Does a recent pool remodel have you thinking about updating the rest of your backyard? If so, new landscaping and plants can do wonders to freshen up your outdoor space. Selecting the right plants can transform your backyard into a tropical oasis, a Zen garden, or a desert-lovers dream — just make sure you select pool-friendly plants to save yourself time and money in the long-run.
To find the perfect plants to complement your backyard and protect your pool, avoid thorny or spiny plants, steer clear of plants that attract bees, and select trees that produce a low amount of litter. Another thing to keep in mind is the how large the plants will grow. While large trees offer shade, if a storm knocks down a large branch, you may have a pool plaster repair in your future.
Check out our list of pool-friendly plants to find the perfect fit for your backyard.
Create a Tropical Oasis
- Banana trees grow best in in a mild, frost-free climate. With broad leaves, they provide shade without the mess. Plant them in a spot with low wind, as the leaves can easily tear if not protected.
- The bird of paradise is a great option as a pool-side plant as it does not shed and is strong enough to handle chlorinated splashes on a regular basis.
- It doesn’t get more tropical than hibiscus If you live in a climate where you can grow Hawaii’s state flower, you have a range of color options to choose from — white, pink, red, orange, peach, yellow, or purple — to compliment your backyard landscape.
Build A Zen Garden
- Ornamental grasses offer a great simplistic look and are easy to care for. Try pink gulf muhly to add a touch of color or zebra grass for a unique look.
- Every Zen garden needs a Bonsai tree. These miniature plants can be potted and placed around your backyard — search Pebble Technology International’s® Fire + Water product line for the perfect planter to ensure a flawless design across your outdoor space. If you are looking for a full size version to be planted near your pool, opt for an evergreen tree to get the same feel.
- Bamboo is a great option for adding additional privacy to your pool as it can be used to make a natural fence. You can grow a bamboo fence — be warned it can take up to three years to fully grow in — or use grown bamboo planted in a container to create a privacy screen.
- If you know you want a Zen garden look to your backyard, consider including a PTI® pool scupper during your pool remodel to add the calming sound of flowing water to your outdoor space all year long.
For the Desert-Lovers
- Succulents are a great pool-friendly plants that can fit into any landscape. These simple plants are low-maintenance and come in a large array of sizes, colors, and shapes.
- If you live in a warm climate, agaves make the perfect addition to your backyard landscape. These stunning plants require minimal water and come in a variety of sizes to add a touch of the southwest to your outdoor space.
- Nothing says desert more than cactus. Get that desert look without the spines by selecting a totem pole cactus. With spineless branches, this cactus is a children — and pet — safe addition to your backyard.
Selecting pool-friendly plants will save you time by avoiding clogged filters and plant material in your pool, and will save you money by reducing plant related damages that could lead to pool plaster repairs. If you’re in the market for a pool remodel check out PTI® pool finishes in nature-inspired colors that will blend beautifully into any outdoor environment and will be the perfect complement to your pool-friendly plants.