Swimming Pool Landscaping Tips

You may decide to hire a professional landscape architect for your swimming pool landscaping needs, be sure to choose a landscaper who will be able to incorporate your ideas into a workable and customized design.

The landscaper should organize and develop the site for maximum use and pleasure, create a visual relationship between the house and the site and reduce landscaping maintenance to a practical level. The landscaper should draw a base plan to scale and include all major features of the property, then sketch in your possible pool landscaping ideas.

Ask each family member, and consider him or her in the plans, then list your family's needs. Be sure to study the site. Look at views from the house to determine the best plans. Lastly, work with the designer to choose materials. Group plants for emphasis, plant trees for shade, and choose plants that provide privacy, if desired. With proper planning and preparation, a well-executed landscape plan can help you create the backyard of your dreams to complement your pool.

You might opt to do some of the work yourself. Be creative and have the landscape reflect your personality. However, be sure to keep beauty, safety and maintenance in mind. From a practical standpoint, consider these suggestions:

- Strive to create a flexible landscape, one you can change or upgrade as the landscape takes shape and as your needs change.

- Choose colorful perennial flowers that will bloom in the spring and summer and will be easy to work with in terms of climate, shade or sunlight, maintenance, etc.

- Let your flowerbeds shine. Whether you make rows or elaborate designs, remember simplicity can be effective in creating an enticing view around your pool.

- Trees or shrubs are wonderful for shade and privacy, but as pointed out, don't select choices that will include falling thorns or fruit or attract more bugs than necessary.

- If you use mulch around or near the pool, it should be gravel. Choose the large particle size with round edges. Smaller particles will more likely end up at the bottom of the pool.

- Don't overlook the beauty of stone, whether real or artificial. Boulders and rocks, effectively placed, can add a dramatic flair to the setting.

- The right garden statue can add character to the setting, but don't be in a hurry to buy statuary until you've checked out several garden shops, online stores and other sources. Flea markets are a great source for unusual pieces that will give the area a distinct look and feel.

Whatever your style or preference, the possibilities of swimming pool landscaping are as endless as your imagination.