Swimming Pool Landscaping Ideas

Swimming pool landscaping ideas can either turn your pool into the focus of your landscape or integrate this element into a larger design. While some households prefer a large pool for family swimming, others want a small pool for exercise or relaxation. No matter what size this element may be, swimming pool landscaping ideas should encompass all of the elements of your property, including patio furniture, shrubs or flowers, trees, natural timber or rocks and barbecue grills. Even the shed where you store cleaning supplies should complement your garden yard design.

Basic Designs for Pools

If you're installing a new swimming pool, you have an advantage when you're thinking of creative ideas for your property. Instead of having to plan your landscaping ideas around the previous homeowner's preferences, you can apply your own tastes and style to make the landscaping entirely your own. Once you're determined how much of the property you want to dedicate to swimming, you can choose a shape and style for this feature. The form of this element will set the tone for the rest of your swimming pool landscaping ideas.

Kidney shaped, round or oval pools have soft, unstructured lines that complement an informal design. You may choose to plant border gardens around the edges, filled with abundant, colorful flowers, or accessorize the poolside area with comfortable outdoor furniture. If you prefer a more natural, flowing design for your swimming pool landscaping ideas, a rounded swimming space may spark your imagination.

A square, rectangular or trapezoidal structure with clearly defined angles may complement more structured landscaping ideas. If you visualize a contemporary landscape with clear cut, angular lines, plan the features of your property around these ideas. If you have a large, rectangular body of water, the general shapes of your landscaping ideas should take their cue from this focal point.

Selecting Landscaping Elements

The purpose and function of your swimming area will contribute to your swimming pool landscaping ideas. A big, sparkling, aquamarine swimming pool may consume the entire back yard, while a small, non-chlorinated, natural body of water may blend into an exotic tropical design. If this water element dominates the yard, your choices may center around functional accessories and furnishings that will make your recreational time more comfortable and convenient, such as a grill, a picnic table with umbrellas and a shed for cleaning equipment.

Exotic swimming pool landscaping ideas may inspire you to create a small oasis in your yard. The contours of a lagoon are completely natural and free form, with no angles or hard edges. Quarried or manufactured rocks can be placed in artful arrangements around the edges of the water to make this feature appear to occur naturally on your property. Stone steps lead into the water, and in the right growing environment, tropical species like bamboo and palms can be planted around the border.

The paving that you choose also sets the tone for your swimming pool landscaping ideas. You can pave the area surrounding the water with textured concrete or accent the space with geometric pavers in rich earth tones. Eye-catching blue, green or yellow tile borders can be incorporated in your landscaping ideas to create a festive look.

Even if your property is dominated by water, you don't have to sacrifice lush, fragrant flowers or leafy plants. Concrete, timber or terracotta planters can be filled with native plants to fill your yard with color. Use the walls surrounding the water to your advantage to plant climbing flowers, like bougainvillea, passion flower or jasmine. Your swimming pool landscaping ideas may include built-in poured concrete planters, where trees and shrubs may grow.

Safety Considerations

Safety features must be taken into account when planning any landscape that includes water. For safety and privacy, include a secure fence or wall in your design. Walls and fences can be aesthetically appealing, using stones or wood that lend color and texture to your designs. For a Mediterranean look, plan a stucco wall with ornamental tile. In a more rustic setting, a simple cedar fence may be all you need to keep the area secure.

Consider who might swim on your property when you're designing your yard. If you have small children or grandchildren, life jackets and other safety equipment should be kept nearby in a poolside storage shed or on an adjacent wall. Even adults can be hurt in the water, so a first aid kit and security devices should be accessible at all times. Secure stairs or ladders should be installed to allow guests and family to safely enter or exit.

Swimming pool landscaping ideas can be fun and colorful, glamorous and subtle or natural and rustic. Your personal preferences, lifestyle and the function of this feature contribute to your design. Consult a professional landscape designer for advice and quotes on the pool of your dreams.

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