Swimming pool landscaping ideas in Australia

The epitome of summer fun and entertaining in Australia is a good old fashioned pool party. Whether you’re considering installing a pool or work has already commenced, swimming pool landscaping ideas can help you achieve the look you want for your backyard. There’s no point spending all that money on a gorgeous swimming pool, if the backyard is a muddy disaster!

It’s important to plan pool landscaping in advance to create a seamless design between the house, garden, and pool. In the long run it will save you money too. Swimming pool contractors often have good relationships with landscaping contractors, which makes for good communication and problem solving, and minimises expensive surprises.

In this article, we will explore swimming pool landscaping ideas, various pool landscaping costs, and what options might suit your backyard and budget best.

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Pool and landscaping tips

Before you begin your swimming pool landscaping project, the first step is to make sure you choose a pool that works in the space. It’s important to consider the size and shape of both your pool and backyard to determine what look will suit your property. Whether you have a large or small garden, careful consideration will be needed.

Once you’ve selected your pool, you will be able to plan the landscaping and decor to suit. Choosing a theme for your pool landscaping can help you achieve a cohesive design that fits with the style of your home. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Tropical oasis
• Modern coastal
• Natural lagoon
• Private beach

Once you’ve decided on the vibe you’re going for, you can choose details to accentuate this style such as decking and furniture.

For example, if you want to create a contemporary and minimal aesthetic that complements your modern home then opting for a sleek glass pool fence and dark stone paving will accentuate this look. On the other hand, an older classical-style home may suit a more traditional pool landscaping approach. This can be achieved with timber furniture, rockery, and flower beds.

Other elements to consider that will make a big impact on your overall pool landscaping are:

• the lighting you choose
• the colour of your pool
• the plants
• any water features added to the build.

You will also need to factor in safety regulations and safety features to your plan.

While many people work on their landscaping as an afterthought once the pool is installed, it’s best to be prepared by having your pool landscaping ideas and designs hashed out before construction work commences. You can discuss your plans with your pool builder and landscaper in advance to ensure your goals are achievable. They will be able to advise you of any potential issues that may arise.

Rectangular pool landscaping ideas

If you’ve opted for a rectangular pool, landscaping around the pool can be kept modern and minimalist with a dark stone patio surrounding the area, while incorporating a cascading water feature can create an element of sophistication or a resort-like feel.

A raised, water-resistant timber deck can provide an inviting and comfortable exterior space for entertaining guests and is also an easy option for fitting and installing around any shape of pool. Add comfortable lounges, a fire pit, and mood-lighting to create the perfect space to enjoy day and night.

An easy to maintain flower bed or border can accentuate the rectangular shape of your pool. You can choose to have raised garden beds installed or plant directly into the earth. Tall plants will make a larger splash! You can use the garden beds and borders to zone different areas of your garden, while also bringing colour and life to your backyard.

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Small backyard pool landscaping ideas

If you have a small backyard, your pool will likely take up most of the space and be the biggest outdoor feature. You can opt for a plunge pool in order to have more room to work around and to make your pool appear more decorative. You can choose from square or circular shaped pools.

Adding fountains to a plunge pool is a visually appealing touch, while also providing a relaxing soundtrack to your outdoor space.

If you have a small and narrow backyard, a narrow rectangular pool or lap pool will look best and will give you a modern, architectural effect. This style of pool is also great for creating a Mediterranean vibe. You can install them right against the edges and boundaries of your property, and add climbing plants to the walls to create an even more appealing effect.

When it comes to hardscaping with a small backyard pool, you can choose between timber decking or stone paving. Paving can work particularly well if you want to create a natural look. It can work with a long narrow pool to create the illusion of more space.

With small backyard pool landscaping, lighting is your best friend. Create ambiance with different lighting options that highlight the beauty of your pool area. Low voltage string lights are energy efficient but also provide a soft, romantic atmosphere to the surrounds. Underwater LED pool lighting illuminates your pool at night while also being environmentally and cost friendly.

Backyard tropical pool design ideas

There is an abundance of tropical pool landscaping ideas you can pick from and incorporate into your own backyard design. If you want to feel like you’re on a sunny vacation while in your own backyard, creating a tropical retreat is the perfect option for you.

A tropical oasis with lush plants creates a relaxing vibe. This is complemented by a wooden deck, pool lounges and strings of lights, or an open cabana with dreamy sheer white curtains for privacy and a light-filled look. Some of the best tropical plants to incorporate in your garden surrounding the pool are hibiscus, palms, birds of paradise, large ferns, canna, ginger plants, or other wide leaf plants. Planting will depend on your climate.

For a beachy atmosphere, add palm trees, a fire pit, and a hammock to complete the look. The colour of the pool water will also affect the pool landscaping overall look. For a private beach theme, your pool should be a light blue hue, while a natural lagoon-look requires a greenish hue.

Palm Springs pool area landscaping ideas

For a California-cool, Palm Springs theme, get the vibe right with rock beds filled with cacti and succulents surrounding the pool area. This will not only look edgy and fun, but it will be easy to maintain in warm climates or areas prone to drought.

Succulents are very on trend, but also hardy. Just be careful to ensure they’re placed away from where people could come in contact with their spiky spines. However, many succulents have small spines or none at all.

You can plant cactus in containers or raised beds. Cacti come in a wide range of different shapes, sizes, colours, and textures to choose from. You will need direct sunlight and excellent drainage when landscaping with this species.

For pool landscaping, some of the best succulents are:

• Aeonium
• Agave
• Aptenia
• Crassula
• Echeveria
• Echinocactus
• Euphorbia
• Dudleya
• Kalanchoe
• Opuntia
• Plumeria
• Sedum
• Senecio

You could incorporate a pool house into your design too. This can be a villa or a cabana. With a villa you can add a bar so guests can help themselves to drinks and a bathroom to avoid trekking through the house with wet feet.

Pool landscaping ideas on a budget Australia

Pool landscaping doesn’t have to blow out your budget. There are plenty of affordable ways to landscape around your pool that will give your backyard a great makeover. Being resourceful and creative in some areas will save you money on the cost of a professional.

With a few bags of river rocks and a garden bed filled with dirt, you can make a simple yet attractive rock garden. For more greenery, container gardens can be arranged ornamentally. Select hardy plants that won’t need a lot of pampering to thrive and that don’t cost a tonne. Aloe Vera is easy to propagate, low maintenance and can help with soothing sunburn, so it’s a perfect poolside plant.

Plants go a long way to create a dramatic effect to landscaping and if you choose the right ones or buy them small you can save a lot of money. Ornamental grasses can add stylish boundaries and look great along a fence line. They also work well to contrast a rock garden or as an accent piece.

When it comes to outdoor furniture on the cheap, consider upcycling wooden pallets for a fun DIY job. Two pallets stacked on top of each other is a very quick and easy way to make an outdoor coffee table.

If you don’t want a lot of lawn to maintain, you could make a stone slab walkway from your house to the pool. Add a firepit and a string of lights and you’re all set!

How much does landscaping around a pool cost?

So, how much does pool landscaping cost? When budgeting for a swimming pool, a general ballpark is to allow for an extra 75% of the cost of the pool for landscaping. Ouch. It’s expensive, but quality contractors are worth it.

When it comes to structural elements like in-ground swimming pools, retaining walls and paving, it’s important to hire quality, licensed professionals and use top materials. You can save money in other areas but cutting corners on the major work can lead to issues, such as cracked concrete, dropped pool concrete and incorrect water run-off. If you’re not careful, your investment could quickly become a liability.

While landscaping is a big expense, it’s critical if you want a great looking backyard that will give you years of summer fun, and it’s a solid investment.

Paving or decking is essential around the pool for safety and style. But it’s expensive, so if you incorporate large areas of lawn into your garden design it will help offset the costs of paving materials and labour. There are options for paving too. Stone and slate are gorgeous around a pool, but they are expensive. You can save a lot of money by choosing cheaper paving options or patterned concrete. Check out your options at a paving supplier.

Retaining walls and drainage for sloping sites are another big expense, but you’ve got choices about the materials you use here too. For instance, sleepers are a lot less expensive than stone or brick.

You can also minimise the cost of the planting scheme by choosing plants that are hardy, grow quickly and can be planted effectively in mass plantings. Consider hardy indigenous grasses for a stunning display of colour year-round.

If you want to transform your back garden into a hedonist’s delight, you’ll need to talk to an expert. Contact a garden landscaper that specialises in pool surrounds, or call a swimming pool specialist today.

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