Pool Fabulous

Article Written By: Jordan E Raley

When thinking of how best to pair your pool with your landscape ideas, you want to think of the functions of each item. Will the plants need to offer privacy? Do you need additional lighting to keep pathways safe for night swims? Would a pergola or pavilion help lend some comfort from the sun? Whatever the needs and function, Full Circle Land Design can help maximize the potential of your pool, whether you need to landscape around an existing one or are just in the design phase for a new one.

Landscaping around a pool can help add visual appeal and enhance your sensory experience through smell, sight, and sound.

1. Plants for Pools

Plants can elevate the look and feel of your surrounding pool area while also providing privacy, ornamentation, and beauty to your outdoor space. Look to low maintenance plants like robust succulents (such as Aeonium, Plumeria, or Dwarf Jade) and ornamental grasses like the Tennessee friendly Muhly Grass; these showcase beautiful textures and colors throughout the seasons. Just remember: no thorny plants! A thorn in your side they will be (pun intended). The low maintenance selection of plants to surround your swimming space help keep your oasis peaceful while minimizing upkeep so you’re not spending your hard-earned relaxation time fertilizing, trimming, and weeding.

While many flowering plants may be beautiful, they could shed petals/fruits or also attract unwanted insects or bees, again deterring the laid-back atmosphere you’re hoping to create in this space. If looking to add more colors and scents via flowering plants, perhaps planters that can be moved or placed along a pathway may be the best suggestion.

Certain shrubbery or small trees can lend an exotic, tropical vibe to your space (palm trees or banana trees, anyone?), along with privacy. These tropical style plants must be picked with caution, since a lot of them may get damaged or die in the Winter. In addition, make sure the root systems won’t damage the pool and/or patio structure and plumbing.

2. Pool Pavilions and Pergolas

Pavilions and pergolas around swimming spaces provide ample room for families and friends alike to relax pre or post swim. These spaces create intentional shade while maintaining an open space to aid with balance and fluidity of design. The lattice top of the pergola will add a bit of shade from the hot afternoon sun. If you desire a more protected outdoor living space, a covered pavilion is the optimal choice. A fully furnished pavilion will certainly be the epicenter of your backyard, perfect for entertaining, eating, or just relaxing. And a wood fireplace adds a nice, relaxing touch for the evenings. Or how about an outdoor kitchen? Here at Full Circle Land Design, your desire for a traditional pavilion or a unique spin on a classic is something we can accommodate.

3. Lighting around Pools

Fairy lights strung through trees, soft flickers from a nearby firepit, solar lights or low voltage lighting lining a garden path or stairway all create an inviting, relaxing, and safe outdoor environment. While the pool itself will have lighting embedded within, additional lighting ensures there is enough visibility surrounding this space to keep everyone safe. The ambiance can shift via remote controlled lighting from party ready to date night in an instant. Soft lighting creates that ethereal feel but don’t shy away from funky colors and interesting patterns that can keep your space interesting and personable. Lighting also helps provide natural contrast to the shading created by plants, trees, building structures, and typical sun exposure.

4. Rock Gardens and Pavers

Rock gardens provide additional texture and often lend a rugged yet pleasant aesthetic to your pool landscape. Rock gardens can also help keep insects at a minimum while providing additional traction surrounding the slick surface of the pool. Larger rocks will be better suited to a big space, acting as eye-catchers – or focal points – on the landscape. Pavers are also a great way to provide safe traction around the pool and can create wonderful patterns and walkways around your outdoor space. Pavers are often made of concrete and come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, styles, and sizes. One of the best things about pavers is that they can be permeable. Permeable pavers create a sustainable, low impact surface by allowing water runoff to filter down in between the individual pavers. Pavers are easy to repair if any are to crack or get stained by simply popping them out and replacing with new ones. If settling occurs, we can remove the pavers in the sunken area, relevel with sand, and put the pavers back in place for an easy, seamless fix.

Pool season is just around the corner and with it comes sumptuous landscaping and loads of fun in the making. Give Full Circle Land Design a call if you live in the Chattanooga area so we can help make your dreams a reality!

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Pool Fabulous