What Can I Put Around My Pool: Best Ideas & Trends

When planning the area surrounding your pool, the goal is to move beyond just functionality and create a cohesive outdoor room that enhances your home’s value. The space immediately adjacent to the water dictates the mood, safety, and usability of the entire backyard, so choosing the right materials and landscaping is a critical design decision.

Hardscaping Options for Pool Decks

The surface you walk on defines the pool area’s practicality, and selecting the right hardscape material is about balancing safety, maintenance, and style. Each option has specific thermal properties, durability ratings, and slip resistance factors to consider.

Concrete and Pavers

Stamped concrete remains a popular choice due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness, allowing for the illusion of stone or brick at a lower price point. However, you must ensure a proper salt-resistant sealer is applied to prevent damage from chlorine. Natural stone pavers, such as travertine or bluestone, offer superior slip resistance and a high-end aesthetic that cools the visual temperature of the space, making them ideal for sunny climates.

Composite Decking and Wood

For a warmer, more traditional look, wood or composite decking provides comfort underfoot and a classic appeal. When using wood, selecting rot-resistant species like cedar or redwood is essential to withstand constant moisture. Composite materials eliminate the need for staining and resist warping, but you should verify the specific product is rated for pool environments to avoid fading or structural issues over time.

Safety and Maintenance Considerations

Beyond aesthetics, the materials you choose must prioritize safety and longevity. Surfaces around pools will be exposed to water, UV radiation, and harsh chemicals, so the selection process should always start with safety certifications.

Integrating Greenery and Soft Landscaping

Hard surfaces provide the structure, but the organic elements bring life and soften the edges of the pool area. Strategic planting reduces glare, provides privacy, and creates a seamless transition between the pool and the rest of the yard.

Shrubs and Privacy Screens

Evergreen shrubs or tall ornamental grasses planted along the perimeter act as a visual barrier from neighbors without blocking sunlight. You should position these elements approximately three to four feet back from the waterline to allow for growth and root space, ensuring roots do not interfere with the pool’s structural integrity or underground plumbing.

Ground Cover and Lawn Alternatives

Maintaining a full lawn right up to the pool edge often results in constant maintenance and chemical runoff from mowers. Replacing turf with low-growing ground cover like creeping thyme or clover offers a soft, walkable surface that releases a pleasant scent when brushed against. Alternatively, compacted gravel or decomposed granite provides a modern, no-mow solution that drains exceptionally well and prevents mud from being tracked into the pool.

Accessorizing for Comfort and Ambiance

The finishing touches are what transform a functional pool area into a luxurious resort-style retreat. These elements add personality and ensure the space is as comfortable as it is beautiful.

• Outdoor Rugs: Placing a durable outdoor rug beside the pool deck defines the lounge area and adds a pop of color without the commitment of permanent landscaping.
• Lighting: Submersible LED lights and post-mounted path lighting extend the usability of the space into the evening, creating dramatic reflections on the water surface.
• Furniture: Weather-resistant wicker or teak furniture ensures that your seating withstands the humid environment while maintaining an upscale appearance.

Defining Zones with Decorative Elements

To maximize the utility of the space, consider dividing the poolside area into distinct zones for dining, lounging, and activity. This organization prevents clutter and ensures that every inch of the area serves a purpose.

Lounging and Dining Areas

A small bistro set or a sectional outdoor sofa creates an intimate gathering spot. If space allows, positioning a buffet table near the kitchen door allows for effortless entertaining, keeping the chef close to the action without needing to leave the poolside.

The Safety Zone

It is vital to keep the immediate edge of the pool clear of toys and trip hazards. Installing a built-in bench or a daybed provides a designated spot for swimmers to exit safely and dry off, reducing the risk of slips on wet surfaces.