~ 8 min read
Ideas For Backyard Tropical Pool Landscaping
When you imagine a tropical paradise, you probably picture white sand beaches, palm trees, and bright clear blue water. While it might seem like you need to travel far to get that tropical experience, you can create one in your backyard by installing a tropical pool.
So how does a tropical pool differ from your average backyard pool? Its all about the landscape and accessories. You can make your backyard feel like a tropical island escape with bright flowers and beautiful water features.
Ideas for backyard tropical pool landscaping
Your backyard pool is not only a place to cool off in the summer, but it is also an essential element of landscaping. Your entire backyard can look more attractive with them as a focal point. Adding lush landscaping around your pool and using resort-style decor can transform your backyard pool into a tropical paradise.
Exotic and colorful garden plants make an ideal border for your pool. Colorful annuals, variegated foliage plants, and rainbow flowering plants will invoke memories of a tropical beach. Make sure that the plants you choose can handle a moist and humid environment.
Types of plants for your pool landscaping:
- Bird of Paradise: The bird of paradise plant (Strelitzia), a type of banana, is ideal for a shady spot near a pool. A dramatic banana-shaped plant with white edges and brightly colored leaves. In the center of the plant, waxy flowers look like exotic birds.
- Hibiscus: Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.) are tropical plants that grow into large shrubs or small trees. The main attraction is the flowers, which are available in various colors. Gardeners should look for varieties that grow only to a specific size, such as ‘Key West,’ which will be at most 5 feet (1.5 m) after many years.
- Plumeria: Plumeria, also known as frangipani, is a popular tropical plant often used in floral arrangements. Flower colors include white, pink, or red; they can be single or double. Quickly grown in containers, the plant only needs moderate watering.
- Hawaiian Ti Plant: The Hawaiian ti plant (Cordyline fragrant) is a broad-leaved evergreen shrub with narrow, pointed green leaves and showy red flowers. Ideally, it requires well-drained soil with an even moisture level and full sunlight for the best growth. During a fall, a Hawaiian ti plant’s stem can be broken below the point of breakage, causing a new branch to grow from the base.
- Torch Ginger: This tropical plant produces trumpet-shaped flowers that are white, pink, orange, or red, depending on the variety. Full sun is the best environment for this plant, and it must be planted in soil that drains well. The stem can be cut back after the flowers fade to promote more growth. To avoid damaging the plant, prune the stem above a set of leaves.
Pools with waterfalls and fountains
You can bring the sound of the rainforest into your backyard with tropical-style waterfalls and fountains. Instead of a pool, a small pond could be designed with a bubbling waterfall and a spray that injects regular bursts of water sound.
Tropical poolside furniture and décor
With a tropical pool design, you can furnish and decorate your poolside with outdoor furniture with a resort feel. Adding color and comfort to the area is poolside furniture, including chaise longues, benches, and colorful cushions. Add a few potted tropical plants to make your yard feel like a sunny, tropical oasis.
Outdoor lighting for a tropical poolscape
Underwater LED lights are often installed around pools to illuminate the water and give the impression that the pool glows internally. Similarly, blue spotlights can be used to create a tropical atmosphere.
Tropical poolside entertainment ideas
You can spice up your tropical poolside entertainment by installing a swim-up bar. Your guests will love this popular pool addition, where they can have a break from splashing around and socialize by grabbing a drink.
Benefits of backyard tropical pool landscaping with rock features
You might consider adding natural rock features to give the pool surface a tropical feel if you have a swimming pool. Features like rock walls and borders will make your pool area tropical and island-like.
Natural rock and less structured decking can also be added to the pool area. Decorating with uncut rock and gravel gives an industrial rustic feel to your pool surrounds. My friends are always collecting rocks from the beach to add to their pool area. Another benefit of stone landscaping is it is low-maintenance.
What are some things to consider when backyard tropical pool landscaping?
The pool wall is one of the most critical considerations when landscaping a pool. The type and height of the wall will significantly impact the overall feel of your pool and its backyard tropical landscaping.
If you are looking to make your pool wall unique there are many ways to make it more attractive. Paint it a vibrant color, or if you are the artistic type paint a beautiful mural. Glass can be tinted or etched to give them a timeless unique appearance.
A pool wall can look great but it also needs to be functional. If the wall impedes water flow it can ruin your pool, turning the water stagnant. Ensure that you get some professional advice if you are going to make any addition to your pool.
Installing a pool deck above the wall can add extra space for sunbathing, lounging, or other activities. Drawing your visitor’s eyes upwards away from the pool will add visual interest.
Tips for backyard tropical pool landscaping
One of the best ways to give your backyard swimming pool a tropical feel is to use natural rock in its landscaping design. Tropical pools are often edged with natural rock that can be carefully placed to form a low wall around the pool’s side. A flowing waterfall into the pool from a rock ledge can be an excellent rustic touch for any backyard tropical pool.
Backyard tropical pool landscaping requires more planning and attention than other pool landscapes. The pool water temperature must be carefully controlled and monitored to ensure it is warm enough to keep everyone happy (but not so hot that it damages the pool surfaces or causes health problems). You may also need to add extra chemicals to balance the pool water for a tropical environment.
Aromatic plants are a common feature of tropical pool landscaping. They provide a fragrant scent to the pool area and are often planted around its edges. Some common aromatic plants include:
- Hibiscus
- Plumeria
- Gardenia
- Lantana
- Oleander
Softwood/conifer hedges are a widespread feature of tropical pool landscaping. You can grow them to a variety of heights and can be pruned to various shapes. They also help to give the pool some privacy and can create a wonderful cooling breeze.
Other common elements of tropical pool landscaping include waterfalls, fountains, and ponds. If these features are practical in your pool, you can create a striking pool landscape that is also truly unique.
Common mistakes made when backyard tropical pool landscaping
For many, designing and creating a tropical pool landscape is a labor of love. But we find some everyday things people must correct when attempting to create a genuinely tropical poolscape.
The most common screw-up people make is choosing plants that are not tropical. Choosing plants native to humid regions can help you create a lush, green design.
Another mistake people need to correct is placing accent stones in the right places. Decorative rocks can be placed in areas not submerged under pool water or kept dry and positioned as desired. Accent stones can be used in various creative ways to enhance the landscape of a tropical pool.
Last but not least, people often imagine that their pool is too small. I have seen many amazing backyards with small but incredible pools tropical landscapes and even swim-up bars. Deploy some cool LED lights to give a feeling of calm and even a tiny pool can look amazing.
If you’re looking to add some tropical flair to your backyard pool, you can do a few things to make it happen. From adding palm trees and other lush tropical plants to choosing the right poolside furniture, you can create a backyard oasis that will make you feel like you’re on vacation all summer long.
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