Pool placement and landscaping. Create the Ultimate Outdoor Retreat

Privacy is key when deciding where to place your pool. Consider sightlines from neighbouring properties and public areas. Ideally, your pool placement should feel like a secluded sanctuary, not a display piece for your neighbours. Natural barriers such as trees, tall shrubs, or purpose-built screens can offer privacy while enhancing the organic beauty of your outdoor space.

Proximity to your home is another important factor. Pools that are visible from main living areas — like your kitchen or lounge — create a strong visual connection between your indoor and outdoor living areas, making your home feel larger adding cohesion. Easy access to the pool from the house, particularly from high-traffic areas or a dedicated change room, also boosts functionality and convenience.

Energy efficiency should factor into your decision as well. Positioning your pool to take advantage of natural windbreaks can reduce water evaporation and heat loss, leading to lower maintenance costs and a smaller environmental footprint.

The most breathtaking pools work with their surrounds not against it. For instance, sloping yards are usually seen as an obstacle. Yet they can inspire spectacular designs featuring multi-level terraces, waterfalls, or infinity edges. Rocky landscapes can lend themselves beautifully to natural grotto features or striking boulder accents.

Existing mature trees can be major assets. Their root systems help stabilise soil, while tree canopies provide shade and a habitat for native birds, add to a sensory experience of your outdoor space. Just be mindful of trees that shed excessive leaves near the pool — a pool cover can make upkeep much easier.

Proper drainage planning is essential too. Your pool should not sit in a low-lying area that could collect runoff during heavy rains. Elevating your pool slightly or integrating French drains and other water management solutions can safeguard your investment.

Finally, consider how the sun moves across your yard throughout the year. Positioning your pool to maximise sunshine — while providing areas of shade — will help you enjoy comfortable swimming conditions for longer periods.

The best poolscapes thoughtfully cater to different activities. When planning your backyard, consider creating zones for:

• Sunbathing with comfortable loungers on a sunny deck
• Dining with shaded table areas away from splash zones
• Conversation spaces with cushioned seating or around a fire pit
• Play areas with shallow water zones or splash decks for families
• Exercise with dedicated lap lanes
• Relaxation with a spa section for year-round enjoyment

These zones should flow naturally but maintain distinct purposes. Use different paving materials, slight changes in elevation, or planting borders to subtly define each area.

Careful traffic flow planning is crucial for safety and comfort. Ensure there are clear, slip-resistant pathways connecting key areas — especially keeping wet foot traffic away from dining or lounging zones.

The right planting scheme can elevate your pool area, bringing in colour, life, and texture. However, choosing inappropriate species can create long-term maintenance challenges. Look for:

• Non-deciduous plants that minimise leaf drop
• Low-pollen varieties to reduce allergy risks
• Plants with non-invasive roots that won’t disrupt pool structures
• Salt-tolerant varieties if you’re installing a saltwater pool
• Drought-resistant species to suit Australia’s often dry conditions

Native plants are especially worthwhile — they thrive in local climates, require less maintenance, and attract beautiful wildlife like butterflies and birds.

Potted plants are another flexible option, allowing you to refresh and rearrange your space easily as your tastes evolve.

Your pool’s hardscaping — including decking, coping, pathways, and retaining walls — should feel cohesive with your home’s architecture and surrounding landscape. When selecting materials, prioritise those that:

• Complement your home’s style
• Offer non-slip surfaces, especially when wet
• Resist chlorine, salt, and other pool chemicals
• Stay cooler underfoot during hot Australian summers
• Require minimal upkeep

Natural stone provides a timeless, luxurious look, while concrete pavers offer versatility with many colours and patterns. Composite decking offers great durability with little maintenance.

Consider incorporating structures like pergolas, shade sails, or decorative screens to add architectural interest and create transitions between different zones of your outdoor living space.

The right lighting transforms your pool into a magical nighttime oasis. Key lighting elements include:

• Underwater pool lights for visibility and atmosphere
• Pathway lights for safe movement around the pool
• Uplighting to highlight feature trees or structures
• Low-voltage landscape lighting to accentuate plantings
• Ambient lighting for dining and lounge areas
• Feature lighting for water features or sculptural elements

Opt for LED lighting for energy efficiency and longevity. Smart lighting systems can also allow you to set different moods with programmable scenes.

Safety lighting is particularly important — clearly mark steps, pool edges, and any depth changes to avoid accidents after dark.

Sustainability is increasingly important for Australian homeowners. When considering your pool placement, also note the below:

• Optimal orientation for natural solar heating
• Integrating rainwater harvesting systems
• Installing energy-efficient pumps and filtration
• Using permeable hardscaping to reduce stormwater runoff
• Incorporating drought-tolerant, native landscaping

Leisure Pools’ fibreglass designs offer a more sustainable alternative to concrete pools, with lower chemical use, greater energy efficiency, and long-term durability.

A well-placed, beautifully designed pool can significantly increase your property’s value. Features like energy-efficient equipment, smart technologies, and a cohesive landscape design make your home more appealing to future buyers.

However, the biggest value comes from the lifestyle benefits — creating an inviting, luxurious outdoor living space that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.

Your Leisure Fibreglass Pool as the Centrepiece of Your Outdoor Lifestyle

A thoughtful pool placement that is professionally integrated into your landscape, a Leisure Pools fibreglass pool becomes more than just a swimming spot. It becomes the heart of your outdoor lifestyle — a place where memories are made, where relaxation comes naturally, and where your backyard becomes a true oasis.

Partnering with a Leisure Pools dealer ensures your project benefits from expert advice tailored to your space, budget, and vision. With the right planning and guidance, your dream of a stunning, functional backyard retreat is closer than you think.

Contact your local Leisure Pools dealer today to start creating your perfect inground fibreglass pool and custom landscape oasis.