As with pools, the cost of a landscaped backyard can vary greatly. Your choice of pavers, feature walls, decking timbers, irrigation systems, water tanks and plants can have a huge impact on the overall cost of a project.
It is best not to use grass. Grass will grow under swimming pools and up through the liner or up the wall between liner and pool, or up the inside of the uprights creating great habitat for bugs and wasps. Choose some type of rock landscape and it is best to use plastic under it because the water splashing out of the pool makes any vegetation grow very quickly. Plants should only be container type plants. They are easy to move when changing liners and they don't grow roots under the pool.
It is a good idea to avoid any trees or plants that have wide-reaching, potentially destructive roots. These may damage swimming pools, creating the need for expensive repairs. If you feel that you absolutely must have plants or trees that are potentially dangerous or may create maintenance issues, plant them at least eight feet from the edge of your pool to avoid such problems.
Large trees should never be used to landscape a pool area. Instead, install an arbor or pergola on the western edge of the pool. A climbing evergreen vine on the structure will fill it in and give additional shade.
Creative landscape lighting is another feature to highlight and accent your outdoor experience in the evening. Many homeowners like to ease the tensions of the day by relaxing outdoors after the evening meal. A creatively designed lighting system will dramatically accent landscaping and artistic features of your pool area. Dramatic effects can be achieved that are visible from indoors as well as out. You can create a climate that extends your living area rather than separating it. Lighting options are more flexible than ever. Adjusting the ambiance to suit your mood; from entertaining to romance gives you greater flexibility of feel.
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