Choosing the BEST Plants for Your Inground Pool Area

Aerial view of a modern two-story house with a dark roof, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant plants. An inground pool with blue tiles sits in the backyard next to a wooden deck, complete with lounge chairs and umbrellas, enhancing the serene pool area. Nearby, there is a paved driveway.

Creating an inviting and aesthetically pleasing landscape around your inground pool enhances its appeal and contributes to a relaxing atmosphere. A well-planned poolside landscape turns your backyard pool into a stunning retreat, seamlessly blending beauty and functionality. However, choosing the right poolside plants for your pool area requires careful consideration. The wrong selection can lead to excessive maintenance, debris in the swimming pool, and even damage to the pool structure. In this guide, we will explore the best types of plants for your outdoor spaces, factors to consider when making your selections, and maintenance tips.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Poolside Plants

Before selecting plants for your pool area, consider the following factors to ensure you make the best choices:

1. Low Maintenance and Minimal Debris

Plants that shed excessive leaves, flowers, or seeds can create extra work, as they will frequently drop debris into the pool. This can clog filters and require additional cleaning efforts. Pool owners should opt for poolside plants that have minimal leaf drop and require less maintenance.

2. Drought Tolerance and Water Efficiency

Since outdoor spaces with a swimming pool are often exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures, choosing drought-tolerant plants can help conserve water and maintain a lush look even in dry conditions. Banana plants, for example, thrive in warmer climates and add an exotic, tropical aesthetic while being relatively low maintenance.

3. Non-Invasive Root Systems

Plants with aggressive root systems can threaten pool structures, including underground plumbing and decking. Avoid trees and shrubs with invasive roots that could cause damage over time. Zebra grass is an excellent choice for poolside landscaping, offering an ornamental grass look without invasive roots that might damage your backyard pool area.

4. Pest and Insect Resistance

Certain plants attract bees, wasps, and other insects, which can become a nuisance around the pool. Selecting insect-repelling plants such as lavender, citronella, and marigolds can help keep these pests at bay while adding beauty to your landscape design.

5. Safety Considerations

Avoid poolside plants with thorns, sharp edges, or toxic properties, especially if you have children or pets. Spiky plants like cacti or the agave plant can cause injuries if placed too close to walkways or seating areas. The century plant, a type of agave, is a stunning option but should be planted at a safe distance due to its sharp leaves.

6. Aesthetic Appeal

The proper selection of plants should complement the swimming pool area’s design and create a resort-like ambiance. Consider a mix of lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and structural plants to enhance the visual appeal. Adding banana plants or hibiscus can create a vibrant and inviting tropical theme. Incorporating beautiful flowers in bright colors will further enhance the scenery and bring life to your backyard oasis. Vibrant colors such as reds, oranges, and purples can create a visually striking contrast with the surrounding green leaves, making your poolside landscape even more appealing.

Best Plants for Pool Landscaping

A luxurious backyard showcases an inground pool enveloped by manicured greenery and trees. Sun loungers with striped cushions and large potted plants line the stone-paved pool area, while a charming brick house stands gracefully in the background. — A luxurious backyard showcases an inground pool enveloped by manicured poolside plants. Sun loungers with striped cushions and large potted plants line the stone-paved pool area, while a charming brick house stands gracefully in the background.

Here are some excellent plant choices that fit the criteria above:

1. Palm Trees

Palm trees are a quintessential poolside plant, providing a tropical feel and light shade. They have non-invasive roots, are relatively low-maintenance, and do not drop excessive leaves.