Poolscape Design For A Luxurious Swimming Pool Landscape

July 14, 2010 by Jasmine LeClair  
Filed under Gardening

A well thought-out swimming pool landscape plan can turn a fun, recreational area into one that forever increases the aesthetic and (quite possibly) monetary value of your home. There are few things more decadent than having a private oasis in your backyard. That said, it is surprising how frequently would-be owners of such luxury, inground pools often spare little thought for the details of poolscape design. There are manifold considerations when it comes to swimming pool landscape design, considerations that include safety, convenience, privacy and, of course, beauty.

First things first, you’re going to need to hire a seasoned construction company, and it had best be one that your friends or family have had a good experience with. Its the only one good option for busy individuals to ensure that attention is paid to the minutiae of their poolscape designs construction. Irresponsible or weakly run companies are notorious for dragging out construction work for longer than necessary, making them a very risky financial proposition indeed. With a little luck, you might be able to find a poolscape design company that”ll quote you a flat rate, instead of a by the day or by the hour rate. The latter system encourages slow, inefficient work on their part and long-term debt on yours.

Pretty much one of the best landscaping ideas for privacy, and a poolscape design that will look great and guard your pool area from inquiring eyes, is to surround it with foliage, creating a thick screen of protective greenery. The trees you pick do need to be chosen wisely, though. Any tree with an extensive root system will, given a few years, cause damage to the foundation of your home or of your swimming pool. Also trees that drop their leaves in autumn are going to be more trouble than they’re worth – you’d prefer your pools good hygiene to be as low-maintenance as possible.

Try instead for broadleaf evergreens like holly. One way to save space while still getting all the green you desire is to grow vines up trellises, or even to purchase an espalier tree. Espalier trees have their branches trained to grow out to either side, so they essentially form a flat barrier of branches.

Of course, if you’re a parent or prospective parent, you may be more concerned about your young child falling in the pool than you are about good-looks or greenery. In that case, a fence or wall might be a good idea. You’ll also probably want to double up on the security, and install a pool net. Not only will this keep your pool clean of detritus, but it should also hold the weight of any toddler or adult who happens to trip into the pool. Be sure that your hooks are solidly installed, and that the net is of a high quality polyfiber weave. If its not, you’re at a risk of a home drowning when the net wraps the person falling in – such accidents form a statistically significant percentage of home drownings.

On a lighter note, you need to remember that the area around your pool – the patio or deck- is one of the most luxurious things about having a pool. Relaxing in the sun before a pleasant dip is an activity in itself. If you plan to have pool parties, consider how people are apt to circulate through the area you’re building. Don’t ignore details like the tiles or flooring you use – go for terra-cotta tiles or rough wood over a surface that’s going to be slippery and cause falls.

Lastly, think about style. You’d ideally like your swimming pool landscape design to echo the architectural features of your home. Often people renovate their houses without giving any thought to the outmoded style of the pool in the backyard. Look at a variety of custom designs, remembering always that your dream swimming pool will be the one that fits seamlessly into your dream home.

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