Keeping the pool looking good in winter

It doesn't take much to give your swimming pool an entirely new look. By changing the plants around your swimming pool, you can give the area a whole new look that will accompany any pool renovations you have done. You need to exercise some caution when it comes to choosing the plants that will decorate the area around your pool. A wrong choice can result in unhealthy-looking plants that might not last too long. So what do you need to think about when it comes to choosing plants for your poolside area?

The Roots

It's vital to remember the underground section of any greenery you might choose. Bamboo or a juvenile olive tree might look lovely by your pool, but consider their roots. Avoid plants that have an expansive and strong root system. In time, the roots of these plants can breach the lining of your pool, and can easily choke your underground drainage systems. Ask your local gardening centre if you're unsure about the root system of any potential poolside plant choice.

The Water

What type of water is in your pool? Whether you have a chlorinated or saltwater pool will influence your plant selection. Remember that usage of the pool can result in the surrounding greenery being splashed with water. This means that plants that are sensitive to chemicals or saltwater will not thrive when placed next to your pool. For salt water pools, choose hardy plants that tend to grow naturally in coastal regions. Dianella (flax lilies) are ideal, as are Carpobrotus (pig face). Both will grow well in full sunlight, don't mind saltwater, and will produce vibrant blue flowers. Chlorinated pools will benefit from greenery that is even hardier, such as a tussock grass (mondo grass is a good choice). Avoid deciduous plants and shrubs, unless you truly enjoy scooping your pool numerous times each day.

The Fence Issue

What kind of pool fencing do you have? If you have wooden fencing or aluminium/steel tubular bar fencing, then your fencing is unlikely to affect your poolside greenery. If you have safety glass or metal panels in your pool fencing, then you need to be mindful of the sunlight that can be reflected by these materials. Choose heat and sunlight resistant plants in this instance—plants that can withstand concentrated sunlight.

So while updating the greenery around your pool can give the area a whole new look, it's important to choose wisely.