Tropical Poolside Paradise: Landscaping Ideas For Pool Areas
Tropical landscapes are gaining popularity for pool areas because of their ability to transport homeowners to an exotic paradise without leaving home. Using tropical plants, hardscaping, water features, lighting, decor, and more can create a resort-style oasis in any backyard. Poolside tropical landscapes allow homeowners to relax and unwind, making the most of the swimming pool as a personal vacation spot. With strategic use of tropical elements, any pool area can be enhanced into a private cabana getaway.
Lush Greenery
Bring the tropics to your backyard by incorporating lush greenery around your pool area. Using tropical plants like palms, ferns, elephant ears, and other large leaf foliage will make you feel like you’re in an exotic paradise.
Palms are a quintessential poolside plant, providing height, tropical texture, and plenty of shade with their large fronds. Some great choices include areca palms, queen palms, date palms, and coconut palms. Grouping a few different types of palms together creates visual interest.
Tropical foliage plants like philodendrons, monsteras, and elephant ears feature uniquely shaped, oversized leaves that lend an exotic vibe. Use these as accent plants or mass them together for a bold look. Their lush foliage will make your pool area feel more enclosed and private.
Bamboos and other tropical grasses can provide vertical elements and soft screening between spaces. Variegated varieties add pops of color. Try clumping bamboos that grow in tidy mounds instead of spreading invasively.
Ferns are ideal for creating a lush understory and shady retreat, especially shade-loving varieties like holly ferns, sword ferns, and maidenhair ferns. Let them spill over rocks or planting beds for a natural look.
By incorporating a variety of tropical foliage, palms, ferns, grasses and other plants known for their large, showy leaves you can easily transform your poolscape into an exotic jungle. The lush greenery will make you feel like you’re at a luxury resort.
Source:
https://dayinthepool.com/transform-your-pool-area-with-these-stunning-plants-landscaping-ideas/
Tropical Hardscaping
Hardscaping materials like stone, tile, and wood can add to the tropical ambiance around a pool area. Using natural-looking materials helps complement lush plantings and creates a cohesive design.
Travertine and other types of stone tiles are great options for pool decks and patios. The earthy tones and texture provide visual interest. Laying the stone in interesting patterns rather than just basic rows can enhance the tropical look. Using a mix of larger and smaller tile sizes also adds flair.
Wood elements like pergolas, trellises, and raised pool decks further evoke a tropical vibe. Teak and ipe are durable woods that can withstand poolside conditions. Letting the wood weather naturally results in a faded, sun-bleached appearance that pairs perfectly with the lush greenery.
Thatched roofing on poolside cabanas or ramadas has a distinctly tropical and island inspired aesthetic. While real thatch requires more maintenance, synthetic options can replicate the look with better durability.
Incorporating natural stone elements like stacked stone walls, stone water features, or a rocky waterfall at the pool’s edge can provide an authentic tropical environment. Pavers cut from limestone, sandstone, or other natural stones complement the plantings.
Using hardscape features and materials that align with the natural surroundings helps transport guests to a tropical paradise right at home.
Tropical Water Features
Adding flowing water elements truly transforms a pool area into an exotic paradise. The sights and sounds of splashing water evoke relaxation and tranquility. Consider incorporating a variety of water features to complement your pool and establish a tropical oasis.
Waterfalls are a dramatic way to infuse motion and the relaxing sound of cascading water. Small rock waterfalls can be built right into the pool wall or nearby rockscapes. Larger waterfalls might spill down from planting beds or stand as lush focal points. Position spotlights to illuminate the water for a magical nighttime effect.
Fountains provide eye-catching splendor and the soothing sounds of moving water. Free-standing fountains with multiple spouts shooting steams of water work well. Fountains can also be mounted on pool walls. For fun, install fountains that shoot arching steams of water over the pool itself.
Adding a small pond adjacent to the pool area provides space for aquatic plants, fish, and more. The pond can be designed with rock edges and mini waterfalls to tie in with the tropical ambience. Accent the pond with Features like floating candles at night.
Consider adding a hot tub on an elevated wood deck with built-in steps leading down to the pool. The bubbling hot tub provides a contrast to the refreshing pool for the ultimate backyard oasis. Surround the hot tub with privacy screens and tropical plants.
Get creative with gurgling urn fountains, bubble walls, and downspout water flows as supplementary water elements. The goal is to surround the pool area with the sights, sounds and sensations of flowing water to transport you to an exotic tropical paradise.
Lighting
Lighting is a great way to set the tropical mood around your pool area at night. Opt for lighting that creates a relaxing, resort-like ambiance. Some top lighting options include:
Tiki Torches: Place tiki torches around the pool perimeter and in any garden beds. The flickering glow creates an exotic feel and provides bug control too. Use real fire or battery-operated. Just be mindful of having open flames around a pool area.
String Lights: Hang festive strings of bulb lights or paper lanterns from trees, pergolas and cabana roofs. Go for a warm white color to mimic sunshine. Adding string lights above the pool itself creates fabulous nighttime swimmimg!
Outdoor Lamps: Dot colorful table and floor lamps around pool lounge areas. Look for lamps with natural woven lampshades to complement the tropical theme. Place lanterns on side tables and line pathways to create a Balinese vibe.
With the right lighting, your pool area can transport guests to an exotic paradise, any time of day or night!
Fun Decor
No pool area is complete without some fun decorative touches. Bright cushions and throw pillows in tropical prints, colors, and patterns are a must for poolside lounge chairs, daybeds, and sofas. Vibrant striped, floral, or solid umbrellas will provide shade from the sun as well as add a festive element. Statues or sculptures like marble Foo dogs, bronze Buddhas, or stone stupas lend an air of elegance and serenity.
For a playful vibe, decorate with giant inflatable pool toys like unicorns, swans, and flamingos. Hang colorful lanterns and lamps around the pool and seating areas when the sun goes down. Frame pool views with potted palms and ornate iron planters. Finish the look with festive strings of lights.
The decor options are endless when crafting a tropical poolside paradise. Whether you prefer an elegant spa-like retreat or a fun-filled backyard playground, the right decorative accents will enhance your poolscape.
Outdoor Living Areas
Creating an inviting outdoor living space next to your pool area can help transform it into a tropical paradise. Consider incorporating a variety of seating options like chaises, daybeds, benches, and hanging chairs to provide spots for relaxing and sunbathing (B&M, 2022). For dining and entertaining, add a patio table and chairs or a casual picnic table. Building a tiki bar area with bamboo stools provides a fun tropical touch. If space allows, include conversational lounge seating around a fire pit or fireplace for evening gatherings. Hanging beds or hammocks tied between palm trees can transport you to an exotic locale. Just be sure any furniture and decor near the poolside is moisture- and mold-resistant.
Pool House/Cabana
Adding a pool house or cabana is a great way to complete the tropical theme for your backyard pool area. A pool house provides extra space for lounging, changing, cooking, and entertaining. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the paradise atmosphere. Some ideas for designing a tropical pool house or cabana include:
Use natural materials like bamboo, rattan, or tropical hardwoods for an authentic look. A thatched roof also helps capture the island vibe according to this article on tropical pool house design ideas: 75 Tropical Pool House Design Ideas You’ll Love.
Incorporate an indoor/outdoor open-air layout. Large sliding doors or roll-up walls create a seamless transition between the pool deck and interior space.
Add tropical prints and accents like rattan furniture, bamboo shades, potted palms, and decorative shells. This tropical pool house design shows how to pull off the theme perfectly: Tropical pool house design idea.
Include amenities like a small kitchen, bathroom, bar area, TVs, and plenty of seating. This allows the pool house to be fully functional for parties, gatherings, or just casual relaxing.
With strategic design, a pool house or cabana can transport you to an island getaway without even leaving your backyard!
Maintenance
Tropical poolside landscapes require some special care and maintenance to keep plants healthy and the area looking its best. Here are some tips for maintaining lush tropical plantings and hardscaping around a pool:
Watering – Tropical plants need consistent moisture, so check soil regularly and water as needed, especially during hot and dry periods. Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses to target the roots. Water in the early morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
Fertilizing – Feed tropical plants monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer formulated for tropicals. Slow release fertilizers provide longer nourishment.
Pruning – Trim back tropical plants after flowering or as needed to maintain desired size and shape. Use sharp bypass pruners for clean cuts.
Weeding – Keep planting beds free of weeds which compete for nutrients. Spread mulch around plants to help suppress weeds.
Pest Control – Watch for pests like spider mites, scale and mealybugs which can affect tropicals. Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps for treatment.
Hardscaping Care – Sweep debris off pool decks and hardscaping regularly. Use cleaners formulated for natural stone or concrete as needed. Seal surfaces annually to protect from weathering.
Check drainage and irrigation systems periodically to ensure proper functioning. Addressing problems early prevents more extensive repairs later.
With proper care, tropical plants can thrive around pools, creating a lush oasis for homeowners to enjoy.
Bringing it All Together
Creating a tropical paradise around your pool area takes some thoughtful planning and design. Start by incorporating lush greenery like palms, hibiscus, orchids, and bamboo to establish the tropical feel. Strategically place specimen trees like banana palms to provide shade and privacy. Hardscaping with natural stone or tile in warm earth tones also enhances the tropical vibe. Consider adding a waterfall or fountain for the soothing sound of moving water. When it comes to lighting, tiki torches and lanterns create a fun, island atmosphere at night. Decorative touches like pottery, statuary, and textiles with tropical prints complete the look. By including a covered patio or pool house, you can fully enjoy the space. And don’t forget to factor in maintenance for all the plantings with regular pruning, weeding, and fertilizing.
By combining all these elements thoughtfully, you can create a poolside oasis that truly transports you to the tropics without ever leaving home. The lush plantings, warm textures, soothing water features, and island-inspired decor work together to provide a relaxing, inviting pool area. Follow the tips and ideas in this guide to plan your own backyard tropical paradise.
