You have spent significant time enhancing the Ottawa landscape design of your home. Now you have added a swimming pool, which will add to the hours of enjoyment being outdoors. It is possible that you have or are thinking of adding to the area with an outdoor kitchen, dining, and play areas.
There is a bit more to landscaping around a pool than placing a few chairs and maybe a potted plant or two.
Child Safety
All pools must be surrounded by a sturdy fence around the area’s perimeter. This safety feature prevents small children or pets from accidentally wandering in and falling into the water. You can install pool alarms. Remember to upgrade those alarms periodically so that you have the latest technology available to alert you to danger. The surface around the pool should be slip-free. Consider tile or stone that have a lovely look but are gentle to children.
Grass
Having a lovely turf area surrounding the pool may seem a good idea until you experience heavy rains that cause the soil and grass to infiltrate the pool area. Mowing is an issue because, even with a mulch-mower, you will throw pieces of the grass into the water. All of this means an overworked filter and more effort on the pool owner to keep it in good shape. Ask your Ottawa landscape design specialists about your options.
Plants
That doesn’t mean you can’t have any plants around. In fact, you should. With the careful arrangement of plants and flowers, you will have an aesthetically pleasing area for entertaining. Hibiscus and canna are good choices, as well as other tropical plants. They also keep the squirrels and chipmunks from being too curious. The right plants, like citronella, will offer protection from mosquitos and other flying insects.
By the same token, there are some plants to avoid. Bottlebrush, azaleas, and bougainvillea will spread and drop leaves and generally make a mess that will soon infiltrate your pool. Honeysuckles will attract bees, which can be very offputting as you are lounging around the pool.
Furniture
You will need some tables, chairs, loungers, and umbrellas to complete the décor around your pool area. People will need some conversation areas and still be able to keep an eye on the children as they swim for hours. Adding some outdoor eating areas and cook space will offer the perfect place for entertaining spring through autumn, as well as just that quiet time you need after coming home from a tough day at the office.
Finding an Ottawa landscape design specialist
Choosing the right landscape design specialist to help you incorporate these ideas into your landscape will give your pool that wow factor and provide enjoyment for years to come. There are many reasons to consider investing in a beautiful backyard oasis this year! Contact A&Z Interlock today and talk to one of our professionals about your next project!