Should I put mulch around my inground pool?

Mulch can help protect the plants growing around your pool. It will insulate the ground to help prevent drought, weeds, and UV damage. It can also protect your inground pool. In addition, the mulch can help contain the gardening soil and dirt. This keeps it off of the pavers and out of the pool.

What kind of stone do you put around a pool?

The best type of stone for placing around your pool is marble, limestone, granite, and bluestone. Each of these is incredibly durable, low maintenance , and comes in various styles. This lets you have a high-quality stone in a price range that you can afford and a style that suits your backyard.

Is pea gravel good for around the pool?

Pea gravel is affordable and versatile, making it an ideal material for use in your landscaping. You can use it everywhere, from the walkways to the driveway and around the pool. However, be careful when using it around your inground pool. Place a paver, concrete, or some other barrier between the pool’s edge and the pea gravel. Otherwise, you risk the gravel getting in the pool.

9 Swimming Pool Landscaping Ideas

Having a pool in your backyard gives you the perfect summertime escape. Lay out on the deck and soak up the sun, then take a dip when you start to get too hot. Enjoy a relaxing lunch or cocktails on the patio. Add greenery and landscaping to dress up that plain concrete or paver patio.

These pool landscaping ideas will help you turn your backyard into the ultimate place to be when the weather gets warm.

1. Pebbles & Concrete Pavers

Create a modern, minimalist look around your pool with a combination of pebbles and concrete pavers. The pebbles offer a natural, soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the sleek, geometric shapes of the pavers. This combination not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides a practical, non-slip surface. To add a splash of color, intersperse with low-maintenance, drought-resistant ground cover plants.

Modern backyard with a pool, gray patio, pergola, and landscaped garden with small shrubs and cacti — Source: @fsg_southafrica via Instagram

2. Grass Landscape

Embrace the classic beauty of a lush grass landscape around your swimming pool. The soft, green carpet of grass creates a natural, inviting space, perfect for barefoot comfort. Choose a hardy, foot-traffic resistant grass type to ensure durability and ease of maintenance. For an eco-friendly twist, consider using artificial turf for a year-round green look without the need for watering.

Modern two-story house with white walls, surrounded by palm trees. Curved swimming pool in front, with lounge chairs under a patio — Source: @kalkahomes via Instagram

Outdoor pool with lounge chairs, surrounded by green lawns and flower-covered pergolas under a clear blue sky

Heart-shaped pool with clear blue water, surrounded by grass; large Buddha statue and planters by a fence under clear skies — Source: @riverscapesperth via Instagram

A luxurious backyard with a swimming pool, surrounded by lounge chairs and a pool house, set against a backdrop of lush trees

A backyard view of a spacious home with a swimming pool, diving board, sun loungers, and outdoor seating, surrounded by trees

3. Flower Bed

Introduce vibrant colors and delightful fragrances around your pool with a carefully curated flower bed. Opt for perennials like lavender or salvia that not only add color but also attract butterflies and bees. Arrange the plants in tiers with taller varieties at the back for a visually stunning display. Remember to choose flowers that thrive in your local climate and require minimal upkeep.

Luxury backyard pool with blue water, surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery, ocean visible in the background

Spacious backyard with a round pool, surrounded by flowers and trees, adjacent to a two-story house with large windows

4. Hedges

Hedges offer a natural way to add privacy and structure to your pool area. Opt for evergreen varieties like boxwood or privet for year-round foliage. These can be trimmed to create geometric shapes or left to grow for a more organic feel. Hedges also serve as a natural windbreak and can help to reduce pool debris.

A large brick and stucco house with a lush garden and narrow pool under a blue sky with clouds — Source: @ashbrooklocationhouse via Instagram

A rectangular swimming pool in a lush green garden with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky

5. Grass & Pavers

Combine the softness of grass with the stability of pavers for a harmonious landscape. This checkerboard pattern offers a playful yet elegant design, perfect for both contemporary and traditional pools. The grass softens the hardscape elements, while the pavers provide practical, easy-to-walk-on paths. This design is not only visually striking but also helps to prevent soil erosion and improves drainage around the pool area.

Backyard with a pool, stone patio, grassy lawn, and outdoor seating under a roofed area, surrounded by trees and shrubs — Source: @greenjaylandscaping via Instagram

Backyard view with a modern white house, pool, green lawn, patio area, and lounge chairs under a pergola on a bright sunny day — Source: @synlawn via Instagram

Luxurious beachfront pool with palm trees, cabanas, and ocean view under a clear blue sky

6. Tropical Plants

Transform your poolside into a tropical oasis with a selection of exotic plants. Palms, bird of paradise, and hibiscus can create a lush, resort-like feel. These plants thrive in warm climates and can be arranged in varying heights for a layered look. For an extra touch of the tropics, add a few ferns or bamboo plants in strategic spots.

A covered backyard pool with light blue water, surrounded by a tiled deck, with patio chairs and plants in the background — Source: @sunwiseconstructions via Instagram

Backyard with a pool, lounge chairs, and umbrellas; a rock and palm trees are in the landscaped area with stones and grass — Source: @legacylandscapeswaco via Instagram

7. Rock Garden

A rock garden around your pool can introduce an element of Zen tranquility. Use an assortment of rocks and boulders of different sizes and textures to create a naturalistic landscape. Incorporate drought-tolerant succulents and ornamental grasses among the rocks for a touch of greenery. This low-maintenance option is ideal for water conservation and adds a unique, sculptural element to your pool area.

Large house with a stone patio, pool, slide, and surrounding greenery under a blue sky with clouds

Luxurious backyard with a freeform swimming pool, rock waterfall, palm trees, and a view of a terracotta-roofed house

8. Wooden Deck and Pebble Stone

Blend the warmth of a wooden deck with the natural appeal of pebble stones for a stylish, functional poolside. The wooden deck provides a comfortable space for lounging, while the pebble stone areas can be used for planting or as a decorative border. This combination is perfect for creating defined areas within the pool landscape, offering both beauty and practicality.

Outdoor pool with wooden deck, surrounded by trees. Towels hang on a drying rack beside a sun lounger. Inflatable toys float in the water

9. Coconut Trees

For a truly exotic and beach-like vibe, consider planting coconut trees around your pool. Their towering height and swaying fronds will cast gentle, moving shadows on the water, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Ensure that the trees are planted at a safe distance from the pool to avoid falling debris. Coconut trees are best suited for tropical or subtropical climates and add an instantly recognizable tropical flair.

Tropical garden with tall palm trees lining a pathway to a rectangular pool surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery — Source: @denisecflorida via Instagram