Month: May 2025

Enhancing Your Outdoor Space: Landscaping Ideas Around Your Concrete Pool

A well-designed concrete pool is a beautiful addition to any home in Western Sydney — but the pool itself is only part of the picture. Landscaping around your pool is what brings the entire space together, turning it into a relaxing oasis or a vibrant entertainment hub.

Whether you’re building a new pool in Penrith or refreshing an older one in the Blue Mountains, here are some landscaping ideas that will elevate your outdoor space and add long-term value to your home.

Why Pool Landscaping Matters

Landscaping isn’t just about making things look good — it enhances functionality, provides privacy, helps with drainage, and creates a safe, welcoming environment for swimmers and guests.

Done well, landscaping makes your concrete pool feel like a natural extension of your home and garden, rather than an isolated feature.

1. Choose the Right Poolside Plants

In Western Sydney’s climate, hardy, low-maintenance plants are your best bet. You want species that won’t drop too many leaves into the water or attract bees too close to swimmers.

Consider:

• Grasses and succulents: Lomandra, blue fescue, or agaves for a clean modern look.

• Tropical flair: Birds of paradise, heliconias, or dwarf banana plants for lush surroundings.

• Privacy screening: Bamboo, clumping palms, or pittosporum can create natural barriers.

Place taller plants at the rear of the pool area and use mid-sized or ground cover near the edge to avoid obstructing views or fencing.

2. Create Seamless Paving and Decking

The area surrounding your pool should be slip-resistant, easy to clean, and comfortable underfoot. Options include:

• Natural stone: Sandstone or travertine add timeless elegance and stay cool in the heat.

• Timber decking: Perfect for elevated pools or a resort-style finish — just ensure it’s treated for outdoor use.

• Exposed aggregate: Durable and textured, this concrete finish blends beautifully with modern pool surrounds.

Ensure the paving flows from your pool into your entertaining or lounging area, helping the whole space feel cohesive and inviting.

3. Add Feature Lighting

Outdoor lighting can transform your pool area after dark. Use a combination of:

• Underwater LED pool lights

• Pathway lighting for safety

• Uplighting for plants or feature walls

Soft, warm lighting helps set the mood while ensuring the area remains functional at night.

4. Incorporate a Shade Solution

Western Sydney summers can be intense. Adding a shaded zone creates a more comfortable space for lounging and protects against harsh UV rays.

Options include:

• Cantilever umbrellas

• Pergolas or timber arbour structures

• Retractable awnings or shade sails

Position shaded areas strategically over pool lounges, BBQ zones, or even a portion of the water.

5. Make Room for Relaxation and Entertainment

To truly enjoy your pool area, consider zones for relaxing, dining, or entertaining. Popular additions include:

• Built-in seating with weatherproof cushions

• An outdoor dining table or fire pit

• Poolside daybeds or a sunken lounge

Designing with function in mind ensures your outdoor space works as hard as it looks good.

6. Think About Safety and Fencing

Your landscaping must meet pool fencing regulations in New South Wales. But that doesn’t mean sacrificing style.

Frameless glass fencing offers a sleek, modern look and maintains uninterrupted views. Combine with landscaping like raised garden beds or low hedging to soften the hard edges and keep the design elegant.

Work with a Pool Builder Who Understands Outdoor Design

At Outback Pools, we believe the best pools are those that fit effortlessly into your lifestyle and garden. Our team works closely with clients in Penrith, the Blue Mountains, and across Western Sydney to design concrete pools that are as beautiful as they are functional.

We can also recommend trusted landscapers or work alongside your existing outdoor designer to ensure a seamless finish.

Transform your pool area into the ultimate outdoor retreat.
Contact Outback Pools — your local concrete pool builder in Western Sydney.