Phoenix homeowners know the struggle: a beautiful swimming pool surrounded by… nothing special.
Your pool should be the heart of your backyard – not an isolated feature lost in a sea of concrete or dry gravel!
When the space around your pool feels disconnected or unfinished, it drains the excitement from the very thing that’s meant to be your personal oasis. While you might already have the perfect water temperature or spa jets humming in your hot tub, without thoughtful surroundings, it lacks soul.
The good news? It doesn’t take a full rebuild to transform your backyard into something extraordinary. These seven custom pool landscaping ideas, perfect for the Phoenix climate, can turn your pool area into a stunning, cohesive outdoor experience that reflects your taste and lifestyle.
1. Seamlessly Integrate Poolscape & Landscape Design
In Phoenix, it’s not just about building a pool. It’s about how everything around it works together, especially when it comes to plants, surfaces, and traffic flow.
Native Plants That Thrive Without Babying Them
Choosing the right plants around your swimming pool is critical. Phoenix summers can scorch anything that’s not desert-friendly. That’s why low-maintenance natives like Red Yucca, Agave, and Desert Spoon are fantastic for bringing life without extra fuss.
Mixing in evergreens and heat-tolerant perennials helps to ensure year-round greenery around your pool landscaping. Use container gardens for pops of color, such as lantana, bougainvillea, or desert marigold, all of which can frame a pool without dropping messy leaves.
Irrigation That Works Smarter, Not Harder
Drip irrigation systems can keep your plants hydrated while saving water. Zone your system to ensure hotter corners of your yard get what they need without overwatering shady areas.
Shade trees, such as Palo Verde or Mesquite, also help cool the area naturally, especially when planted in strategic spots that block late-afternoon sun without filling the pool with debris.
2. Add Function With Hardscape Features
Once your greenery is planned, the next focus should be hardscaping. Done right, it connects your entire yard together and adds daily functionality.
Patios, Pathways & Pavers That Make Sense
Using flagstone, travertine, or concrete pavers around your pool deck can provide your guests with natural walkways that feel inviting – not like hot lava traps.
Build a courtyard-style layout using retaining walls to frame sunken patios or garden seating areas. This approach enables flexible furniture zones, ultimately facilitating a smoother transition from swimming to lounging.
Entertain Without Ever Going Indoors
Your pool shouldn’t just be for swimming. Add a barbecue zone, a pizza oven, or a built-in outdoor kitchen with a polished concrete counter. These become gathering points during pool parties, weekend cookouts, and casual weekday evenings.
Add a pergola or ramada overhead, and suddenly your pool becomes the centerpiece of an entire outdoor experience.
3. Boost Atmosphere With Water & Fire Features
There’s something magical about mixing sound, movement, and heat around water. Your pool isn’t just for cooling off; it can become a multisensory retreat.
Water That Moves and Calms
Custom waterfalls, deck jets, and bubblers create movement and sound that elevate the vibe. Adding a fountain or rock grotto also enhances the experience for kids and guests.
Lighting makes all the difference here. Illuminated water arcs at night? That’s not just a backyard, that’s a destination.
Fire That Draws People Together
Install a fire pit, a fireplace, or fire bowls right on the edge of the pool for dramatic contrast. They’re perfect for chilly Phoenix nights, extending pool season into the cooler months.
Combining fire and water near a pool gives it that unforgettable resort feel, without booking a flight.
4. Add Purpose With Extra Pool Features
Once your surroundings are thoughtfully arranged, it’s time to play with the pool itself.
Make Your Pool Work Harder (and Smarter)
Features like tanning ledges, Baja benches, and swim-up bars give your pool zones that cater to different moods.
Want to relax in shallow water while sipping a drink? Done.
Want kids to splash around? Done.
Elevated spas or hot tubs also work beautifully with raised walls or integrated lighting, creating vertical interest and temperature options.
Don’t Forget the Fun Factor
Adding a lazy river or even a splash area can add variety to your backyard. These aren’t just for kids – they’re for anyone who wants movement, interaction, and surprise.
5. Go Low-Maintenance With Smart Pool Tech
Phoenix pool owners know that maintenance can be a pain, especially during monsoon season or dust storms. Automating care is the key to enjoying your pool without constant stress.
In-Floor Cleaning Makes Manual Skimming Obsolete
Unique Companies installs systems like Paramount’s PCC2000, a built-in cleaning network that keeps your pool spotless without the need for robotic vacuums or daily skimming.
Total Control From Your Phone
With Pentair automation, you can control jets, lighting, fountains, or your heater – all from your smartphone. Set your ambiance or cleaning cycles even when you’re at work or out of town.
Eco-Friendly and Cost-Saving Features
UV and ozone systems purify water without harsh chemicals, resulting in softer skin, clearer water, and lower costs over time. Pair that with variable-speed pumps for substantial energy savings.
6. Make It Beautiful With Lighting & Finishes
A pool should shine – literally. How it looks during the day is essential, but what it feels like at night is the magic that guests remember.
Ditch Basic Concrete
Use PebbleTec, quartz, or glass tile to finish your pool surface. These materials don’t just look better – they last longer under Arizona’s harsh sun.
Pair them with accent tiles or mosaic inlays that reflect your home’s architectural vibe.
Light It Up Right
Add LED pool lights, glowing laminar jets, or accent lighting under benches and ledges. Line pathways or plant beds with low-voltage lighting to create an entire backyard that feels like a retreat. Even at midnight!
7. Maximize Year-Round Enjoyment With Outdoor Living Zones
Phoenix backyards should be comfortable all 12 months, not just when the water’s warm.
Keep Cool in Summer, Cozy in Winter
Install misters, outdoor fans, or a pergola for comfort in the heat. When the weather turns cold, fire up a built-in fireplace, hang some cozy string lights, and toss some throw pillows on your patio furniture.
Go Beyond the Pool
Add an artificial turf lawn, a container garden, or even a putting green to add variety to your pool landscaping. These balance out your yard and keep it from feeling too “pool dominant.”
Climate-Friendly Plants for Phoenix Pool Landscaping
| Plant Name | Type | Pool-Safe? | Water Needs | Mess Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Yucca | Perennial | Yes | Low | Very Low |
| Agave Americana | Succulent | Yes | Very Low | Very Low |
| Desert Spoon | Shrub | Yes | Low | Low |
| Lantana | Flowering | Yes | Moderate | Medium |
| Bougainvillea | Flowering Vine | Yes | Moderate | Medium |
FAQs
How do I choose plants that won’t mess up my pool?
Look for low-mess, low-water plants that don’t drop leaves, like Agave, Red Yucca, or Desert Spoon. Avoid anything that sheds aggressively, like mesquite or palm.
Can I upgrade my existing pool with new landscaping?
Absolutely. Most pool renovations include space planning, hardscape refresh, plant upgrades, and lighting, all without changing the pool shell itself.
What’s the benefit of in-floor pool cleaning?
In-floor systems keep your pool clean automatically by pushing debris toward drains. No need for manual vacuums or robots.
How do I make my backyard usable year-round?
Use features like pergolas, outdoor fireplaces, misters, and fans to control temperature. Add turf or shade trees to increase comfort and visual balance.
Are fire features safe near a pool?
Yes. With proper installation and gas line routing, features like fire bowls or pits are totally safe near water and add stunning ambiance.
Elevate Your Pool Landscaping Today!
Designing your backyard shouldn’t feel like guesswork. From choosing smart plants to adding automated systems and fire features, transforming your pool landscaping into a destination is within reach.
At Unique Companies, we specialize in taking the guesswork out of your pool landscaping project. Our turnkey team handles design, engineering, permits, and construction so your dream space comes to life – on time and on budget.
Ready to turn your Phoenix pool into a personal resort? Contact Unique Companies today to schedule a consultation and get inspired!
