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swimming pool

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right swimming pool. Is it just for fun? How big pool do I need? Can I afford it? To answer all of your questions you need to see the pros and cons of in-ground and above ground pools, because these can differ a lot.

Use

When choosing the right pool, think about its use. If you like hosting big parties in your yard, you have a big family that likes swimming, or you just like exercising in the pool, then the in-ground pool is your choice. Its size is the great advantage for this kind of recreation. However, if you need the pool only for your family to cool off during the summer and have some fun, above ground pool is the best for you.

Swimming Pool for Your Home

Cost

In-ground pools are made of durable materials which can be pricey. Even though they provide more space for swimming and relaxing you have to invest huge amounts of money on contractor, materials and other features like lighting, landscaping etc. Plan on building this type of pools only if you can afford it because the price of an ordinary pool can go above 20,000$. On the other hand, there are less expensive above ground pools. These are more economical to purchase and set up. Some common designs can cost up to 1000$, but if you want more luxury the cost does not go above 10,000$. However, the less money could mean less quality which can cost you even more later on.

Swimming Pool for Your Home

Space and size

The size of the pool is entirely personal. If you want to get rid of the grass, the in-ground pool is you choice, but if you want to preserve the landscape and nature then you can choose the above ground one. In-ground pools need more space for building and for the surrounding landscaping. On the other hand, above ground pools usually take up the space only in their size. Also, for both types of pools you can leave some space for installing shade sail posts which can serve as a protection from the sun on summer days, or they can protect your pool. These posts are easy to set up and you can move them wherever you need them.

Swimming Pool for Your Home

Maintenance

If you decided on an in-ground pool you have to be ready to pay for its maintenance. The advantage is that this can be done by professionals and you have to do nothing. However, in-ground pools demand the use of more chemicals and you need to have certain pumps for cleansing the water. In addition to that, winterizing in-ground pools requires more time and money because they need to be properly drained, dried and sealed so nothing would get into the pipes. Contrary, above ground pools are easier to preserve since they do not require water pumps, you can simply drain it and fill it with water again. As far as winterizing is concerned, you can just pour in the necessary chemicals and cover it properly and you are good to go.

A photo of a patio with a small pool
Finally, after carefully weighing on the pros and cons make your decision. If you can afford it, go big; if you only want to have fun, you can go small, too.

Having a swimming area on your property is a major boon during hot summer months, especially if your poolside also sports beautiful adjacent foliage for much-needed shade and natural look. But greenery can cost you more than it is worth if not selected carefully: with certain plant types, you are in for blocked filters and tons of dry leaves floating around the pool, which can completely ruin your fun, up pool maintenance costs and force you to spend more time cleaning the leafy mess than enjoying a refreshing dip. That is why choosing the right poolside plants is extremely important for both your pleasure and family budget – and here are some practical tips on how to select the best low-maintenance greenery for your private swimming area.

Poolside plant basics: Dos and don’ts

If you are concerned that chlorinated water may harm your poolside foliage in case of accidental splashes, rest easy: most plants will suffer no damage through contact with pool water and can even be watered with it without a problem. Debris, however, is a force to be reckoned with: to prevent leaves getting into the water, plant low-growth shrubbery at least 6-8 feet away from the pool edge. Also, avoid deciduous trees or else you will spend autumn months straining foliage out of the pool.

Pool garden types: To pot or not to pot

Since pools are normally located in areas of bright sun and their use entails quite a bit of splashing, you should avoid plant species that require extremely dry air or a cool shade to thrive. You can add foliage to your poolside either by planting flora directly into the ground or by using potted plants. Whatever plant species you opt for, remember that large leafy litter is easier to pick up than obnoxious tiny leaves that can easily get anywhere, including the water filter.

  • Dig in: Planting around the pool

For a low-maintenance garden and a tropical poolside look, pick small palms, cycads, or cacti species. Succulent plants such as aloe, yucca and agave love both sun and water and they will not be bothered by extreme heats. Other low-litter poolside plants include cascalote, ironwood, red gum and mastic tree, fruitless olive and Mediterranean fan palm, while low-profile shrubs that can thrive by a pool include Indian mallow, buddleia, mountain laurel, dalea and Arizona rosewood.

  • Potted beauty: Plants for poolside containers

For hassle-free maintenance and appealing look, use large containers or pots to accommodate your poolside garden. In addition to allowing you to relocate the garden if necessary, planters decked with saucers provide relatively good plant protection from heat rising from the tiles and increased light reflection from the water. Plants that love to dwell in poolside pots are desert broom, creeping jenny, lantana, blue euphorbia, germander, penstemon, verbena and tufted evening primrose.

Poolside plant maintenance: Be a good garden keeper

Compared to standard garden plants, poolside foliage needs a little bit more care to survive and stay healthy and lush. Poolside shrubbery will require additional irrigation since both the garden beds and the planters in the swimming area tend to dry quickly because of high heat. If used in pots, each specimen should be allowed ample room for optimal air circulation, and you can also use efficient gardening tools to transplant the plants when the pots become too tight for its growing roots.

Do not let your poolside be a drab blend of tiles, water and concrete: by planting shrubs next to the outdoor bathing area, you will increase your property’s value, add visual interest to the backyard and create a lovely ambiance for your family’s summertime poolside lounging sessions.