Landscaping around your swimming pool
While many people dream of having a swimming pool, in their own backyard, they often forget that having a pool is only one piece of your landscape. Even if you have the most beautiful pool in the world, if you have the wrong landscape around it, it will seriously mar the enjoyment, you could have had. However, by doing a little planning and research, you can create a landscape around your pool, that will not only enhance your pool, but enhance your enjoyment of it. Here is what you need to know about landscaping around your swimming pool-
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- Think about your plant selection carefully-Designers report that the number one mistake that pool owners do, is choose the wrong plants. It is important to avoid plants that shed excessively and throw off a lot of leaves, buds, flower petals, etc. If you do use these types of plants in your pool landscaping, then you should place them a little further from the pool. In addition, you should take into consideration that in most parts of the country, there are certain months of the year when you cannot use your pool for swimming. However, it's still a nice landscaping feature, and for this reason, it might be wise to select plants that stay green year-round, or for most of the year. Keep in mind that this will be easier in some regions than others.
- Think of what the pool can do to your plants-Conversely you should consider what water damage can happen to your plants. Whether you have chlorine, or a salt pool, keep in mind that most plants don't do well if they are regularly being doused with pool water. This means that when laying out your plan, try to avoid putting plants in an area that's going to get pool water runoff, or use elevated beds.
- Think about what your plants can attract-Whenever you bring your landscaping into a high-use area, you have to consider the insect factor. This is important since some types of flowers and flowering shrubs, are notorious for attracting bees. Other plants are notorious for attracting spiders, and other creepy crawlers. So make sure that whatever you choose is something you are comfortable being around.
- Think about what kind of pool you are landscaping. With an above ground vs. in ground pool, the landscaping will be dramatically different. There are some obvious differences in techniques that you will have to use when landscaping. With an above-ground pool you have fewer options for putting things in the ground. You must either use shrubs and/or trees with some height to them, or build an elevated deck area with pots and hanging planters. You will have more options with an in-ground pool because the pool edge is flush with the landscaping surface.
- Think about the hardscape-You want to consider what your options for deck and/or patio are, before you even dig the hole for the pool. Keep in mind that you will want to some sort of access around the pool. In addition, using the right hardscape can cut down on the amount of maintenance, you will need to do.
- Think about the overall picture-It is important to keep in mind that the style of your home and your pool, combined with your climate, will largely dictate your landscaping options. You will want to choose a style that complements your home, plays off of the native vegetation, and works well with your climate. In addition, since this is a major investment, it is important to choose a landscaping scheme that will compliment your home and pool, and provide you with the options you want, for the years to come.
