How to Landscape Around the Bottom of an Above Ground Swimming Pool
Above ground swimming pools are popular additions to many back yards. As an alternative to in ground pools, above ground models are typically less expensive to install as there is no need for extensive digging or excavating work. Once the above ground pool is installed, many people want to install landscaping to help hide pump and filtration units and to blend the pool into the existing yard or landscape. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Landscape bedding and planting material (dirt, etc)
- Flowers
- Shrubs
- Trees
- Pine needles, mulch, or other top dressing
- Shovel, pick, and rake
- Gloves
- Wheel barrow
- Pencil and paper
Instructions
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Make a landscape plan. It is essential to begin with a plan that is illustrated on paper. It does not have to be fancy or in depth. This is just a reference point for making lists for plant materials and other items to be purchased. It is also an illustration to aid if consulting with a nursery or home store regarding various plants.
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Set a budget. It is extremely easy to spend a large sum of money fairly quickly on landscaping materials. Keep in mind the ultimate goal, remember that plants will grow, and consider the overall goals for installing the landscaping. Be diligent and stick to the budget.
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Consider the objective of the landscaping project. If the goal is to help visually reduce the height of the above ground pool, consider using taller plantings or trees. If color is the goal, choose colorful annual or perennial flowers which are appropriate for the area.
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Attempt to match and blend new landscaping with existing landscape plantings and materials. A new pool will look much better if the landscaping blends and compliments existing beds and plants. Matching the size of new plants to older growth plantings can become expensive as larger plants typically cost more. However, keep in mind that many plant and tree varieties may grow fairly quickly. Trimming and maintaining older plantings will allow newer plants the opportunity to catch up in size.
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Follow recommended methods for installing plant beds and for planting flowers, shrubs and trees. Make sure to dig holes for plantings at least 3/4 the depth of the root ball, water thoroughly and fill all air pockets with soil (see reference). Plants should be spaced so that there is room between each planting for growth and are not too close to the pool structure itself.
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Install plantings around the bottom of an above ground pool keeping in mind the location of pumps and filter units. Set plants a sufficient distance from these units so that plants may have room to grow and still allow access for work and filter maintenance. Also keep in mind that taller upright plantings and trees should be located several feet from the base of the pool structure to allow upright growth and spread of limbs.
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Consider the type of trees to be planted, if any, around the base of the above ground pool. Many, if not most, trees will drop their leaves at some point during the year. This may result in additional work required for pool maintenance and cleaning.
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Tips & Warnings
Water all plantings thoroughly during the installation process and as recommended on the plantings tags afterward.
Wear protective equipment such as eye protection and gloves when working with landscape materials.
Follow planting and watering directions, when supplied, closely to help insure the plantings growth.
