When small children will be in the yard, a fence is vital for safety reasons. Being able to lock up the entire pool area gives you peace of mind and could potentially save lives. Don’t think just because you don’t have children you can forego a safety fence. If neighborhood kids find their way into your pool area, even if you warned them to stay out, in some areas on the basis of negligence you could be held responsible for any injuries that occur.
Besides safety, the right fence design can also provide you with privacy. A full privacy fence is usually six feet or higher, with boards arranged in an overlapping, shadow box, or tongue-and-groove pattern. Board-on-board fences like the shadow box offer you the advantage of being able to show finished faces on both sides. That is, they look just as good from the inside of the garden as from the outside. Stockade and tongue-and-groove fences are also popular constructions for full privacy. Lattice or basket-weave fence are other options. These fences are made with strips of material, such as wood or wood-styled vinyl, woven together. They offer semi-privacy, allowing air and light to pass between the boards, yet blocking your pool area from full view. If the look of a bare fence is too stark for your taste, you can soften the fence’s appearance by training climbing vines over it. This will also add a little more privacy.
Retaining walls can help turn "ordinary" landscaping into amazing works of art. Many homes have been built on sloped ground, and while the home itself is level, the gardens or yards have been left on the sloped ground. In this situation many owners prefer to have the slope leveled off into sections to provide, for example, flat play areas for the kids, barbecue areas and flat flower and vegetable beds, with steps leading down to each area. Retaining walls have to be able not only to hold the weight of earth behind and above them, but also to allow drainage in the event of a storm. The homeowner, on the other hand, wants retaining walls to look good; to fit in with the landscape design of the garden. Materials of construction used for retaining walls are also very important. Many are made from heavy timber planks, bricks and even concrete.
No swimming pool landscape is complete without beautiful, natural landscape stones. Landscaping with natural stone planters, walkways, patios and walls can enhance the beauty and value of your pool, plants and home. The beauty of natural stone is an important part of your property’s overall landscape design. Natural stone can be installed in patios, landscape paths, walkways, as accent pieces for water and rock gardens and for retaining walls.
When designing a deck or patio for your pool area, different shapes can be used and there are many different deck materials to choose from. You might even decide to have a multi level deck or consider composite deck material.
The first thing to consider is what size deck or patio you need. When designing a deck, most people want to have an area at least for outside dining. Therefore, your deck should accommodate a table and chairs comfortably. If you also would like some lounge chairs, they will need an additional space in length of at least ten feet.
Decks can be one level or multi-level. Single level decks are great for accommodating a large group of people. Multi-level decks create different areas in your backyard as well as provide a creative design. Be sure to check the building codes where you live regarding step dimensions and the regulations for deck design.
Decks and patios can also be constructed from a variety of materials. Most decks are constructed from natural wood, but many homeowners are opting for new composite materials which are easy to maintain. There are also many stone and tile options available, which can add to the natural beauty of a swimming pool area. Remember that quality decking and paving assures swimmers of a safe, slip-resistant surface that is easy on bare feet. If you prefer to use a brick patio, be sure that the bricks or pavers have somewhat rough surfaces as to not create a slipping hazard. Be sure to also use materials that complement your home.
When landscaping a deck area, it is important to remember to include special features that will add interest. Built-in benches create another dimension to the deck as well as provide additional seating. Built-in planters also add the opportunity for greenery and flowers right onto the deck as well as enhance architectural features. Also, don’t forget to add shade to that patio and deck area. Outdoor awnings provide shade and even come with electric options for ease of use. You can also add shade with an overhead trellis or pergola. This can be done over the entire deck or just one area. Trellises or pergolas can be attached to a house, which also adds more of an architectural element.
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