Best Low-Maintenance Pool Landscaping Plants

A swimming pool is more than just a place to cool off during hot days; it’s your personal retreat. But what is a pool without beautiful surroundings? If you have been wanting a lush pool area without continual upkeep, low-maintenance pool landscaping plants are the key to making your poolside feel like a vacation location without adding more duties to your to-do list.

Wondering what are the best plants to put around a pool that will survive splashes, heat, and Florida’s humidity? Let’s dive into the best poolside plants that look stunning, thrive in Florida weather, and demand minimal fuss.

Benefits of Low-Maintenance Plants for Pool Areas

We should mention the reasons why low-maintenance pool landscape plants are worth it before we enlist the best ones:

• Easier to Maintain: One of the biggest advantages of using low-maintenance pool landscaping plants is that they give you your weekends back. These plants don’t need constant watering, trimming, or fussing over. You can spend more time enjoying your pool with your family instead of dragging out the hose or pruning shears. They’re perfect for busy homeowners who want a beautiful poolside space without it feeling like another job.

• Splash and Sun Tolerant: Your poolside plants will need to handle a bit of rough treatment, whether it’s kids splashing around, water with a hint of chlorine, or the strong Clearwater sun beating down in the afternoons. These plants are chosen because they can handle occasional splashes from salt or chlorine pools and thrive under the bright Florida sun, keeping your swimming pool landscape looking lush and healthy without wilting or browning.

• Saves Your Pool from Debris: Choosing the right pool plant ideas means you won’t constantly find leaves, petals, or twigs floating in your pool. You also choose these plants because they shed very little, and thus your pool will be cleaner, and you will not be required to skim off the leaves before every swim. It will lighten the wear and tear on your pool filter, and it will be easier to maintain in general.

• Increases Privacy and Scenic Beauty: Thoughtfully placed low-maintenance pool landscaping plants can act as a natural privacy screen, shielding your pool from the street or neighbouring properties while creating a tranquil, resort-like feel. These plants do more than simply have a utilitarian purpose; they also transform your backyard into a lovely getaway, making every swim feel like a mini-vacation.

• Creates a Welcoming Space: Low-maintenance plants can make your pool area more appealing for gatherings. Whether it's a family barbecue or a peaceful evening swim, well-planned custom pool landscaping filled with the proper plants creates the ideal setting, increasing the comfort and aesthetic appeal of your pool area without requiring continual maintenance.

8 Best Low-Maintenance Pool Landscaping Plants

Here are the top low-maintenance pool landscaping plants that thrive in Florida weather, creating a beautiful and functional backdrop for your custom pool:

1. Bird of Paradise

• Idea Price: $$

• Best For: All pool types, especially tropical-themed pools.

The Bird of Paradise is a classic poolside choice for its striking flowers and tropical vibe. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, can handle humidity, and won’t litter your pool with messy leaves. The vibrant orange or white flowers look like birds in flight, adding a vacation feel to your backyard.

2. Croton

• Idea Price: $

• Best For: Pools with colorful landscape themes.

If you love color, Crotons are perfect poolside plants with their red, yellow, and green leaves. They love Florida’s warm weather and need minimal pruning, making them a vibrant but easy addition to your pool.

3. Bamboo Palm

• Idea Price: $$

• Best For: Pools needing privacy.

Bamboo Palms add a lush, tropical feel while acting as a privacy screen. They thrive in partial shade, and while they can spread, planting them in containers keeps them contained and manageable around your pool.

4. Hibiscus

• Idea Price: $$

• Best For: Pools with flower-focused landscaping.

Hibiscus plants are a beautiful addition with their large, colorful blooms in red, pink, yellow, and white. They are resilient in Florida weather, bloom frequently, and add a pop of color to your swimming pool landscape.

5. Jade Plant

• Idea Price: $

• Best For: Modern pool designs.

Jade plants are succulents that are incredibly low-maintenance while adding a unique, sculptural look to your poolside. They tolerate the Florida sun and require very little water, making them excellent for busy homeowners.

6. Ornamental Grasses

• Idea Price: $

• Best For: Natural-style pools.

Ornamental grasses like Purple Lovegrass add texture and movement around your pool. They thrive in sunny spots and add a gentle rustle in the breeze, giving your pool area a peaceful, beachy vibe.

7. Agave

• Idea Price: $$

• Best For: Pools in hot, sunny areas.

Agave plants are drought-resistant and can handle Florida’s intense heat. The Spineless Century Plant variety is safer around walkways and seating areas. Their bold, architectural look pairs well with modern custom pool designs.

8. Society Garlic

• Idea Price: $

• Best For: Pools with mosquito concerns.

This plant produces lavender flowers and has a mild garlic scent that helps repel mosquitoes, making it a practical addition near pools. It thrives in the sun, needs minimal water, and won’t clutter your pool with debris.

Plants to Avoid Around Pools

While planning your pool plant ideas, avoid:

• Deciduous trees (oak, maple): They shed leaves, requiring constant skimming.

• Fruit-bearing plants: They attract pests and create sticky messes.

• Thorny plants: Avoid agave varieties with sharp thorns near walkways.

• Invasive plants: Plants like running bamboo can spread aggressively.

Choosing non-invasive, low-maintenance options will save you time and money while keeping your custom pool area clean and safe.

Maintenance Checklist for Poolside Plants

Plants that are considered low maintenance in pool landscaping also require care. Easy checklist:

• Mulch it to keep moisture and suppress weeds.

• You should check your irrigation system so that you do not end up overwatering.

• Lightly shape-trim plants.

• Wash plants with fresh water in case of regular soil in the pool.

• Routinely check to make sure that there are no pests present, particularly during the humid months.

In doing so, these measures will keep your swimming pool landscape pristine with relative ease.

FAQs

Can pool chemicals harm plants?

Yes, excessive chlorine or salt from pool splashes can harm sensitive plants. Choosing tolerant poolside plants like hibiscus, bird of paradise, or jade helps avoid damage. Rinsing off plants occasionally with fresh water can prevent buildup.

What can I plant around my pool to keep mosquitoes away?

Plants such as Society Garlic, citronella, lavender, and marigolds discourage mosquitos while providing foliage to your pool.  These are some useful pool plant ideas for a functioning and comfortable pool environment.

What are the best plants to put around a pool for low maintenance?

Bird of Paradise, Croton, Jade Plant, Bamboo Palm, Hibiscus, Ornamental Grasses, Agave, and Society Garlic are excellent low-maintenance pool landscaping plants.  They thrive in Florida conditions, require little maintenance, and will not clog your pool with detritus.

Transform Your Pool Area Today

Having a pool in your backyard is already pretty awesome. But if you really want to turn it into your personal retreat, the kind of place where you can kick back with a cold drink and just breathe, adding the right plants around it makes a huge difference. The best part? You can use low-maintenance pool landscaping plants so your space feels lush and inviting without giving you extra chores to worry about.

Maybe you’re hoping to make your pool look more like a resort, or you’re looking for plants that give you a bit more privacy. Or hey, maybe you just want to keep those annoying mosquitoes away while you swim. Whatever your goal is, these eight easy-going plants will help you enjoy your custom pool year-round without a fuss.

Need a Hand with Your Pool Landscaping?

Figuring out what to plant around your pool can feel overwhelming, especially with Florida’s heat and humidity. That’s where we come in. At DP Pool & Spa, we’re all about helping you design a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape around your custom pool that actually works for your lifestyle. We know what plants will thrive in your yard and which ones will save you headaches down the road.

If you’re ready to turn your backyard into that relaxing space you’ve been picturing, give us a shout. Contact us today, and let’s start bringing your vision to life together.

A Quick Wrap-Up

Your pool should be more than just water and a deck. With the right plants around it, you’ll have a personal slice of paradise right outside your door. Every swim will feel like a mini-vacation, and you won’t have to deal with a bunch of extra work to keep it looking great.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your swimming pool landscape and want a clean, beautiful pool area without all the upkeep, these eight low-maintenance plants are honestly your best bet. Your future self will thank you every time you step outside and see how good your backyard looks.