Create Your Backyard Resort

A swimming pool is a major investment. The landscape around it determines whether you get a private resort or just a wet rectangle in your yard.

Here’s how to create pool landscapes that deliver the atmosphere you’re after.

The Tropical Resort Look

The most popular pool aesthetic in the Philippines: lush, tropical, resort-inspired.

Key Elements:

• Layered tropical planting (palms, heliconias, gingers)
• Natural stone or wood-look decking
• Privacy screening that feels natural, not like walls
• Outdoor furniture areas for lounging
• Night lighting for evening atmosphere

Plants That Work:

• Traveler’s Palm (dramatic backdrop)
• Foxtail Palm (elegant, minimal debris)
• Heliconias (tropical color)
• Bird of Paradise (sculptural accent)
• Ti Plants (color variety)

Modern Minimalist

Clean lines, restrained planting, architectural plants.

Key Elements:

• Limited plant palette (2-3 species maximum)
• Geometric hardscape
• Structural plants like agaves, grasses, cycads
• Integrated planters rather than beds
• Subtle lighting

Plants That Work:

• Agave varieties (sculptural)
• Ornamental grasses (movement)
• Cycads (prehistoric drama)
• Snake plant (vertical accent)
• Mondo grass (clean edging)

Mediterranean/Coastal

Clean white surfaces, blue accents, drought-tolerant planting.

Key Elements:

• White or light-colored decking
• Terracotta pots and Mediterranean materials
• Olive trees or similar drought-tolerant specimens
• Lavender and herbs where climate allows
• Minimal, refined planting

Plants to Avoid Near Pools

Some plants create maintenance nightmares:

• Mango trees — dropping fruit, sticky residue
• Running bamboo — invasive roots, constant leaf drop
• Bougainvillea directly poolside — thorns, constant flower drop
• Frangipani directly poolside — falling flowers stain surfaces
• Any tree with messy fruit — cleanup issues
• Plants that attract bees — uncomfortable for swimmers

Pool-Friendly Plant Selection

Choose plants with these characteristics:

• Minimal leaf or flower drop
• Non-invasive root systems
• No messy fruit or seed pods
• Low bee attraction
• Appropriate mature size for the space

Trees for Pool Areas

Tree	Best For	Notes
African Talisay	Shade, backdrop	Minimal debris, architectural form
Foxtail Palm	Tropical drama	Clean, no coconuts
Traveler’s Palm	Statement plant	Large, dramatic fan shape
Fishtail Palm	Screening	Dense, tropical look

Screening Plants

Plant	Height	Notes
Clumping Bamboo	3-8m	Fast screening, control spread
Heliconia	2-4m	Colorful, tropical
Lady Palm	2-3m	Shade tolerant
Ti Plant	1-2m	Colorful foliage

Hardscape Considerations

Pool Decking Options

Natural Stone

• Premium look, durable
• Can be hot in full sun
• Select non-slip finishes

Porcelain Pavers

• Many style options
• Cool underfoot options available
• Durable and low maintenance

Concrete Pavers

• Cost-effective
• Many colors and patterns
• May require sealing

Wood/Composite Decking

• Warm, natural look
• Comfortable on bare feet
• Requires maintenance (wood) or higher cost (composite)

Key Requirements

• Slip-resistant when wet
• Comfortable on bare feet in sun
• Durable against chlorinated water splashes
• Proper drainage slope away from pool

Privacy Screening

Most pool owners want privacy from neighbors.

Living Screens

• Bamboo hedges (clumping varieties)
• Tall palm groupings
• Heliconia walls

Structural Screens

• Slatted fencing
• Green walls on structures
• Louvered panels

Best Approach: Combine layers — plants in front of structures create depth and natural feeling while providing reliable screening.

Lighting the Pool Landscape

Pool areas come alive at night with proper lighting:

• Underwater pool lighting — LED color options available
• Path lights — safety along walkways
• Uplighting on feature trees — dramatic shadows and silhouettes
• Ambient lighting in seating areas — soft, comfortable levels
• Avoid light pointing into neighbors’ properties — be a good neighbor

Budget Considerations

Pool landscaping typically runs ₱4,000 - ₱7,000 per sqm depending on:

• Design complexity
• Plant sizes (mature specimens cost more)
• Hardscape materials selected
• Lighting requirements
• Site access and conditions

A typical pool area landscape (80-150 sqm) ranges from ₱350,000 to ₱800,000.

Getting Started

Ready to create your backyard resort? Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll visit your property, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed proposal.