Swimming Pool Landscaping 101 | West Hill Masonry (2024)

Rock and stone are some of the most popular pool hardscape features because they add texture and color to the pool area, are extremely durable, and can be utilized in infinite ways. Hardscape contractors can quickly and easily transform any poolscape or outdoor living space by strategically placing rocks around it.

To provide you with pool landscaping ideas, we’ve compiled some of the best rock-based pool landscaping designs that you can apply even if you already have an existing landscape.

Stone Pavers Around the Pool as Alternative to Concrete

Consider using stone pavers as an alternative to concrete around your swimming pool. They are a great way to add visual interest and texture to your outdoor living space and can be used to create a more natural stone look around the pool.

In addition, they are much simpler to install than concrete and can be done by individuals with limited experience. Of course, contacting reliable hardscape contractors would be the best option if you’re aiming to achieve your dream outdoor living area.

Construct a Stone Fire Pit Adjacent to the Pool

Consider adding a rock and stone fire pit next to the pool. This is a great way to add a focal point to your poolscape and create a unique outdoor living area for relaxation and enjoyment.

In addition, the juxtaposition of the fire and the water in the pool creates an incredibly cool vibe at night.

Enhance Pool Landscaping With a Stone Fountain or Water Feature

Another popular way to use rocks in pool landscaping is to incorporate a water fountain or water feature into the pool’s surrounding landscaping. This can add visual appeal and establish a focal point in your landscaping.

People gravitate naturally towards running water and water features, making stone water fountains and water features ideal locations for additional seating around the pool.

In addition, adding a water feature provides a soothing background noise around the pool, which can be a great way to block out noisy neighbors and give your space a more calming and relaxing atmosphere—lets you experience outdoor living dreams you’ve always wanted.

Use Rocks as Retaining Wall Around the Pool

Retaining walls are a great way to level a sloping yard and make your backyard pool area more functional. While stone features are a great way to prevent erosion and keep debris out of your pool, this will also give your poolscape a more natural appearance.

Stack Rocks for a Unique Rock Feature

Stacking rocks on top of one another to create a unique rock feature next to an existing pool is a popular way to incorporate these yard features into your landscape design.

This can be accomplished by stacking rocks of differing sizes, beginning with the largest at the bottom and getting smaller in size as you ascend. Then, you can grow plants or vines around the rocks to add greenery and color to your poolscape. This is another fantastic way to add an interesting focal point to your poolscape.

Utilize Large Rocks to Make a Natural-Looking Waterfall

Another popular use of rocks in pool landscaping is to make a natural-looking waterfall.

This can be accomplished by stacking large rocks around the pool’s edge. The water from your pool can then be pumped to the top of the waterfall, where it will flow down the rocks and back into the pool.

Add Large Rocks or Boulders as Focal Points

You can also use large rocks as focal points in your landscape design. This can be accomplished by scattering large rocks across the landscape and using them as anchors for other elements such as plants and trees.

Additionally, large rocks can be used to create interesting features, such as rock gardens. Regardless of how you use them, they are an excellent way to add visual interest and depth to a landscape design.

You may reach out to excellent hardscape contractors to provide superior landscaping services.

Put Stone Pavers to Create a Captivating Patio or Pool Deck

Stone pavers can be used to create a patio or pool deck that is more interesting and distinctive than a concrete slab, which is more common and uninteresting. This can be accomplished by arranging rocks of various sizes and hues into a mosaic-like pattern. You can create borders or outlines with rocks around your patio or pool deck.

Beautiful stone patios are also a great way to add visual interest and make your outdoor space more distinctive.

Use Rocks or Stone to Define a Covered Outdoor Living Area

Poolscaping with rocks is an excellent method for developing an outdoor living area.

You can use rocks to define boundaries, create privacy, or add an aesthetic appeal to your poolscape and outdoor seating areas. If you already have an outdoor living area, consider incorporating rocks to give it a more natural appearance and feel.

Collaborate With Hardscape Contractors Offering Quality Hardscape Services

As you can see, rocks can be used to create a variety of poolside landscape features, from incorporating texture and visual interest to constructing pathways and outdoor seating. You can add functionality and beauty to your poolscape with a few strategically placed rocks.

If you want your pool to have a more natural look and feel, or if you want to take your poolscape to the next level, you should consider incorporating rocks into your landscaping.

For any landscaping and contracting services, you’ll need experienced hardscape contractors. You may send us a message by filling out our online form or contacting us at 714-519-5009 at West Hills Masonry today!

Swimming Pool Landscaping 101 | West Hill Masonry (2024)

FAQs

Can you install a pool on a hill? ›

Hillside Pools Are Possible!

Hillside pools are defined as pools that require grade beams to support the pool foundation due to the angle of the slope. Pools can be constructed on inclines at 45-degrees or more with the right crew. One of the best examples of a hillside pool is an infinity-edge pool.

Why put rocks around the pool? ›

Boulders or large rock formations can be used to add design and texture to the atmosphere of the pool. Some people use real boulders and stone to create formations such as rock waterfalls or rocks that someone can dive from. If you love this idea, then go all the way with it.

What is pool hardscaping? ›

Hardscapes are aesthetic landscapes created with solid objects such as stone, rocks, and composite wood. Don't get this mixed up with softscapes, which are landscapes designed with plants. People tend to use hardscapes over softscapes for pools because they are more durable.

How to set up an above ground pool on a slope? ›

Yes, it's possible to put an above-ground pool on unlevel ground with proper preparation. Assess the slope, level the area by adding or removing soil, and ensure the ground is compacted. Use a sturdy base material for stability. With careful planning, you can enjoy your pool on uneven terrain.

Is it more expensive to build a pool on a hill? ›

Is It More Expensive To Build A Pool On A Slope? Pools on sloped yards can be more expensive because you need to level the ground for the pool to go into. This often requires a retaining wall and necessary drainage to protect it.

What type of pool is best for a hillside? ›

Infinity pools are designed to give the illusion that they extend to the horizon. They're often built on hilltops or high slopes so that water can flow over one edge and appear to disappear into the distance. Terracing: Another option for incorporating a hillside into your pool design is terracing.

How much slope is OK for pool? ›

The purpose of a pool's slope is to have one end that's shallow and one that's deeper so swimmers of varying skill levels can safely enjoy the pool. Typically, there should be a 1-foot drop-off for every 3 feet of pool length. However, your pool's slope shouldn't go beyond this level of drop-off.

Is it better to mulch or rock around a pool? ›

1. Use rock rather than mulch in planting beds. If possible, refrain from using mulch in planting beds in close proximity to the pool. Mulch can be displaced rather easily and, if used near the pool, will inevitably end up in the water.

What is the best rock to put around a pool? ›

Granites, basalts, and porphyry top the charts in this category and will hold up to all weather conditions. We have also hand-picked some freeze-thaw resistant limestones and sandstones that will work well.

What is the best material to put around an above-ground pool? ›

Use pea gravel around your pool area

Pea gravel looks tidy and is a practical, low-maintenance, no-water alternative to a natural grass lawn.

Are pavers cheaper than concrete around a pool? ›

If you're thinking about installing deck pavers, you should know a few things before proceeding with your purchase and installation. Cost. Deck pavers, especially natural stone pavers, tend to be more costly than standard concrete decking.

What is the concrete area around a pool called? ›

Deck – The area that surrounds your swimming pool. Grout – A type of concrete used to connect masonry, seal joints, and fill spaces between materials used in the pool. Rebar – Metal rods that are used to add strength to concrete and are formed into a cage to hold the shell of an inground pool.

What does hardscaping look like? ›

Hardscape is the term for hard landscaping materials. Concrete, asphalt, stone, glass, brick, metal, and gravel are all hardscape. In general use, hardscape means materials placed by human design. Hardscape contrasts with soft materials like vegetation and soil, which are known as “softscape”.

What can I use to level ground for pool? ›

Rake & Tamp the Ground

Once all the debris has been removed, water the soil with a hose until it's moist (could take about an hour). Once the area is moistened, use a tamper (you can find at Lowes, Home Depot or your local hardware store) to flatten the surface.

How do you level an unlevel ground pool? ›

Sand or some sort of underlayment is necessary to protect the pool liner from sharp rocks and roots. You level the ground by determining the high point within the area of the pool and either adding fill to that point or cutting down the high point to the height of the surrounding area.

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