Swimming pool landscaping doesn't have the appeal of bobbing about on an air mattress in the water, but smart landscaping decisions will ensure instant pool appeal and value should you ever sell your home.
Wise choices and shrewd planning have added significance today because of smaller new-home lots and pools. There's not a lot of room for error. To maximize size, a pool might be L-shaped or stripped along the back fence. Narrow lap pools are being dug into side yards.
So, if you only have five feet between decking and back fence, you won't want to plant a fast-growing London plane tree that will reach 80 feet. Whether a lot is gigantic or minuscule, landscaping around its pool calls for homework.
Catriona Tudor Erler, author of "Poolscaping," says smart plant selection can reduce potential and costly problems.
"You don't want plants that spread their roots out," says Erler. "Acacias, eucalyptus trees, any prodigious spreaders or messy trees are poor choices near pools. You don't want shade over a pool, either. Plant your nice shade tree so it will shade part of the decking. By and large, the swimming pool area should be sunny."
Liquidambar, camphor, coast redwoods and birch are other trees not recommended around pools. Be mindful that trees on the neighbor's side of the fence may provide all the shade you'll need. You can then plant shrubs near the pool.
Anything with spines or thorns – holly, roses, pyracantha, barberry, etc. – should be planted well away from pools, especially when children are splashing about. Spines and thorns can wreak havoc on inflatable pool toys, too.
Whatever plants you choose, be consistent. Erler emphasizes unity and harmony. For example, if you have a border with pink blooms on one side of the pool, pick up the pink on the other side by planting a container with the same pink-blossomed plant. Don't plant shade-lovers next to drought-tolerant sun-lovers such as lavender, Russian sage and lantana.
Also pay close attention to scale and proportion in relation to plants and the pool area, she says. There should be harmony among poolside plants as well as those plants in surrounding garden areas. Pruning, with an eye on proportion, can be especially helpful.
"There are two schools of thought on pool design," says Erler. "There are these beautiful pools with ferns and hostas dripping over the edge and with the grotto effect and pretty boulders to the edge of the pool. They're absolutely gorgeous."
Containers mix well with the hostas-and-ferns crowd and soften the minimalist look. Today's container choices can be overwhelming.
"Containers are great around pools, especially if you have a drip system for watering them," says Erler.
She says plastic containers are best for moisture retention around pools, but they're also the least attractive. If your poolscaping design is compatible, she recommends using stone urns or even wooden tubs. Consistency to your style is the key. Erler also recommends grouping containers to give bulk and mass to areas – plus it's easier to water a container grouping.
"Containers don't have to be limited to just pots," she says. "Use old conch shells, wheelbarrows, wine barrels – whatever fits your style."
Mulch pool-side containers with cobalt blue pebbles or glass beads for a more-artistic touch. But you may want to stay away from pebbles or beads if you have children using the pool. She also doesn't recommend gravel as a mulch if children are present.
Although shredded bark mulch seems to stray out of beds and borders, she says, it's fine to use around pools.
But don't use straw, grass clippings or compost.
This article appeared originially in the Sacramento Bee. The author is Dan Vierria.