Article How to Create an Amazing Backyard Oasis in Just a Few Simple Steps By Chris Oswalt March 03, 2022

Finally that day has come. The pool has been installed. The crew has left. The water in the pool is sparkling clean and inviting. The sun is shining. The temperature is balmy. You are ready to jump into your own special slice of paradise.

But wait! Have you forgotten something? While your inground backyard swimming pool may be a strong focal point on your backyard stage, it could become even more star-studded with some outstanding aesthetics. Translation? Landscaping.

Even though your swimming pool may look great on its own, you can make even more heads turn when you incorporate some bright colors and natural materials to frame the entire setting.

Whether you want a sophisticated spa vibe to your backyard oasis or something fun and tropical, you simply have to choose the right materials and plants that work best in your climate zone.

While it may seem a bit overwhelming to even know where to begin, think of your backyard pool area in terms of how you will use it. Do you have a fire pit nearby? Are there various seating areas? Is there an outdoor kitchen contiguous to the pool? Do you plan to use the backyard for entertaining or simply for relaxing and rejuvenating in peace and quiet?

Use different materials and incorporate different ideas into various zones in your backyard. You may want to incorporate stone for retaining walls and foot paths but then use a different material for the deck. If the pool deck is comprised of concrete, patio pavers or tile in the outdoor kitchen area make for a nice complement.

Consider, too, where you will put hedges, flower beds, walls, and walkways to give your backyard oasis some sort of definition and obvious types of zones.

Don’t Forget Your Greens!

Studies have shown that being outside in nature is good for the soul. It helps reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. If you want a calm and peaceful vibe in your backyard oasis, add copious amounts of green. (And if you would prefer to spend more time in the pool than doing the yard work around it, aim for native plants that have already acclimated to the weather in your geographic zone.)

Helpful Plant Tips

Steer clear of placing trees or plants that have expansive root structures near the pool. That could cost you in repairs a couple of years down the road.

Avoid trees that bloom, as their flowers can create unnecessary messes, and the leaves that fall off the trees later in the year will only make you have to clean that mess out of the pool.

Keep plants roughly four feet away from the pool to prohibit debris and dirt from getting into the water.

Don’t plant so many trees, shrubs, and flowers in the space that you barely have enough room to walk around the pool and the surrounding areas.

Remember to Shine the Light!

Lighting is definitely recommended around your backyard pool area for matters of security and safety. But there are a few other things lighting can do to illuminate the overall aesthetic.

For instance, accent pool lighting provides a soft and warm glow to the unique areas around your pool, including the sun deck and steps leading down into the water.

Next, lighting adds more brilliance and a decided “wow” factor to poolside fire features.

Finally, you can beautifully enhance your landscape and hardscape features in your little oasis as it accents walking paths, plants, flowers, trees, the deck, and more.

While all of this may seem like tremendous work initially, once it is all said and done, you will realize it was well worth the time and energy. Your backyard oasis just may be the talk of the town and will most likely become your preferred staycation destination.

Be sure to ask any of the Probuilt Pool & Patio experts for information, advice, and guidance on how to perfectly accent and complement your backyard pool oasis. We are in the business of making those backyard pool dreams come true.