- 11th November, 2025
- By Andrea Uren
Pool Paradise: Integrating Stunning Pools into Your Landscape Design
With summer peeking around the corner, what better time than now to get some pool inspiration for your next outdoor project?
There’s something transformative about a backyard with a beautifully designed pool. It becomes the centrepiece of your backyard, and a space to cool down and gather all in one. We see many modern landscaping projects blending stunning outdoor architecture, nature, and water into one cohesive look - but these must be properly executed.
When done right, a well-integrated landscape design with a pool can truly elevate your home and improve your day-to-day lifestyle. So if you’re planning on integrating a pool into your backyard, here’s how to do it.
Start with the Big Picture: Designing Around the Pool
The key to successful pool landscaping design is to view the pool as a central figure of the overall landscape, not as an afterthought. Think of it as the anchor of your outdoor design, and everything from pathways to plantings and patio areas should flow naturally around it.
You should take time to consider:
Site orientation
Try positioning your pool to maximise sunlight, capture views, and maintain privacy. Find areas in your backyard where the pool can benefit from sunlight throughout the day, and consider placing screening plants or fencing to provide your pool with some privacy.
Pool shape and proportion
The pool design should balance with your garden’s scale. Rectilinear pools often suit contemporary or small urban gardens, such as the one we did here in Mt Eliza.
Blending with living zones
Consider how the pool connects with your entertaining and lounging spaces. A seamless transition, such as incorporating steps from a dining area that leads directly to a pool terrace, makes the space feel cohesive and inviting.
Choosing the Right Materials and Textures
A visually striking pool area relies on materials that complement both your home’s architecture and the surrounding landscape. Natural stone, timber decking, and lush greenery can create a sense of texture, warmth, and timelessness.
Natural Stone Paving
Natural stone paving (like bluestone or travertine) presents durability and elegance.
Timber Decking
Timber decking softens the landscape and connects beautifully with plantings.
Glass Fencing
Glass fencing provides unobstructed views while maintaining safety and sophistication, but it does require more cleaning.
Aluminium or Timber Fencing
Aluminium or timber fencing allows plants to grow through the fence and creates a softer feeling than glass.
Choose colours and materials that reflect your home’s architectural style and garden palette. For example, lighter stone tiles can create a coastal feel, while dark granite suits a modern pool design aesthetic. Additionally, the right plant selection is crucial not only for the look but also for pool compliance (i.e., establishing safety no-climb zones). It is also critical for plant survival, as not all plants are suitable around pool water.
Creating Harmony Between Water and Greenery
Plants play a crucial role in softening hard surfaces and enhancing the atmosphere, adding depth, and cooling the surrounding lardscape. But some plants are better suited for pool environments than others. Some of the best poolside plants include:
Native plants
Ideal for complementing a coastal environment.
Ornamental grasses
Add movement and contrast to structured pool lines.
Layered borders
Combine groundcovers, shrubs, and feature plants for depth and colour.
When selecting species, prioritise minimal-flowering plants to avoid excessive leaf litter that clogs filters or contaminates your pool water. And if sustainability is important, consider installing an efficient irrigation and drainage system to support watering.
Adding Functionality: More Than Just a Pool
With more people entertaining in their backyard, a truly exceptional pool garden design should incorporate multi-functional features to maximise its use. Consider zoning your garden with designated spaces for dining, lounging, and swimming, and adding little features to your pool to make it more functional.
Built-in seating and in-water lounges
Perfect for sunbathing or supervising little swimmers.
Saunas or ice baths
Add wellness value and year-round usability.
Integrated lighting
Improves ambience and ensures safe evening use.
Pool houses or pergolas
Create shaded areas for entertaining.
Lighting and Mood: Transforming the Nighttime Experience
Night swimming and lounging are underrated activities, but they have grown in popularity among Australian homes. When the sun sets, consider clever lighting for your pool to turn it into a glowing centrepiece - and watch your garden transform into a serene nightscape.
Here are different types of lighting for the best results:
LED underwater lights add brilliance and colour to the water’s surface.
Pathway and step lights guide movement and improve safety.
Uplighting on feature plants or stone walls creates dramatic shadows and highlights.
Bringing it all Together with Foliage Landscaping
Pool landscaping is a significant trend in Melbourne, and we hope these ideas can provide you with some inspiration on what a modern pool design looks like in Australia. At Foliage Landscaping, we specialise in designing outdoor spaces with a functional and beautiful pool integration.
Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern pool for your home or a lounging sanctuary around an existing pool, we can help bring those ideas to life.
Contact our team today for a free consultation and quote.