5 Inspiring Pool Ideas for Backyards in Arizona

Living in an arid or semi-arid area where temperatures routinely reach 100 degrees means you need a way to cool off. What better way than to have a swimming pool in your backyard? It’s more than just placing a structure down in the middle of your lawn. Incorporating enticing pool landscaping ideas makes a normal backyard into a one-of-a-kind setup that you’ll be proud to call home.

When you’re considering that landscaping project, definitely make a pool part of your plans and we have just the thing to get you started: inspirational ideas.

Quality Is Important When Bringing Backyard Pool Ideas to Life in Phoenix

Quality is the single most important factor that you should focus on when considering hiring a landscaping and pool company for your backyard landscaping ideas. Research is key to weeding out those who either don’t fit your needs or have less than stellar reviews. If you can, seek out the opinion of friends or family members, or neighbors who have recently had landscaping work done.

While your established budget is understandably important, you want to make sure you insist on quality products. This is not an area where you want to cut corners. Doing so can quickly turn your pool landscaping into a mess. Choose a company that puts pride in their work over finishing projects quickly or for lower costs.

Peace of mind is what you’ll get, knowing you’ve hired a reputable company to bring your backyard pool landscaping ideas to life. With an established, trained crew, you’ll quickly see your vision becoming reality. At the end of the experience, you’ll be able to revel in your complete project, including your pool landscaping and share it with everyone you know.

1. COLORFUL FLOWERS, PLANTERS AND MORE

Arizona’s climate is optimal for introducing tropical plants that thrive in high temperatures. Hibiscus is one flower that brightens up any landscape. The blooms grow in a bush that can reach as high as 15 feet, though many are trimmed to stay around a height of 6 feet. With a variety of colors including yellow, orange, pink and red, they’re ideal for adding bursts of colors among other greenery. Birds of paradise are another option with their exotic shapes and vibrant hues.

Other tropical plants include those of the creeping variety. These low-profile ground covers serve to cover up stone and marble materials, adding a romantic notion to your outdoor space. They also work to fill in gaps between other plants such as flowers and trees to prevent a barren look. You might be in the desert, but you don’t want your backyard to look like one.
Tropical flowers are just the tip of the iceberg. Wildflowers add an element of natural beauty and come in different colors and sizes. Look at natural Arizona plants to complete the look, from those that spread in a bush form to those that present in colorful stalks.

Of course, what’s a desert landscape without planters or cacti? Add a garden surrounding your pool area with cacti or succulents as accent pieces — they make excellent pool landscaping plants. Planters and columns add depth and character to your yard, making them one of the most popular backyard pool landscaping ideas.

2. WATER FEATURES

It might sound silly to consider adding water features to complement your main water feature, but the reality is it makes it more attractive. There are multiple avenues you can take, consider adding a spa or hot tub for soaking after a workout or enjoying the open skies in the evening hours. Spas and hot tubs can be built elevated from the actual pool with a decorative wall, or consider a sunken-in design.

Fountains and waterfalls add a resort-like element, and wonderful background noise as you can listen to the cascading water while soaking up the rays. If you want to get truly unique, consider adding a rock pond or stream to the surrounding area of the pool, combining natural and manmade bodies of water.

3. TERRACES

The terraced look is excellent for homes with smaller backyards. Landscapers will add greenery in layers, separated by stone and rocks to give the appearance of depth and a lush look that’s reminiscent of a spa.

This can also be a great pool landscaping idea for privacy, which is excellent if you have an open backyard that lacks cover.

Pool privacy plants are also good for dampening noise, so you can keep your party contained in your backyard, especially if you have neighbors nearby.

4. Decorative Landscape Features such as Rock Beds, Walkways, Lighting, or Fire

It’s easy to get caught up in greenery and plants when searching for landscaping ideas with a pool. Landscaping, however, involves more and decorative features add the finishing touch after you’ve decided on your plants.

Landscaping around the pool with rock beds lets you set up focal points. Some people have one on each end of the pool, while others have smaller areas set up around the perimeter. There’s no wrong way to do it!

Consider adding a walkway to create an upscale look. Choose from different materials such as slate, stone or brick to create varying looks. Even marble is a possibility, just beware of its slippery nature when it gets wet.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors at night — which, let’s face it, is one of the best times in Phoenix since the sun isn’t beating down on you — lighting elements are a must. You can opt for solar or electric lamps in multiple color schemes to create a welcoming ambiance. There are many options that come with stakes and easily insert into dirt or mulch, making placement simple.

Last but not least, adding fire or flames to your water feature can turn out spectacular. It will light up the pool with romantic tones that help you unwind as you’re floating in the water and enjoying your company or a drink. Falling asleep after time spent in the pool with flames on the edges is like nothing else.

5. POOLSIDE SEATING

Of course, the beauty of adding a pool with your next project is about more than swimming. A well-furnished seating area can make relaxing poolside both comfortable and luxurious. Consider chaise lounges that can go in and around the pool for your leisurely Sunday afternoon. Look for items that coordinate with other elements like pergolas and gazebos. They also need to be functional, waterproof and fade-resistant so they stay beautiful all year long.

Another consideration is having enough area around the pool to entertain guests. Weather-proof couches, settees and dining areas will all look fabulous next to your pool. Teak is one option that adds the beauty of natural wood in a material that holds up to the moisture often found near a pool. Resins are also a great option especially if you’re looking to add color as well as seating.