Plant Choices for Around The Pool

SWIMMING POOLS
With proper maintenance and safety, a swimming pool can create an enjoyable hub for family activities during the summer months, and year round in the warmer climes. The swimming pool season in the northeastern United States usually extends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Landscaping around swimming pools should focus on plants that are attractive during the swimming season without causing problems. Potential problems can include bees and deciduous trees that shed their fall foliage into the pool. In woodland settings it's best to maintain a cleared buffer area around the pool to prevent problems with leaves. This may require occasional tree trimming to move an encroaching woods line back from the pool.

PLANT CHOICES FOR AROUND THE POOL
Blue Pacific Juniper makes a nice spreading blue-green ground cover
Colorado Blue Spruce provides height and color without deciduous leaf drop. Needle shed may become a problem in later years, so plant back from the pool surround.
Ornamental grasses help create a casual relaxed feel around the pool area. Cutback in November (in the northeast) to prevent the dead grass blades from blowing around and making a mess.
Dwarf Alberta Spruce is a well behaved evergreen that doesn't require any trimming.
Gold Thread Cypress is an attractive plant foradding some color. Allow it room to grow.
Mugho Pine is a good selection. Shape this evergreen shrub in June when the new growth "candles" are still tender.
Gold Junipers grow fast and add color. Allow room to grow and control size with regular trimming.
Blue Star Junipers are well behaved and stay compact. Most Junipers do best in full sun.

CAUTION: When using fertilizer around a swimming pool, make sure not to get any in the water. Nitrogen in particular can cause serious problems. Also be extremely careful with the use of herbicides around pools since many products can potentially wash or leach into the water. Always read and follow label directions.