When properly designed, pool landscaping can turn that so-so swimming hole in your backyard into your own private luxury vacation get-away spot. Despite what some landscapers may want you to think, landscaping a pool isnt something only the professionals can do. That said, you still need to invest a fair amount of time in planning to avoid costly mistakes. In order to get the gorgeous pool landscape you deserve with the fewest hassles, there are a few things youll want to consider.

Not all plants are pool plants

The types of plants youre going to have around the pool is something youll want to give serious consideration to. Choose the wrong plants and you could end up with leaves and seedpods in your water or, worse, roots growing through the wall.

When you spot a plant you think might look good around your pool, read up on it to make sure its truly pool-friendly. Better yet, look for a list of pool-friendly plants and use that to find species that will grow well in your area.

Start with a plan

When you start your project landscaping by browsing pictures of pool landscaping online, its all to easy to get caught up in ideas that look good around somebody elses pool, but may not be right for your needs or budget. Instead of starting by collecting pool landscaping idea, start by deciding what your main purpose for having a pool is. Is meant to be a relaxing hide-away? A spot to throw pool parties? A place for exercise and pool sports? Your main goal for your pool area is a major factor in determining how you landscape it.

Don’t neglect the deck

The first thing youll want to consider when youre building a pool deck is the type of material youre going to use. Make sure you choose something thats rough enough to provide decent traction when wet, yet not so rough its going to be painful on bare feet.

Pool decks and patios may be functional, but that doesnt mean they have to be boring. Unfortunately, plenty of pool owners get so caught up in choosing shade trees and dressing up the fence that the deck is left looking a little bare.

You may not want to go all out, but having a few Adirondack chairs and some trailing plants hanging from a basket will add a lot to the look of your poolside.

If youre a do-it-yourselfer, theres no reason you need to pay a landscaper thousands to design your pool landscaping for you. Just make sure you start your landscape plans with a clear idea of what you want to get out of your pool area and carefully consider each element you add.