Pool Landscape Design

Backyard pool landscaping can transform your outdoor space into a stunning oasis. From selecting the right plants to creating a cozy lounge area, there are endless options to enhance your backyard pool. By adding water features, lighting, and hardscaping, you can create a space that is not only beautiful but functional as well. With a little creativity and planning, you can turn your backyard pool into the ultimate outdoor retreat.

For over 20 years, we have helped homeowners create unique and memorable landscapes. Grasshopper Garden’s professionals offer creative design services to help transform your backyard into something that’s truly creative. Call 518.793.9623 for details about the water features and water features installation that we provide for Albany and Saratoga, NY residents.

No matter the size of your property, we have the expertise to design any scale that will suit your needs. Whether you know precisely what you want for your space, or you’re starting on square one, we’ll help you create a splash!

Choosing the Right Plants for Backyard Pool Area

When it comes to backyard pool landscaping, choosing the right plants is crucial. You want to create a beautiful, lush environment without sacrificing safety or cleanliness. Some plants can create messes that can clog your pool’s filtration system or create a slipping hazard around the pool. If left unchecked, these plants can grow quickly and spread to other areas of your pool. This can cause a variety of problems, from clogged filters to slippery surfaces.

When selecting plants for your backyard pool landscaping, it’s important to consider their proximity to the pool. Trees with extensive root systems can cause damage to pool walls and plumbing, while plants with thorns or prickly leaves (like palms) can be a safety hazard for swimmers. It’s also important to choose plants that will not shed leaves or debris that can clog your pool’s filtration system.

Succulents are a great plant that can add texture and interest to your backyard pool landscaping. Aloe vera, agave, and yucca are easy to care for and can add a desert-like feel to your outdoor space. Succulents are also drought-resistant and can tolerate high temperatures, making them ideal for poolside landscaping in your lawn.

Groundcover plants can also be a great addition to your backyard pool landscaping. Mondo grass and liriope are low-growing plants that can create a soft and inviting border around your pool. These plants are also durable and can withstand foot traffic and splashes from the pool.

When selecting shrubs for your backyard pool landscaping, it’s important to choose plants that will not grow too tall or wide. Boxwood and holly are popular options that can add structure and definition to your outdoor space. These shrubs can be shaped and pruned to fit your desired aesthetic and are low-maintenance, making them ideal for poolside landscaping.

Overall, choosing the right plants for your backyard swimming pool landscaping can create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space. By selecting plants that are, by nature, low-maintenance, durable, and safe for swimmers, you can create an oasis that will enhance your outdoor living experience.

Plants to Avoid for Backyard Pool Landscaping

• Avoid deciduous trees that will drop leaves in the pool
• Avoid plants with thorns or sharp edges that could injure swimmers
• Avoid plants that attract bees and other stinging insects

Plants to Consider for Backyard Pool Landscaping

• Succulents like aloe vera and agave that work well in planters
• Groundcover plants like mondo grass and liriope
• Shrubs like boxwood and holly
• Creating a Poolside Lounge Area

Creating a Poolside Lounge Area

Creating a poolside lounge area is essential for anyone who loves to relax by the pool. The right furniture can make all the difference, whether you want a cozy reading nook or a place to entertain guests.

A poolside lounge area can be the perfect place to relax and unwind after a swim. Creating a comfortable and inviting space requires careful consideration of the furniture, layout, and overall design. By incorporating elements of style and functionality, you can create a poolside lounge area that is perfect for lounging, reading, or entertaining guests.

Before selecting furniture for your poolside lounge area, it’s important to consider the space available. A small area may only be able to accommodate a few chairs and a side table, while a larger area can be outfitted with a full sectional sofa and coffee table. Once you have determined the space available, you can begin selecting furniture that fits your needs and style.

When selecting furniture for your poolside lounge area, it’s important to choose materials that are durable and weather resistant. Wicker or metal furniture with waterproof cushions can withstand exposure to the elements and provide a comfortable place to relax. Lounge chairs with adjustable backs can also be a great addition, allowing you to recline and soak up the sun or sit upright and read a book.

The layout of your poolside lounge area can also impact its functionality and style. Consider placing furniture in a circular or semi-circular arrangement to encourage conversation and create a cozy feel. Alternatively, placing furniture in a linear arrangement can create a more modern and streamlined look. Adding decorative elements like throw pillows, blankets, or outdoor rugs can also add a pop of color and texture to your poolside lounge area.

Selecting the Right Furniture for Your Poolside Lounge Area

• Lounge chairs with adjustable backs for maximum comfort
• Waterproof cushions to protect from pool water and rain
• Side tables to hold drinks and snacks
• Umbrellas or shade sails to protect from the sun’s rays

Adding Water Features to Your Backyard Pool

Adding a custom water feature can create an enhancement that is truly unique to your landscape. We can work with you to determine which one will suit your landscape as well as your budget.

Adding water features to your backyard pool can create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere, while also enhancing the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. From tranquil waterfalls to bubbling fountains, there are a variety of water features to choose from that can fit your personal style and preferences.

One popular water feature for backyard pools is a waterfall or fountain. Waterfalls can create a dramatic and visually stunning effect, while fountains can create a more subtle and tranquil ambiance. Both water features can also help to circulate and aerate the water in your pool, leading to improved water quality and clarity.

Bubblers or scuppers are another option for adding a touch of water to your backyard pool. These water features create small streams or sprays of water that can add a playful and whimsical feel to your outdoor space. Bubblers and scuppers are also great for creating a shallow water feature that is perfect for young children or pets to play in.

Popular Water Features for Backyard Pools

• Waterfalls or fountains for a peaceful sound and relaxing ambiance
• Bubblers or scuppers for a subtle touch of water
• Spas or hot tubs for ultimate relaxation
• Installing Lighting for Nighttime Ambiance

Installing Lighting for Nighttime Ambiance

Installing lighting around your backyard pool can create a magical ambiance and allow you to enjoy your pool and patio even after the sun goes down. Adding lighting to your backyard swimming pool area can create a beautiful and inviting atmosphere, while also improving safety and functionality. With the right lighting for your home’s style of architecture, you can enjoy your pool and outdoor space even after the sun goes down.

Landscape lighting is a popular option for adding ambiance and functionality to your backyard pool area. These lights can be placed strategically around your outdoor space, highlighting key features like trees, shrubs, or hardscaping elements. Landscape lighting can also improve safety by illuminating walkways and steps, reducing the risk of trips and falls.

When choosing lighting for your backyard pool area, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and the overall design of your outdoor space. Whether you prefer dramatic underwater lighting or soft and inviting string lights, adding lighting to your backyard pool area can create a beautiful and inviting environment that you can enjoy well into the evening hours.

Types of Lighting for Backyard Pools

• Underwater pool lighting for a dramatic effect
• String lights or lanterns for a cozy ambiance
• Landscape lighting to highlight the beauty of your backyard pool landscaping, especially if you have a pool house

Enhancing Your Backyard Pool with Hardscaping

Hardscaping elements can add structure and definition to your backyard pool landscaping, while also creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. From concrete patios to retaining walls, there are endless options for enhancing your backyard pool area with hardscaping elements.

Concrete, rocks or pavers are a popular option for creating a sleek and modern look around your swimming pool area or garden. These materials are durable and can withstand exposure to the elements, making them ideal for poolside landscaping. They also come in a variety of colors and textures, allowing you to customize your outdoor space to fit your personal style and preferences.

Natural stone like flagstone or slate can create a rustic and natural look around your pool area. These materials are low-maintenance and can withstand foot traffic and exposure to water. They can also be cut into various sizes and shapes, allowing you to create a unique and customized look for your backyard pool landscaping.

Retaining walls can add dimension and texture to your backyard pool area, while also providing functional benefits like erosion control and soil retention. These walls can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete, stone, or brick, and can be customized to fit your desired aesthetic.

Overall, enhancing your backyard pool landscaping with hardscaping elements can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. By choosing materials and designs that fit your personal style and preferences, you can create a backyard pool area that is both beautiful and functional.

Popular Hardscaping for Backyard Pools

• Concrete or paver patios for a sleek and modern look
• Natural stone like flagstone or slate for a rustic feel
• Retaining wall (or privacy wall) for added dimension and texture
• Rock garden near the walkway
• Firepit with combination seating

Outline Pool Design with Flower Beds and Borders

Creating a private outdoor oasis for your home can be a daunting task, but with the right design and materials, it can be a reality. One of the best ways to achieve this is to outline your pool with flowerbeds and borders. This will create a stunning visual effect, as the vibrant colors of the flowers will contrast with the cool blue of the pool. Not only will this make your pool look more inviting, but it will also provide a natural barrier between your pool and the surrounding area. Planting a few trees, hedges or shrubs around the perimeter of your pool will not only create a pleasant, natural aesthetic, but it will also give you more privacy and help to keep out unwanted pests.