How Close to the Pool Should You Plant Trees?

Swimming pools and trees are two of the most relaxing and enjoyable things that nature has to offer. However, when they are in close proximity, it can lead to various problems. For instance, trees dropping leaves or debris into your pool can create unnecessary cleaning work. Moreover, if the tree roots extend to your pool area, it could cause the pool’s structural damage or make its cleaning maintenance challenging. Therefore, it is essential to think through the placement of trees around your swimming pool. In this article, we discuss how close to the pool, you should plant trees based on various factors.

Consider Your Location and Climate

Firstly, you need to consider your geographical location, including the climate and soil type. This is because certain trees, depending on their species, grow well in specific temperatures, and soil types. If you live in an area with a tropical climate, you might consider planting trees like palms, Hibiscus or bougainvillea. These trees are perfect for creating a tropical ambiance around the pool. Alternatively, if you live in a temperate climate, you could plant trees such as dogwood, willow, and birch to add more greenery to your pool area. Always consider how the trees will look during each season, as some trees may shed their leaves during fall, making your pool area more difficult to maintain. Therefore, choose trees that suit your climate, and are less likely to drop debris or affect the pool's water pH balance.

Consider the Size and Growth Rate of the Trees

The size and growth rate of the tree should be another crucial factor to take into account. This is because an oversized tree planted near a pool can overshadow your pool area, which could lead to a cooler pool temperature and slow down the pool's water evaporation. Additionally, the roots of the tree should not extend too close to the pool area, as they may cause structural damage to your pool's foundation. Therefore, it is imperative to choose trees that have a slow growth rate, with optimal height and width. You can avoid any unevenness of the floor surrounding the pool by planting trees at least 4 to 6 feet away from the pool deck or more depending on the tree size. To avoid damage to your pool area by the roots, it's advisable to choose shallow-rooted trees that wouldn't tear up concrete surrounding the pool. Examples of these trees include silver maple, Red Bud, and crepe myrtle.

Consider the Tree's Leaf Shedding and Debris

Another factor to consider when planting trees near the pool is the amount of leaves and debris that the tree will drop into your pool. While some trees might be perfect for creating an attractive landscape around the pool, they might also affect the pool's pH balance and cleanliness. Trees like oak or magnolia could shed large leaves, acorns, and twigs into your pool, making it difficult to keep the water clean. Therefore, it's recommended to choose trees that don't shed a lot of leaves or debris, such as the Arizona cypress which doesn't shed as much. Also, Regular pruning helps remove any leaves and branches before they fall and prevent them from entering the pool.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting trees around your pool area can add extra vibrancy and make your backyard pool feel like an oasis. However, it's essential to choose the right trees that won't affect your pool's maintenance and appearance negatively. Consider factors like climate, the size of the pool, and the amount of debris that the tree will shed. By making a well-informed decision, trees will be an eco-friendly addition to the look of your pool and back yard.