Yep, its heating up around here in Arizona and alot of us our thinking about our swimming pools. We are not only thinking about jumping in, but how can we make them look a little nicer. So lets talk about landscaping around the pool with plants, patios, fencing, and lighting.

Plants Soften the edges

Plants around your pool help to soften the edges and give you some privacy. The are many options for plants, and while you are out shopping here are a couple of points to remember.

  • Look for plants that are easy to maintain. The best options are broad leaf evergreens or other desert plants.
  • You are looking for a nice relaxing time in the pool, not an extra yard chore of cleaning out all the extra leaves out of the pool, so look for plants without a lot of leaves.
  • Fruit Trees look good but unless you plan on making extra honey from all the bees flying around, stay away.

Patios

Patios can be a great extension of your home and be a great transition into your outdoor landscape living area. There are several patio materials that can be used such as concrete, artistic pavers, flagstone and other rock, or brick. Remember, the area around the pool is going to get wet, so the material used should has a texture to it to keep those feet planted on it and not sliding around. Jump over to our outdoor patio landscape gallery to view some examples.

Privacy and Security with Fencing

Fencing is a great way to keep your pool secluded from neighbors and others. It is also a must when you have small children around.

There are several types of fencing out there. A solid wooden fence will always add warmth and texture as well as protection from wind and prying eyes. If privacy is not a main concern, you may prefer a more open type of fence such as lattice-style, or chain-link fencing.

Remember that with a pool, there is always that chance of someone getting in that should not be in. So, with small children, try to keep the fence 3 1/2 to 4ft high, with gates in strategic places.

Lighting

Landscape lighting helps to soften your landscape retreat at night and provides landscape highlighting of plants, decorative elements, and walkways. Think of landscaping lighting as adding the candles to that romantic dinner for two. Sure your still having dinner without them, but think how much more romantic it is with them. Contact Us to find out how we can improve the “mood” of your landscape with outdoor lighting.