Pool friendly plants
Do you want a pool that looks like a tropical haven? Or perhaps you’d prefer a modern and sleek look to add a touch of sophistication to your garden?
Every pool owner knows that with the right pool landscaping, you can create the finishing touches needed for a successful pool landscape. This adds value and character to your home.
Pool plants create privacy and shade, as well as enhancing the cosmetic look of your pool. Choosing the right pool plants requires careful consideration. Choose the wrong plants and you could cause long term damage of your pool shell, paving and underground plumbing.
Once a pool is in place, it creates a kind of microclimate: If your pool is heated then this raises humidity levels and the sun levels can ruin all of your hard work if you’re not careful. The chlorine and spa chemicals in your pool can splash your plants and destroy the dream.
So what types of plants are going to be pool friendly?
Agapanthuses
Blue agapanthuses are make an excellent choice for pool landscaping due to their appeal and low maintenance properties. The colour of the flower mimics the swimming pool for a striking look.
Camellias
These flowers open their buds in winter and thrive in shelter. They’re a perfect choice for an all-year-round flower that adds fragrance to your pool.
Ornamental Grass
Use plenty! This sleek looking feature grass adds a stylish tropical feel to the pool area.
Citrus Plants
A tub of cumquats or dwarf lemons add character and make for an interesting feature.
Tall Evergreen Shrubs
Shrubs add privacy to your swimming pool, and if your pool is open all year round then evergreen would be ideal. For privacy hedges, plant a row of tall bushes and shear them.
Dietes
Plant a few Dietes around your pool area for a unique oriental look. These plants thrive in the hot dry conditions and restricted spaces that often surround swimming pools.
Geraniums
Geraniums always look great and add lots of colour to your pool area. These vibrant flowers are ideal for pot planting.
Here are some more tips to choosing the best plants for your pool area.
Do:
Find strong plants that can withstand the pool’s microclimate
Choose plants that are easy to maintain
Choose plants that are tolerant of wind and able to withstand salt/chlorine
Choose plants that look great and compliment your pool
Look for plants that are capable of thriving in semi-shaded to full sun exposure
Do not:
Place plants too close to the pool. No plants are chlorine or salt water tolerant, plants will die if they are constantly splashed by pool water.
Choose plants with invasive roots. They may be prohibited under the pool builder’s warranty due to the damaging effects they have on your pool shell
Use bamboo, umbrella trees or rubber trees. They are renowned for causing damage to pool’s paving and underground plumbing.
Use trees that are likely to shed their leaves over your swimming pool. Rotten fallen leaves can stain paving and clog up your filtration and cleaning equipment.
Before you decide on your pool landscaping ideas make sure you choose the pool plants that are going to be compatible with your ideas. Go ahead and create the secret garden you’ve always dreamed of!
