Modern Pool Landscaping Ideas

You don’t need a massive swimming pool, fancy furniture and acres of land for a resort-style backyard. When it comes to the difference it’s usually the combination of elements around the pool that makes the real difference. A simple pool, combined with the planning of a deck, plants, fencing, lighting and seating can be surprisingly luxurious.

There are also many ways you can play with the appearance of your pool with modern pool landscaping. Either clean concrete lines and minimal decoration, or maybe tropical plants, warm stone and a shaded pergola around the water. The idea is to have a home that is inviting and comfortable enough that it can be enjoyed daily, yet looks more like a private resort.

These concepts illustrate the profound impact that various materials, hues, designs, and architectural elements can have on transforming the ambiance of a swimming pool space.

Geometric Pool Layout

A backyard that is straight and has a contemporary look. The geometric cleanliness of a rectangular or square pool helps define the geometric shape, particularly when the landscape around the pool is similarly clean.

Don’t fill all corners with plants and decorations, leave some space around the pool. This creates a sense of purpose and not clutter. The edges are harder, but they can be softened by using low planting beds and continued with straight lines using large format paving.

A built-in feature also works for a geometric pool. A wide step can cross one end of the pool and a narrow ledge can be used for loungers or seating in the water.

When selecting decorations for the overall design of a modern rectangular pool, consider the overall design before selecting individual decorations. Planting areas, deck, furniture and pool should appear to be unified.

Use a limited color scheme. A range of colors from white to grey to beige to black and natural green is sufficient to produce a sophisticated ambience without making the space cold.

Glass Pool Fencing

A modern pool area’s glass fencing is an effective solution for maintaining a space that feels open, and usable. When compared to solid walls or solid fences made from heavy metal, clear glass can still let the landscaping and water be visible from various areas of the yard.

This can be particularly helpful for those with a compact backyard. Since it has no barrier to the view, the pool area appears larger than it is.

Keep the glass simple and avoid having other too distracting materials. Stone, concrete or timber-look paving might be particularly effective. Use judicious planting around the perimeter of the fence rather than a solid fence of vegetation.

Where local safety needs permit, fence posts and hardware should be as inconspicuous as possible to achieve a polished appearance. The thought behind this is to keep the pool and landscape as the centerpiece.

This all but eliminates the visibility of the glass at night, while adding a soft sheen to the water.

Minimalist Concrete Deck

Concrete can be more than just plain. When it’s properly finished and arranged it can give you one of the tidiest modern pool environments.

Simple shapes and a smooth concrete deck are a great match when used around pools. Decorative patterns can be avoided with large sections that are carefully planned with joints.

The greatest benefit is flexibility. Concrete can be virtually bare or partially filled with natural elements at the perimeter. Just a pair of comfy loungers, oversized planters and a small outdoor table might be everything you need.

Opt for furniture of simple forms, not heavy bulk furniture. Neutral cushions can add comfort without detracting from the architectural quality of the deck.

If you’re looking around for some minimalist pool deck ideas, keep in mind that space is a key element of style. You are not required to use all of the available space. Just a little of extra space can make the entire backyard feel more peaceful and more luxurious.

For pools, texture, drainage, heat and slip resistance are also factors to consider when selecting concrete. Appearance is important but the surface must function well in normal use.

Emerald Tile Pool Island

A swimming pool island can make a regular swimming pool into something more exciting. Rather than the island being an island, incorporate it as a focal point around the seating, planting or shade areas.

Emerald colored pool tiles can create a luxurious, jewel-like effect in the pool. This color is particularly striking on light stone surfaces, white plaster or neutral concrete.

The island doesn’t have to be “too big.” A small raised bed can accommodate 2 loungers or a planting bed. If space permits, a wider platform can be constructed around which people may sit near the water.

Limit the size of the remaining landscape. There’s no need to surround an emerald tile with lots of bright colors, as it already makes an impact.

The green hues can be beautifully complemented by tropical plants with broad leaves. Instead, try sculptural plants with clean lines for a more modern style.

After dark, when the sun sets, the tile will look even more vibrant and rich when lit under the waterline, which will have a soothing effect for evening swims.

Amber Tile Urban Plunge Pool

Resort style design doesn’t have to be limited to an urban backyard. A plunge pool may even fit into a surprisingly small amount of space and be the focal point of the outdoor space.

Modern with Amber Tiles. The warm golden brown colors can complement gray walls, concrete flooring, and dark outdoor furniture.

This mix is especially attractive for city residences where the building envelopes could be more industrial than they are already. Rather than opposing this character, opt for warm tile and flora to tone it down.

If space is available, fit a narrow bench on one side of the pool. You may also add movement to the room with a wall-mounted water feature that doesn’t occupy precious floor space.

With a small urban plunge pool, consider proportions. The right selection of materials around a smaller pool will look much better than attempting to install a full-sized swimming pool in an unsuitable yard.

Vertical planting is another great idea. Tall planters or even climbing plants can offer privacy without an equal amount of floor space required as a conventional hedge.

Charcoal Mosaic Courtyard Pool

Dark colors can give a courtyard pool a dramatic, intimate feel. Charcoal mosaic tiles work best when the pool is placed in between walls or near the home.

Don’t resist the enclosed quality of the space, instead embrace it. Make the walls part of the design, incorporating warm lighting, textured finishes or a few well-placed plants.

Charcoal water surfaces can lend a dark and moody effect. They can be used to enhance the surrounding architecture during the day and work well in conjunction with underwater lighting at night.

Try to keep the surrounding materials warm enough to ensure that it doesn’t seem too bare. A simple natural stone seat, a timber planter or a natural stone wall or even a warm outdoor light can make a huge difference.

Don’t over-decorate a courtyard pool. A single statement tree, an integral bench and some large planters can suffice.

This is particularly helpful when the homeowner desires his pool to be private and serene instead of open.

Sandstone Deck Hillside Pool

A hillside property would be a great spot to make the landscape a part of the pool experience. Resisting the slope will not give you a pool area, using different levels will.

The earthy texture of sandstone is a great option for this type of background, as it will blend in seamlessly with the rest of the landscape.

A raised pool can generate some dramatic uplands views, and the deck can offer a level playing space for sitting and entertaining. Large steps can be used to link various areas of the yard, providing a sense of progression and purpose.

Prior to considering decorations for hillside pool landscaping, one must make the structural and drainage plans. Water, retaining walls, access and pool construction will all need to be carefully considered on a sloped property.

After the practical details are dealt with, the design can remain fairly basic. Allow the landscape to help with the decorating. The pool can be dressed to fit the area with the use of native plants, ornamental grasses, shrubs, and natural stone.

Some cozy chairs facing the view can make the deck a natural spot to unwind after taking a dip.

Golden Pergola Tropical Pool

A pergola can transform the way a pool looks and feels. It offers shade, creates an outdoor room and is a good architectural focal point for the landscape.

A warm wood or golden-toned pergola by the pool adds a tropical “resort” appeal. Saddle a dining table, outdoor sofa or two deep lounge chairs underneath it.

Next, introduce some plants. If you’re looking to create that vacation atmosphere without the complicated decorations, you can prime the pump with palms, bird of paradise, banana plants and any other plants with big leaves.

But be careful to not congest the edge of the pool. Plants do not look best when planted singly, but when planted in planned groupings they are more attractive in a tropical setting.

The pergola can be useful after dark with warm lighting! Install a few soft lights around the plants and pathways instead of bright lighting for the yard.

The outcome should be relaxed and welcoming. You want a place where people will stroll over, sit and relax for a bit.

Sunset Infinity Mountain Pool

A pool of this kind can enhance the landscape of your home, making it look like a scene out of a film. If the pool is oriented toward the mountains, hills or a broad natural landscape, the vanishing edge will be a focus that leads toward the landscape.

The surroundings should be relatively quiet. Tall plants, large piece of furniture, or too much color can intrude into the view.

Use materials appropriate to the natural environment. The pool can have a casual background made of stone, concrete, wood or subdued outdoor textiles.

When the property is facing west, sunset is a part of the experience. Sit seats in areas where people can easily see the sky changing instead of all chairs lining the water.

The infinity edge is a good place to use low landscaping. It will block the view, but will also provide greenery to the area.

Lighting should also be subtle. Small pathway lighting and strategically placed lighting around the pool can help to maintain a comfortable light level without overwhelming the night sky.

This type of design is a testament to the fact that landscaping doesn’t necessarily require more. Sometimes the best idea is the simplest one: To frame something that already exists!

Create Your Own Backyard Resort

Don’t make a resort style pool look like a luxury hotel! The best yard designs are almost always as a result of a home, a landscape, and how the residents of the house utilize the space.

Look at the shape of the pool and then look outwards. Select deck materials, planting, seating, privacy and lighting all as one and not as separate items. If it is a small yard, then use the proportions. Don’t shy away from letting a gorgeous view be the focus of the property.

The most important thing to remember is to allow for life as normal. A pool should be beautiful in photographs as well as be enjoyable for a morning swim, an afternoon of relaxation, and an evening of tranquility.

Even a traditional garden can have that casual resort atmosphere with the right blend of clean design, natural materials, greenery and functional elements.