{"id":8763,"date":"2022-04-17T21:26:54","date_gmt":"2022-04-17T21:26:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=8763"},"modified":"2026-08-07T23:53:24","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T23:53:24","slug":"how-to-landscape-around-in-ground-pool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-landscape-around-in-ground-pool\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Landscape Around an In-Ground Pool"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Artificial turf<\/strong> is increasingly popular around pools, but proper drainage is critical to avoid foundation issues.<br>\u2022 <strong>Choose plants<\/strong> that drop minimal debris to keep your pool skimmer from working overtime.<br>\u2022 <strong>Hardscaping<\/strong> does as much visual work as plants in a poolscape, so choose materials that reflect heat and resist salt.<br>\u2022 <strong>Fencing<\/strong> is a safety and legal requirement in most jurisdictions, so plan for it from the start.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Worried that the view from your diving board leaves something to be desired? Before you send out invites for your summer pool party, take a little time to consider your poolside landscaping.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing the right plants, hardscape features, lighting, and fencing will make the landscape around your in-ground pool more functional, safe, and beautiful for you and your guests. If you need a hand, Lawn Love connects you with <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/near-me\">local landscaping pros<\/a> who can do the work for you.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-3eef49a0-2b04-46a0-a2c4-22f0afa8f3d8\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-landscape-around-in-ground-pool\/#0-ground-cover-options-for-around-the-pool\" style=\"\">Ground cover options for around the pool<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-landscape-around-in-ground-pool\/#3-best-plants-for-a-pool-landscape\" style=\"\">Best plants for a pool landscape<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-landscape-around-in-ground-pool\/#4-hardscape-features-and-decking\" style=\"\">Hardscape features and decking<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-landscape-around-in-ground-pool\/#5-lighting-ideas\" style=\"\">Lighting ideas<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-landscape-around-in-ground-pool\/#6-shade-and-seating\" style=\"\">Shade and seating<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-landscape-around-in-ground-pool\/#7-fencing-and-safety\" style=\"\">Fencing and safety<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-landscape-around-in-ground-pool\/#8-mosquito-control\" style=\"\">Mosquito control<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-landscape-around-in-ground-pool\/#9-faqs-\" style=\"\">FAQs\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-ground-cover-options-for-around-the-pool\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"ground-cover-options-for-around-the-pool\">Ground cover options for around the pool<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_1165185630.jpg\" alt=\"A backyard swimming pool surrounded by flagstone patio, artificial turf, and lush landscaping\" class=\"wp-image-46782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_1165185630.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_1165185630-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_1165185630-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_1165185630-610x342.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A backyard swimming pool with flagstone patio, artificial turf, and lush landscaping. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/backyard-swimming-pool-with-flagstone-patio-artificial-turf-and-lush-landscaping\/1165185630\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">danang<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The area immediately surrounding your pool deck takes a beating from heat, foot traffic, splashing, and seasonal changes. Here are your main options:<\/p>    <h3 id=\"1-turfgrass-vs-artificial-grass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"turfgrass-vs-artificial-grass\">Turfgrass vs. artificial grass<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both real and artificial grass can soften the look of a hard pool surround. Synthetic turf is increasingly popular because <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-clean-artificial-grass\/\">it stays green<\/a> all year without mowing, fertilizing, or tricky edging right next to the water.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s consider the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-artificial-grass\/\">pros and cons of artificial grass<\/a> and turfgrass:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Feature<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Turfgrass<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Artificial grass<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Softens the look of hard pool surrounds<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Requires water, fertilizer, and mowing<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>No<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Looks great (with appropriate maintenance) all year<\/td><td>Sometimes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Higher upfront cost<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Works well in shade or sun<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep in mind that installing ground cover near a pool requires careful planning. Steve Rice, owner at <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnkingsinc.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lawn Kings<\/a> in Valencia, California, warns about poor installation.<\/p> <\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;A big mistake I see with drainage around pool decks is homeowners installing artificial turf or decorative rock flush against the coping without a proper slope or drain channel. This <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-drainage-solutions\/\">traps water<\/a> and pushes it back under the deck or into the base. I have had to redo jobs where that led to shifting pavers within a year.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chris Koester, president at <a href=\"https:\/\/eliteccp.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Elite Construction &amp; Custom Pools<\/a> in Waller, Texas, sees even worse structural damage from bad drainage.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe biggest drainage error is failing to install dedicated drainage channels or swales between artificial turf and the deck. This leads to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-standing-water-in-yard\/\">water pooling<\/a> that destabilizes our local expansive clay soils,\u201d Koester says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis oversight causes the bond beam to shift and creates structural cracks that are incredibly difficult to correct once the project is finished,\u201d he says.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-mulch-and-rocks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"mulch-and-rocks\">Mulch and rocks<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/mulch-cost\/\">Mulch<\/a> and rocks are a low-maintenance <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/ground-cover-grass-alternatives\/\">grass alternative<\/a> (as long as you weed periodically). This eliminates the edging problem and creates defined spaces for shrubs, trees, and flowering perennials. River rock and pea gravel are popular choices right next to the pool deck as they&#8217;re durable, drain well, and stay in place.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"3-best-plants-for-a-pool-landscape\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"best-plants-for-a-pool-landscape\">Best plants for a pool landscape<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_446349727.jpg\" alt=\"A tropical home with a backyard swimming pool surrounded by palm trees and lush green landscaping\" class=\"wp-image-46784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_446349727.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_446349727-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_446349727-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_446349727-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A tropical home with a backyard pool surrounded by palm trees and lush landscaping. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/tropical-home-with-a-pool\/446349727\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Allison<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plant selection around a pool depends on sun exposure and leaf litter. Dropped leaves, seed pods, and flower petals go straight into the pool and into your skimmer.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When picking plants, you also need to think about your root systems. Lucas Pimenta, owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/newaypools.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Neway Pools<\/a> with over 20 years of experience installing pools across North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, has a strict rule.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cStrictly avoid ficus trees due to their invasive, moisture-seeking roots,\u201d Pimenta says. \u201cConsider dwarf Palmettos for a low-maintenance, low-debris alternative that thrives in coastal environments.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Koester also warns against planting willow trees or oaks near the water, since their aggressive roots will eventually buckle your coping or pierce the plumbing.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good poolside choices:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Arborvitae, cypress, yew (or other evergreen shrubs\/trees for <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-ideas-backyard-privacy\/\">backyard privacy<\/a> and minimal leaf litter)<\/li>    <li>Liriope and other ornamental grasses<\/li>    <li>Small trees, such as various types of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/choosing-palms-for-your-landscape\/\">palm trees<\/a><\/li>    <li>Vining flowering plants, such as a climbing rose, for flowering, privacy, and growing over a trellis, pergola, or other tall structure<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have a saltwater pool, you have more plant options.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSaltwater systems produce a much steadier, lower chlorine level than traditional pools, which actually means less chemical splash stress on nearby plants,\u201d Koester says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI lean toward ornamental grasses, yuccas, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-salt-tolerant-plants\/\">drought-tolerant natives<\/a> around saltwater builds. They are already low-maintenance in Texas heat and don\u2019t react badly to occasional water contact,\u201d he says.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"4-hardscape-features-and-decking\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"hardscape-features-and-decking\">Hardscape features and decking<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hardscape-around-pool-7.jpg\" alt=\"Landscaped pool features wooden decking, stone walls, tropical plants, lounge chairs, and a winding path through green lawn.\" class=\"wp-image-8771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hardscape-around-pool-7.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hardscape-around-pool-7-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hardscape-around-pool-7-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hardscape-around-pool-7-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hardscape-around-pool-7-610x458.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hardscape-around-pool-7-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hardscape-around-pool-7-390x293.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pool deck and hardscape. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/U53rV8r-6zY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hardscaping is often where a poolscape really comes together. In a backyard poolscape, your imagination (and budget) are your only constraints.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are a few examples that would work well in a backyard poolscape:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Pergola<\/strong>: provides shade, defines a seating area, and creates a natural structure for climbing plants or string lights<\/li>    <li><strong>Outdoor kitchen<\/strong>: keeps guests poolside rather than going inside; extends your outdoor living space<\/li>    <li><strong>Fire pit<\/strong>: a natural evening gathering spot, especially for swimmers who want warmth after getting out of the pool<\/li>    <li><strong>Pavers and walkways<\/strong>: keep feet clean and reduce the amount of grass and dirt tracked into the pool<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFor pergola and fire pit placement, I always factor in the natural airflow direction on the property first,\u201d Koester says. \u201cA fire pit placed where the prevailing breeze pushes smoke toward the pool deck kills the experience fast.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rice adds that distance matters for durability.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI typically recommend at least 10 to 15 feet back from the water\u2019s edge, not just for safety but because it keeps splashing and corrosion from shortening the life of those structures.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When choosing decking materials for a saltwater pool, be very careful with natural stone.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The biggest thing I warn clients about is that saltwater systems accelerate corrosion on natural stone like travertine and certain mortared coping joints,\u201d Pimenta explains.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIn our coastal Florida builds especially, we lean toward porcelain pavers near salt pools specifically because they don\u2019t absorb moisture or react to salt exposure the way natural stone does over time,\u201d Pimenta says.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"5-lighting-ideas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"lighting-ideas\">Lighting ideas<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good pool lighting extends how long you actually use the space. Three high-impact options:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/outdoor-landscape-lighting-ideas\/\"><strong>LED string lights<\/strong><\/a>: run across the pool area or over a pergola for warm ambient light. Cost-effective and easy to DIY.<\/li>    <li><strong>Solar path lights<\/strong>: mark the route from the house to the pool. No wiring required, and they look polished.<\/li>    <li><strong>In-pool LED lights<\/strong>: if you&#8217;re still using older incandescent pool lights, LEDs use up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/energysaver\/led-lighting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">75% less energy<\/a> and last up to 25 times longer, with color-changing options available.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWith lighting, my top rule is to keep fixtures low and indirect,\u201d Rice says. \u201cAim light across walking paths instead of toward the water. Once you get glare bouncing off the pool surface, it not only looks harsh but actually makes it harder to see edges safely.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important<\/strong>: Remember, electricity and water don\u2019t mix. If you\u2019re at all unsure how to manage your in-pool or landscape lighting, consult with a professional to get the job done safely.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"6-shade-and-seating\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"shade-and-seating\">Shade and seating<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_357302450.jpg\" alt=\"Lawn chairs in the shade of a tree on a wooden deck overlooking a backyard swimming pool and lush green lawn\" class=\"wp-image-46828\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_357302450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_357302450-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_357302450-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_357302450-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lawn chairs sit in the shade on a wooden deck overlooking a backyard pool. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/lawn-chairs-overlooking-backyard-and-swimming-pool\/357302450\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Astronaut Images\/KOTO<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Swimming pools are ideal gathering places for friends and family. Since not everyone will want to swim, it\u2019s important to provide a nice place for your other guests to sit and relax:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Umbrella and lounge chairs<\/strong>: simple, moveable, and versatile<\/li>    <li><strong>Vine-covered pergola<\/strong>: train climbing plants over the structure for shade that improves every season<\/li>    <li><strong>Covered deck<\/strong>: a roofed deck overlooking the pool provides permanent shade and a second vantage point for watching swimmers<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are so fortunate as to have a shade tree in your backyard, this may be the perfect place to sit under and relax on days when you\u2019d like to stay high and dry.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"7-fencing-and-safety\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"fencing-and-safety\">Fencing and safety<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you inherit a swimming pool with a new house or install a new pool yourself, let safety be your priority. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/Newsroom\/News-Releases\/2024\/CPSC-New-Drowning-Report-Shows-Increase-in-Child-Fatalities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission<\/a>, 81% of fatal pool drownings involving children under 15 occur in home pools. A good place to start is with a fence.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most jurisdictions require some form of pool barrier, and regulations vary by city, county, and state. The <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.iccsafe.org\/content\/ISPSC2021P2\/preface\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">International Swimming Pool and Spa Code<\/a> lays out basic guidelines, but the pool fence or cage doesn&#8217;t have to be an unattractive addition to your landscape.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFrameless glass panel systems are what I am seeing clients gravitate toward right now,\u201d Koester says. \u201cThey satisfy code, don\u2019t visually chop up the backyard, and when you have put serious money into a custom pool, the last thing you want is a fence that hides it.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If glass is not in your budget, Rice says that black aluminum fencing is a great alternative because it visually disappears while still doing its job.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pool cages and screen enclosures are another popular option, especially in states like Florida. They count as an official safety barrier, and they have the added bonus of keeping bugs and leaves out of your pool.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"8-mosquito-control\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"mosquito-control\">Mosquito control<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Landscaping around your in-ground pool is as much about what you do want around your pool as what you don\u2019t. One thing you don\u2019t want? Mosquitoes.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFor mosquito deterrence, the conversation most people skip is drainage,\u201d Pimenta says. \u201cStanding water in poorly graded planting beds right beside the pool deck is the real culprit, not the plant choices.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe always engineer proper <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/manage-stormwater-runoff\/\">stormwater drainage<\/a> into our Georgia and NC builds before we discuss what goes in the beds, because no amount of lavender fixes a bed that holds water for three days after rain,\u201d he continues.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To avoid mosquitoes in the off-season, cover the pool with a tight cover that doesn\u2019t have gaps to allow bugs inside. Also, use a pool cover pump to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-mosquitoes-in-yard\/\">remove standing water<\/a> on top of the cover at least once per week. A mesh leaf net will help to keep leaves and debris off the cover in the fall.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 id=\"9-faqs-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1779696179103\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How close can I plant trees or shrubs to the pool fence?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most modern safety codes require a no\u2011climb zone next to the pool fence that must stay clear of trees, tall shrubs, or furniture for at least about 30\u201336 inches. Within this area you shouldn\u2019t have any branches or shrubs a child could grab to climb over.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1779696186622\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I use my pool deck as a planting bed for flowers or ground cover?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You technically can, but it\u2019s not a great idea. If you put soil and mulch right on the deck, you\u2019re trapping moisture against the concrete or pavers, which can speed up cracking in freeze, thaw or wet climates, plus you\u2019re guaranteeing dirt and petals washing into the pool.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1779696192672\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What plants should you plant around a pool to keep bugs away?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You can add aromatic plants for an extra layer of defense, especially against mosquitoes.<br><br>\u201cI&#8217;ve had good results planting <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/plants-that-repel-mosquitoes\/\">lavender, rosemary, and citronella<\/a> near seating areas, and I always avoid organic mulches that stay damp, since they become breeding grounds,\u201d Rice says.<br><br>Beyond mosquitoes, a few other plants can help ward against a wider range of poolside pests:<br><br>\u2022 <strong>Lemongrass<\/strong>: It repels mosquitoes and helps deter wasps<br><strong>\u2022<\/strong> <strong>Marigolds<\/strong>: It\u2019s a low-maintenance annual that repels mosquitoes, whiteflies, and aphids<br><strong>\u2022<\/strong> <strong>Basil<\/strong>: It works against mosquitoes and flies<br><strong>\u2022<\/strong> <strong>Lemon-scented geraniums<\/strong>: The citrusy fragrance deters mosquitoes and bees<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"10-leave-the-pool-landscaping-to-a-pro\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"leave-the-pool-landscaping-to-a-pro\">Leave the pool landscaping to a pro<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting pool landscaping right takes practice, the right equipment, and a lot of free time. You don\u2019t have to spend your weekends pulling weeds and planting shrubs.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;d rather leave it to someone who does this every day, Lawn Love helps you connect with <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/near-me\">local landscaping pros<\/a> who can handle your lawn care and landscaping needs so you can just relax and enjoy the water.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: A luxurious backyard with a swimming pool, manicured lawn, and lush tropical landscaping. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/luxurious-house-with-swimming-pool-and-lush-garden\/1165182773\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">danang<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The best landscaping for an in-ground pool includes low-debris plants, heat-reflective pavers, and proper drainage systems to protect your pool structure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":46783,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-8763","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_1165182773.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Adrian Nita","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/adrian-nita\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8763","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8763"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8763\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48252,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8763\/revisions\/48252"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46783"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8763"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8763"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8763"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}