10 Pool Landscaping Ideas for Your Outdoor Area

What's better than lounging by the pool in the warmer months? A good pool area turns your backyard into an extra living space. Since you'll be spending heaps of time by the pool, good design really pays off.

Pool area landscaping brings together practical features and smart design choices. You'll need to think about atmosphere, shade and privacy. We've pulled together 10 outdoor pool area ideas, covering everything from tiles and plants to lighting and layout. 

Before you dive into pool landscaping

Before you start picking plants and tiles, you need a solid plan. 

First things first, your local council sets strict rules for pools and surrounding structures. Designers and landscapers should be all over this, but check them out before attempting to DIY anything. 

Once that’s covered, you’ll need to consider climate, budget and your wants and needs. 

• Climate: Your climate shapes what will work in your space. If you get strong winds, you'll need sturdy plants and solid structures. Living near the coast means picking salt-resistant materials. Hot areas need more shade. 

• Budget: Budget planning should include both upfront and ongoing costs. Some materials cost more initially but last longer. Others might be cheaper now but need replacing sooner. 

• Wants and needs: Think about how you'll actually use the pool area. Do you swim laps or love to lounge? Do kids need space to play? Will you host people a lot? 

Figure these basics out and you’ll be ready to start thinking more creatively.

10 stunning pool area ideas in Australia

Here are some big and small pool area ideas for your outdoor renovation. You'll find creative ways to use tiles, smart planting choices and design features that make your pool area more beautiful and practical. 

1. Bring a Palm Springs vibe to your pool

Bring a mid-century Palm Springs vibe to your outdoor area with tiles and plants. This decor style uses a mix of bold patterns, colours and desert elements to create a retro resort feel. Our Bronte Checkerboard tiles are perfect for this — they come in white and blue, butter, sage or terracotta for whatever kind of palette you're going for. Use them around the pool or pop them on an accent wall behind some plants for a bit of fun.

2. Plant poolside flowers

Not all plants can handle life next to a pool. This spot gets a bit of chlorine spray, intense heat from sun exposure and regular splashing. But this doesn’t mean you can’t plant flowers! 

Hibiscus, agapanthus and even gardenias thrive in these tough spots. Avoid plants like acacias and azaleas — they may wither in the reflective heat and are more likely to drop leaves and flowers, which can clog your pool filter if they get in the pool. Your best bet is to visit a plant nursery and ask for their take on pool-friendly plants in your local area.

3. Create a Mediterranean mood

Mediterranean pool areas mix lush greenery with natural materials. While you might think of olive trees and lavender for the Mediterranean look, these plants aren’t really going to hold up around the pool. 

Instead, try tall Viburnums that look like a citrus tree but can handle the hot, wet areas near the pool. Keep the plants trimmed but not too formal — the spot should feel relaxed and lived-in. Tiles-wise, our Clovelly Travertine Look Crazy Paving tile brings that rustic Mediterranean cobblestone look to your pool space.

4. Create a private pool space

Turn your pool area into a secluded spot with smart tree placement. No one wants to feel watched while they swim!

Conifers work well along boundaries — they grow tall and keep their leaves year-round. Layer them with shorter trees like lilly pillys or water gums for a bit of difference. These natives create natural screens again without dropping leaves into your pool.

5. Add character with stone-look tiles

Natural stone brings warmth to a pool area, and our Clovelly Stone Look Crazy Paving tiles give you this organic feel with a little more lasting power. Their different shapes and sizes create movement in your space — perfect for paths, pool edges and feature walls. The varying shapes and natural effect also looks great with plants and tie your pool area in with the rest of the garden.

The texture of these outdoor tiles makes them safe when wet and hides dirt between cleans. These tiles also solve pool area problems like glare and heat underfoot.

6. Light it up at night

Good lighting makes your pool entertainment area pop after dark. Lighting along paths and steps keeps everyone safe, while spotlights on plants and features create atmosphere. Subtle lighting under benches and around trees also adds depth to your space at night. The right lighting also turns your pool area into a view feature from inside after dark.

7. Go modern and minimal

Modern pool landscaping is all about clean shapes and careful plant choices. Our Redfern External Terrazzo Look tiles in white, grey or mixed set up this style — there’s a subtle pattern that doesn’t compete for attention. A single statement palm or dragon tree makes more impact here than busy garden beds. For shrubs and grasses, group plants in clean blocks rather than mixing varieties. 

Architecturally, built-in features work better than furniture for keeping the space clean and open.

8. Connect inside and out

Modern homes sometimes have pools quite close to the house. If your pool is right outside of your back door, you’ll probably want to think about the view from the inside. You can make your pool area feel like part of your home by choosing common features for each space. Tiles are a great way to do this, tile like our Austinmer Grey Encaustic Look Tile works both inside and outside.

9. Choose natives for easy care

Add Australian natives for a low-maintenance pool area that looks good year-round. These plants don’t just survive — they thrive in our climate.

What do we suggest? Anything hearty that won’t die if a bit of chlorine gets into it. Coastal banksias are great and have heaps of texture and height. Ground covers like flax lilies soften hard edges. Westringias and Lomandras make great casual hedging that won't drop leaves in your pool.

10. Make it work year-round

Summer often gets all the attention, but your pool landscape should look good and function as an entertainment space even when swimming isn't an option. 

Think about where the sun hits throughout the year — you'll want shade in summer but sunny spots for winter days. Glass fences act as windbreaks and help in cooler months while making sure your space still catches those nice summer breezes. Good drainage stops puddles from forming on surfaces after storms. Smart plant choices give you something fresh to look at all year round, from winter flowers to summer shade.

The best tiles for your pool area

Creating your perfect pool area is exciting — it's a step toward better living. The right tiles play a big part in both the look and function of your space. Our range of pool area tiles includes options for different styles and are made to handle the Australian sun.

Visit our showroom to see how these tiles look in person, or take a look at our pool tile collection online. If you want some help picking out tiles, book a free design appointment with our team, who can help you pick out everything from non-slip tiles for wet zones to feature tiles for walls.