A well thought-out swimming pool landscape plan can turn a fun, recreational area into one that forever increases the aesthetic and (quite possibly) monetary value of your home. There are few things more decadent than having a private oasis in your backyard. That said, it is surprising how frequently would-be owners of such luxury, inground pools often spare little thought for the details of poolscape design. There are manifold considerations when it comes to swimming pool landscape design, considerations that include safety, convenience, privacy and, of course, beauty.
Landscape Design Ideas for a Swimming Pool
Possibly the best solution for a swimming pool landscape look that will be beautiful while also being immune to prying eyes is to surround it with greenery - plants tall and lush enough to form a screen around the perimeter. Of course, unless you plan to spend the other half of your free time dishing leaves out of the pool, you need to make your pick wisely. Large deciduous trees or even needle-bearing evergreens can be more trouble than they're worth, and fruit and flower trees, aside from being a source of obvious mess, attract flies, bees and wasps. Also, large trees with their correspondingly big root systems can cause damage to an inground swimming pool over the course of a few years.
Swimming Pool Privacy
Try instead for broadleaf evergreens like holly. One way to save space while still getting all the green you desire is to grow vines up trellises, or even to purchase an espalier tree. Espalier trees have their branches trained to grow out to either side, so they essentially form a flat barrier of branches. These are the best landscaping ideas for privacy, the alternative being a fence or wall, which will lack the gentle arboreal and natural feel of vegetation, but provide the safety and security you might prize over those traits if you have small children. Another serious consideration if that's the case is getting hold of a strong pool cover that will support the weight of your child should they happen to fall on it.
Patio Tiling
It's also a good idea to surround your pool with patio tiling, ensuring you of a safe, non-slip surface when you get out of the pool. Lazing outside is one of the most luxurious parts of having a pool, so think about the social space you're constructing and how many people you'd like to be able to entertain.
Landcape Pool Style
Lastly, think about style. You'd ideally like your swimming pool landscape design to echo the architectural features of your home. Often people renovate their houses without giving any thought to the outmoded style of the pool in the backyard. Look at a variety of custom designs, remembering always that your dream swimming pool will be the one that fits seamlessly into your dream home.
Poolscape Designs
A swimming pool in the landscape should not look like a fish out of water. Incorporating a swimming pool into your landscape is not always a simple endeavor. Pools are not only a major expense but also a major component to be fit into today's typically smaller sized lot. Designing a "poolscape" to fit you budget, lifestyle and site takes thought, creativity and knowledge.
A good "poolscape" design begins with an assessment of your goals. Pool size, shape and amenities are considered. Desired paving materials are discussed. Deciding whether the pool will have an automatic cover or not will dictate whether the pool must be rectangular or free form. These, and many other questions relating to the use and aesthetics of your pool area should be answered before the digging begins.
Site Conditions and Restrictions
Very often the location for your pool is determined by site conditions and zoning restrictions. Protecting existing trees, avoiding heavy shade and strong winds and deciding whether the pool will be visible during the off-season from the house must be addressed. Proximity to the house may be important, as well as to changing rooms and bathroom facilities. Building the pool far from the house often results in a pool which is unsafe and seldom used.
Well Designed Pool
A well designed pool should relate to the house and surroundings, affords adequate pool paving for eating, lounging and possibly shady areas nearby for sun-sensitive people. Pool equipment should be accessible but hidden from view. Safety equipment must be readily available as well. Most jurisdictions will require fencing, which should harmonize in the landscape. Consider your pool much like a tub in the bathroom. It serves an important role but it's only one component in a well-designed room. Your professional landscape design consultant can help make your "poolscape" a "great escape" from the worries of the world.
Swimming Pool is a Backyard Resort
With the weather warming up, what a great time to drift on a raft in a backyard swimming pool. There is no better place to getaway from life's little stresses than your own backyard. Travel time is minimal and the stay is free! With so many new swimming pool products and landscape ideas available, there is no reason you can't create that special retreat at your own home. There are an array of new pool decking materials available, new filtration systems (salt water is in), waterfalls cascading into the pool and outdoor living rooms are all the rage! It is not just a pool anymore; it is your own backyard luxury resort.
Swimming Pool Designs
The best place to start with any major project is with a comprehensive design. Whether you plan to do things in stages or all at once, you will want to be certain you receive a complete design to ensure the entire yard blends together. Start by determining a few key points for the design - the size and shape of the swimming pool, how you intend to use the space (relaxation, exercise, sports) and any special design elements you would like incorporate that suit your lifestyle. Your imagination is your only limitation (well and possibly your budget).
Swimming Pool Decks
The new trend in pool decking is to throw out the stark white concrete and use more exciting, natural pool decking products. You can easily give an old pool new life by changing the decking. We are seeing homeowners use more natural products - brick pavers, blue stone, and travertine - that blend in with their overall landscaping and add a little bit of color to their pool.
Total Outdoor Living Spaces
The new rage in landscaping is to create outdoor living rooms, and this includes swimming pools. Incorporating a gourmet kitchen, outdoor fireplace or cabanas and pool houses into your pool area can provide a perfect place to gather and entertain friends and family.
Water Features
Whether it is water cascading from a rock waterfall or an intricate grotto located behind the falls, the new trend for pools is to add the relaxing element of falling water. Customers are incorporating water features into their pools - fountains that shoot bursts of water through the air, elaborate cascades that drop a sheet of water into the pool and intricate waterslides for the kids (and you too). You can create your own natural wonder of the world.
Salt Water Pools
The new trend in pool filtration systems is salt! Benefits of this natural cleaning process include: no chlorine smell, no red eyes, reduced cost (your just buying salt), and no pool "shocking" with chemicals. Talk to your local pool company to learn more about how the salt filtration system works.
Swimming Pool Landscaping
Remember to add color and beauty to your swimming pools landscape. Bring in lush plantings around the pool deck to soften the hardscape and a few evergreens to add some privacy. Also think about shade elements; will you be using carefully planted trees, umbrellas or awnings.
Swimming Pool Lighting
Don't forget the lighting, you may want to enjoy your pool well into the evening. You can use a mix of landscape lighting for pathways, trees and gardens, use fountain lights in the pool and add a few Tiki torches for the island resort experience. You can set any mood with the right lighting!
Article Source & Arthur: Jasmine Leclair and Jasmine Leclair
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