Design Your Dream Pool Surroundings:
Privatize Your Paradise:
Poolside Planting Solutions
Strategically place hedges or evergreen plants like boxwood, lilacs, azaleas, rhododendrons, or
holly to create a dense wall of greenery around your pool area
While Pohutukawa trees provide stunning blooms and excellent privacy, they are known for dropping leaves and twigs throughout the year.
This can mean more pool skimming and cleaning. To minimize pool maintenance, consider planting your Pohutukawa at a distance that allows you to enjoy its beauty without the constant leaf litter.
Similarly, the Karaka tree offers a lovely evergreen presence, but be aware that its fallen fruit can be fatal if ingested by dogs. If you have furry friends, it’s best to choose a different privacy screen option or plant your Karaka a safe distance away from the pool area.
Griselinia littoralis (New Zealand broadleaf):
A beloved New Zealand native and top choice for hedges, this shrub boasts large, glossy green leaves and thrives on dense growth. Left untamed, it transforms into a round-headed tree, reaching impressive heights of over 10 meters in sheltered areas.
Remember, a little planning goes a long way in creating a beautiful and functional poolside oasis for everyone to enjoy!
Clematis (Clematis Armandii Snowdrift) provides beautiful blooms in various colors throughout the summer. Choose climbing varieties that can reach 2-4 meters to create a living screen.
“Flower of the skies” is its Maori name, puawananga, a fitting tribute to the blooms that signal the awakening of spring and the time for eel harvesting.
Climbing Hardenbergia: This vigorous climber offers purple flowers in spring and summer and can reach up to 6 meters tall.
Pohuehue (Muehlenbeckia complexa): This native vine has cascading green foliage and can grow up to 10 meters. It prefers partial shade and moist soil.
Things to Consider When Choosing Plants:
- Growth Rate: Opt for plants that will grow tall and dense enough to provide privacy within a reasonable timeframe.
- Sunlight Needs: Consider the amount of sunlight the area around your pool receives and choose plants that thrive in those conditions.
- Soil Conditions: Match the plant’s needs to your existing soil type (e.g., well-drained, moist) to ensure healthy growth.
- Maintenance Requirements: Some plants require more pruning or watering than others. Choose varieties that suit your desired level of upkeep.
Additional Tips:
- Plant in layers: Combine taller plants in the back with medium-sized and smaller plants in the front to create a layered privacy screen.
- Leave space between plants: Allow enough space for your chosen plants to mature without overcrowding.
- Consider local regulations: Check with your local council for any restrictions on planting heights near fences or property boundaries.
By following these tips and choosing appropriate plants, you can create a beautiful and effective privacy screen around your pool, allowing you to enjoy your backyard oasis in peace.
Beyond the water's edge:
Stepping into your dream pool surround
There are many attractive and functional options for pool surrounds, each with its own advantages and considerations.
Here’s a breakdown of some popular choices to help you decide:
Hard Surfaces:
- Concrete: A classic and durable option, concrete offers a wide range of design possibilities through coloring, stamping, and texturing. It’s low maintenance and can withstand high foot traffic. However, concrete can get hot in the sun and can be slippery when wet.
- Pavers: Pavers come in various materials like concrete, natural stone, and clay. They offer a more upscale look and are relatively easy to install and repair. Pavers can also create interesting patterns and designs. However, the initial cost can be higher than concrete, and weeds can grow between the pavers if not properly maintained.
- Cobblestones: Cobblestones add a timeless and elegant feel to your pool area. They are very durable and slip-resistant. However, cobblestones can be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot and can be more challenging to install and maintain compared to other options.
Soft Surfaces:
- Decking: Wood, composite, or PVC decking offers a warm and inviting feel around the pool. It’s comfortable underfoot and can be visually appealing when coordinated with your home’s exterior. However, wood decking requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and warping. Composite decking is a lower-maintenance alternative but can be more expensive upfront.
Additional Considerations:
- Climate: Consider your local climate. Concrete and pavers can get very hot in sunny areas, while wood decking might not be the best choice for rainy climates.
- Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water from pooling around the pool. Ensure your chosen material allows for proper water flow away from the pool area.
- Style: Choose a material that complements the overall style of your home and creates the desired ambiance for your poolside oasis.
- Maintenance: Think about how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining your pool surrounds.
Creating a functional and stylish poolside oasis
Optimizing Your Poolside Experience:
This section is dedicated to transforming your pool area into a complete and functional oasis. We’ll explore the benefits of incorporating a pool pump house, pool house (or guest house), and a dedicated changing room to elevate your poolside experience.
1. The Essential Pool Pump House:
A pool pump house is more than just a place to hide your pool equipment. It can be a stylish and functional addition to your backyard. Here’s why:
- Discreet Functionality: A well-designed pump house discreetly houses your pump, filter, and cleaning equipment, keeping your pool area clutter-free and visually appealing.
- Security and Protection: A secure pump house protects your pool equipment from harsh weather elements and potential tampering, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Positioning: Strategically place your pump house near the pool for easy access to plumbing connections.
Consider the noise factor when positioning and choose a location that minimizes any disruption to your relaxation zones.
2. The Multifunctional Pool House (or Guest House):
For those seeking even more functionality, a pool house can be a fantastic addition. Beyond housing your pool equipment, a pool house can serve multiple purposes:
- Guest Accommodation: Offer a comfortable space for guests to relax after a swim. Equip it with a pull-out sofa, a small bathroom, and basic amenities for overnight stays.
- Entertainment Hub: Create a dedicated entertainment area for pool parties or relaxing evenings. Include features like a wet bar, a sound system, and comfortable seating.
- Summer Kitchen: Elevate your poolside dining experience with a fully equipped summer kitchen. This allows for convenient food preparation and socializing without having to go inside.
Positioning: This depends on your desired functionality. If prioritizing guest accommodation, choose a location with some privacy from the main pool area.
For an entertainment hub, consider a central location near the pool deck.
3. The Convenient Changing Room:
A dedicated changing room provides a practical and comfortable space for swimmers to transition in and out of their swimsuits.
- Privacy and Convenience: Offer a designated area for changing clothes, minimizing the need to trek back and forth from the house.
- Storage and Amenities: Include benches, hooks for towels and robes, and possibly a small bathroom with a toilet and shower for added convenience.
Positioning: Ideally, locate the changing room close to the pool for easy access. Consider incorporating it within a larger pool house structure or building a separate, smaller changing room depending on your needs and available space.
Remember: When planning your poolside structures, don’t forget dedicated storage for pool toys and floats! Consider built-in storage within your pump house or changing room or invest in poolside storage lockers or ottomans that double as seating.
By incorporating these elements, you can create a truly functional and stylish poolside oasis that caters to all your needs and enhances your enjoyment of your backyard retreat.
Pool Safety First:
Essential Fencing Options for Your New Zealand Oasis
A sparkling pool adds undeniable value and enjoyment to your backyard. But with that enjoyment comes the crucial responsibility of pool safety. Here in New Zealand, every pool owner must comply with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 to ensure the safety of children and pets around the pool area.
Navigating the Fencing Regulations:
The act mandates specific requirements for pool fencing, including a minimum height of 1.2 meters. This ensures that young children cannot easily climb over the fence and gain unsupervised access to the pool.
However, there’s an important detail to consider for boundary fences:
If your pool is located next to a property line and serves as part of the boundary with your neighbor’s property, the fence height regulation changes. In this case, the poolside section of the boundary fence needs to be 1.8 meters high. This additional height provides an extra layer of security, especially when there are young children in neighboring properties.
Popular Fencing Options for Peace of Mind:
A variety of pool fencing options are available to meet your needs and complement your backyard aesthetic. Two of the most popular choices are:
Aluminium Pool Fencing: Lightweight and durable, aluminium fencing offers a sleek and modern look. It’s available in various colors and styles to match your existing design scheme. Aluminium is also low-maintenance and rust-resistant, making it a practical long-term solution.
Glass Pool Fencing: For an unobstructed view and a touch of elegance, consider glass pool fencing. Tempered glass panels offer superior safety and clarity, allowing you to maintain a connection between your pool area and the surrounding landscape. Glass fences create a feeling of openness while still complying with safety regulations.
Beyond Aesthetics: Functionality Matters:
Remember, pool fencing is not just about aesthetics. Choose a fence that is sturdy, secure, and compliant with New Zealand regulations. Look for features like self-closing gates, latches positioned out of reach for young children, and proper spacing between pool fencing elements to prevent climbing.
By prioritizing safety and selecting a high-quality fence that complements your style, you can create a beautiful and secure pool environment for your family and friends to enjoy for years to come.
From choosing the perfect pool surround to ensuring top-notch safety with compliant fencing,
your dream pool is taking shape!
Remember, a well-designed pool area creates a lasting first impression.
Imagine the joy of welcoming friends and family to your backyard oasis, a space that reflects
your taste and provides countless hours of fun.
With Bayside Pools by your side, you’ve crafted a backyard retreat that not only
enhances your property’s value but, more importantly, creates lasting memories.
Soak in the satisfaction of your accomplishment, and get ready to dive into a world of poolside enjoyment!