When the temperatures rise and the sun is blistering, there’s nothing more refreshing than drifting around in a pool. While the pool itself is a fantastic feature, the dry land next to it can be just as inviting. We’ll discuss hardscaping and landscaping options to spruce up the space around your pool, transforming it into a summer oasis.

What Are Some Hardscape Design Ideas for My Pool Area?

1. Add a Patio to Your Pool Area for Extra Seating and Lounging Space

You can’t spend every minute of the day in the pool—otherwise you’ll end up a prune. Having a poolside patio creates level ground that protects your feet from rough surfaces while carving out a space for the furniture. Using the space around the pool for loungers, tables, and other furniture is a smart way to make the area more functional. If you’re a parent, this provides a comfortable spot to keep a close eye on your kids while they have a swim.

Even with limited square footage, a patio can improve the usability of the backyard while increasing the value of your home. Hardscape installation like creating a patio may require professional assistance. Land may need to be graded or leveled to create an even surface to start the project. Carefully placing the pavers, mixing concrete in correct ratios, and ensuring precision measurements are critical to making a patio that will be both attractive and long-lasting. You’ll also need to consider that the patio will have to properly drain water, whether it’s the result of a cannonball into the pool or heavy rainfall. If you aren’t familiar with how to design and build a patio, it can be overwhelming, frustrating, and time-consuming. Professional landscaping contractors like Greenway of Nashville will get the work done quickly on your behalf—you can spend time with your family in the pool instead of working on it.

2. Install a Pergola to Provide Shade From the Sun

After hours in the sun, it’s important to take breaks to protect your body from UV rays. A pergola is an attractive, freestanding structure that provides shade and protection. Similar to a large arbor, it is supported by four posts and several beams across the top. The pergola can be as large as a room, providing plenty of space for chairs and tables as well as several people. You can build one from scratch if you’re handy with power tools, or they can be bought pre-fabricated. Many pergolas have the option to hang material from the sides to add protection from mosquitoes or the elements, as well as add privacy. A variety of materials can be used to make a pergola, including wood, metal, plastic, or composite, each with different benefits and lifespans. From rustic to modern to classic, it’s easy to install a pergola or arbor that matches the vibe of your home’s exterior. You’ll want to consider how much room is in the yard to ensure there’s enough room, including anchoring. Even if it’s made of heavier materials, a pergola should still be secured to the ground in the case of a strong weather event. This can be done by setting the posts in deep holes that are then filled with concrete. Another option is using precast concrete piers that are set into the ground before attaching the pergola legs to them.

3. Use Hardscaping Materials Like Pavers, Stone, or Brick to Create a Polished Look

When it comes to the pool deck or patio itself, think about upgrading the space to a better quality of material. You’ll spend a lot of time walking on the surface, and often barefoot, so it’s worth the investment to protect your feet. Materials like pavers create an eye-catching design as well as ensure a durable build that will hold up to decades of use. Stone can provide a sleek and elegant look or a natural, earthy one depending on the kind of stone used. Prices will vary widely depending on the amount of material needed, the type you’re looking at, and whether it’s stocked locally. Being near a pool, consider finding material that is slip-resistant. Installing a new poolside patio or replacing the existing one can be quite an undertaking. Greenway of Nashville, hardscape installers near Nashville, are experts at efficiently removing the old material and installing the new one. You don’t have to lift a finger or bathe in your sweat trying to get the pavers lined up right.

4. Add Lighting to Your Pool Area for Nighttime Swimming and Entertaining

Landscape design ideas can be functional as well as fun—light posts, string lights, and recessed lighting can all brighten the pool area so that you can enjoy the water well into the night. It also improves visibility in case of emergencies. Installing lights by the pool is important to do right the first time—water and electricity don’t mix. Unless you’re installing solar lights, there will be some form of wiring involved and potentially other electrical components. Hiring hardscaping professionals like Greenway who bury lines and install outdoor lights on a regular basis will take the hassle out of the project and leave you with a glowing backyard.

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What Else Can I Do to Upgrade My Pool Area?

1. Create a Garden Area Around Your Pool for Beautiful Landscaping and Added Privacy

What’s better than a scene of lush plants while you float in the pool? Use the space around your pool to plant flowers, bushes, and trees to increase the feeling of tranquility in the space. The landscaping can also help reduce the visibility of your pool from neighbors or passersby. As with any garden, be sure what you are planting will thrive in that particular spot and that it’s something you’re willing to cultivate and care for. If it’s a high sun area, focus on plants that will flourish in constant light. Be sure you know how much water they will need and whether or not they’ll return each year. If you’re planting a tree, you’ll want to think long-term about how large it will grow, any nearby structures it could affect, and whether the roots could impact the pool or patio.

2. Place Statues, Fountains, or Other Decorative Items in Your Pool Area for Visual Interest

If you don’t have much of a green thumb or want decor other than plants, furnish your pool patio with items like statues and fountains. Consider buying from a local artist and using unique pieces or even commissioning a custom work. Check stores and online retailers for weatherproof statues and decorations that will hold up to the elements. Another option is putting a fountain in the yard to further beautify the space. Fountains may require additional work if you’re installing a natural landscape style versus a standalone type. They will also need regular maintenance and cleaning to keep them functional.

Transforming your backyard from just a place with a pool into an outdoor escape can go in many directions, and it can take a lot of time you don’t have. Hardscape installation near Nashville is easy with Greenway—submit a form on our website or call us at (615)-238-4574 to set up your free consultation. We’ll turn your pool into a retreat that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

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