st louis pool landscaping ideas

Picture your St. Louis backyard transformed into a breathtaking oasis, where the pool is not just a body of water but the soul of an enchanting garden.

Achieving this slice of paradise involves more than filling a hole and planting a few greens. It’s about making smart, sustainable choices that marry functionality with sheer beauty.

As the sun travels across the Missouri sky, how do you keep your pool area lush, inviting, and easy to maintain?

We’re here, with the best St Louis pool landscaping ideas to help you select the right plants, create comfortable shade, ensure privacy, and incorporate energy-efficient lighting—all while conserving our precious water.

Let’s dive into these waters together and emerge with a poolside retreat that’s as easy on the eyes as it is on the environment and your weekend chores.

Key Takeaways

Transforming your backyard into a stunning oasis with a pool at its heart is more than just adding water and a few plants. 

  • Choosing plants goes beyond just picking what looks good. It’s crucial to select species that can handle the poolside environment, including salt-tolerant and chlorine-resistant ones. Native plants are smart because they’re used to the local climate and won’t need as much water or care.
  • Shade is essential during warm seasons. Options like cantilever umbrellas or pergolas offer flexible shade without making the space feel cramped. Alternatively, planting trees in just the right spots can provide ample shade, but remember to pick varieties that only shed a little to keep pool cleaning to a minimum.
  • Privacy can’t be taken for granted. While privacy screens or tall fencing can do the job, a more natural option like fast-growing, dense hedges offers seclusion and brings a vibrant, green look to your pool area.
  • Conserving water is vital in today’s world. A smart irrigation system designed for landscaping can significantly reduce water waste. These systems are best set to water plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
  • Lighting is another element that can turn your pool area into a magical space at night. LED lights are wise due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. Adding lights in and around your pool can create a peaceful atmosphere and extend the time you enjoy the pool into the evening hours.
  • Regular upkeep is non-negotiable to keep your pool and its surroundings pristine. This includes routine cleaning, inspecting and fixing pool equipment, and maintaining the pool’s chemical balance. A high-quality pool cover is a good investment, as it can keep out debris and reduce maintenance tasks.
  • Bringing on board a pool professional with deep insights into pool installation, maintenance, repair, and landscaping has many benefits. They know the best plants, materials, and methods to use, ensuring your poolside isn’t just beautiful but functional and sustainable. Their expertise can also save you time and money in the long run, dodging expensive errors and guaranteeing your pool remains an enjoyable part of your home for many years.

In conclusion, creating a personal paradise around your pool requires a thoughtful, informed approach that marries beauty, functionality, and sustainability.

With professional guidance and the right knowledge, your outdoor space can evolve into an impressive, enjoyable extension of your living area.

Find the Best Poolside Plants and Shade

When designing the area around your pool, selecting the right plants and creating shaded spots are vital to turning your backyard into a refreshing retreat.

  • You want a pool landscape that can survive our fluctuating weather but also demands little upkeep. This means you enjoy the water more and less time with garden chores.
  • For shade, the installation of pergolas or sizable umbrellas is crucial. These structures provide a much-needed respite from the sun while enhancing the overall look of your outdoor space. The balance between sunny and shaded areas is vital for maximum enjoyment and comfort.
  • Moreover, adding water features like waterfalls or fountains can significantly boost the ambiance of your pool area. The sound of water moving creates a serene environment; visually, these features help tie your outdoor space together. Specific installation techniques and materials, such as energy-efficient pumps and durable stone or tile, ensure these additions are beautiful and long-lasting.
  • Seeking the expertise of a professional pool landscaper with a deep understanding of pool environments, materials, and landscaping can make all the difference.
  • Not only can they navigate the technical aspects of installation and maintenance, but they also bring knowledge on utilizing your space for beauty and functionality.

From selecting the right plants that thrive next to pools to choosing materials that withstand the elements, their guidance can elevate your poolside to the next level.

Privacy and Beauty Tips for St Louis Pools

After delving into optimal plant and shade selections for pools in St. Louis, let’s shift our focus toward enhancing your poolside with privacy and beauty enhancements that merge practicality with visual appeal.

Crafting a secluded oasis uplifts the tranquility; it transforms your space into a personal haven. Here are strategies to achieve this:

  1. Fencing Options: Selecting the appropriate fencing is crucial. It not only safeguards your pool area but, with an array of materials and designs on the market, can also inject sophistication. For a mix of privacy and allure, consider using lattice panels, which are easy to install and provide a customizable option for any pool design. Materials such as vinyl or aluminum can offer durability and low maintenance, while wood can bring a classic aesthetic to the space.
  2. Sound Barriers: Implementing sound barriers, like dense shrubbery or architectural additions, can markedly lessen noise intrusion. This cultivates a peaceful environment, enabling relaxation by your pool without external disruptions. Techniques such as strategically placing evergreen bushes or constructing a masonry wall can effectively block out sound while enhancing the visual appeal of your pool area.
  3. Decorative Screens: Decorative screens are an excellent method of adding privacy while elevating the look of your pool space. Whether opting for modern geometric patterns or classic nature-inspired themes, decorative screens become an eye-catching feature. They can be made from materials like aluminum for longevity and low maintenance or wood for a natural look. They can be installed on a frame for easy placement and movement.
  4. Privacy Hedges and Windbreak Choices: Planting privacy hedges serves a dual purpose; it shields your pool area from unwanted observation and acts as a natural barrier against strong winds, thereby offering protection while injecting a dose of greenery into your landscape. Selecting the correct species of plants for your climate and soil type is essential for long-term growth and effectiveness. Integrating a windbreak system using taller trees or constructed barriers can provide additional protection and privacy.

Hiring a seasoned professional with comprehensive knowledge in pool installation, maintenance, repair, cleaning, and remodeling can significantly benefit your project.

They bring invaluable expertise in selecting materials, methods, and tools to ensure durability, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.

Moreover, their experience allows them to anticipate and tackle potential challenges, ensuring your pool area remains a private, beautiful retreat for years.

Saving Water and Lighting Up Your St Louis Backyard Pool

Enhancing a backyard pool’s appeal and environmental efficiency requires a blend of expertise and advanced techniques.

  • Integrating drought-resistant landscaping is a smart move. These plants are adapted to thrive in specific climates with minimal water, significantly reducing irrigation needs. This approach preserves valuable water resources and aligns with sustainable practices.
  • Incorporating a rainwater harvesting system is another effective strategy. This setup captures rain, storing it for later use in garden watering, pool refilling, and other outdoor applications. It’s a practical solution for reducing dependency on municipal water supplies and leveraging natural precipitation to meet outdoor water needs.
  • Updating pool lighting and filtration systems to eco-friendly alternatives can make a significant difference. Solar-powered lanterns, for example, offer efficient lighting without relying on conventional power sources. These devices store solar energy during the day and automatically illuminate at night, providing a cost-effective and atmospheric lighting solution.
  • For underwater lighting, LED options are ideal. They consume less power than traditional pool lights, making them an energy-efficient choice.
  • Additionally, installing eco-friendly pool filters can reduce the need for frequent cleaning and replacement. These filters are designed to be more efficient and have a lower environmental footprint.

The technical aspects of these improvements, such as installing rainwater harvesting systems, require precise knowledge of water flow, storage solutions, and integration with existing plumbing.

Similarly, upgrading to LED lighting and eco-friendly filters involves understanding electrical systems and water chemistry to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Engaging a professional with extensive experience in pool resurfacing, installation, maintenance, and renovation has manifold benefits. Such expertise ensures that these eco-friendly upgrades are implemented correctly and efficiently, maximizing your pool area’s aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits.

A professional can provide tailored advice on the most suitable plants for drought-resistant landscaping, the best rainwater harvesting system for your specific needs, and the most effective eco-friendly lighting and filtration options.

Easy Swimming Pool and Landscape Upkeep Tips

Maintaining your backyard oasis in St. Louis doesn’t have to consume all your free time.

We’ve learned a few trade tricks to keep your pool and garden in top shape with minimal effort. Here’s a streamlined guide for effortless upkeep:

  1. Adapt to the Seasons: St. Louis’ variable climate demands a flexible approach to outdoor maintenance. When winter draws near, it’s vital to winterize your pool correctly—this involves lowering the water level, balancing the chemicals, and covering the pool securely to prevent damage. This preparation simplifies the reopening process come spring. Applying a protective layer of mulch before the cold sets in the garden can safeguard your plants, conserving moisture and regulating soil temperature.
  2. Efficient Pest Management: Unwelcome visitors shouldn’t marred outdoor enjoyment. Incorporating natural pest deterrents and maintaining a clean pool environment can significantly reduce pest issues. It’s essential to eliminate standing water promptly to disrupt mosquito breeding cycles. For pools, consider integrating an automatic pool cover to keep debris and pests at bay.
  3. Streamline Equipment Storage: A tidy storage solution for your pool cleaning and gardening tools keeps your backyard looking neat and extends the life of these implements. Weatherproof storage containers or a small shed can protect sensitive equipment from the elements. Organizing tools efficiently ensures they’re always ready when you are.
  4. Soil and Lawn Management: The secret to a vibrant garden starts beneath the surface. Conducting a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels allows you to amend the soil precisely for optimal plant health. Regular mowing to the right lawn height, combined with annual aeration, promotes robust root growth and improves water penetration, resulting in a lush, green appearance.

Engaging a seasoned pool maintenance or renovation professional can offer unparalleled benefits.

With extensive knowledge of the latest pool technologies, materials, and energy-efficient systems, a professional can provide tailored solutions that enhance the beauty and functionality of your pool while also conserving water and energy.

Their expertise can help prevent costly repairs, ensuring your pool remains a pristine retreat for years.

Simple Maintenance for Your Pool Landscape

Maintaining a pristine pool and garden in St. Louis doesn’t have to be a complex task. With over two decades of experience in the pool industry, I’ve honed a few key strategies that make pool care more efficient.

  • First off, managing your pool’s chemistry is crucial. Regular tests for pH and chlorine levels are non-negotiable to ensure the water remains healthy and clear. A digital test kit simplifies this process, avoiding the guesswork and preventing algae blooms before they start.
  • When it comes to filtration, it’s all about keeping the system in top condition. Ensuring your filter—whether sand, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth—is cleaned or swapped out when necessary is vital. This avoids common problems like cloudy water. Incorporating robotic pool cleaners can drastically cut down manual cleaning time. Thanks to their advanced scanning technology, these devices navigate the pool independently, removing debris and algae.
  • Another smart move is choosing suitable materials for your deck. Opt for composite materials or treated woods that fend off mold and mildew, which means less scrubbing and more relaxing. Safety covers are another must-have. They not only keep out leaves and critters but also add a layer of protection when the pool isn’t in use, simplifying your maintenance routine.
  • Working with an experienced pool contractor with extensive experience in pool installation, maintenance, and repair can bring numerous benefits. They bring a depth of knowledge about the latest technologies and materials that can save time and money in the long run.

Plus, having a professional handle the more technical aspects of pool care, from equipment repair to seasonal servicing and local codes and regulations – this ensures that your pool operates smoothly, allowing you more time to enjoy your backyard oasis.

Conclusion – St Louis Pool Landscaping Ideas

In closing, we’ve explored how to weave together the various strands of a perfect poolside tapestry that balances aesthetic appeal with practical living in St. Louis.

Choose plant life wisely to thrive in the unique poolside conditions. Create inviting shade with smart landscaping or structures that allow flexibility and comfort.

Privacy is a must-have and can be achieved naturally with the right foliage. Embrace smart irrigation systems to reduce water waste and consider LED lighting to add nighttime charm without sky-high energy bills. Never underestimate the power of regular maintenance and professional expertise to keep your oasis serene and sparkling.

With these strategies in play, your backyard will not only look magazine-cover-ready but will also be your personal haven for years to come.

Brian Ozorco

Author: Brian Ozorco

Brian started working with pools more than two decades ago. He's really good at making old pools look new and beautiful again. This is called pool resurfacing, and it's one of his specialties. Brian is not just good at fixing pools; he's also great at helping people. He set up SwimPoolHero.com to provide pool services, via a network of expert pool contractors, to home owners all over the US. Brian believes it's important to treat customers well, and that's a big part of his business.