How to Design a Pool Landscape

The pool contractor puts in the pool. The landscape designer designs everything else — and that everything else determines whether the finished result looks like a resort or a construction site. Here's the design process we use for pool landscape projects.

Step 1: Establish the Design Zone

Before designing specific elements, establish the design zone around the pool:

Pool deck zone: the immediate surround — typically 8-12 feet from the pool edge for chaise lounges and primary circulation
Transition zone: the connection from pool deck to the broader outdoor living area and house
Screening zone: the perimeter area where privacy planting and fencing occur
Service zone: equipment, mechanical access, storage

These zones should be established before material selection begins.

Step 2: Pool Coping Selection

The coping is the cap material at the pool's edge — the material you see and touch at the water line. In Chester County and Main Line pool projects:

Thermal bluestone coping: the premium regional choice. Flamed surface is non-slip, cooler underfoot than concrete, pairs with any decking material
Travertine coping: resort aesthetic, warm color, natural texture
Poured concrete coping: standard builder approach — functional but not a design statement
Natural stone bullnose coping: rounded-edge stone pieces in bluestone or limestone

Coping selection should be made in concert with the deck material — they need to be visually cohesive.

Step 3: Deck Material Selection

The deck surrounds the pool and hosts the lounge chairs, towels, and general pool activity. See How to Choose Your Patio Material for the full comparison. Key consideration for pool decks:

Non-slip surface: thermal bluestone, brushed concrete, or pavers with textured surface
Cool underfoot: lighter colors absorb less heat — an important consideration for bare feet
Drainage: the deck must drain away from the pool and toward defined outlets

Step 4: Drainage Engineering

A pool deck is a large impervious surface that receives significant water from splash, rain, and backwash. Drainage design:

Positive slope (minimum 1%) away from pool edge
Channel drains or catch basins at low points
Connection to site drainage system — not just dispersal at the deck edge

Step 5: Privacy and Screening

Pennsylvania requires pool enclosures. Design the fence line and planting together:

Fence type and finish that complements the hardscape and landscape design
Planting within and outside the fence that provides visual softening and gradual screening
Evergreen planting that screens neighboring views (arborvitae, mixed evergreen layers)

Step 6: Integration with Outdoor Living

The pool area and the outdoor living area (patio, kitchen, seating zone) should be designed as one outdoor environment — connected by continuous hardscape, consistent materials, and integrated lighting. The distance from pool lounge to outdoor kitchen should be comfortable.

Step 7: Lighting

Pool landscape lighting is a layered system:

Underwater pool lighting (typically specified by pool contractor)
Path lighting for safety around the pool perimeter
Uplighting for specimen trees and screening plantings at the perimeter
Lighting for outdoor living areas adjacent to pool

Also read:

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