Achieving a stunning pool landscaping design that requires minimal maintenance is a common goal for many homeowners. Unfortunately, the perceived high costs and time-consuming nature of a project like this often deter people from pursuing it. However, with careful planning and the right knowledge, it is possible to create the backyard oasis you’ve always wanted!
In this blog, we will review eight creative landscaping design ideas that will inspire you while you plan the perfect backyard paradise.
Your Current Landscaping Design
First, you’ll want to review your budget for this project. Inspect and inventory your property, list your wants for your landscaping project and set a budget. Maybe you want to reuse your existing backyard decor and furniture and take a DIY approach when it comes to designing your new space. Or, maybe you want a full gut of your backyard so you can start with a blank canvas. Whatever your choice, make sure your budget matches your design goals.
Another important step to take before you start is to evaluate the current status of your backyard or pool area. If it is overgrown with weeds or needs a few trees trimmed, it is important to plan that out first. Get your outdoor space clean and ready for a transformation by properly maintaining existing trees, shrubs, grass, and any decor you wish to keep.
Finally, list your goals for your landscaping design. Make sure to review and answer the following questions.
How much time are you willing to spend caring for your yard each week?
Are you willing to fertilize your plants and lawn regularly?
How long is this design meant to last?
Are you aware of any problem areas on your property?
What add-ons or features are you most interested in?
Your answers to these questions will serve as guidelines for your project and help keep the scope of your landscaping design within reasonable limits.
Choose Heat Tolerant Plants and Grass
Florida’s climate can be challenging for many plants, but some species thrive in hot and humid conditions. These Florida-friendly plants are typically drought and flood tolerant, pest-resistant and have extensive root structures which make them sturdy.
Here, we have mapped out several plants and flowers that are ideal for a sunny Florida backyard.
Palm Trees
We think everyone can agree with us when we say that palm trees are the pinnacle of Florida landscaping design. They are not only hardy and low maintenance, but they also give us that tropical feel that makes living in Florida so great.
So, looking for some suggestions on which palms are best? Here are some that will thrive in your backyard oasis:
Cabbage Palm
African Oil Palm
Royal Palm
Bangalow Palm
Areca Palm
Bismarck Palm
It is important to note that not all palm trees are the same in their care requirements. Make sure to do enough research before splurging on a palm that may not survive a bad frost or freeze.
Other Florida-friendly plants and flowers include:
Agave
Hibiscus
Bougainvillea
Succulents and Cactus
Grasses
For more information about Florida-friendly outdoor plants and best practices when it comes to landscaping in Florida, check out this publication from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences department.
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Incorporate Water Features into your Landscaping Design
Water features such as waterfalls, fountains or small streams can enhance the ambiance of your pool deck or patio and provide a sense of tranquility, relaxation and beauty to any landscape design. In Florida, incorporating water features can create a refreshing oasis and provide respite from the heat.
Whether you want to keep it simple or go big, a water feature is a great option when considering ways to upgrade your landscaping design.
Some options include more natural water features like a pond with native fish and plants, a simple bird bath or even a small rock waterfall. More modern or sophisticated alternatives could include glass wall waterfalls, bubbler fountains or a pool water feature.
When building a water feature, don’t forget to:
Consider the location
Provide proper maintenance
Ensure safety
By incorporating these elements, you can create a beautiful and functional water feature that will enhance your landscape design.
Use Natural Stone
Natural stone is a great material for pool decking and coping. It is durable, slip resistant and compliments the environment surrounding your pool.
Not only are these natural stones a safe option for your family when hanging around the pool deck, but they can also add a unique and timeless element to your landscaping project.
When incorporating natural stone, it is important to choose the right type of stone that can withstand Florida’s warm, sunny and humid climate. The following are heart options to choose from.
Travertine
Travertine is an economical choice without having to sacrifice style. These pavers typically resemble marble, so you can save some cash all while getting the design you desire. Another advantage of travertine is that it will stay cool to the touch. We all know that this is a must for living in Florida!
Limestone
While limestone can be used to create an antique or old-world look, the stone is also often made into more modern and contemporary pavers as well. Luckily there is a wide variety of styles and colors, so finding the right limestone for your poolside landscape design won’t be difficult. Like travertine, limestone also deflects heat, helping it stay cool to the touch even on a hot day.
Sandstone
Sandstone is a great choice for a pool deck because it is very porous, which means that it can absorb a lot of water, reducing the risk of slipping. It is also a very durable natural stone so it will last for decades without worrying about replacing it.
Natural stone can also be used for pathways, borders, garden features and sitting areas. Consider using different shapes and sizes to create visual interest and texture. It’s also important to provide proper maintenance to keep your stone looking its best.
Consider a Screen Enclosure
A pool screen enclosure can not only provide a customized style to your pool, but it also serves many other benefits like privacy, sun protection, pest control and increased home value.
A pool screen enclosure is a common addition to Florida landscaping design, as one has several benefits. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Pool Cages here!
First and foremost, a pool screen helps keep pests and debris out of the pool area, making it a more enjoyable and comfortable space for you to relax in.
In addition to this, a pool screen enclosure helps reduce the amount of direct sunlight that reaches your pool deck and surrounding area. This can help keep the water cooler, reduce the number of chemicals needed to maintain your pool and provide an added level of sun protection to you and your family.
Finally, pool enclosures can enhance the overall look and feel of your poolside paradise. There are many different styles and types of pool screen enclosures, so you’ll be sure to find one that fits your style preferences as well as your budget.
When planning for a pool enclosure, don’t forget to consider the following factors:
Consider the location of the enclosure.
Consider how it will interact with the rest of the items in your landscape design.
Think about durability and maintenance requirements.
Choose the right type of enclosure.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Screen Enclosures and More can help you choose the right pool screen enclosure for you, click here!
Add Shade
Shade is an important element to consider when planning out your landscaping design, especially during the hot summer months. Having shade around your pool can make it more comfortable to use during the hottest part of the day while also protecting you from the sun.
One way to provide shade is by choosing the right trees for your outdoor space. Native trees like live oaks, magnolias and palm trees are well-adapted to the local climate and require minimal maintenance. Other unique and customizable options include structures like pergolas, awnings, umbrellas and sail shades. These all provide shade and add a stylish focal point to your outdoor space.
Sail Shades
Sail shades specifically are a great option for your pool screen enclosure. They are attached to your screen enclosure and are typically made of a durable, UV-resistant fabric that is stretched over the framework to create a taut, sail-like canopy. They are a seamless way to provide you with the perfect amount of shade and sun protection.
These sail shades often come in different shapes, sizes and colors making it easy to customize them to specific areas of your pool or outdoor space.
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Create Seating Areas
Seating areas placed around your pool can make it a more comfortable living space so that you can enjoy the view while relaxing in the shade. Before buying furniture or hiring a paving crew, you’ll need to identify the best location for your seating area based on the size of your outdoor space, the views you want to see and the amount of sunlight in the area.
Now you can choose your seating! There are so many options so be sure to review your needs before picking. Here are some seating ideas:
Lounge Chairs
Benches
Outdoor Sofas
Outdoor Table Sets
Add Lighting
Lighting is a quick and easy way to enhance the beauty of your pool area at night.
Including lighting in your outdoor space is an important aspect of a comfortable and stylish landscaping design. The right lights can create a warm and inviting atmosphere while also providing safety and security.
There are almost an unlimited amount of lighting options for the outdoors, so picking the right one for you can be a fun part of your landscaping project. Consider the following lighting ideas:
Pool Lights
Pool lights are lighting fixtures designed specifically for use in swimming pools. They are typically installed on the side wall or even at the bottom of the pool. Nowadays, there are so many design styles and color options for pool lighting. From fiber optics to LEDs and color-changing options to remote controls, you are sure to find a pool light that fits your design ideas.
Landscape Lights
Landscape lights are fixtures designed to enhance the beauty and safety of your outdoor space. These are typically above-ground lights that illuminate and bring a nice ambiance to your garden, lawn, pool and other landscaped areas.
Accent Lighting
Accent lights are fixtures that are used to highlight specific areas of your outdoor space. Some of these lights include uplights, downlights, spotlights and string lights. These are all unique lights that add dramatic effect and style to your landscape design.
Consider Privacy
Depending on the location of your pool, you may want to consider added levels of privacy to create a sense of seclusion and intimacy.
Incorporating privacy into a landscape design is an important consideration, particularly for homeowners who want a secluded and tranquil outdoor space. One of the easiest ways to do so is to plant tall trees or shrubs around the perimeter of your property. This will create a natural and beautiful barrier between your backyard or home and your neighbors.
Many homeowners also use walls, fences or trellises to create that privacy. This can also give your home and backyard some visual interest.
Privacy Screens
One of our favorite ways to create privacy in your pool area or backyard is privacy curtains. These offer a range of benefits, some of which include providing a visual barrier, reducing noise levels, and creating extra protection against UV rays. Similar to the sail shades, these privacy screens come in a variety of sizes and color options so you can customize them to your liking.
Completing Your Landscaping Design
Overall, adding these landscaping design ideas around your pool can greatly improve the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your outdoor living space. From natural elements like water features and natural stone to seating areas, outdoor lighting and privacy screens, there are a variety of design ideas and inspiration to suit your needs.
By implementing these landscaping design ideas, you can create a gorgeous backyard that will provide years of enjoyment and relaxation for you and your loved ones.