At Auckland Inground Pools, we believe that a pool should be more than just a place to cool off. It should be the focal point of a beautifully designed outdoor area, one that suits your lifestyle, complements your home, and adds lasting value. Landscaping plays a crucial role in this vision. When paired with a high-quality swimming pool installation, thoughtful landscaping elevates both the aesthetics and functionality of your backyard.
Whether you’re planning a brand-new concrete pool or upgrading an existing one, here are the best landscaping ideas to help you create an inviting, cohesive, and visually striking outdoor space.
Why Landscaping Matters in Pool Design
Landscaping isn’t just decorative; it shapes the entire experience around your pool. It adds character and atmosphere while serving practical purposes such as improving privacy, enhancing safety, and managing drainage. Properly placed plants and materials can soften the edges of hardscaping, provide shade and shelter, and create defined zones for relaxing, entertaining, and movement. When integrated with the pool from the outset, landscaping transforms your outdoor area from a basic installation into a bespoke, resort-like sanctuary.
Start with a Clear Design Theme
One of the first decisions to make is the overall theme of your pool and garden area. This ensures consistency across materials, planting, and layout, making the space feel intentional and well-planned.
Modern Minimalist
For a modern minimalist design, think clean lines, geometric pool shapes, and restrained colour palettes in black, grey, and natural stone tones. This style works beautifully with architectural plants such as Agave attenuata, Yucca, and Phormium’ Black Rage’. Ground covers like blue-grey Senecio serpens can be used to soften edges while maintaining the sleek, uncluttered look. You can incorporate this design by using geometric pool shapes, black and grey paving, and architectural plants to create a modern and sophisticated outdoor space.
Tropical Delight
If you prefer a tropical retreat, opt for large-leaf plants, natural stone, timber decking, and layers of dense planting to evoke a lush, holiday-at-home feel. Giant Bird of Paradise, Elephant Ear (Alocasia), and Cordyline australis work well together, along with ferns and Heliconia, for ground cover and colour.
Contemporary Coastal Style
For a coastal contemporary vibe, ideal for homes near the sea or with a breezy interior design, choose weathered timbers, soft grasses, and pale pavers. Ornamental grasses like Poa cita and Carex testacea offer some movement and texture, while the popular Astelia’ Silver Spear’ and the dramatic blooms of Kniphofia can provide some colour and visual interest.
Choosing the Right Plants Around Concrete Pools
When selecting plants to use around poolside areas, it’s important to choose varieties that are not only visually appealing but also practical. You’ll want plants that don’t shed excessive leaves or flowers, as debris can clog filters and create more cleaning work. Avoid species with aggressive root systems that may damage pool foundations or paving.
Additionally, plants should be sun-hardy, drought-tolerant, and safe to touch, especially in family-friendly areas. Choosing the right type of plants is crucial for maintaining a clean and safe pool area, as well as reducing maintenance work.
Some of the best pool-friendly plants for Auckland’s climate include Lomandra longifolia for its low-maintenance structure, Griselinia littoralis for fast-growing hedging and privacy, and Metrosideros’ Tahiti’ for its compact form and vibrant red blooms. You might also want to incorporate Buxus hedging for symmetry and structure or herbs like lavender and rosemary for fragrance and a touch of Mediterranean charm.
Incorporating Hardscaping and Structural Elements
Hardscaping forms the foundation of your pool area, providing stability, visual structure, and safe surfaces for walking and lounging. The most common choices include pavers, decking, planters, and walls, each with its own aesthetic and practical advantages.
When it comes to paving, choose slip-resistant and heat-reflective materials such as natural stone (like travertine or bluestone), porcelain tiles, or exposed aggregate concrete. These surfaces stay cooler underfoot and are built to withstand Auckland’s changing weather conditions.
Timber or composite decking can add warmth and contrast to the sleek lines of a concrete pool. Hardwood options like Kwila or Vitex are durable and age gracefully, while composite materials will offer a low-maintenance alternative that mimics the look of wood without the usual upkeep.
You can also add visual interest and improve functionality with raised planters, built-in bench seating, or feature walls. These elements can break up flat spaces, hide pool equipment, or double as privacy screens. Glass balustrades are another popular addition, providing safety around the pool while preserving your view.
Create Outdoor Zones for Living and Entertaining
Thoughtful zoning can make your outdoor space more enjoyable and easier to use. Define clear areas for lounging, dining, and entertaining to make sure that your pool area suits all aspects of your lifestyle. Your lounge zone should include sun loungers or outdoor sofas positioned to face the pool, creating a seamless visual connection between the water and relaxation areas. Adding an umbrella, pergola, or shade sail helps protect from the sun and adds a resort-style feel.
A dedicated dining space near the BBQ or kitchen area can turn poolside meals into effortless occasions. Use weather-resistant furniture and subtle lighting to keep this space usable into the evening. Installing an outdoor shower near the pool adds a touch of luxury while serving a practical purpose, helping to keep the water clean and allowing swimmers to be able to rinse off before entering the house.
Finally, a fire pit or spa corner can help add warmth, ambience, and a reason to enjoy the space all year-round. Use feature planting and strategic lighting as well, to create an intimate retreat, ideal for those cooler evenings.
Use Colour and Texture to Unify the Design
Balance and contrast are key to successful pool landscaping. Use a mix of colours and textures to tie together the planting, paving, pool surface, and your home’s architecture.
Cool tones such as blue, grey, and white create a calm and sophisticated look that pairs well with water. Warm earthy tones and timber accents add a sense of comfort and informality. If your home has a distinct colour scheme, echo it in your outdoor finishes to create a seamless transition from inside to out.
Texture also adds richness and depth. Combine smooth tiles with rough stone, soft planting with crisp lines, and hard edges with gentle curves. Even small elements, like pebble borders, gravel paths, or timber sleepers, can add visual interest and help guide movement through the space.
Complete Your Pool Project with Professional Support
A well-designed pool landscape doesn’t happen by accident; it takes planning, skill, and collaboration. At Auckland Inground Pools, we offer more than just expert swimming pool installation. We partner with trusted landscape designers and trades across Auckland to ensure your entire outdoor area is completed to the highest standard.
Whether you’re envisioning a sleek modern oasis or a lush tropical escape, our team can help bring it to life with thoughtful design, quality materials, and unmatched craftsmanship.
Talk to Auckland’s Pool and Landscaping Experts
If you’re ready to elevate your outdoor space with a custom concrete pool and tailored landscaping, contact the experts at Auckland Inground Pools. We offer start-to-finish project management, combining innovative design with precision construction to deliver stunning results you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Get in touch today to book your consultation. We’d love to help you make your backyard dreams a reality.
Ph: 0800 477 015
