Pool Landscaping Ideas for Chester County, PA

A swimming pool is a major investment — and the landscape around it determines whether it feels like a resort or a construction project. Here are the landscape design strategies that work best for Chester County pool properties.

Pool Coping and Decking Materials

Thermal Bluestone: the premium regional choice. The flamed surface is non-slip, blue-gray tones are beautiful, and bluestone stays cooler underfoot than concrete in direct summer sun. The most authentic Chester County material.

Travertine: warm cream-to-tan tones, excellent for creating a resort aesthetic. Natural voids in the stone texture and the lighter color make it feel warmer than bluestone. Requires sealing to prevent water absorption.

EP Henry or Techo-Bloc Pavers: more economical than natural stone, wide color range, can be replaced individually if damaged. Non-slip surfaces available.

Poured Concrete (Exposed Aggregate): durable and cost-effective. Exposed aggregate finish provides traction. Less distinctive aesthetically than stone or pavers.

Privacy Screening for Chester County Pools

Pennsylvania requires pool enclosures (fencing) by law. The planting within and around that enclosure is a design opportunity:

Fast-Dense Screening:

• Emerald Green Arborvitae: the workhorse screening plant. Dense, columnar, fast, deer-resistant when established. Space 3 ft on center for solid screen.
• Green Giant Arborvitae: larger, faster, more pyramidal. Space 5-6 ft on center.
• Leyland Cypress: fastest screening option. Less formal appearance than arborvitae.

Naturalistic Screening:

• Mixed evergreen layers (hollies, viburnums, inkberry) create a more naturalistic screen that integrates with garden design.
• Combine evergreens with deciduous shrubs for seasonal interest alongside screening.

Plant Selection Near Pools

Water chemistry and wind carry chlorine and salt from pool water onto adjacent plants. Species selection matters:

Tolerant species (good choices):

• Ornamental grasses (switchgrass, feather reed grass)
• Russian sage (drought and chemical tolerant)
• Lavender (if drainage is sharp)
• Ornamental alliums
• Most ornamental grasses

Avoid near pools:

• Fruit trees and berry-producing shrubs (fruit drop in pool)
• Liquidambar / sweetgum (spiky seed balls drop in pool)
• Weeping willows (aggressive roots, excessive leaf drop)
• Large deciduous trees directly upwind of pool

Equipment Screening

Pool mechanical equipment (pump, filter, heater) should be screened from the primary view areas. Options:

• Evergreen planting wrap (arborvitae, holly)
• Custom cedar lattice enclosure
• Masonry enclosure matching pool surround materials

Learn about our pool landscape design services

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Also read:

• Pool Landscape Design
• Outdoor Living Design Guide
• How to Design a Pool Landscape
• Bluestone vs Pavers — Which Is Better?

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JHL Landscape Design | PA HIC #PA035784 | ICPI Certified | Licensed & Insured West Chester: 701 S Franklin St, Suite 101, West Chester, PA 19382 Newtown Square: 12 Smedley Ln, Suite 101, Newtown Square, PA 19073 HBA Member | BBB A+ Rating