Landscaping Around Your Fiberglass Pool: Cincinnati Style
A beautiful fiberglass pool is just the beginning of creating your backyard oasis. The landscaping around your pool transforms a simple installation into a cohesive outdoor living space that reflects your style while working harmoniously with Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati's unique climate and aesthetic preferences.
At Summerside Pools, we've seen how thoughtful landscaping can enhance both the beauty and functionality of your pool area while addressing the specific challenges and opportunities presented by our Ohio Valley environment. Here's your complete guide to creating pool landscaping that thrives in our climate and complements our regional aesthetic.
Understanding Cincinnati's Landscaping Climate
USDA Hardiness Zone Considerations
Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati: Zone 6a-6b
Winter Lows: -10°F to 0°F
Growing Season: April through October
Frost Dates: Last frost typically mid-April, first frost mid to late October
Precipitation: 40+ inches annually, well-distributed
Local Soil Characteristics
Clay-Heavy Soils:
Drainage Challenges: Poor drainage without amendment
Compaction Issues: Heavy equipment during pool installation affects surrounding areas
pH Levels: Typically alkaline (7.0-8.0)
Nutrient Retention: Good once properly amended
Improvement Strategies:
Add organic matter and compost regularly
Install drainage solutions where needed
Test and amend pH for optimal plant health
Consider raised beds for better drainage
Plant Selection for Pool Areas
Best Trees for Pool Landscaping
Evergreen Options: Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Native to Kentucky, extremely hardy
Provides year-round privacy screening
Minimal leaf drop, pool-friendly
Drought tolerant once established
Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
Stunning blue-silver color
Excellent for formal landscapes
Slow growing, long-lived
Minimal maintenance required
Deciduous Shade Trees: Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Native species, excellent fall color
Large shade canopy for pool area
Plant 30+ feet from pool to minimize leaf cleanup
Long-lived and valuable for property
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Outstanding fall color display
Good shade tree for larger properties
Plant at adequate distance from pool
Excellent for Cincinnati's climate
Ideal Shrubs for Pool Areas
Evergreen Foundation Plants: Boxwood (Buxus species)
Classic choice for formal pool landscapes
Dense, compact growth habit
Excellent for low hedges and borders
Responds well to pruning and shaping
Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca 'Conica')
Perfect cone shape without pruning
Slow growing, stays compact
Excellent for formal designs
Hardy in local climate
Flowering Shrubs: Spirea (Spiraea species)
Spring or summer blooming varieties available
Low maintenance once established
Attractive to beneficial insects
Compact varieties perfect for pool areas
Hydrangea (Hydrangea species)
Stunning summer blooms
Partial shade tolerance
Several varieties suited to local climate
Excellent for cottage-style landscapes
Pool-Safe Perennials
Sun-Loving Options: Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)
Native wildflower, extremely hardy
Bright yellow blooms from summer through fall
Drought tolerant once established
Attracts butterflies, low maintenance
Daylily (Hemerocallis species)
Wide variety of colors and bloom times
Extremely hardy and adaptable
Clumping growth habit
Long blooming season
Shade-Tolerant Choices: Hosta (Hosta species)
Excellent for shadier pool areas
Wide variety of sizes and leaf patterns
Attractive foliage from spring through fall
Very hardy in local climate
Coral Bells (Heuchera species)
Colorful foliage adds interest
Tolerates partial shade well
Compact size perfect for borders
Year-round interest
Plants to Avoid Near Pools
High-Mess Plants
Avoid These Common Mistakes:
Honey Locust: Thorny seed pods create hazards
Sweet Gum: Spiky seed balls are painful underfoot
Mulberry: Messy fruit stains pool decking
Catalpa: Large leaves and seed pods create cleanup issues
Invasive Species
Regional Problem Plants:
Bradford Pear: Weak wood, invasive tendencies
Autumn Olive: Spreads aggressively
Multiflora Rose: Thorny and invasive
Tree of Heaven: Fast-spreading invasive tree
Pool Water Concerns
Plants That Affect Water Chemistry:
Large deciduous trees directly overhead: Excessive leaf drop
Fruit-bearing plants: Attract insects and create mess
Plants requiring frequent fertilization: Runoff affects pool chemistry
Hardscaping Elements
Popular Materials for Our Climate
Natural Stone Options: Indiana Limestone
Regional material, readily available
Excellent for formal pool designs
Durable and slip-resistant when properly finished
Complements traditional architecture
Flagstone
Natural, irregular patterns
Good for informal pool designs
Excellent drainage between stones
Available in regional colors
Manufactured Materials: Stamped Concrete
Cost-effective option
Can mimic natural materials
Good for large areas
Requires proper sealing for durability
Pavers
Wide variety of styles and colors
Easy to repair individual units
Good drainage with proper installation
Popular for Cincinnati pool decks
Design Integration Tips
Coordinate with Home Architecture:
Traditional/Colonial Homes: Formal stone patterns, classic plantings
Ranch/Contemporary: Clean lines, modern plant selections
Cottage Style: Mixed materials, informal planting schemes
Create Functional Zones:
Entertainment Areas: Level spaces for furniture and grilling
Privacy Screening: Strategic plant placement for neighbor privacy
Maintenance Access: Clear paths to equipment and cleaning areas
Privacy Solutions
Living Privacy Screens
Fast-Growing Options: Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja 'Green Giant')
Rapid growth (3-4 feet per year)
Dense evergreen screening
Tolerates various soil conditions
Excellent for Cincinnati climate
Leyland Cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii)
Very fast growth
Dense screening capability
Evergreen year-round privacy
Requires regular pruning to maintain
Gradual Privacy Building: Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Native tree with spring flowers
Good for informal privacy
Moderate growth rate
Beautiful fall color
Hardscape Privacy Features
Fence Integration:
Privacy Fencing: 6-foot height typical for pool areas
Decorative Elements: Lattice tops, integrated planters
Material Coordination: Match or complement pool decking
Retaining Walls:
Functional Privacy: Create elevated planting areas
Integrated Seating: Combine privacy with function
Material Options: Stone, block, or poured concrete
Seasonal Interest Planning
Spring Appeal
Early Bloomers:
Redbud: Native tree with pink spring flowers
Serviceberry: White flowers, native species
Daffodils: Early spring color, naturalize well
Tulips: Bright spring displays (treat as annuals)
Summer Focus
Heat-Tolerant Performers:
Coneflower: Native wildflower, drought tolerant
Bee Balm: Attracts butterflies, fragrant
Ornamental Grasses: Movement and texture
Annual Color: Impatiens for shade, marigolds for sun
Fall Interest
Autumn Color Champions:
Burning Bush: Brilliant red fall color
Red Oak: Classic orange-red autumn display
Sugar Maple: Yellow to orange fall color
Asters: Native fall-blooming wildflowers
Winter Structure
Year-Round Interest:
Evergreen Framework: Provides structure when deciduous plants are dormant
Ornamental Grasses: Attractive seed heads and winter texture
Berry-Producing Plants: Wildlife interest and winter color
Architectural Elements: Sculpture, lighting, hardscape features
Drainage and Runoff Management
Protecting Pool Water Quality
Surface Water Management:
Grade Away from Pool: Prevent runoff from entering pool
Swales and Berms: Direct water flow appropriately
Permeable Materials: Allow water infiltration where appropriate
Gutters and Downspouts: Direct roof water away from pool area
Fertilizer and Chemical Management:
Organic Approaches: Minimize chemical fertilizers near pool
Slow-Release Products: Reduce runoff potential
Timing Applications: Apply before rain but not immediately before storms
Buffer Zones: Plant areas that filter runoff before reaching pool
Clay Soil Solutions
Drainage Improvements:
French Drains: Subsurface drainage for problem areas
Raised Beds: Improve drainage for plants
Soil Amendments: Organic matter and sand to improve structure
Professional Assessment: Severe drainage issues may require expert design
Budget-Friendly Landscaping Phases
Phase 1: Essential Elements ($2,000-$5,000)
Immediate Needs:
Basic safety decking around pool
Essential privacy screening
Foundation plantings near pool equipment
Simple lawn establishment
Phase 2: Functionality and Beauty ($3,000-$8,000)
Enhanced Living Space:
Expanded decking or patio areas
Mature privacy plantings
Lighting for safety and ambiance
Water feature or accent elements
Phase 3: Resort-Style Finishing ($5,000-$15,000)
Luxury Additions:
Complete outdoor kitchen integration
Sophisticated lighting systems
Water features and landscaped gardens
Premium materials and mature plantings
Maintenance Considerations
Low-Maintenance Design Principles
Right Plant, Right Place:
Native Species: Adapted to local conditions, require less care
Appropriate Sizing: Avoid plants that outgrow their space
Grouped Needs: Plant similar water and sun requirements together
Seasonal Planning: Stagger bloom times for continuous interest
Ongoing Care Requirements
Weekly Tasks:
Deadheading flowers to maintain appearance
Light pruning of overgrown areas
Weed control in planted areas
Debris removal from pool area
Monthly Maintenance:
Deep watering during dry periods
Fertilizing according to plant needs
Pest monitoring and treatment if needed
Edge maintenance and lawn care
Seasonal Tasks:
Spring: Pruning, mulching, planting
Summer: Watering, pest management, deadheading
Fall: Cleanup, planting, preparation for winter
Winter: Planning, pruning dormant plants
Working with Local Professionals
When to Hire Help
Design Phase:
Complex drainage issues
Extensive hardscaping projects
Mature tree placement and selection
Integration with existing landscaping
Installation Phase:
Large tree planting
Hardscape installation
Drainage system installation
Electrical work for lighting
Summerside Pools Landscaping Partnerships
We work with trusted local landscaping professionals who understand:
Pool-specific requirements and challenges
Local climate and soil conditions
Design styles that complement our region
Maintenance requirements and realistic expectations
Creating Your Perfect Pool Landscape
Your pool landscaping should reflect your personal style while working harmoniously with Cincinnati's climate and your property's characteristics. Whether you prefer formal elegance or casual comfort, the key is choosing appropriate plants and materials that will thrive in our Ohio Valley conditions.
At Summerside Pools, we understand that your pool is part of a larger vision for your outdoor living space. We're happy to coordinate with landscaping professionals or provide guidance as you develop your plans.
Ready to create the perfect landscape setting for your fiberglass pool? Contact Summerside Pools for recommendations on landscaping professionals and design guidance that will complement your pool investment beautifully.
Ready to enhance your pool with beautiful landscaping? Contact Summerside Pools for expert guidance and professional recommendations tailored to Cincinnati's unique climate and style.
