While the first thing you may want to do is start picking out plants or trees to spruce up your swimming pool area, you should actually consider safety first and install a fence if you don’t already have one. This will keep pets, strays and children from wandering too close to the edge and falling into the water. Even if you’ve taught your children or pets to keep back, you can’t be certain that will always be the case nor can you control the neighbor’s children or pets. Not to mention that many counties and states have already passed ordinances requiring pool safety fences.

Having a concrete patio or paving blocks around your swimming pool will eliminate having to mow grass up close and the mess that could create in the water. Patios cost a little extra, but add a great space to the pool area. There are new types of landscaping paving stones and blocks that are non-skid, so that will help with wet, slippery feet. There are also some types of interlocking landscaping blocks that are made from recycled plastics but look like stone. Those would create a softer area around your swimming pool.

The next thing you may want to consider is whether or not you want to plant trees nearby. Since most swimming pool owners want to swim in the sun, you don’t want to plant any type of tree that will create too much shade. You also don’t want to put a deciduous tree that drops its leaves near your pool or you’ll be cleaning out leaves every autumn. You also need to consider that many evergreen trees will drop needles or pine cones and you probably don’t want any type of fruit tree either. Hearty palm tree species are a great idea if your climate will support it as palms won’t drop many fronds. Tree roots are another thing to consider when you’re thinking about swimming pool landscaping. Consider adding swimming pool lights or up-lights to create extra atmosphere with the trees.

Container plants may be your best bet as you can move them easily. Even a large pot can be moved if it is placed on a portable plant stand with wheels. Plants that tolerate a good deal of sun would probably be best. Marigolds, petunias, rose moss, flowering kale and even types of mint would do well. But remember that any type of flower could attract bees, so keep that in mind.