It’s no secret that Australians love to make the most of sunny days, swimming, and spending time outdoors. So, it makes sense that over 14% of Australians live in a home with a swimming pool or spa. Whether you envisage a small pool with manicured landscaping or prefer a wilder, tropical feel, when it comes to pool landscaping, there are plenty of different options to choose from.
Before taking the plunge with your backyard pool landscaping, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
Ask yourself:
- What are you trying to achieve with your pool landscaping? (Achieve greater privacy, extension of the home, or separate the outdoor zones)
- How will the area be used? (relaxation, entertaining, cooking, kids play area, pet area)
- What is your total budget for the project?
- Are you a keen gardener or looking for a lower-maintenance option?
- What design aesthetic do you wish to achieve? (Tropical, Mid-Century Modern, Hamptons, Coastal)
- How will the pool landscaping integrate with the overall design of your home?
- What additions are needed to achieve your vision? (Pergola, deck, fencing, lighting, BBQ, dining table/chairs, sun lounges, umbrellas etc.)
- How will you ensure privacy?
- Do you require Council approval for any construction?
- What is your total budget for the project?
We’ve curated six of our favourite pool landscaping ideas to get your creative juices flowing. From tropical abundance to the elegant Hamptons style, we explore different design styles to help you narrow down the style inspiration.
1. Create a coastal resort with pool landscaping
Step into the lap of luxury with this coastal backyard, where the azure blue pool is reminiscent of an exotic resort. Surrounded by lush tropical plants, crisp white fencing, and elegant sandstone features, this backyard haven combines sophistication with laid-back charm.
The spacious alfresco area (complete with a wood-fired pizza oven) seamlessly blends outdoor dining and entertainment. In contrast, the impressive jungle gym and trampoline area makes this backyard a family-friendly oasis. The carefully curated space is complemented by abundant landscaping, including frangipani trees, snake plants and striking elephant ears.
The pool landscaping truly comes to life against the aesthetic simplicity of ModularWalls TrendWall®. Here, TrendWall® radiates uncomplicated elegance, providing this young family security, privacy and peace of mind.
2. Consider mid-century modern pool landscaping
Dive into mid-century modern glamour with Jimmy and Tam. Recognised for their distinctive Palm-Springs style, Jimmy and Tam created an entertainers’ paradise that makes a bold statement.
Concrete steps, white mosaic tiles and monochrome sun loungers set off their above-ground pool. These pared-back details are the ideal counterpart for the riot of colour and shapes in their pool landscaping. Cacti, strelitzia and aloe truly pop before their TrendWall® boundary wall. Painted in a bold “Night Sky” tone, TrendWall® gives the illusion of negative space, allowing the landscaping to become a striking focal point.
Additionally, TrendWall® provides a backdrop that gives peace of mind for the keen entertainers.
“Designing an entertainers’ delight was a high priority for our backyard. Having ModularWalls as a solid wall makes us feel comfortable when we’re entertaining that we’re not annoying the neighbours.”
This mid-century modern oasis is a testament to timeless style, marrying form and function.
3. Choose tropical abundance for your pool landscaping
Wherever you live in Australia, tropical pool landscaping can help create a holiday atmosphere at home. Nothing says relaxation more than palm trees, sun lounges and a pool (pina coladas optional!)
This project featured a combination of leafy shrubs and palm trees to create a luxurious and private outdoor oasis. The vibrant greenery contrasts beautifully against the sleek TrendWall®, painted in a bold Monument hue, while the pool’s blue tones and distinctive coping tiles stand out as captivating features. Not to mention, the acoustic privacy afforded by TrendWall® means that this backyard evokes the feeling of a serene resort.
With such an inviting pool to cool off in, who wouldn’t want to spend a relaxing afternoon here?
4. Native Australian ambience
Designing an Australian native garden for your pool area will not only look amazing, but the native wildlife will also love it. The beauty of native Australian plants as we know, are well suited to the harsh Australian conditions and are often drought resistant. However, be sure to discuss your plant choices with your local garden centre to confirm suitability.
Take inspiration from this Queensland home using sandstone for a natural retaining wall combined with grasses, ferns, shrubs and succulents. Additionally, the pergola offers much-needed shade from the Queensland climate, and combined with the timber deck, creates an outdoor room to enjoy all year round. VogueWall® provides a stately, secure boundary, ensuring hours of privacy and enjoyment.
5. Hamptons elegance
Indulge in the refined luxury of the Hamptons, set in the idyllic rolling hills of Victoria. This elegant farmhouse renovation required pool landscaping that would complement the old-money style of the home.
Careful planning and design created a space to be enjoyed for hours on end. Timeless red-and-white umbrellas artfully shelter slate sun lounges, to soak up the idyllic surrounds. Plus, the clever inclusion of a spa means this charming backyard will be popular year-round.
The lush green lawn encloses a spacious swimming pool with tasteful stone tiling. Manicured round hedges create a symmetrical garden feature while contrasting with the crisp whites of EstateWall®. The clean lines and aesthetic grandeur of EstateWall® provide a quintessential, charming Hamptons fence. “For me, aesthetics was number one – and we get comments all the time about how beautiful the wall looks,” the owner shares.
6. Embrace effortless allure
Cacti and succulents are renowned for their high-impact looks – while their low-maintenance nature makes them a firm favourite for pool landscaping.
Requiring minimal water and leaving minimal litter, cacti elevate the overall aesthetic of an outdoor space. These hardy, easy-to-grow species are not only striking but also thrive in the harsh Australian climate.
Select a variety of shapes, sizes and species to create a dynamic array that will flourish without fuss. The drought-resistant nature of succulents means they are a hassle-free choice for pool landscaping.
Pool landscaping to create your dream outdoor space
If you’re looking for pool landscaping ideas to create your outdoor dream space from scratch, or you want to modernise your existing yard, a few small changes can have a significant impact. From Hamptons elegance to tropical abundance, there’s an option to suit all styles, budgets and desired impact. So, don’t delay – start planning, your dream pool landscaping is well within your reach!
