Your backyard is your oasis. Here are 4 trendy ideas for pool landscapes this summer in Wyomissing and Wescosville, PA to inspire you and give you some direction on a landscape renovation that will meet your needs for a summer filled with poolside fun.
First, get clear on how you want to use your pool most of the time: relaxation? Exercise? Play? Entertaining? Not only does this choice dictate the type of pool you have, but the surrounding landscape.
Related: 4 Landscape Design Tips to Improve Pool Landscapes in the South Whitehall, PA Area
1. Relaxation
The most relaxing spaces are those that are the simplest. Soothing colors such as monochromatic plantings and masonry that blend into the landscape; minimalist design free from clutter and excessive ornamentation; a water feature such as a waterfall to mask traffic sounds and contribute to a serene atmosphere; and complementary neutral colors without dramatic contrasting borders and accents.
Whether your style is contemporary or rustic, you can achieve a relaxing backyard by focusing on simplicity. Think “less is more” to create a luxurious spa-like atmosphere.
2. Exercise
If your pool is mainly for fitness, you may want to add a few amenities such as bodyweight parkour in your own backyard: pull-up bars, a place to do sit-ups and planks, and if your backyard is spacious, a walking path. These can be incorporated into the landscaping in attractive ways - and what a great conversation piece!
If that approach feels too much like a home gym, then consider using native xeriscaping as a way to add low-maintenance natural beauty to your landscape, to give you more time to spend on fitness. Native plants are hardy and don’t need much care. And, they’ll reward you with seasonal color, fragrance, and interest.
3. Play
If you have kids, your backyard pool will be the hub of summer fun. To keep the kids entertained, consider adding a few fun features such as a sheer-descent waterfall that cascades into the pool, creating a grotto behind the curtain of water that kids can swim behind. A slide, laminar jets, and a diving board could round out the pool amenities.
Around the pool, a generously sized pool patio will help protect both the pool and the landscaping. Kids love to splash, and chlorinated water isn’t good for plants. The patio will act as a buffer zone to keep your plants safe. At the same time, the pool patio will minimize plant matter such as grass clippings and leaves from finding their way into the pool.
4. Entertaining
If you love hosting pool parties for adults, there are a few things you can do that will make your pool “the” party spot of the season. First, you’ll want a gas fire pit so that everyone can warm up after a swim. A pergola or pavilion will offer shelter from the sun, and it’s even more appealing with the addition of a bar. A swim-up bar could be a fun way to add a vacation-like atmosphere. A hot tub offers another place for a small group to gather. An outdoor shower will let your guests wash off pool chemicals before relaxing on dry land.
Depending on your aesthetics, an entertaining spot could be sleek and sophisticated, or colorful and vibrant. Choosing the right patio materials, lighting theme, and softscaping will help set the tone for the type of entertaining space you want to enjoy.
Related: How a Landscape Designer Bring Pool Landscapes to Life in Exeter, PA Area
