Best Pool Landscaping Practices To Keep Kids Safe And Entertained
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A well-designed pool area is more than just a place to cool off—it’s the heart of family life during the warmer months. For families with children, landscaping around the pool isn’t only about aesthetics. It’s a key factor in creating a space that’s both safe and inviting for kids of all ages. The right landscaping choices can help prevent accidents, encourage active play, and provide a space that grows with your family.
Here’s how to get the most out of your pool landscaping while prioritising child safety and enjoyment.
- Prioritise Clear Sightlines
The most important rule in any family pool area is supervision. Good landscaping should support that. Avoid placing tall plants, hedges, or large decorative items between the house and the pool that could obstruct your view.
Design your landscape to give you clear, uninterrupted lines of sight from multiple vantage points—especially common gathering spots like the kitchen, patio, or outdoor dining area. If you’re using garden screens or trellises for privacy, keep them well away from the pool fence or only use them in areas where visibility isn’t affected.
Keeping the pool visible encourages safer use and allows you to react quickly if a child enters the water unexpectedly.
- Choose Non-Slip, Barefoot-Friendly Surfaces
Landscaping around the swimming pools perth should always include non-slip surfaces that are safe for wet feet. Children are naturally energetic, and despite reminders not to run, they often do. Surfaces like textured concrete, natural stone with a rough finish, or slip-rated pavers can help reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Materials should also stay cool underfoot to avoid burns on hot days. Lighter-coloured pavers reflect more heat, while synthetic turf is a popular soft alternative that remains cooler and cushioned for small feet.
Avoid using pebbles or loose gravel near the pool edge—they can hurt to walk on, get into the water, and create slipping hazards.
- Keep Landscaping Low-Maintenance and Clutter-Free
A tidy, low-maintenance garden helps reduce potential safety risks. Choose plants that don’t shed excessive leaves or debris into the pool, as this can clog filters and make the area slippery. Avoid thorny or spiky plants, which can cause injury during play.
Mulch can be a trip hazard when scattered onto hard surfaces, so opt for groundcovers or synthetic mulch around garden beds close to the pool.
When it comes to garden furniture or pots, keep them well clear of the pool fence. Anything climbable can be used by children to bypass fencing, putting them at risk. Maintain a clear buffer zone around the fence line to keep it compliant and reduce temptations.
- Add Shade for Safety and Comfort
Children tend to spend more time in and around the pool than adults, so it’s essential to provide adequate shaded areas to protect them from UV exposure.
Landscape features like pergolas, shade sails, and strategically planted trees can offer relief from the sun while creating cool zones for rest, hydration, and sunscreen reapplication. If you’re planting trees for shade, pick species with minimal leaf drop and root systems that won’t interfere with pool foundations or plumbing.
Mix natural and built shade options to maintain flexibility as your garden evolves. Position seating or play areas beneath shaded spots so kids have a comfortable space to pause between swims.
- Incorporate Safe Play Zones Nearby
If you’ve got the space, setting up a dry play zone near the pool can give kids more options and help break up their time in the water. Think of it as a mini extension of the pool area—perfect for when kids need a break without wandering off too far.
Consider features like:
- A soft synthetic turf patch for barefoot play.
- A sandpit or mud kitchen (placed far enough from the pool to avoid mess).
- A swing or cubby house in a shaded area.
These additions help keep kids entertained and supervised, while also giving them time to rest or play without direct water exposure.
- Select Child-Friendly Plants
Your garden should be safe to touch, smell, and explore—especially for curious little ones. Avoid toxic or irritating plants such as oleander, angel’s trumpet, or euphorbia varieties. Instead, go for soft-textured, non-toxic plants like:
- Lomandra
- Dianella
- Native grasses
- Lavender (for older children, as bees may be attracted)
- Hibiscus
- Camellia
Adding sensory plants like rosemary or mint can also enhance the space and spark a child’s curiosity, provided they are supervised during play.
- Install Smart Storage Solutions
Having convenient storage near your pool encourages tidiness and reduces hazards. Wet pool toys, towels, and inflatables can easily become trip risks if left scattered across the pool deck.
Install weatherproof storage boxes or benches with hidden compartments to keep the space clean and organised. Peg rails, wall hooks, or small shelves are also handy for keeping towels, goggles, and floaties off the ground and within easy reach.
Teaching kids to pack up their toys after a swim not only keeps the area safer but also helps build good habits around pool use.
- Lighting for Evening Safety
Good outdoor lighting is essential for families who like to swim in the late afternoon or evening. Install low-voltage, child-safe lighting around the pool perimeter, steps, and pathways to improve visibility and reduce tripping hazards.
LED lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting, and warm white tones create a calming atmosphere after sunset. Motion-sensor lights can also provide added security when the area is not in use.
For underwater lighting, ensure all installations are compliant and professionally installed to avoid electrical risks.
- Think Long-Term With Your Design
As your children grow, so will their interests and needs. It’s worth choosing a landscaping layout that offers flexibility for the future. Raised planter boxes, garden beds with retaining walls, and modular furniture can be adapted or rearranged over time.
Leave space to add or remove features like water slides, outdoor games, or lounge furniture. A timeless, practical design will help your backyard stay functional and enjoyable through every stage of family life.
Final Thoughts
The best pool landscaping for families is not only beautiful—it works hard behind the scenes to keep your kids safe and engaged. From non-slip surfaces and clear sightlines to fun play areas and clever storage, every decision you make contributes to a safer, more enjoyable space.
With the right planning, your pool area can become the backdrop for countless memories—whether it’s a quiet afternoon splash or a weekend barbecue with friends. By designing with children in mind, you’ll create a space that’s equal parts peace of mind and playtime paradise.
