Above Ground Pool Landscaping
Above ground pool landscaping that’s economical and a garden asset
The above ground pool has become a popular alternative to the more expensive in ground pool, for a number of reasons. For one thing, it’s affordable. If you rent your home, and decide to move, you can take it with you. You don’t need to hire a pool maintenance company to keep it clean and safe. A pool, whether in ground or above ground, is a magnet for kids, providing lots of summer fun. However, there’s no deep end or diving board involved with the above ground pool, so it’s also a safer prospect for young kids. In cold winter climates, the above ground pool is much less of a hassle to empty and bed down for the winter.
If you’re thinking about setting up an above ground pool for the summer, this makes a great project for the winter months. There’s not too much effort involved in setting up the pool, but now is a good time to plan your above ground pool landscaping design, ready to go by late spring.
Perhaps the only drawback of the above ground pool is that, without some thoughtful above ground pool landscaping, it lacks the aesthetic value of the in ground pool. Here we offer some above ground pool landscaping ideas that solve that problem handily. Let’s explore some of your options.
With decking surrounding the pool, you satisfy several design and function objectives. If you situate your pool such that you have eight feet of decking on all sides, there’s plenty of room for sunbathing, with chaise lounges and chairs for relaxation. Better than a day at the beach. When you build in stair access and a railing, you’ve got an attractive and comfortable gathering place. This also makes it easy to supervise the kids at play, while you kick back and read a book.
Deck lighting is another component you want to consider for your above ground pool landscaping design. Hot summer days extend your use of the pool well into the evening hours. Installing a simple solar lighting system provides more hours to make use of your pool.
When you make your deck design, incorporate a few well placed planter boxes for additional visual appeal. Choose low maintenance flowers, such as gazanias, marguerites or ice plant, that will thrive in the summer months. Plantings of a single species gives a unified and cheerful appearance to your above ground pool landscaping design.
Make a place on the deck for a patio table and umbrella for a quick lunch or dinner spot. Cook up some burgers and serve your crowd, buffet style.
While a real lawn may suffer from liberal doses of chlorine, splashed around by rambunctious kids, artificial turf does not. A four foot perimeter of artificial turf makes a safe and durable addition to your above ground pool landscaping scheme.
With your above ground pool, surrounded by twelve feet of these landscaping goodies, you’ll have the most popular summer hotspot in the neighborhood!
Super Simple Tips For Choosing A Landscape Contractor
I know it doesn’t seem like it, but we are more than half way done with winter 2009 and that means it is time to start thinking about the spring and what landscaping projects are in store this year. You may want to plant a few flowers or other annual plants, but the big projects need to get done too. Big patios, new wood decks or retaining walls and even berms need to be done by professionals. Are you ready to find a landscape contractor or landscape pro?
Here are some good ideas and things to consider if you are looking at revamping your lawn or landscape this year in 2009.
First off, get a professional landscape design completed by an actual landscape architect. This may cost you a couple hundred bucks, but it is well worth it for you to see and envision the finished project on paper. This will also allow you to decide just what you can afford to do now, or wait til the next year.
Once you have the design, you can start making some decisions. Primarily, you should figure out if any of the plans can be completed by you, do-it-yourself style. Of course, many of you are not into DIY projects and would prefer to keep your hands clean and knuckles soft, but if you are, then you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by completing portions of the project yourself.
Next you should interview local landscape construction contractors and prepare to have them start work. In most towns there are several to choose from and you shouldnt be afraid to get estimates from several of them. You will find that the prices to complete your project may vary. The things you want to look for are how long the contractor has been in business, what his on-time completion guarantee is, and can he point you to some projects he has already finished for you to look at.
Finally, you should set a time frame that you think the design should be completed in. Keep in mind there are weather issues that crop up during any project and patience will be a virtue to you. It is always advised that you start your landscaping project in the early spring so you can use the summer to either run the overages, or actually enjoy what you have paid for!
If you follow these simple ideas and get started early, you should be able to oversee your landscaping project this year. Don’t forget: get a design you like, figure out if you want to do some of it yourself and then go out and find the landscape contractor of your choice. Just think about it; you’ll be out and enjoying a beautiful landscape before you know it.