Good plants near a pool
- Ornamental grasses such as switchgrass and little bluestem (both native to Long Island): clean, salt-tolerant and full of movement.
- Boxwood and inkberry holly: evergreen structure without heavy leaf drop.
- Hydrangeas set back from the edge: big summer color that thrives on Long Island.
- Arborvitae, holly and other evergreens for privacy screening along the fence.
- Daylilies and catmint: tough perennials that handle heat and splash.
Plants to keep away from the water
- Trees that shed heavily (many oaks and maples) right over the pool
- Plants with berries or fruit that stain decks
- Thorny shrubs near walkways where people are barefoot
- Plants that attract lots of bees right at the pool edge
Keep mulch and soil out of the water
Separate planting beds from the pool deck with a border of pavers, stone or a raised edge. It keeps mulch and soil from washing onto the deck and into the filter, and it gives the space a finished look.
Patios around pools
Textured, lighter-colored pavers are popular for pool decks because they resist slipping and stay cooler underfoot. A slight slope away from the pool keeps water off the deck. See pavers vs. natural stone.
Know the barrier rules
New York's pool code requires a barrier at least 48 inches high, with self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool, and nothing placed so it can be used to climb over. Keep large shrubs, planters and walls from creating a step up to the fence. Pool barriers need town permits, so check with your building department.
Salt and sand near the shore
Near the bays and harbors, choose salt-tolerant plants like bayberry, beach plum, seaside goldenrod and native grasses. They hold up where other plants burn.
More pool-friendly plants for Long Island
| Plant | Why it works near a pool |
|---|---|
| Switchgrass | Native, upright, salt tolerant |
| Little bluestem | Native, fall color, low mess |
| Inkberry holly | Native evergreen, no thorns |
| Boxwood | Clean evergreen structure |
| Daylily | Tough, heat tolerant blooms |
| Catmint | Long bloom, drought tolerant |
Privacy around the pool
Evergreen screening along the fence line gives year-round privacy. Plant far enough off the fence that the mature width doesn't push into it, and keep anything climbable away from the barrier itself.
Drainage and splash
Pool decks shed a lot of water. Beds next to the deck need soil that drains, and patios should slope away from the pool so splash and rain don't pool. Keep sprinkler spray off the deck and out of the water.
Lighting
Low-voltage path and accent lighting makes the pool area usable after dark and helps people see steps and edges. Keep fixtures out of walkways where people walk barefoot.
