Backyard Landscape Around Pool: 10 Stunning Ideas 2025

 

Backyard landscape around pool designs are essential for changing your outdoor space into a personalized haven. Whether you envision a modern escape or a lush tropical retreat, there are key elements to consider that will make your pool area both functional and beautiful. Some popular ideas include:

• Unifying plants for a cohesive look
• Unique pool shapes to match your style
• Textured rock gardens for added depth
• Eye-catching waterfalls or spa features
• Enchanting fire features for warmth and ambiance

These can lift your pool space to new heights, integrating both style and practicality.

I’m David Brabant, owner of Creative Edge Pools, with decades of experience in crafting backyard landscapes around pools. My passion is in bringing unique visions to life, and my team’s expertise ensures outstanding results. Let’s explore more creative ideas to maximize your outdoor oasis.

Unifying Pool Plants

Creating a backyard landscape around a pool involves more than just picking a few plants. It’s about crafting a cohesive look that feels like a natural extension of your home. Plants can unify your outdoor space, offering beauty and utility.

Evergreen Trees

Evergreen trees are a fantastic choice for poolside landscaping. They provide year-round greenery and privacy. Consider the Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) for a touch of the tropics. It’s hardy and can add a unique texture to your garden. Emerald Green Arborvitae is another excellent option, offering a dense, lush barrier that shields your pool from prying eyes.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses bring texture and movement to your pool area. Blue fescue and Zebra grass are popular choices due to their low maintenance and adaptability. They add a soft, flowing element that complements the hard lines of a pool. These grasses are perfect for creating a serene, natural look.

Climbing Vines

Climbing vines can transform fences and pergolas into living walls. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) and Jasmine are excellent for adding color and fragrance. These vines can be trained to grow along structures, providing shade and a touch of whimsy to your poolside retreat.

Flowers

Flowers are the final touch in crafting a vibrant pool landscape. Gerbera Daisies and White Hydrangeas offer bright pops of color and can be used to create privacy screens. Lavender not only adds a lovely scent but also acts as a natural insect repellent, perfect for keeping summer pests at bay.

By carefully selecting and placing these plants, you can create a backyard landscape around your pool that is both beautiful and functional. The right mix of evergreens, grasses, vines, and flowers will unify the space, making it a welcoming oasis for relaxation and entertainment.

Funky Pool Shapes

Choosing the right pool shape is key to setting the tone for your backyard landscape around a pool. Whether you want a modern and sleek look or a relaxed, natural vibe, the shape of your pool can make all the difference.

Freeform Pools

Freeform pools are perfect for those who want a laid-back, natural feel. These pools have curves and irregular shapes that mimic natural bodies of water. They are great for creating a tropical oasis in your backyard. Imagine a lagoon-style pool surrounded by lush greenery and rock gardens. The organic shape of a freeform pool can blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, making it feel like your personal slice of paradise.

Geometric Pools

On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a contemporary and minimalist aesthetic, geometric pools are the way to go. These pools feature sharp edges and straight lines, often in rectangular or square shapes. They are ideal for modern homes and can be easily transformed into lap pools for fitness enthusiasts. The clean lines of a geometric pool can complement a sleek patio or a minimalist garden, providing a striking contrast to the natural elements around it.

By selecting a pool shape that aligns with your style and the overall design of your backyard, you can create a cohesive and inviting outdoor space. Whether you opt for the relaxed charm of a freeform pool or the modern elegance of a geometric pool, your choice will set the stage for a beautiful and functional backyard landscape.

Multi-Texture Rock Gardens

Incorporating multi-texture rock gardens into your backyard landscape around a pool can add depth and visual interest, changing your space into a unique oasis. Rock gardens use both artificial boulders and natural boulders to create a layered and textured environment.

Artificial Boulders

Artificial boulders are a versatile choice for enhancing your pool area. They can seamlessly integrate practical elements like built-in speakers or outdoor solar lighting without disrupting the natural look of your garden. Imagine enjoying your favorite music from speakers cleverly concealed within these faux rocks. Plus, they can hide the mechanics of a waterfall feature, making it look as natural as possible.

Natural Boulders

For a touch of rustic elegance, consider using natural boulders. These stones can be strategically placed to form natural stairs or seating areas. If your yard already has natural rock outcroppings, use them to your advantage. They can serve as unique focal points or functional spots to place towels or other poolside essentials.

When designing your rock garden, balance is key. Ensure that the size of your boulders complements the existing landscape features like chairs or pool beds. Rocks that are too small may get lost, while oversized boulders could overwhelm the space.

By blending both artificial and natural elements, you can create a rock garden that improves the beauty and functionality of your pool area. This combination not only adds aesthetic value but also provides practical solutions for a well-rounded outdoor experience.

Eye-catching Water Features

Adding eye-catching water features to your backyard landscape around a pool can create a stunning focal point that improves the overall ambiance of your outdoor space. These features not only lift the aesthetic appeal but also introduce a sense of tranquility and relaxation. Let’s explore two popular options: waterfall features and pool spas.

Waterfall Feature

A waterfall feature is a timeless addition that can transform any pool into a serene oasis. Imagine the soothing sound of water cascading over rocks, providing a natural soundtrack to your backyard retreat. This feature can be seamlessly integrated into the landscape using artificial boulders to hide the mechanics, making the waterfall look as natural as possible. The gentle flow of water can also help mask unwanted noise from traffic or neighbors, creating a more private and peaceful environment.

Waterfalls are not only visually appealing but also beneficial for pool maintenance. The movement of water helps circulate and aerate the pool, which can improve water quality and reduce the need for chemicals. Plus, they are a hit with kids, who love playing in the cascading water.

Pool Spa

For those seeking a luxurious touch, a pool spa is an excellent choice. Combining a spa with your pool offers the best of both worlds: a space for relaxation and a place for exercise. A pool spa can be designed as an integrated part of the pool or as a separate feature, depending on your preferences and available space.

Pool spas provide a warm, bubbling retreat for cooler days, making your pool area enjoyable year-round. The therapeutic benefits of a spa are well-documented, from relieving stress to soothing sore muscles. With adjustable jets, you can customize the experience to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a gentle soak or a vigorous massage.

Both waterfall features and pool spas contribute significantly to the allure and functionality of your backyard pool area. By incorporating these elements, you create a space that invites relaxation and enjoyment, turning your pool into the centerpiece of your outdoor living area.

Focal Point Fireplaces

Creating a cozy ambiance around your backyard landscape around a pool can be achieved with the right fireplace. Fireplaces serve as a focal point for gatherings, providing warmth and a charming atmosphere. Here, we explore various fireplace options to suit different tastes and needs:

Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Wood-burning fireplaces are a classic choice that brings a rustic and authentic feel to any outdoor space. The crackling sound and smoky aroma of burning logs evoke a nostalgic campfire experience. These fireplaces can be crafted from materials like stone, brick, or metal, adding a robust aesthetic to your backyard. However, they require regular maintenance, including cleaning ash and ensuring proper chimney function.

Gas Fireplaces

For those who value convenience, gas fireplaces are a perfect fit. With just the flip of a switch or push of a button, you can enjoy a consistent flame without the hassle of chopping or storing wood. They run on natural gas or propane and are low-maintenance, making them ideal for busy homeowners. Gas fireplaces can seamlessly integrate into outdoor kitchens or living areas, providing both warmth and style.

Fire Pits

Fire pits offer versatility and are available in various designs, from traditional wood-burning to modern gas-fueled options. A wood-burning fire pit provides a traditional campfire vibe, perfect for roasting marshmallows and storytelling. On the other hand, gas fire pits are convenient and often designed as built-in or tabletop features, enhancing outdoor entertainment areas.

Ethanol Fireplaces

For an eco-friendly option, consider ethanol fireplaces. These clean-burning fireplaces do not require a chimney or venting, making them portable and easy to place on patios or decks. They offer a beautiful flame without smoke or ash, making them a great choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Gel Fuel Fireplaces

Gel fuel fireplaces are another portable option that offers hassle-free warmth and ambiance. They use gel fuel canisters, which produce clean-burning flames without smoke. This makes them suitable for areas without access to natural gas or propane. Gel fuel fireplaces are perfect for small gatherings, providing a cozy atmosphere with minimal effort.

Whether you prefer the traditional charm of a wood-burning fireplace or the modern convenience of gas, ethanol, or gel fuel options, there’s a perfect fireplace to complement your pool area. These focal point fireplaces not only provide warmth but also improve the aesthetic appeal of your backyard landscape around a pool.

Hot Tubs for Cooler Days

As the temperature drops, a hot tub becomes a cozy retreat in your backyard landscape around a pool. They are a great addition to keep the fun going, even when it’s too chilly for a swim. Here’s a look at the different types of hot tubs you might consider:

Prefabricated Hot Tubs

Prefabricated hot tubs are a popular choice for their ease of installation and variety of styles. These hot tubs come ready-made and can be placed almost anywhere in your backyard. They are available in various sizes and designs, which makes them a versatile option for most spaces. Plus, they often come with built-in features like jets and lighting, enhancing your relaxation experience.

Inground Hot Tubs

If you’re looking for a more permanent and seamless addition to your pool area, consider an inground hot tub. These hot tubs are built into the ground, offering a sleek and integrated look that can blend beautifully with your existing pool design. While they require more planning and construction, the result is a luxurious spa-like feature that adds significant value to your home.

Pool-Spa Combo

For those who want the best of both worlds, a pool-spa combo is an ideal solution. This design incorporates a hot tub within or adjacent to the pool, allowing for easy transition between swimming and soaking. It’s a space-efficient option that provides versatility and convenience, making it a popular choice for families and entertainers alike.

When planning to add a hot tub, consider its location carefully. Ensure there’s enough room for safety steps, a power outlet, and any accessories you might want to include. Whether you choose a prefabricated, inground, or pool-spa combo, a hot tub can transform your backyard into a year-round oasis.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are not just functional; they can also be a beautiful part of your backyard landscape around a pool. These structures help manage the slope of your yard, prevent erosion, and create distinct areas for planting or seating. Here’s how you can use retaining walls to improve your pool area:

Stone Masonry

Stone masonry is a classic choice for retaining walls. It provides a natural, timeless look that complements any pool design. Stones like granite, limestone, or sandstone are popular for their durability and aesthetic appeal. They can be stacked in various patterns to create a rustic or refined look, depending on your style.

• Durability: Stone masonry is known for its strength and longevity. It’s an investment that can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Natural stone offers a range of colors and textures, allowing you to match or contrast with your pool and surrounding landscape.
• Customization: Stones can be cut and arranged to fit any space, providing endless design possibilities.

Hardscape Landscaping

Hardscape landscaping involves using non-plant elements like stone, wood, or metal to create functional and decorative features. Retaining walls are a key component of hardscape design, helping to define spaces and add structure to your backyard.

• Functionality: Retaining walls can create terraces for planting, level areas for seating, or pathways around your pool. They help organize your space and make it more usable.
• Design Flexibility: With a variety of materials and styles available, hardscape landscaping allows you to create a unique look that reflects your taste.
• Low Maintenance: Unlike plants, hardscape elements require little upkeep, making them ideal for busy homeowners.

Whether you choose stone masonry or another hardscape material, retaining walls can transform your pool area into a stunning and practical outdoor space. They not only provide essential support and structure but also add visual interest and value to your home.

Incorporating retaining walls into your backyard design can turn a simple pool area into an neat retreat, perfect for relaxing and entertaining.

Gorgeous Garden Features

Improve your backyard landscape around a pool with some gorgeous garden features. These elements not only add beauty but also serve practical purposes. Let’s explore two standout ideas: living fences and cascading potted plants.

Living Fences

Imagine a natural barrier that offers privacy without the harsh lines of a traditional fence. That’s what living fences can do for your pool area. Tall, evergreen trees or hedges like Emerald Green Arborvitae are excellent choices. They grow close together, forming a dense screen that shields your pool from prying eyes.

• Natural Aesthetic: Living fences blend seamlessly with the landscape, creating a more organic look.
• Privacy: They provide a green barrier that keeps your pool area secluded.
• Noise Reduction: Dense foliage can help block out unwanted noise, making your pool area more serene.

Cascading Potted Plants

Add a splash of color and texture to your poolside with cascading potted plants. These plants, like ornamental sweet potato (Ipomoea), are perfect for paved areas around your pool. Their vines spill over the edges of pots, creating a lush, waterfall-like effect.

• Versatility: Potted plants can be moved around to suit your design needs or to catch the best sunlight.
• Color and Texture: The vibrant leaves and cascading form bring visual interest to the hardscape.
• Easy Maintenance: Potted plants are easy to care for and can be quickly replaced if needed.

By incorporating living fences and cascading potted plants, you can create a pool area that is both beautiful and functional. These garden features not only improve the aesthetic appeal but also add privacy and a touch of nature to your backyard oasis.

Outdoor Showers

Adding an outdoor shower to your backyard landscape around a pool is a practical and stylish choice that can lift your poolside experience. Let’s explore how you can integrate this feature with a pool house for added privacy and convenience.

Pool House Integration

A pool house is more than just a storage space for towels and floaties. It can be the perfect spot to incorporate an outdoor shower, offering a seamless indoor-outdoor transition.

• Convenient Access: Placing the shower near or within the pool house makes it easy to rinse off before and after swimming.
• Added Amenities: Consider adding a small changing area or bathroom in the pool house for extra convenience.
• Design Harmony: Match the materials and colors of the shower to the pool house for a cohesive look.

Privacy Considerations

Privacy is key when it comes to outdoor showers. You want to enjoy the feeling of showering outside without worrying about onlookers.

• Strategic Placement: Position the shower in a less visible area of the yard, perhaps shielded by the pool house or a living fence.
• Screening Options: Use tall plants, trellises with climbing vines, or stylish wooden screens to create a private oasis.
• Design Elements: Opt for frosted glass or bamboo panels to add a touch of elegance while maintaining seclusion.

By thoughtfully integrating an outdoor shower with a pool house and considering privacy, you create a functional and inviting space that improves your backyard pool area. This setup not only keeps your pool clean but also adds a touch of luxury to your outdoor retreat.

Pool House Pergola

Transform your poolside into a hub of outdoor entertaining and relaxation with a pool house pergola. This versatile structure offers a perfect blend of shade and style, creating an ideal space for dining and socializing.

Outdoor Entertaining

A pool house pergola is more than just a roof over your head. It’s a canvas for creativity and comfort.

• Versatile Space: Use the pergola to host summer parties, family gatherings, or quiet evenings under the stars.
• Ambiance: String lights or lanterns across the beams for a magical evening glow.
• Comfort: Add cozy seating, like outdoor sofas or lounge chairs, to make guests feel at home.

Dining Space

Turn your pergola into a chic dining area where you can enjoy meals with a view of the pool.

• Dining Furniture: Choose weather-resistant tables and chairs that fit the style of your backyard.
• Outdoor Kitchen: Consider adding a small outdoor kitchen or bar for convenient meal prep and serving.
• Decorative Touches: Use colorful table settings or potted plants to add personality and charm.

A pool house pergola not only improves the aesthetic of your backyard but also adds functional spaces for outdoor entertaining and dining. By incorporating thoughtful design elements, you can create a welcoming environment that complements your backyard landscape around the pool.

Paver Patio

A paver patio offers a customizable and aesthetic solution for changing your backyard landscape around the pool. With a range of colors, shapes, and materials, you can create a unique look that complements your pool area perfectly.

Customizable Design

The beauty of a paver patio lies in its flexibility. You can tailor it to fit your style and needs.

• Variety of Materials: Choose from concrete, brick, or stone pavers to match your desired look.
• Patterns and Layouts: Arrange pavers in intricate patterns like herringbone or basketweave for added visual interest.
• Color Options: Select from earthy tones, greys, or even vibrant hues to improve your pool’s surroundings.

Aesthetic Appeal

A well-designed paver patio not only serves a functional purpose but also lifts the overall aesthetic of your backyard.

• Seamless Integration: Blend the patio with your existing landscaping by incorporating similar materials and colors.
• Defined Spaces: Use pavers to delineate different areas, such as lounging zones, dining spots, or pathways.
• Complementary Features: Add elements like planters, fire pits, or water features to improve the patio’s charm.

With its customizable nature and aesthetic benefits, a paver patio is a smart choice for those looking to improve their backyard landscape around the pool. Whether you prefer a modern minimalist look or a rustic charm, a paver patio can bring your vision to life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Backyard Landscape Around Pool

How do I landscape my backyard with a pool?

Landscaping around a pool can transform your backyard into a serene oasis. Here are some essential elements to consider:

• Hedges and Fencing: These provide privacy and safety. Evergreen hedges like Boxwoods or Arborvitaes are great choices. For fencing, consider materials like wood or metal that complement your overall design.
• Trees: Choose trees that offer shade and are low-maintenance. Dwarf citrus trees or palms can add a tropical feel without overwhelming the space.
• Gravel and Rocks: Use gravel or rocks for pathways and borders. They are low-maintenance and help with drainage. Opt for natural tones to blend seamlessly with your landscape.

What’s the best thing to put around a pool?

When deciding what to place around your pool, consider both aesthetics and functionality:

• Gravel and Rocks: These materials are excellent for creating defined spaces and pathways. They are easy to maintain and add a natural look to your pool area.
• Succulents: These plants are hardy, drought-resistant, and require minimal care. Succulents like Agave or Aloe can be placed in pots or planted directly in the ground around the pool.

What is the best plant to plant around a pool?

Selecting the right plants can improve your pool’s beauty and create a welcoming environment:

• Palms: Palms are perfect for a tropical vibe. They are tall, neat, and provide some shade. Consider varieties like Windmill Palm or Pygmy Date Palm.
• Dwarf Citrus: These trees are small but offer vibrant foliage and a pleasant fragrance. They are ideal for adding color and interest without taking up too much space.

By incorporating these elements, you can create a stunning backyard landscape around the pool that is both functional and visually appealing.

Conclusion

At Creative Edge Pools, we believe your backyard should be a reflection of your dreams. Our expertise in comprehensive backyard development allows us to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary retreats. Whether you’re envisioning a lush garden oasis or a sleek modern landscape, we have the experience to bring your ideas to life.

Our team specializes in designing and installing custom gunite swimming pools that fit seamlessly into your backyard landscape. We handle everything from the initial planning and excavation to the final touches of landscaping and masonry. Our focus is on creating outdoor environments that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

With over a century of combined experience, our family-owned business is dedicated to providing personalized service custom to your unique vision. We understand that every backyard is different, and we take pride in crafting spaces that not only meet but exceed your expectations.

Ready to transform your pool area? Let us help you create a beautiful backyard landscape around the pool that you’ll love. Contact us today to start your journey toward the perfect outdoor space.

Learn more about our landscaping services around swimming pools.