Perfect Pool Landscaping

The deck is more than a place to launch into the pool from. It’s a place to relax, sun bath, and sip a pina colada or two. In fact, you may spend more time on the deck than in the water. That’s why landscaping the deck is just as important as landscaping the area around the pool.

Safety First

Almost all deck materials, including concrete and wood, can get slippery when wet. To prevent accidents, increase the traction on your pool deck with non-skid deck paint or coatings or with textured overlays. If you don’t have a swimming pool supplies store nearby, you can get these from a boating and marine supplies store, too.

Railing is another important safety feature. Even if your deck is close to the ground, make sure there are sturdy hand rails in areas where people will be moving around a lot. Stay away from cheap plastic railing. Your deck railing is strong enough that it won’t topple even if someone falls against it with their full weight, especially if you have a raised deck surrounding an above ground pool.

Container Gardening Makes it Easy

The pool area can feel awfully bleak without a little greenery around and just landscaping around the edge of the deck doesn’t seem to do much. A few specimen trees in large pots or flower boxes filled with scented plants can add a lot to the pool deck. To add vertical interest and a more lush, luxurious feel, use plant stands and poles to hold pots of trailing plants.

Choose Quality Deck Furniture

You’ve gone through so much work and expense to get a great pool, why skimp on the finishing touches? While a few regular chairs are fine, make sure you have some chaise lounges or Adirondack chairs for comfortable sunbathing. A cabinet for supplies like towels and sunscreen is another useful addition, since it can double as a table, too.

Just remember that any furniture around the pool is bound to get splashed with chlorinated water and sat on by a soaking-wet swimmer now and again. Furniture material should be tough enough to stand up to that and any cushions used should be quick-drying and mildew proof

Balance Shade and Sun

On cooler days and in the early mornings, you’ll probably be glad for any sunshine you can get. In the middle of the afternoon in July, though, you’ll be longing for shade. To get the most out of your deck throughout swim season, make sure you allow for both sunny and shaded areas. The easiest way is with a deck umbrella, which you can move depending on the angle of the sun.

Just make sure you don’t put in any permanent evergreens in a location that will block most of the sun. If you do want a “living umbrella,” go with a deciduous tree or vine that will lose its leaves in the cooler months, but grow lush foliage in late spring and summer.

Need more ideas? Check out our other page on pool deck and patio landscaping ideas.