Month: February 2024

Enhancing Your New Pool with Landscaping and Plants: Ideas from Outback Pools

Enhancing Your New Pool with Landscaping and Plants: Ideas from Outback Pools
Congratulations on your new pool installation! As you look out over your sparkling new addition, it’s natural to start envisioning the next steps in transforming your backyard into a serene oasis or a vibrant entertainment hub. The team at Outback Pools is here to guide you through the exciting process of landscaping and choosing the perfect plants to complement your pool, ensuring your outdoor space is as inviting as the cool waters themselves.

Creating a Cohesive Landscape Design

The key to a stunning pool area is a cohesive landscape design that marries functionality with aesthetic appeal. Start by considering the overall theme of your outdoor space. Do you envision a tropical paradise, a modern minimalist retreat, or a family-friendly zone with lush lawns? Once you have a theme in mind, you can start planning the layout, selecting plants, and choosing hardscaping materials that reflect this vision.

Selecting the Right Plants

Choosing the right plants for your pool area is crucial, as they can either enhance your pool’s beauty or create maintenance headaches. Opt for species that are pool-friendly, meaning they are less likely to drop leaves or debris into the water, have non-invasive root systems, and can thrive in the microclimate created by your pool. Some excellent options include:

Palms and Cycads: For a tropical vibe, palms and cycads are perfect. They offer lush greenery without the mess, as their leaves are large and not easily blown into the pool.
Ornamental Grasses: Grasses like Blue Fescue or Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ add texture and movement without excessive shedding, making them ideal for poolside planting.
Succulents and Ground Covers: Drought-tolerant succulents and ground cover such as Sedum or creeping thyme provide low-maintenance beauty and can help stabilize areas prone to erosion.
Incorporating Hardscaping Elements

Hardscaping elements like decking, stones, and paving can define your pool area and connect it seamlessly to the rest of your outdoor space. Consider using natural stone for a timeless look or composite decking for durability and minimal upkeep. Incorporating a shaded seating area or a fire pit can also enhance the functionality and enjoyment of your poolside landscape.

Adding Functional and Aesthetic Lighting

Lighting plays a pivotal role in transforming your pool area into an enchanting night-time haven. LED pool lights, solar path lights, and strategically placed spotlights can highlight your pool’s best features, ensure safety after dark, and create a magical ambience for evening swims and gatherings.

Landscaping and selecting the right plants for your new pool are about creating a harmonious and inviting outdoor space that reflects your style and meets your family’s needs. With thoughtful planning and the right choices, you can enhance the beauty and enjoyment of your pool, making it the centrepiece of your backyard oasis. Outback Pools is here to provide expert advice and assistance every step of the way, ensuring your pool area is nothing short of spectacular.

Suncream and UV Protection – Why It’s Non-Negotiable for Pool Days

There’s nothing quite like spending a sunny day by the pool, but with the Australian sun’s intense UV rays, protecting your skin is more important than ever. While a dip in the pool may cool you down, it won’t shield you from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Here’s why sunscreen is an absolute must and how UV exposure can impact your skin.

Understanding UV Radiation

UV (ultraviolet) radiation is a type of energy produced by the sun. It’s classified into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, UVA and UVB rays penetrate the skin and can cause significant damage.

• UVA Rays: These penetrate deeply into the skin, leading to premature ageing, wrinkles, and long-term skin damage.
• UVB Rays: These primarily affect the surface of the skin, causing sunburn and increasing the risk of skin cancer.

Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, making sun protection an essential part of any outdoor activity.

The Risks of UV Exposure

Without proper protection, prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to:

• Sunburn: Painful and damaging, sunburn is a sign of immediate skin damage.
• Premature Ageing: UVA rays break down collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles and sagging skin.
• Skin Cancer: Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, with UV exposure being a leading cause.

For pool enthusiasts, the reflective nature of water can intensify UV exposure, increasing the likelihood of skin damage.

Why Sunscreen Is Essential

Sunscreen acts as a barrier, absorbing or reflecting UV rays to protect your skin. When choosing a sunscreen, look for:

• Broad-Spectrum Protection: Shields against both UVA and UVB rays.
• SPF 30 or Higher: Provides adequate protection for Australian conditions.
• Water-Resistant Formulas: Essential for poolside activities.

Apply sunscreen generously at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming.

Additional Sun Protection Tips

• Wear Protective Clothing: Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats can provide extra coverage.
• Use Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV damage with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Seek Shade: Take regular breaks from direct sunlight, especially during peak UV hours (10 am to 4 pm).

Why It Matters for Pool Days

Spending time in and around the pool can be deceiving when it comes to sun exposure. The cool water may mask the heat, but the UV rays are still working. Protecting your skin ensures you can enjoy your pool safely without compromising your health.

At Outback Pools, We Care About Your Safety

At Outback Pools, we’re passionate about creating backyard spaces where families can relax, have fun, and stay safe. Whether you’re swimming laps or lounging poolside, remember to prioritise sun protection every step of the way.

Stay safe, stay protected, and enjoy the best of the Australian summer!