A new pool changes how you use your whole backyard, so pool landscaping matters as much as the pool itself. The right plants, surfaces and a bit of privacy make the space feel finished and keep it easy to look after. Here are the pool landscaping ideas we suggest to homeowners in Melbourne’s South East and the Mornington Peninsula, from plants that cope with coastal conditions to surrounds that stay safe underfoot.
Plan the landscaping alongside the pool
It is much easier to plan your garden at the same time as your pool than to squeeze it in afterwards. Where the pool sits decides where machinery gets in, where the paving runs and how much room is left for beds and lawn. If your block slopes, retaining walls and level changes are worth sorting out early, because they affect both the pool position and your garden.
Start by thinking about how you want to use the space. A spot to lounge, an area for the kids, somewhere to eat outside, a shaded corner for the dog. Sketch it out before you choose a single plant. Our guide to how long it takes to build a fibreglass pool shows how the build is staged, which helps you work out when to book your landscapers.
Check trees and overlays before you dig
Many properties on the Mornington Peninsula are covered by vegetation or landscape overlays, so you may need a planning permit to remove or lop some trees. Bayside has its own tree protection rules too, including a local law permit for larger trees. Before you remove anything, check with your council, and plan the pool and garden around the trees you want to keep. It is far easier to sort this out at the design stage than after the machinery arrives.
Choose plants that cope with coastal conditions
Salt-laden wind, sandy or heavy clay soils and exposed positions are all part of gardening on the Mornintgton Peninsula. Hardy, low-maintenance plants tend to do best, and native and coastal species are a good place to start. Popular choices include:
- Coastal rosemary (Westringia): a tough, tidy shrub that handles wind and salt air.
- Lomandra and dianella: strappy plants that soften edges and cope with a range of soils.
- Native grasses: movement and texture without much upkeep.
- Succulents and agaves in pots: striking, and they suit sunny spots, though keep spiky varieties away from walkways and the pool edge.
A local nursery can confirm what suits your exact block, since conditions vary from the bay side to the back beaches.
Pool surrounds: paving, decking and fencing
The surface around your pool does a lot of work. It needs to be comfortable underfoot, slip-resistant when wet and tough enough for sun, salt air and daily use. A few options we see work well:
- Pavers and natural stone: a classic look with plenty of colours and textures. Lighter tones generally stay cooler in summer.
- Timber or composite decking: warm and relaxed, and a good match for a raised spa or a deck that steps down to the garden.
- Exposed aggregate concrete: hard-wearing and practical, with a good grip when wet.
Whichever you choose, ask about slip ratings and how the surface handles heat and salt. Pairing your paving with the colour of your fibreglass shell is an easy way to tie the whole space together.
Near the coast, salt air is hard on metal. Ask for marine-grade (316) stainless steel on glass fence spigots, hinges, latches and outdoor shower fittings. It is also worth asking your builder which coping suits your fibreglass shell, and how your soil, whether sandy or clay, affects the drainage and paving around the pool.
Your safety fence is part of the landscape too. Frameless glass keeps sightlines open to the garden, while aluminium or steel suits a more traditional look. If you are weighing up surrounds and fencing, our fibreglass pool cost guide covers what to budget for the extras beyond the pool itself.
Pool landscaping ideas for Peninsula backyards
If you are after inspiration, these ideas suit the Mornington Peninsula’s wind, sun and salt air:
- Windbreak planting: a row of hardy coastal shrubs or grasses takes the edge off the wind, so the pool area feels warmer.
- Coastal native garden beds: drifts of grasses and strappy plants look natural and need little upkeep.
- Light stone or porcelain paving: comfortable underfoot in summer, and a clean look beside a fibreglass shell.
- Glass fencing with a garden backdrop: keeps sightlines open so you can enjoy your planting from the house.
- A built-in bench or deck box: somewhere to sit, plus a hidden spot for your pool cover, toys and towels.
- A fire pit with seating around it: keeps the space in use on cool evenings and through winter.
- Layered lighting: soft lights on paths, steps and key plants, plus underwater lights in the pool.
- A raised spa with a spillway: adds movement and the sound of running water.
Add privacy, shelter and lighting
A pool is far more enjoyable when you feel comfortable using it. Screening plants, a slatted timber screen or a feature wall can give you privacy from neighbours, and the same planting can break the wind on exposed blocks. Layer taller plants at the back with lower plants in front so the garden looks full without crowding the pool.
Lighting extends how long you use the space. Soft lights along paths and garden beds, plus underwater lighting in the pool, make evenings more inviting. If you like the idea of controlling it all from your phone, our guide to pool automation explains how lighting, heating and pumps can be managed together.
Make room for living, not just swimming
Think about the spaces around the water. A shaded seating area, an outdoor kitchen or a firepit can make the backyard useful all year. If a spa is on your wish list, it is worth planning its position early. Our pool and spa combinations guide covers the space you will need and how the two work together. Have a dog? Our guide to dogs and pools has tips on keeping your pet safe around the water, which can also shape your planting and surfaces.
Landscaping a small backyard
A smaller yard does not mean fewer options. Keep the design simple, use one or two paving materials and choose plants that grow upright rather than wide. Vertical gardens, planters and a slim garden bed along the fence add greenery without using up floor space. Our small pool ideas post has more on making the most of a compact block.
Budgeting for your landscaping
Landscaping is a separate cost from the pool, so it is worth setting aside a budget for it from the start. The total depends on the size of your yard, the materials you choose and how much work your site needs, such as retaining walls or levelling.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best plants to put around a pool?
Choose compact, hardy plants that do not drop lots of leaves, flowers or berries. Lomandra, dianella, native grasses and coastal rosemary are popular on the Peninsula. A local nursery can confirm what suits your block.
Should I landscape before or after the pool is installed?
Plan the two together, but do most of the planting and finishing after the pool is in, so machinery does not damage your new garden. Talking to your builder and landscaper at the design stage keeps access and levels sorted.
How close can I plant to the pool?
It depends on the size and roots of the plant and the clearance needed around your pool fence. Leaf drop matters too, so choose compact plants near the water. Check with your builder or a registered inspector before you plant.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree for my pool?
Possibly. Large parts of the Mornjngton Peninsula are covered by vegetation protection overlays, and some trees need a planning permit before they are removed or pruned. Check with your council before you start.
Ready to plan your pool and backyard?
If you are planning a pool and want the backyard to work as a whole, the team at Master Pools can help from the first design chat. We build fibreglass pools across South East Melbourne, Bayside and the Mornington Peninsula. Get in touch to talk through your block and your ideas.
