortable and enjoyable. Fragrant plants like wild bergamot (pictured) and lemon balm naturally deter mosquitoes.
Plants to Avoid in Poolside Landscaping
While the right plants can enhance your pool area, some species can create maintenance headaches or safety concerns. Here are a few types of plants to avoid:
- Trees with aggressive roots (willow, silver maple, poplar): These trees have invasive root systems that can damage pool plumbing, decking, and foundations over time.
- Messy trees and shrubs (magnolia, cottonwood, crepe myrtle): These plants shed large amounts of leaves, flowers, or seed pods, requiring frequent cleanup to keep your pool and filters clear.
- Thorny or spiky plants (roses, barberry, yucca): While beautiful, these plants can be hazardous if planted too close to high-traffic pool areas.
- High-pollen plants (mulberry, ragweed): These plants can contribute to allergies and irritate swimmers.
- Fragile or high-maintenance plants (hydrangea, azalea, fuchsia): These plants require significant upkeep and may struggle in the heat and humidity near pools.
Enhance Your Private Oasis with Landscaping and Hardscaping
Whether you’re planning a new inground pool or looking to enhance your existing one, hardscaping and landscaping can make the difference between a nondescript outdoor space and an extraordinary one. While the amount of choices can feel overwhelming, you don’t have to go it alone. Our experts have helped hundreds of homeowners like you bring their personal style to their poolside environments. We’ll guide you through the entire process to create a poolside landscape that you’ll never want to leave! Connect with a Liquid Assets Pools expert today for a complimentary consultation.
