Landscaping Requirements for Above Ground Pools

Above ground pools let you have the swimming space you want without worrying about digging a gigantic hole in your yard, but that doesn’t mean they have no effect on your yard whatsoever. Even though you no longer have to worry about removing all that soil, you still have to be careful about where you place the pool, and about what landscaping you place near it.

SPACE AND ACCESS

Any landscaping you do around the pool should allow you and pool maintenance workers to access all parts of the pool. Shrubs should be at least a few inches away from the edge of the pool and not right up against it. Equipment for the pool, such as pumps, should never be blocked or enveloped by plants. You can certainly plant shrubs and hedges between the pool and your view of it from your house if you don’t want to see the equipment, but you must leave empty space around the outside of the pool.

Part of the reason for doing this is to leave access, as noted, but it also helps prevent mold and fungi from taking over the plants and pool perimeter. That space lets air flow easily between the two, drying out excess moisture.

ROOT PROBLEMS

All plants near the pool, be they shrubs, flower beds, or trees, should have nonaggressive roots that won’t suspend the edge of the pool. For most shrubs and flowers, a few inches or a couple of feet will provide enough space to mitigate root issues. Any trees that are close to the structure, though, need to have taproots instead of large, spreading root systems. A good rule of thumb is to keep the pool out of the tree’s drip line, which is the line on the ground that corresponds to the approximate circle formed by the edges of the tree’s canopy.

GRADING TO PREVENT PUDDLES

Like in-ground pools, above ground pools can get a bit splashy as everyone inside has a lot of fun swimming around. Excess water that splashes out needs to drain away from the pool (and your house). Before installing the pool, have landscapers double-check the slope of the land in the area where you want the pool. They can regrade the land if necessary.

When you’re ready to choose a pool, contact Cincinnati Pool and Patio. You’ll be able to see different pool sizes and configurations that allow you to find one that will work well in your yard.