In the scorching days of summer, one of the best ways to overcome the heat is to go for a dip in the swimming pool, if you are lucky enough to own one. But, most people who have a pool aren’t only using the pool as a spot to cool off and relax, they also use it as the key feature in their landscape designs. To many, a garden with a swimming pool grows into a sanctuary where one can depart from the hustle and bustle of the day, and completely take it easy. To others, it is a spot used to entertain relatives and colleagues. Either way, the yard isn’t going to be finished until the area surrounding the swimming pool has been suitably landscaped.
Features to Think About Before Devising a Design Plan for Landscaping Close To a Swimming Pool
There are a few aspects to think about before preparing a backyard landscape scheme. These consist of, but are not restricted to, typical weather, size of the area, existing landscape, privacy, beauty, convenience, and most important, your finances. Also, if you are landscaping near an existing swimming pool, you’re going to be a bit more restricted in the number of possibilities that are open to you. For new pool installations, the possibilities are nearly endless and restricted by only budget and any building code restrictions that must be observed. If you have the budget for it, it is best to hire a landscape designer. An area landscape designer ought to be acquainted with building code restrictions, material cost, and regional weather concerns.
Swimming Pool Coping and Deck
If you are planning your backyard landscape around an existing swimming pool, this will probably not be a concern as in ground pools are usually initially built with these components. For new set-ups, the choice of the coping and deck will probably be the most important decision that needs to be reached. Swimming pool coping is the edging or trim that is fitted around the boundary of the pool. There are basically four kinds of coping to choose from. Rolled edge coping generally consists of brick, pavers or concrete and is smooth with a rolled up inner rim. Cantilevered coping is a modern variety that lengthens the decking past the edge of the pool and down the side forming an L-shape which makes the decking look thicker than it really is. Bull-nosed coping is constructed from cast-concrete, stone, or cast-stone and is level on top with a rounded interior edge. Lastly, rough cut coping is made of flat stones which give the pool a more natural and uneven appearance. It is most regularly used in combination with rock waterfalls or other types of rock formations. The swimming pool deck is the region surrounding the pool that is commonly made from concrete, wood, pavers, stone, or tile. Consider adding natural stone coping and decking or concrete pavers that match the accents on the house. Make safety a top priority and think through practicalities. Pick a decking material and color that will not be too hot to stand on in the sun or too slippery when damp. Additionally, take into consideration any future upkeep requirements of the decking material. For example, wood decking will need to be retreated every 5 to 7 years.
Water Features
There is no better means to increase the peacefulness of your backyard utopia than by the addition of a stylish water feature. Water features come in an extensive assortment with the most popular being fountains and landscape waterfalls. Cascading rock waterfalls, waterfalls from adjacent spas, waterfalls from slides, and sheer waterfalls trickling from retaining walls offer a visually thrilling spectacle. Water sprays from vertical fountains and laminar jets are growing in popularity as well. The rapidest growing thing currently in regard to swimming pool features is the addition of fiber-optic lighting. Fiber-optic lighting is not only being built into the sides of the swimming pool, but is also being used to show off the water features mentioned above. Many lighting kits include a remote control and color wheel which allows the pool owner to vary the color of the lighting.
Greenery and Flowerpots
No pool landscaping scheme would be complete without the addition of plants, shrubs and trees. Planters range from modest flower pots, garden urns, planters built into the patio, retaining wall flower beds, planters incorporated into rock structures, and the most popular, a flower bed which frames the entire, or sections of the patio. Pay a visit to the local garden center to locate types of foliage that are specific to your planting zone. Factors include the extent of sunlight the plant will have in respect to the area you intend to plant it, its distance from the swimming pool, and the backyard color strategy. Chlorine can be damaging to plants, hence, if the pool uses chlorine, you will need to keep the plants far enough away from the swimming pool so that they aren’t affected by splashing water. The root structure of the plant is an additional critical issue if you intend on placing it next to the swimming pool. Be certain not to plant trees with oversized root systems too close to the swimming pool. Lastly, you’ll want to know if the plant drops its flowers or leaves. If it does, you’ll either want to avoid using it, or plant it far enough away from the swimming pool to make sure that the flowers and leaves do not end up in the pool. Plants, shrubs and trees that lose their flowers or leaves not only demand more maintenance, but may damage the pool pump or block the pools pipes.
If all these alternatives appear a tad overwhelming, you’re not alone. The most beneficial advice is to view photos of existing pool landscapes to find the style and preferences that you like. You can locate them on websites that sell swimming pools, as well as in their trade magazines and catalogs. The most important thing you should do is put together a comprehensive plan before commencing with your landscaping venture. If you do that, you are guaranteed to make a sound, low care, trouble-free pool landscape that will convert the yard into your own secluded heaven.
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