Smart Landscaping for Your Backyard Swimming Pool

A backyard swimming pool is more than a place to cool off—it’s the centerpiece of your outdoor living space. The right landscaping can elevate the look and feel of your pool area, but it’s important to choose plants that can handle the unique challenges of being near water.

At Mobile Joe’s Landscaping in Alpharetta, we know how to create stunning poolside landscapes that are both practical and beautiful.

Here’s what to plant around your pool to ensure a lush, low-maintenance oasis that can withstand splashes, foot traffic, and the Georgia climate.

1. Durable Ground Covers for High-Traffic Areas

The area around your pool gets plenty of foot traffic, so you’ll need plants that can handle some wear and tear. Low-maintenance ground covers are perfect for softening the space between hardscapes while standing up to poolside activities.

Great Poolside Ground Covers:

• Dwarf Mondo Grass: A hardy, grass-like plant that thrives in Alpharetta’s climate. It’s evergreen and requires little maintenance.
• Creeping Thyme: This fragrant ground cover is both durable and drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for sunny areas near your pool.
• Blue Star Creeper: A low-growing plant with tiny blue flowers that adds a splash of color to your poolside landscape.

2. Tropical Plants for a Vacation Vibe

Transform your backyard into a tropical paradise with lush greenery and colorful blooms that thrive near water. Opt for plants that are low-mess (no heavy leaf drop) to avoid extra cleanup in and around your pool.

Best Tropical-Inspired Plants:

• Bird of Paradise: These striking plants add a dramatic flair without shedding too much debris.
• Canna Lilies: Their vibrant blooms and large leaves bring bold color and texture to your poolscape.
• Hibiscus: Known for its stunning flowers, hibiscus thrives in sunny spots and creates a resort-like feel.

3. Shrubs for Privacy and Structure

Shrubs can create a natural barrier around your pool, adding privacy and structure to your backyard design. Choose shrubs that are salt- and chlorine-tolerant to withstand splashes.

Poolside-Friendly Shrubs:

• Boxwood: A classic choice for structured, clean lines.
• Wax Myrtle: This hardy shrub tolerates salt, chlorine, and heat, making it ideal for pool areas.
• Junipers: These evergreens provide year-round color and require minimal maintenance.

4. Grasses for Movement and Texture

Ornamental grasses bring softness and motion to your poolside landscaping. They’re also resistant to splashing and thrive in sunny spots.

Top Picks for Ornamental Grasses:

• Muhly Grass: Known for its wispy pink blooms in the fall, this grass adds an elegant touch.
• Blue Fescue: Compact and drought-resistant, this grass is perfect for edging pool areas.
• Fountain Grass: Its cascading blades and feathery plumes add texture and beauty.

5. Potted Plants for Versatility

If you’re looking for flexibility or don’t want to commit to planting directly in the ground, potted plants are a great option. Use decorative containers to add height and color to your pool area, and move them as needed for maintenance or changing seasons.

Ideal Potted Poolside Plants:

• Agave: This low-water succulent is perfect for adding a modern vibe.
• Lavender: Its soothing scent and vibrant color make it a poolside favorite.
• Lantana: This drought-tolerant flowering plant thrives in Georgia’s heat and blooms all summer.

Poolside Landscaping Tips

1. Choose Salt- and Chlorine-Tolerant Plants
   Splashing water can expose plants to chlorine or salt. Select plants known for their resilience to pool chemicals.
2. Plan for Drainage
   Ensure proper drainage to prevent pooling water from damaging your plants or creating muddy areas.
3. Add Mulch or Pebbles
   Mulch helps retain moisture, while decorative pebbles can keep weeds at bay and create a polished look.
4. Focus on Low-Maintenance Options
   With a busy pool season, you’ll want plants that require minimal upkeep, leaving you more time to enjoy your outdoor space.

Let Mobile Joe’s Landscaping Transform Your Pool Area

At Mobile Joe’s Landscaping in Alpharetta, we specialize in designing beautiful and functional poolside landscapes tailored to Georgia’s climate. Whether you want a tropical escape, a modern minimalist look, or a family-friendly design, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and create a poolside paradise that’s as beautiful as it is practical!