Imagine your backyard surrounded by an oasis of calm. From the moment you are able to see the pool area, you feel completely at ease. Now imagine what it would be like if that feeling was just a little bit more special.

To give that oasis the finishing touch you have been looking for, consider these pool landscaping ideas we’ve written that will beautify your pool landscape without much work.

Several Things to Do Before You Begin Pool Landscaping

• If you’re planting, you should plan for several months so that your plants have time to grow. There will always be a period where the plant will need time to adjust before it can thrive in its new environment, which is why it is essential to plan ahead.

• When working on your pool landscaping ideas, do them gradually so that you do not overwhelm yourself or your wallet.

• When creating pool landscaping ideas, it is always good to start small and work your way up. This is an excellent way to start because then you can always go back and add on.

• If you cannot plant anything in the poolside, don’t despair. You can still use rocks as designs. 

• Sweep, rake and clean the area where you have your pool landscaping ideas. Remove all the debris, weed, and dirt that is located there.

Top 8 Cheap and Simple Pool Landscaping Ideas

1. Pool String Led Lighting

If you have a pool, installing a string of LED lights can add a touch of class to your pool. This pool landscaping idea is perfect for the nighttime because when the sun sets and dusk sets in, you will have a beautiful display of color that will help to create a calm and serene backyard. 

They’re smaller, lighter, and need a lot less effort to set up. They also use a lot less energy. This is a great way to keep your poolside lit up all year long with a soft, warm glow that won’t break the bank.

2. Fire Pit Lighting

Looking for a more natural way to illuminate your swimming pool? A fire pit is unbeatable in terms of ambiance. It serves as both a light source and an admirable pool feature.

It’s eye-catching, brightens up your backyard, and keeps everyone warm.

Huddling around a fire is the perfect way to be warm and comfy on a chilly night. It’s a soothing, cozy, and time-honored pool landscaping tradition that dates back to the dawn of time.

A fire pit next to your poolside is always a welcome addition, no matter what time of year it is.

3. Stone Walkway

The soothing sound of water ringing against rocks is a calming aspect of any landscape. 

If you have a pool with an inviting backyard, creating a stone walkway to your pool can be very beneficial and makes a great pool landscaping idea. It will draw people into the area and give them the chance to see how gorgeous it is without actually being in close proximity. 

It will also enhance the aesthetic beauty of your backyard when people are walking through it when they are on their way to your poolside.

4. Rock Garden

This looks stunning and can be a great way to add color to your pool. With the correct planting, the stone garden can also be very functional as well as being decorative.

They have extraordinary drainage abilities, have a timeless feel, and look great. They will look amazing with different types of plants, and the best part is the colors they come in and what you can do with them. 

Using rock gardens around your pool area is a fantastic idea. This will make it more appealing and visually stunning and give your guests a place where they feel comfortable to rest on their loungers or enjoy a drink by the poolside.

5. Poolside Planters

Poolside planters are a great way to add a little something extra to your pool. They will look amazing with the sky blue water, white pool fence, and the gorgeous stone tiles surrounding them.

If you have been searching for that perfect finishing touch for your pool area, then these beautiful planters are what you need to give it the completion.

6. Accent Plants

It’s possible you already have a few plants growing in your yard. As a result, why not include a few more to make your pool more interesting?

Adding rich textures and vivid splashes of color to your poolside with plants makes it feel like you’re on your little island. A little garden or even a few potted plants would be enough to get you started.

Pick poolside plants that don’t shed a lot of leaves. Full sun plants make a great fit for your space. They’re strong, low maintenance, and leaves don’t fall that much. 

Some poolside plants include:

• Live oaks

• Aloe vera

• Octopus agave

• Red Justicia

• Weeping dalea

7. Poolside Grass Borders

Feel like you still need to balance out that river rock garden? Then, ornamental grass borders might be the ones you’re looking for.

They’re neutral yet aesthetically remarkable, and in terms of functionality, they pretty much fit in any style.

Plant a few plants next to each other to make a wall, or scatter them around the pool deck as accent pieces.

8. Privacy Hedges and Plants

Need a little more privacy in your backyard oasis, but quite not sure if you’re ready to call the fence builders? You can make a wall of foliage for more privacy instead.

A hedge of trees or shrubs provides the ideal combination of décor and privacy.

Here are a few suitable trees, plants, and shrubs to use as privacy hedging:

• Norway Spruce

• Colorado Blue Spruce

• Green Giant Arborvitae

• Emerald Green Arborvitae

• Bamboo

Important: “Avoid invasive plants. These are pest plants that are growing aggressively and overtaking or even killing the plants that surround them. It will also mean a lot of effort for you to maintain it under control.”

Matt Giovanisci, founder of Swim University®

Bottom Line

The above are just a few of the many things you can do to make your outdoor space more enjoyable. It doesn’t take much, but each of these little ideas will transform your backyard into the one thing you never want to leave. 

Here are some more pool-related articles that you’ll definitely find useful. Do check them out! Click here to see more pool articles.

• Backyard Pool Ideas (A Guide to 13 Budget-Friendly)
• Pool Deck Resurfacing (What You Need to Know Before Getting the Job Done)
• Best Tips for Choosing the Right Pool Deck Paint
• Why Pool Circulation Matters the Most to Keep the Pool Healthy