You are a lucky one if you are the owner of a house with a pool because you have the perfect spot to cool off and relax during the hot days of summer. So why not transform it into a tropical paradise? Adding some plants will enhance the space aesthetically and you will have the impression you are living in a fancy resort. Before adding plants, however, there are some things you should think about when planting around pools.

Consider Plant Choices Carefully

Yes, plants look wonderful near the pool, but before picking them, here are some factors that should influence your choice:

• Decide how much sun they will get daily. Depending on where your house is located, and where the pool is installed, the plants could be exposed to the sun the entire day or for a limited period. The quantity of light the plants get influence the species you can choose. In addition, we should not forget to mention that sun exposure also affects their growth. This factor limits your options but you should not neglect it.
• Check how much debris and dirt they create. You may want to add some plants near the pool to spruce up the outdoor area, but you have to make sure that you are choosing the right ones because some of them can mess up the entire space. They may be attractive, but a 2-foot-tall plant can drop leaves and debris into the pool and clog the filters. You don’t want your swimming pool to get dirty because of the trees and flowers you plant nearby, so you have to research how much leaves and debris each type makes. If you want to choose some plants that create debris because they are great-looking, you should place them somewhere where the dirt cannot fall into the water. When space is limited, the plants with minimal shedding are the best choice. However, many plants can grow near the swimming pool without damaging its state.
• Research their care beforehand. And, last but not least, you have to understand how much care they need. When adding plants behind the pool, you may find it more difficult to care for them, so you will want to place something there that requires minimum maintenance and care. Blue Waters Pools recommends using professional cleaning products to maintain the swimming pool in a top-notch condition because even if the plants surrounding it do not generate debris and are easy to care for, water quality, dust, and weather changes can pose problems.

Time to Choose Plants

Let’s start with the trees. You can add plants close to the pool to create shade. Before choosing, the species, make sure you consider the size of the yard because trees grow fast and they can take over the entire space. You should think in advance how they will impact the swimming pool and how much space they need to grow.

Some of them can grow in a container while others require plantation in ground. It’s recommended to plant trees with shallow or narrow roots because they don’t affect the structure of the pool and plumbing system. No matter what situation you are dealing with, there are solutions. Our suggestion is to stick with some of the following:

• Olive trees
• False Cypress
• Banana trees
• Palo Verde
• Citrus trees
• Palm trees

Alongside trees, you should also add some ornamental plants to bring your swimming pool space closer to the idea of a tropical space. Here is a list of plants that look great but require little work to maintain them.

Succulents. People love them because they are low maintenance and they come in numerous shapes and colors. When planting, keep away from pathways, as some can be prickly. Agave, for example, is perfect if you don’t have time to water because it’s resistant to drought. You can create a lush oasis right in the back of the house if you add agave to the other swimming pool plants. Take note that agaves grow fast, so they are perfect only for a large backyard.

Mosquito plants. If you want to spend time at the pool without mosquitos and other pesky insects, add some plants that can keep them away. They will not replace the spray, but they will definitely limit the number of insects that are buzzing around your patio. Scented geraniums not only keep insects away but they are also beautiful and grow quickly. Citronella can be planted around the entire yard. It’s a versatile plant that looks great in any landscape. Basil and lavender are essential when creating a small poolside garden and can even grow in pots. They are not only mosquito repelling, but they also create a clam and relaxing environment.

Ornamental grasses. These tend to cover plenty of space. The good part is that they need little maintenance, so you won’t have to worry about spending your free time caring for them. You should use them to fill the gaps between the trees and other plants. Some of the most popular types are blue fescue grass, feather grass, Japanese forest grass, lemongrass, and yellow foxtail grass.