Swimming in a private pool is one of the best ways to spend a hot summer day in Australia. On some particularly hot days, a private pool may seem like less of a luxury and more like a necessity. The swimming pool can be a meeting place for friends, a spot for family fun, or even just a relaxing place to wash your worries away, but no matter your reason for owning a pool, a swimming pool is an investment that’s nearly always worthwhile when you consider the memories, fun, and peace of mind it can bring.
One way to make sure you’re getting the most out of your pool is to considering landscaping—the process of using man-made materials and foliage to beautify your backyard and pool area.
What is pool landscaping?
Landscaping is the process of developing the aesthetics a yard through hardscape or softscape, so that the space is more attractive and scenic. This can be done in a variety of ways to create a diverse array of aesthetically beautiful areas, within almost any budget. While some may picture major renovation when considering landscaping, the reality is that landscaping can be done on both a large and small scale, so it really is possible for any pool owner to convert their backyard into a beautifully landscaped paradise.
Softscape
For many, the word landscape brings to mind the process of softscape. Softscape means adding plants and trees to a yard to add beauty through natural foliage. This can be done in a carefully manicured manner so that the plants are neatly trimmed and cared for. On the flipside, the plants can also be planted more sporadically so that the backyard has a more wild, natural look. This creates a pool atmosphere that is more tropically natural than manufactured.
Softscape swimming pool landscaping is a wonderful way to transform any pool space, but there are a few special things to consider while choosing the best way to add softscape to your yard. Softscape is very natural looking, but it does require some level of upkeep. Consider that weeding and and trimming will be necessary every now and then, and that the spread of leaves and flowers may mean cleaning your pool more often. For some, the budget allows for the hire of a person to manage these things, but if you plan to take care of it all yourself, consider how much time you’ll be spending on maintenance and then decide whether it’s worth it.
When it comes to pool landscaping ideas for small backyards, softscape can provide a simple way to liven up a small space. Simply adding a few small plants and trees around your pool area can completely change the vibe of your backyard. While gazebos, patios, and winding paths are a lot of fun, you can achieve that coveted garden-feel in your small backyard by selecting the perfect foliage to frame your pool
Hardscape
Hardscape is the very opposite of softscape. Rather than using plants to decorate the lawn, hardscape uses concrete, man-made items to add decoration to the yard. For the bigger budget, this can include the addition of patios, walkways, gazebos, and more. For a smaller budget, simpler decor, such as furniture also counts as hardscape and can completely change the mood of a yard and pool. The addition of hardscaping can help to make your yard the ideal place for backyard hangouts, and it will help you get the most out of your pool as you will have outdoor facilities to go along with it. If you aren’t interested in having to deal with the upkeep of plants, hardscape may be a more realistic option for your backyard.
Why is pool landscaping a good fit for my backyard design?
Landscaping at home is important because it makes it easier for you to enjoy your pool and backyard. Landscaping adds character to your yard, which increases your enjoyment of time spent outdoors. It’s also likely to increase your property value. There are many reasons that landscaping is a great decision, and they are unique to each family. Below are just a few examples.
Pooltime Privacy
The reason that many people invest in a pool is so that they don’t have to share public facilities with strangers, and so that they can have privacy in the water away from any prying eyes. This is completely understandable—you want to be able to drift away into your own thoughts when relaxing by the poolside, not be worried about who may be watching or what they may be thinking. Adding landscaping to your yard can provide a great deal of privacy, whether that’s through building a cover or simply planting trees that can block your neighbour’s views. In this way, landscaping your yard can make you far more comfortable in the pool, and make you more likely to use it and get more out of your investment.
Shade
A huge advantage to having a pool is having somewhere to take a dip and cool off in when the temperatures rise. A backyard pool makes this incredibly easy. However, when the Australian sun beats down, even a swimming pool may not be enough to help you stay cool in the summer. Landscaping your yard can provide shade either through a manmade cover or via trees planted nearby. A shady spot gives you a place to get out of the sun, which decreases your risk of getting burns, sun damage, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. When placed above your pool, a cover can also help keep your pool water cool throughout the hot summer season. This is another way that you can make sure that you are getting the best use possible out of your pool so that your investment pays off.
Character
Landscaping your yard can help you create an ambiance by your poolside that will make you never want to leave it. Whether you dream of drifting away in tropical waters or floating in a carefully manicured garden, your vision for your backyard pool can come to life by landscaping your yard to fit your wishes. When your own pool fits your dream vacation, you are more likely to spend time in the sun, and you can enjoy every minute of this little peaceful getaway.
Similarly, landscaping your yard can make your pool the focus of attention. Backyard pools are great centrepieces for any lawn, and doing the proper landscaping work can make it so that your pool is not only a place to cool off, but the focal point of your backyard. Make the most out of those pristine waters and allow them to set the stage for the rest of your yard.
What do I need to know before I start my pool landscaping project?
Pool landscaping pays off in the end, but nevertheless, it can be quite the project. Before you start, here are some handy things to consider to make your job just a little bit easier.
Do some research and have a vision in mind.
While the versatility of landscaping is one of the things that makes it so great, starting from scratch can be a little bit overwhelming. Before you head into the store, do some searches of the various options and themes that are available for your yard. Are you wanting something tropical? Something clean-cut? Hardscape or softscape? Answering these questions before you go into the shop will help you decide what to buy, or help you to explain it to a helpful store employee so that they can help make your vision come to life.
Decide how much maintenance work you’re willing to put in.
Whether you have a ton of time on your hands or barely have any minutes to yourself, landscaping is an option for any schedule. However, some forms of landscaping will require more maintenance than others, so it’s important that you consider your own schedule before you make any decisions. Hardscape will generally require the least amount of work after installation, although it may still need to be swept or cleaned every now and then. Softscape can be a bit trickier. Some plants require constant attention while others are more self reliant. If you have your heart set on a certain vision but just don’t have the time or energy to maintain it, consider hiring a maintenance person to the hard work for you so all you have to do is sit back and relax.
Carefully choose which plants will best fit your lifestyle.
Softscape creates a scenic look for your yard, but it is important to consider what will work best for your lifestyle. For example, some plants shed more than others, such as flowery or fruit bearing plants. If you want to have your plants near your pool, it may be better to go with an alternative choice to avoid having to clear debris from the waters. Similarly, plants with sharp needles might not be ideal to have near a pool. The last thing you’ll want to worry about is walking across sharp needles or having pool floaties popped by them, and so you’ll need to decide if you’re willing to put in the upkeep required for that kind of plant.
Another thing to consider is what your plant will look like once you get it home. It may be perfectly proportioned in shop, but it might grow far bigger than expected. Make sure to do your research or ask a store employee their opinion on whether your plant will grow to epic proportions. On a similar note, you’ll want to be sure to check your plant for sprawling roots. Some plants, especially trees, have roots which dig deep and spread out, and that can lead to damage to your pool system. In order to protect your investment and ensure that no damage is done, avoid large trees and ficas so that you won’t have to worry about what’s happening beneath the ground.
If you are not huge on gardening, make sure you also look into what plants will be the most durable. Some plants require near constant watching, watering, and weeding, and so these may not be ideal choice for someone who has a busy work schedule or who is frequently away on holiday. Other plants can survive much better with limited attention, and so those would be a good choice for a busy person. Another thing to consider is which plants can easily survive under the hot sun. For this purpose, it may be wise to choose plants which are native to the area so that you don’t have to tend to them quite so much.
Is landscaping a good decision for me and my yard?
Choosing to landscape your yard can be a monumental task that can seem quite daunting in the beginning. However, making this investment is absolutely worth it in the end, and all of the hard work does pay off. No matter your budget or the time you’re willing to commit to the project, there is an option for every yard and every lifestyle. Landscaping your yard can turn the everyday pool into an oasis where relaxation takes place and memories are made, and that experience is irreplaceable.
Ready to make your pool and backyard ideas a reality? Reach out to our expert team today for specific details on how you can get started on your next pool-related project.