For many homes, the backyard swimming pool is the crown jewel of the entire property. While the pool may be incredible on its own, it can be even more special when the landscape complements and highlights such an important feature. Landscape designers have come up with some fantastic ways to draw attention to the pool while letting features enhance the landscape in their own way. Here’s how thoughtfully planned landscaping updates can put the focus on your swimming pool in Port Jefferson, NY.
Related: HOW THE SHAPE OF A SWIMMING POOL CAN INFLUENCE YOUR LANDSCAPE STYLE IN DEER PARK AND SAG HARBOR, NY
Clear Sight Lines
The pool will likely be situated in a prominent location in your backyard. To make it an even stronger presence, give clear sight lines to the pool from the area just outside the back door to the home, the entrance inside a side gate, or a seating area that looks over the backyard. Of course this doesn’t mean eliminating all vegetation and creating a barren look; you could choose plantings and trees that are more open from the areas you want to see the pool while reserving dense evergreens for the sides of the pool where you want to add privacy.
Easy Access
Give the pool easy access with a wide walkway. Modern large-format modern pavers will give it a grand feeling along the way to the destination. You could also add a curve to the walkway, which will provide a bit of intrigue. The main outdoor living space—the patio—is often directly between the home and the pool, so make sure that there are no obstacles like a dining set or lounge furniture that people have to walk around. The same goes for pool access from side yards. Inevitably, people will take shortcuts, even if it’s through plant beds. The easier and more direct the access, the more the pool becomes a key feature.
An Expansive Pool Deck
The area directly surrounding your pool should ideally be wide and expansive. No matter the shape and size of the area you have to work with around the pool, using large-format pavers can give a feeling of grandeur to the area around the pool. The long and straight lines use a minimalist design that will look clean and uncluttered, creating a peaceful atmosphere. You can choose this style of pavers with either a uniform monochrome look or have the intricate and random design of natural stone. But visuals aside, the point of a pool deck is twofold: to provide a space for relaxing at the water’s edge, and to prevent grass clippings and other plant debris from making its way into the pool. A generously sized pool deck will ensure that the swimming pool is an obvious “main attraction” in your backyard.
Creature Comforts
You could include a gas fire pit with your pool deck so that everyone can warm up by the side of the pool. A beautiful pergola will offer a shady place to relax out of the sun and this large, classic structure will add plenty of vertical interest and practicality. You can also install fans or misters to help cool the air, and a mini-fridge for easy access to beverages and snacks.
A poolside cabana or “pool house” is a brilliant way to keep pool guests in the area—a toilet, shower, towel storage, and changing room right by the pool will give your pool area an exclusive luxury spa look, and minimize traffic into the house.
Related: REDISCOVER THE SERENITY OF A SWIMMING POOL WITH THESE MASONRY DESIGN IDEAS IN PORT WASHINGTON, NY
