Poolside Landscaping Ideas

As outdoor living continues to evolve in 2025, homeowners are looking for poolside spaces that blend luxury, relaxation, and nature. Whether you're building a backyard oasis from scratch or enhancing an existing pool area, the right landscaping can completely transform the experience.

Here are five must-have poolside landscaping ideas that are trending this year:

1. Fire Features That Bring the Heat

Adding a fire element to your poolside landscape is one of the most dramatic and inviting upgrades you can make. Think beyond the basic fire pit—2025 is all about elevated fire bowls, modern fireplaces, and fire walls integrated into seating or water features. Fire features extend the usability of the pool area well into the night and shoulder seasons, creating the ultimate gathering space.

Design Tips: Place fire bowls on each corner of the pool for a symmetrical, luxury look, combine fire and water features (e.g., fire atop a waterfall) for a stunning contrast, use natural gas or propane for ease and a clean burn.

2. Rock Gardens That Ground the Space

Rock gardens are making a big comeback—this time with a modern, naturalistic twist. They add texture, structure, and visual interest without the maintenance demands of high-water plantings. This is a great solution for clients who want a low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and visually striking landscape that can handle the elements.

What to Include: Large boulders or sculptural rocks around the pool perimeter, gravel or river rock beds that help with drainage and erosion control, drought-tolerant plants nestled between stones for a soft touch.

3. Mood Lighting to Set the Scene

Lighting can make or break a poolside atmosphere. In 2025, the focus is on integrated LED systems that combine beauty and smart tech.

Ideas for Lighting: In-ground lights lining the walkway or deck, soft uplighting in planting beds and behind water features, color-changing LED strips along coping or under benches for added drama, smart lighting controls make it easy to switch from party mode to peaceful retreat with a tap on your phone or voice assistant.

4. Shade Structures with Style

Gone are the days of flimsy umbrellas and generic gazebos. Today’s shade solutions double as architectural statements. From modern pergolas to retractable shade sails, these structures provide comfort and elevate the entire design. Shade structures not only protect from the sun—they create defined zones for lounging, dining, or napping beside the pool.

Popular Features in 2025: Motorized louvers or retractable canopies, cabanas with flowing curtains and built-in seating, Natural wood or powder-coated steel frames for a clean, modern look.

5. Plant Palettes That Pop

The right plants are essential for tying the space together. In 2025, we’re seeing a big shift toward resilient, climate-conscious greenery paired with a few tropical or architectural stars. These plants offer texture, color, and movement—while standing up to sun, splash, and seasonal changes.

Top Plant Types to Consider: Olive trees, lavender, rosemary, Birds of paradise, banana plants, philodendrons, ornamental grasses, succulents, and native perennials.

Whether you're dreaming of a relaxing retreat or a resort-style hangout, these 2025 trends offer fresh inspiration for creating a poolside space that’s beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours. From bold fire features to low-maintenance plantings and smart shade solutions, the right updates can completely transform how you enjoy your outdoor living area.

If you’re ready to upgrade your space, now’s the time to start. Our summer schedule is filling quickly—but there’s still time to make the most of this pool season. Contact us today to reserve your spot and bring your vision to life before the summer is gone.