General Info

Of all the things to consider when landscaping around a swimming pool, I believe the most important is designing for privacy. When I am relaxing in the pool, the last thing I want is for the neighbors to be able to see into my yard, and my private pool.

Swimming pools generally are surrounded by fences for the safety that they provide. A good fence is essential to keep children out of the pool area when an adult is not present. But a fence can be an eyesore. My best recommendation for hiding that fence and increasing your privacy is with plants.

Before you run out and grab the nearest shrub or climbing vine, do your homework. Consider whether that plant is deciduous, and will lose its leaves, or evergreen. Swimming pools themselves are notorious for the amount of maintenance they require. Don't make more work for yourself by choosing landscaping materials that are messy. Go with broad leaf evergreens, over those pine trees that drop their needles.

Consider planting a living wall around your fence to fill in the gaps and make a beautiful accent to your swimming pool landscape. You can use shrubs, which will give a loose, informal look, as they are better off left alone. If you prefer more structure and straight lines, choose a hedge such as a boxwood. The boxwood is a good choice as it is very hardy and relatively easy to grow.

Another choice to consider for your swimming pool privacy, is an actual gazebo or pergola. Not only would a structure like this help block the view and create privacy, they create a sense of luxury and coziness. With vines and shrubs planted around them, they become even more useful at providing both shade and privacy.

Another consideration in pool landscaping is entertaining in general. If you have gone through the expense to have a pool, you will definitely want to make the most of it. Be sure to include a patio area with plenty of space for lounge chairs, your barbeque grill, tables and chairs, and perhaps even a dry bar area to set refreshments. Even inside the fence, be liberal with container gardening, filling pots with beautiful, low maintenance, summer annuals. Let them bring a splash of color and life to your pool area.

A swimming pool is a great luxury for you, your friends and family to enjoy. Consider how to make the most of that investment by designing a pool area that allows for maximum ease in entertaining, while enhancing your family's privacy. You will be glad you took the time to consider your options.