You stand by your pool, and something still feels off. The water looks great, but the space around it feels empty, too exposed, or harder to keep clean than it should be.
You might want more privacy, more shade, or a look that matches your home, but the options start to blur together fast. In Marietta, full sun, slopes, and heavy rain can also affect what works long-term.
This guide gives you clear pool landscaping ideas you can build around. You will pick from seven themes, then use a simple layout plan to place plants, materials, and features in the right zones.
Overview
Pick the right zone layout: Divide the pool area into splash, seating, and planting zones to reduce clutter and improve functionality.
Choose a theme: Whether it's a tropical oasis or a modern minimal retreat, the theme sets the mood and guides plant/material choices.
Privacy & Shade: Incorporate privacy screens and shade structures to enhance comfort and usability, especially in Marietta's climate.
Low-maintenance materials: Use materials that are easy to maintain, withstand weather, and prevent debris in the pool.
Work with experts: For a well-planned, cohesive design, get a professional consultation from Higginbotham Designs for Marietta-area pool landscapes.
Pool Landscape Plans: A Simple Layout That Makes Any Style Work
Before you choose a theme, set a simple plan for how people move and relax around the pool. A good pool landscaping design usually has three zones. This keeps the space cleaner, safer, and easier to maintain.
Zone 1: Deck and splash zone
This is the area closest to the pool edge. Keep it simple.
Choose clean edges and low clutter
Avoid dense planting that drops leaves into the water
Leave clear space for towels, chairs, and safe walking paths
Zone 2: Seating and traffic
This zone connects the house, pool, and lounge areas.
Plan a clear route that stays out of furniture paths
Add shade where you will sit, not only where it looks good
Keep surfaces easy to rinse and safe when wet
Zone 3: Planting and privacy
This is where you build the “finished” look.
Use screening and layered planting for privacy
Create one calm corner that feels intentional
Keep messy plants set back from the pool edge
Zone | Goal | Best elements | Avoid |
Deck and splash | Safety and easy cleanup | clean edges, open space | heavy leaf drop, tight beds |
Seating and traffic | Comfort and flow | paths, shade, lighting | blocked routes, cramped furniture |
Planting and privacy | Style and screening | layered planting, backdrops | thorny plants near paths |
Next, pick a theme and build the whole pool landscape around that look.
7 Pool Landscaping Ideas to Transform Your Backyard
Pick one theme first, then build your pool landscaping around it. This keeps the space from looking random and helps you make faster decisions on plants, materials, and features.
Each theme below follows the same structure, so you can compare them easily and choose the one that fits your yard, your maintenance comfort level, and the look you want.
Theme | Best for | Look and feel | Maintenance level |
Lush Tropical Oasis | More privacy and a resort vibe | Bold greens, layered texture | Medium |
Mediterranean Retreat | Clean, timeless style | Warm tones, structured planting | Medium |
Desert-Inspired Getaway | Lower mess and simpler edges | Open, sculptural, minimal | Low to medium |
Modern Minimal Resort | A polished, clean layout | Sharp lines, fewer plant types | Low |
Coastal Calm | Light, breezy comfort | Soft contrast, airy texture | Low to medium |
Cottage Garden Poolscape | Softer, garden-forward style | Curves, gentle color | Medium |
Natural Woodland Edge | Blending into trees and shade | Natural, calm, layered | Medium |
Theme 1: Lush Tropical Oasis
Signature look: A resort-style pool landscape with bold leaves, layered greens, and a private, relaxing feel.
Color palette: Deep green, bright green, white, charcoal, warm wood tones.
Plants and textures:
Broad-leaf evergreen “statement” plants for the backdrop
Medium-height shrubs for fullness without blocking sightlines
Controlled pops of color placed in beds set back from the pool edge
A few container plants near seating, so you can move them when needed
Materials and surfaces:
Warm-toned stone or textured pavers that feel comfortable underfoot
Clean edging to keep mulch and soil out of the deck zone
Natural wood or wood-look accents for planters, screens, or a pergola
Poolside features:
A living privacy screen along one or two edges, not all sides
Shade over the lounge zone, using a pergola or a simple shade structure
Low-glare lighting along paths and seating
One focal element, such as a feature planter, wall, or area away from the splash zone
Best for: Yards where you want privacy and a “vacation” feel, and you can handle moderate upkeep.
Theme 2: Mediterranean Retreat
Signature look: Warm, structured, and timeless, with clean shapes and a calm, sun-friendly layout.
Color palette: Cream, terracotta, olive green, sand, black, or bronze accents.
Plants and textures:
Structured evergreen forms to keep the space looking neat year-round
Herbs and silvery foliage for a Mediterranean feel, placed away from heavy splash
Seasonal color mostly in pots, so cleanup stays easier
Groundcover bands to soften edges without crowding the deck
Materials and surfaces:
Light, warm stone tones that keep the area feeling bright
Terracotta or clay-style containers to add character
Simple gravel or pebble bands in set-back beds for a clean finish
Poolside features:
A pergola for shade and a defined dining or seating zone
Lantern-style lighting for a softer evening feel
One subtle focal feature, such as a water bowl feature placed away from the pool splash
A short screen wall or layered planting to add privacy without closing the space
Best for: Homeowners who want a clean, elegant look that remains consistent throughout the seasons.
Theme 3: Desert-Inspired Getaway
Signature look: Clean, open, and low clutter, with sculptural forms and a calm, modern feel.
Color palette: Sand, tan, muted green, rust, dark bronze accents.
Plants and textures:
Drought-tolerant plant shapes with simple silhouettes
Ornamental grasses for movement without heavy flowering drop
A few statement plants are placed in setback beds, not right at the pool edge
Container accents for seasonal color you can control and move
Materials and surfaces:
Gravel or small stone in planting zones for a dry, desert look
Large-format pavers or warm-toned stone with clean lines
Boulder groupings are placed as visual anchors, away from walking paths
Poolside features:
Minimal planting at the deck edge to reduce debris in the water
A sculptural rock or planter moment as the focal point
Subtle lighting that highlights texture, not glare
A clean screen for equipment areas that matches the hardscape colors
Best for: Full-sun pool areas where you want a simple look and you prefer lower-mess planting.
Theme 4: Modern Minimal Resort
Signature look: Sharp lines, fewer plant types, and a polished “hotel pool” look that stays tidy.
Color palette: White, charcoal, soft grey, deep green.
Plants and textures:
Architectural evergreen shapes used in repeated groups
Tight clumps of grasses for softness without visual clutter
Simple groundcover blocks to keep edges clean
Most seasonal color is added through containers in seating areas
Materials and surfaces:
Large-format concrete or porcelain-style pavers with crisp edging
Straight bed lines and clean borders for a structured layout
One or two strong textures, not many competing finishes
Poolside features:
Slat privacy screens or a simple wall feature for a modern backdrop
Linear lighting along steps, edges, and paths for safety
A raised planter wall that doubles as a visual focal point
A shade structure placed over seating, not directly over the pool
Best for: Small to mid-size yards where you want a clean look, easy flow, and a low-clutter pool landscape.
Theme 5: Coastal Calm
Signature look: Bright, breezy, and relaxed, with soft contrast and an open, airy feel.
Color palette: White, sand, pale green, soft blue-grey, natural wood tones.
Plants and textures:
Airy ornamental grasses for movement and a light texture
Evergreen shrubs for structure, placed in setback beds
Soft flowering accents used sparingly and away from the splash zone
Containers near seating to add color without adding debris near the water
Materials and surfaces:
Light stone tones or textured pavers that stay comfortable underfoot
Pebble or gravel bands in planting areas for a clean finish
Natural wood accents for screens, planters, or a small pergola
Poolside features:
Layered screening that gives privacy without feeling closed-in
A shade sail or simple pergola over lounge seating
Low-glare lighting along paths and steps
One focal corner with a bench and planting set back from the pool edge
Best for: Homeowners who want a relaxed look that still feels clean and easy to maintain.
Theme 6: Cottage Garden Poolscape
Signature look: Soft, welcoming, and full, with curved beds and a classic garden feel that still works for pool life.
Color palette: Layered greens with soft white, lavender, and light pink accents.
Plants and textures:
Evergreen backbone plants to keep the space looking full year-round
Flowering shrubs placed back from the pool edge to reduce petal drop in water
Seasonal color in controlled groups rather than scattered everywhere
Groundcovers to soften edges without crowding walking routes
Materials and surfaces:
Brick-look pavers or warm stone that suits traditional homes
Curved bed lines with crisp edging to keep mulch and soil contained
A simple connecting path from the house to the pool seating zones
Poolside features:
A framed entry path that makes the pool feel like a destination
A small bench corner for a quiet break from the main pool activity
Gentle lighting that follows curves and highlights steps
Privacy is created through layers, not one tall wall of plants
Best for: Yards where you want a softer, garden-forward style and you are comfortable with moderate upkeep.
Theme 7: Natural Woodland Edge
Signature look: A calm, blended pool landscape that connects to existing trees and feels more natural than designed.
Color palette: Deep green, bark brown, stone grey, cream highlights.
Plants and textures:
Shade-tolerant evergreens to hold structure through the year
Fern-like textures and groundcovers used away from the splash zone
Layered screening to reduce sightlines from neighbours
Simple, repeated plant groups to avoid a messy look
Materials and surfaces:
Natural stone tones that blend with tree lines and shaded edges
Darker mulch or groundcover bands in setback planting zones
Simple path connectors that keep movement clear and safe
Poolside features:
A screened equipment area that blends into planting, not a stand-alone box
A quiet seating nook set slightly away from the main splash and noise zone
Low-glare lighting aimed at steps and edges for safer movement
Optional: a subtle water feature placed outside the deck and splash area
Best for: Lots with existing shade or wooded edges where you want privacy and a natural, calm feel.
Poolside planting in Zone 8a: What Works Near Water and What to Avoid
In Marietta-area yards, you are usually working in USDA Zone 8a. Pool conditions add extra stress, though. Heat reflects off the decks, water splashes onto the planting beds, and debris ends up in the pool.
Your pool landscaping works best when you choose plants for these real conditions, not only for looks.
What works well near pools
Low litter plants: fewer leaves, petals, and fruit mean less daily cleanup.
Sun and heat tolerance: pool decks can run hotter than the rest of the yard.
Comfort near people: choose plants without thorns or sharp tips near walking routes.
Sensible roots: keep strong root systems away from pool decking edges and plumbing zones.
Where to place plants
Keep the deck and splash zone simple and open. Use containers only if you can move them easily.
Plant fuller shrubs in set-back beds and in the privacy zone, where debris is less likely to fall into the water.
Use layered screening at the perimeter for privacy, rather than crowding the pool edge.
What to avoid
Thorny or spiky plants close to paths and steps
Messy fruit drop or heavy blooms right by the water
Plants that need constant pruning to stay out of walking routes
If you want a pool landscape plan that fits your exact sun, slope, and privacy needs, Higginbotham Designs can help with pool landscape design and install-ready planting layouts.
Hardscape, Drainage, and Features That Complete the Look
A pool landscape feels finished when the hardscape and features match the theme and make daily use easier. The goal is comfort, safe movement, and fewer mess zones.
1. Surfaces and edges
Choose surfaces that feel good barefoot and stay safer when wet. Clean edging also helps keep soil and mulch from washing onto the deck.
2. Paths and flow
A simple path plan makes the space easier to use. Think about how you move from the house to the pool, then to seating and gates.
Clear routes reduce wear on lawn areas and keep furniture zones from feeling crowded.
3. Drainage that protects your investment
Drainage is a key part of backyard landscaping with a pool. After storms, water should move away from the deck, and planting beds should not wash into the pool area.
On sloped lots, small grade adjustments or retaining walls can help define zones and protect the layout.
4. Finishing features
Most pool landscaping features look better when placed outside the splash zone. A seat wall, raised planters, or a subtle water feature can add a focal point without increasing pool cleanup.
For planning and building support, Higginbotham Designs offers hardscape installation, retaining walls, custom patios, outdoor living spaces, and water features that pair well with pool landscapes.
Higginbotham Designs: Pool Landscaping for Marietta-Area Homes
A pool area can still feel unfinished if the surrounding area is not planned. Common issues include planting too close to the water, cramped seating zones, poor drainage after storms, and equipment left in plain view.
A clear pool landscaping design helps you avoid these problems and build a yard you enjoy using.
Higginbotham Designs can help with:
Pool landscape design around your layout, sun, and privacy needs
Hardscape installation for paths, patios, and seating zones
Retaining walls for slope control and cleaner elevation changes
Outdoor living spaces and water features that fit your theme
Service area: Marietta, GA; East Cobb, GA; West Cobb, GA; Kennesaw, GA; Smyrna, GA; Roswell, GA; Acworth, GA.
If you want clear next steps, a consultation can help you turn one theme into an install-ready plan and an estimate.
Next step
Pick one theme, then sketch your three zones: splash and deck, seating and traffic, and planting and privacy.
List your priorities, such as privacy, shade, lower cleanup, or a modern look. Then schedule a site review to confirm drainage, layout, and material choices.
If you want help designing and building the space, Higginbotham Designs can support both planning and installation for Marietta-area pool landscapes.
FAQs
What is the easiest pool landscaping style to maintain?
Modern minimal and desert-inspired themes are usually easier because they use fewer plant types and cleaner edges.
How far should plants sit from the pool edge?
Keep planting out of the splash zone when possible. Use set-back beds and perimeter screening to keep water cleaner.
What helps reduce leaves and debris in the pool?
Choose low-litter plants, avoid messy fruit near water, and keep trees and dense beds set back from the pool edge.
How do you add privacy without blocking airflow?
Use layered screening at the perimeter and avoid solid walls on every side.
What lighting matters most around a pool?
Step, edge, and path lighting improve safety first, then add softer seating-area lighting.
