A swimming pool, whether buried or above ground, is always very pleasant during the summer period (and even in winter if it is a heated swimming pool).
Yes, but for your swimming pool to integrate as well as possible into your garden or on your terrace, it may be fashionable to decorate your pool area with plants and shrubs. Placing rocks around the pool area is also a great idea.
But in this article, we will introduce to you the top 10 plants to put around a swimming pool! But first, let’s see the general type of plants you should avoid.
Rocks and Decks to Have Around the Pool
Most in-ground swimming pools are decked, but not usually decked to be decorative. Creative deck ideas for swimming pools include creating decks resembling natural slates, stamped concrete, flagstone or brick. You can have the deck colored with stains.
Stones and rocks are also beautiful by the pool side. Here, you can have either river jacks, brown, or pure red landscape stones. However, you need a professional to install them so you can have a pattern that is attractive.
Plantations to Avoid Around a Swimming Pool
There is no question about placing the swimming pool in the middle of a vast expanse of dry landscape. There is no harm in that; except that it would be too sad and without any charm. But, still, not all plantations are ideal for a swimming pool vicinity.
1. Large trees
If large trees stand on your property, it is better to move the pool away. While on the one hand, they may create shade on the pool, on the other hand, leaves peeling off deciduous trees and falling pine needles will force you to make endless water cleanings.
In all cases, keep a perimeter on the terrace around the pool, large enough to prevent plant debris from getting into the water too much. This will also limit the splashes of water on plants not necessarily inclined to tolerate the pool water which is enriched with chemical products.
2. Defensive Landscaping Shrubs
Thorny shrubs like Holly, Hawthorn, Bougainvillea, Pyracantha, and Blackberry should also be avoided near the swimming pool. This is because children and adults alike in swimsuits can scratch themselves when they come a little too close.
3. Shrubs with Deep Roots
Avoid deciduous shrubs with a dense root system that may penetrate underground, damaging the pool installation.
4. Honey Flowers
Finally, to avoid being bothered by buzzing noises or even insect bites (mosquitoes, wasps, etc.), do not opt for plants that produce honey flowers. These include dandelions, fennels, and others. Also, shrubs producing berries will inevitably attract these little animals into the pool.
Best Plants for Around Above Ground Pool
Here is a list of 10 plants for decorating around an above-ground pool or an in-ground pool.
1. Lavender
In addition to coloring the surroundings of your swimming pool with pretty blue and purple hues, lavender is also very easy to live with and very easy to maintain. You should not forget its smell, which reminds everyone of the holidays, and which in addition keeps wasps and insects away! Pair it with thyme and rosemary and this will be as pretty to look at as they are useful in the kitchen.
2. Oleander
Oleander is a shrub that is sure to bring a Mediterranean touch around your pool with its pretty white, red, or pink flowers. It is a very practical plant because, in addition to nicely decorating your garden, oleander hedges protect from the wind and prying eyes!
3. The Palm Tree
If you want to create an exotic atmosphere around your swimming pool, the palm tree is simply ideal! Choose a species that will suit the climate of your region, but also the size you have around your pool.
4. Hibiscus
With its pretty flowers (of almost any color) that open in the sun and close again after dark, hibiscus is perfect for decorating the area around a swimming pool. Do not hesitate to opt for perennial varieties, which will last several years in your garden.
5. Jasmine
Along with lavender, jasmine is one of the plants to choose if you want a swimming area that is as pleasant from a visual and an olfactory point of view. You may opt for Indian jasmine because its foliage is evergreen. Otherwise, star jasmine will do just fine, as long as you protect it from drafts.
6. The Bougainville
Do you want color and lush vegetation around your swimming pool in summer? The bougainvillea is for you! With its pretty flowers in bright colors (orange, red, pink, white, purple), the bougainvillea is a plant that is very popular in the Mediterranean and which will give an air of vacation to your exterior. Be careful though: as this plant is not the hardiest, it should be reserved for mild climates!
7. Bamboo
Around a swimming pool, bamboo is ideal for creating hedges and transforming your swimming area into a charming lush oasis. You can choose the species that you like among all the varieties that exist. Some are 50 cm high in maximum while others can reach more than 5 meters in height. Do not hesitate to accompany your bamboo with papyrus for an exotic atmosphere.
8. Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus)
Here are 3 good reasons to install agapanthus near your swimming pool:
- When it blooms, the agapanthus is covered with pretty flowers of a magnificent blue.
- It is a very solid plant, which supports both high heat and frost.
- Its flowers are self-cleaning
9. Perennial Grasses
If you fancy a slightly wild swimming area, plant perennial grasses (such as alliums, blue oats, alfalfa, etc.) around your pool. These plants add up the good points since they live very well in full sun without needing specific maintenance.
10. Cypress
To give your garden a very southern touch, why not line your pool with several cypress trees to form a majestic hedge? Add some olive trees and the Mediterranean decor will be planted
Which Plant Are You Growing Near Your Pool?
With each increasingly hot summer, many people who have installed or had a swimming pool built in their yard, the pleasure of being able to cool off by going for a dip is undeniable. But for this equipment to add value to the property, it is necessary to take care of its environment. In addition to the paving or wooden perimeter on which the deckchairs will be placed, the plant decoration will enhance both the pool and the pleasure of users. We hope you found one that catches your fancy.