Pool Landscaping Ideas for Brisbane: Creating Your Resort-Style Oasis
A swimming pool is the centrepiece of outdoor living in Brisbane. It provides recreation, exercise, and a focal point for entertaining. Yet many Brisbane pools are surrounded by uninspired landscaping — sparse planting, minimal hardscape, and little sense of design intention. The result is a pool that looks like a utility rather than a lifestyle asset.
Thoughtful pool landscaping transforms a pool from a utility into a resort-style destination — a place where family and friends gather, where entertaining happens, where outdoor living is elevated. This guide explores the principles, techniques, and plant selections that create beautiful, functional pool landscapes in Brisbane.
Pool Landscaping Principles
Transition Zones
The most successful pool landscapes create clear transition zones between the pool, the surrounding hardscape, and the broader garden. These zones serve both functional and aesthetic purposes:
Pool surround (0-2m from pool edge): This zone requires careful material selection. Surfaces must be slip-resistant (particularly important in Brisbane's wet conditions), non-staining, and durable. Planting in this zone should be minimal — avoid plants with excessive leaf drop, invasive roots, or toxic berries.
Entertaining zone (2-5m from pool edge): This zone is where outdoor living happens — dining, lounging, entertaining. It should include seating areas, shade structures, and access to utilities (kitchen, bar, restrooms).
Landscape transition (5m+ from pool edge): This zone connects the pool area to the broader garden. Planting becomes denser, and the design language can shift to reflect the overall garden aesthetic.
Sight Lines and Views
Position the pool so that the most attractive views are visible from the pool and from the main entertaining areas. Avoid positioning pools so that views are blocked by structures or dense planting. Consider views from inside the house — the pool should be visible from key interior spaces, creating a visual connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Shade and Shelter
Brisbane's summer sun is intense. Providing shade is essential for comfort and for extending the usability of pool areas. Shade can be provided through:
- Pergolas and shade structures
- Large trees positioned to provide afternoon shade
- Umbrellas and shade sails (temporary solutions)
Avoid planting large trees immediately adjacent to the pool — root systems can damage pool shells, and leaf drop can create maintenance issues.
Wind Protection
Brisbane's coastal suburbs can experience significant wind. Wind protection is important for comfort and for reducing evaporation and water loss. Windbreaks can be provided through:
- Hedging and screening plants
- Fences and screens
- Topography (berms and mounding)
Avoid dense windbreaks that block views and create a confined feeling. Partial screening that filters wind while maintaining visual openness is ideal.
Pool Surround Materials
Paving Options
Travertine: A premium choice for pool surrounds. Warm, creamy tones create a luxurious aesthetic. Naturally slip-resistant due to its pitted surface. Requires sealing and regular maintenance. Excellent for resort-style aesthetics.
Bluestone: A dense, durable stone with cool, grey-blue tones. Excellent slip resistance. Low-maintenance. Creates a sophisticated, contemporary aesthetic.
Porcelain pavers: Modern, durable, and available in a wide range of colours and finishes. Some porcelain pavers are specifically designed for pool surrounds with enhanced slip resistance. Excellent for contemporary gardens.
Timber decking: Warm, natural aesthetic. Requires regular oiling and maintenance. Can become slippery when wet — use textured finishes or apply anti-slip treatment. Excellent for creating a resort-style aesthetic.
Concrete: Durable and cost-effective. Can be finished in multiple ways (polished, textured, coloured). Requires sealing. Can become hot underfoot in summer — consider light colours or textured finishes.
Aggregate finishes: Exposed aggregate concrete provides excellent slip resistance and a natural aesthetic. Durable and low-maintenance.
Material Selection Considerations
- Slip resistance: Essential for safety, particularly in wet conditions
- Heat retention: Light-coloured materials stay cooler underfoot
- Staining: Avoid materials that stain easily from pool chemicals or leaf drop
- Maintenance: Consider ongoing maintenance requirements
- Aesthetic: Choose materials that complement the overall design
Planting Around Pools
Plants to Avoid
Certain plants should never be planted near pools due to aggressive root systems, excessive leaf drop, or toxicity:
Avoid: Ficus species (aggressive roots that damage pool shells), deciduous trees with heavy leaf drop (Jacaranda, Liquidambar), plants with invasive root systems (Bamboo, Agapanthus in-ground), plants with toxic berries or leaves (Oleander, Taxus).
Recommended Plants for Pool Surrounds
Screening and privacy: Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii), Murraya paniculata, Viburnum odoratissimum, Elaeagnus ebbingei
Feature trees (at distance from pool): Ficus hillii, Brachychiton acerifolius, Lagerstroemia indica, Callistemon species
Shade trees (positioned to provide afternoon shade without leaf drop): Casuarina equisetifolia, Melaleuca species
Ornamental grasses: Pennisetum setaceum, Miscanthus x giganteus, Stipa gigantea
Groundcovers: Lomandra longifolia, Liriope muscari, Mondo grass
Accent plants: Agapanthus (in containers, away from pool shell), Dianella, Phormium
Planting Strategy
Position planting to:
- Create screening and privacy without blocking views
- Provide shade without excessive leaf drop
- Create visual interest and depth
- Soften hardscape elements
- Create habitat for native birds and insects
Avoid dense planting immediately adjacent to the pool. Instead, create a clear zone around the pool, with planting positioned at distance to provide screening, shade, and visual interest.
Pool Entertaining Spaces
Outdoor Kitchens
An outdoor kitchen transforms a pool area into a genuine entertaining destination. Key elements:
- Professional-grade grill and cooking appliances
- Refrigeration and beverage storage
- Generous counter space for food preparation and serving
- Seating at the counter for casual dining
- Integrated lighting for evening entertaining
Shade Structures
Pergolas, pavilions, and shade sails provide essential shade and define outdoor entertaining spaces. Key considerations:
- Size: Should be large enough to shade the intended seating area
- Orientation: Position to provide shade during peak sun hours (typically afternoon)
- Material: Choose materials that complement the overall design (timber, steel, aluminium)
- Integration: Integrate with lighting, heating, and other utilities
Seating and Lounging
Create multiple seating areas for different entertaining scenarios:
- Dining seating for formal entertaining
- Lounge seating for casual gathering
- Sun lounges for poolside relaxation
- Conversation seating for small groups
Water Features and Focal Points
Water Features
Water features add visual interest and create focal points:
- Fountains and water walls
- Spillways and channels
- Spa pools adjacent to the main pool
- Water features integrated with the pool design
Sculptural Elements
Sculptures and art elements create focal points and add personality:
- Sculptures positioned to be viewed from the pool and entertaining areas
- Artistic elements that reflect the overall design aesthetic
- Lighting to highlight sculptural elements at night
Lighting for Pool Areas
Landscape lighting transforms pool areas at night and extends usability:
- Pool lighting: Underwater LED lights create a magical effect at night
- Accent lighting: Highlights feature trees, sculptures, and architectural elements
- Ambient lighting: Provides general illumination for safety and navigation
- Task lighting: Illuminates entertaining areas and outdoor kitchens
- Pathway lighting: Provides safe navigation around the pool
See our landscape lighting design guide for detailed guidance on lighting design.
Seasonal Considerations for Brisbane
Brisbane's subtropical climate creates specific considerations for pool landscaping:
Summer (December-February): Peak pool season. Shade and cooling are priorities. Ensure adequate shade structures and consider misting systems for cooling. Monitor water loss due to evaporation.
Autumn (March-May): Moderate temperatures. Good season for pool entertaining. Leaf drop from deciduous trees can create maintenance issues — avoid planting deciduous trees near the pool.
Winter (June-August): Cooler temperatures reduce pool use. Focus on visual appeal and entertaining spaces. Heating (outdoor heaters, warm-water spas) extends usability.
Spring (September-November): Warming temperatures increase pool use. Spring flowering plants add visual interest. Pollen from flowering plants can create water maintenance issues — avoid planting heavy-flowering plants immediately adjacent to the pool.
Maintenance Considerations
Pool landscaping requires ongoing maintenance:
- Leaf management: Regular removal of leaves and debris from pool and surrounding areas
- Plant maintenance: Regular pruning, deadheading, and feeding
- Hardscape maintenance: Sealing, cleaning, and repair of paving and structures
- Lighting maintenance: Regular cleaning and bulb replacement
- Water feature maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance of fountains and water features
Key Takeaways
- Thoughtful pool landscaping transforms a pool from a utility into a resort-style destination
- Create clear transition zones between the pool, entertaining areas, and broader garden
- Position the pool to maximise attractive views and minimise wind exposure
- Choose pool surround materials that are slip-resistant, durable, and aesthetically appropriate
- Avoid planting aggressive-rooted or heavy-leaf-drop species near the pool
- Create multiple entertaining spaces: outdoor kitchens, shade structures, varied seating
- Integrate lighting to extend usability and create visual interest at night
- Consider seasonal variations in Brisbane's subtropical climate when planning maintenance
Ready to Transform Your Pool Area?
At DG Gardens, we specialise in creating resort-style pool landscapes that are both beautiful and functional. Our design process includes detailed site analysis, material selection, planting design, and entertaining space planning.
Book a design consultation to discuss your pool landscaping vision. We work across Brisbane and South East Queensland, and we'd be delighted to help you create the outdoor entertaining space you've been imagining.
