Backyard Paradise: 25 Spectacular Tropical Pool Landscaping Ideas (2024)

  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

by Sherry Nothingam | Published 3/3/16 (Updated 3/7/16)

Whether you want to spend your next vacation at home and enjoy a more relaxing and cost-effective ‘me time’ approach, or you want a stunning backyard that plays host to friends and family over the weekend – a fabulous pool and deck are an absolute must. And few styles turn this space into a refreshing, exotic and amazing retreat like tropical. Tropical-style landscape around the pool is easy to recreate if you live in a sub-tropical or tropical region. But even those away from the equator can get in on the fun with the right choice of plants and the perfect pool design.

Integrating the tropical backyard with the pool is pretty easy to accomplish, and the result is often spectacular. From the modest and the urbane to the extravagant and amazing, here are 25 ideas that will inspire you to bring home a splash of tropical goodness.

A Stunning Staycation

The idea of a beautiful vacation has always been intertwined with images of sandy beaches, plenty of sunshine, and of course lush greens and gorgeous, colorful flowers. A tropical landscape surrounding a stunning pool and deck that matches its profile brings this beautiful haven into your backyard. Sure, some of the more incredible inspirations that you come across here are not easy to replicate, but borrow individual elements from each one of them and adapt them to your own backyard for that perfect, rejuvenating escape.

These little details could be something as simple as those striking palms, bougainvillea or other flowering plants that you came across on your recent trip to Hawaii, or an addition more complex like the outdoor shower surrounded by greenery or a luxurious Jacuzzi. From fire pits to Tiki torches and cabanas to pergolas, they all play into the overall aura of the tropical landscape.

Small Tropical Pool Landscape Design

Do not be dissuaded from adopting a tropical style for your backyard and pool just because all the images you see seem expansive and far too expensive to replicate. Even that tiny, urban backyard can be transformed into a magical, personal getaway by simply adding a small pool and surrounding it with the right tropical plants, shrubs and even a few creepers. A small poolside deck complete with a couple of outdoor loungers and a cozy fireplace will complete this dreamy and intimate getaway that feels far more apt for romantic summer evenings!

Making It Extra Special!

The garden landscape around the pool with a tropical theme often is filled with some natural rocks, plenty of greenery and a few colorful, flowering plants to top it all off. But for those looking to go the extra mile, the pool with waterfall is the perfect option that promises loads of fun for everyone in the family. Then there is the slide, an addition that influences both the garden landscape pool and the never-ending joy of little ones in your home! A walkway or bridge, a grotto that doubles as an outdoor bar or even a home cinema setting are all options for those looking to utilize their tropical backyard in more ways than one.

Becoming One with Your Home

A big part of designing the pool landscape and the garden around it is finding a way to integrate it with the rest of your home. While most modern homes look perfectly fine when combined with a tropical poolscape, those contemporary and minimal residences in an urban setting might feel a bit out of place. To overcome this issue, combine contemporary ergonomics that offer sleek design and clean straight lines with tropical foliage, motifs and décor to get the best of both worlds. Another popular style that easily blends with tropical is Mediterranean. Irrespective of the style you merge it with, you can rest assured that the tropical flavor of your pool and the landscape around it will shine through!

Sherry is a blogger who loves to live her life to the fullest. She enjoys everything associated with design, décor and stylish modern trends. Born in California, Sherry has grown up on open ranches and in a wild setting, which has defined her taste for design and developed her interest in examining how structures and homes interact with the beauti[...]

Next Post

Backyard Paradise: 25 Spectacular Tropical Pool Landscaping Ideas (2024)

FAQs

How do I make my backyard look like a tropical paradise? ›

Here are twelve tropical backyard ideas to inspire the metamorphosis.
  1. Create Layers of Green. ...
  2. Infuse the Space With Soft Lighting. ...
  3. Incorporate Water Features. ...
  4. Upgrade the Seating Area. ...
  5. Attract Wildlife. ...
  6. Install Bamboo Fencing. ...
  7. Build a Tiki Bar. ...
  8. Add Tropical Decor.

How to make a pool area look tropical? ›

Pool Friendly Plants and Trees

Blocking your pool paradise from the rest of the world will help make it even more of a tropical getaway. Since it will take quite a few plants to line the perimeter of your pool area, we recommend planting a mixture of shrubs or trees instead of one single thing.

What can I put around my above ground pool to make it look nice? ›

You can help an inexpensive above-ground pool look more attractive by landscaping the base. From simple rock borders to grasses, plants, or flowers, adding landscaping will soften the edges of an above-ground pool and can be adapted to suit the style of your outdoor space, from minimal to lush.

Are birds of paradise good around pools? ›

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

2 Bird of Paradise is easy to grow inside, so if you're in a cooler climate, overwinter the plant and move it outside in summer. Bird of Paradise is an excellent choice for poolscape—it does not shed and is strong enough to tolerate splashing (in moderation, of course).

How to turn your backyard into a tropical oasis? ›

Six Steps to Turn Your Backyard into a Tropical Paradise
  1. Incorporate Lots of Plants. The key to having a lush, tropical paradise is to have lots of greenery such as plants, trees, and shrubs. ...
  2. Put in Bright and Exotic Flowers. ...
  3. Add a Water Feature. ...
  4. Include Stone Features. ...
  5. Integrate Comfortable Seating. ...
  6. Put in Soft Lighting.
Jul 13, 2020

How do I beautify my pool area? ›

Many pool owners simply build a concrete pathway surrounding the pool in lieu of landscaping. Instead, if you want a truly beautiful pool area, imagine upgraded pavers, terrific lighting, aromatic flowers, and inviting seating spaces. These add-ons will make your backyard and pool area a sight to behold.

What color makes pool look bigger? ›

Choosing lighter pool colors can create the illusion of more space and make your pool more of a focal point within your backyard. Pearlescent white shades or lighter grays and blues can really make your pool pop and stand out more!

Why do people put rocks around above ground pools? ›

It is common to add rocks or mulch around the perimeter of an above-ground pool as this can be aesthetically pleasing in addition to helping to prevent erosion and stop grass and other foliage from growing against the wall of the pool.

How can I make my pool look expensive? ›

How to Make Your Pool Look Luxurious on a Budget
  1. Up Your Pool Maintenance Routine. Nothing ruins the aesthetic of a pool more than dirt, leaves, floaties, and grime. ...
  2. Add Gorgeous Plants. ...
  3. Invest in Some Luxurious Accessories.
Sep 30, 2021

What is the best mulch for around a pool? ›

Choosing the Best Mulch for your Swimming Pool Landscaping

If you use any type of natural mulch around the pool, you can count on finding floating pieces or disintegrating materials in the water and in your filters. Simply put, rubber mulch stays in place. It won't blow into the pool with other leaves or debris.

What is the best plant to plant around a pool? ›

Basil, citronella, and geraniums are great to use as potted plants around a pool area in order to make your time outdoors more enjoyable. Since you're using potted plants, you can easily move them around the pool as needed.

Do birds of paradise attract bugs? ›

Birds of paradise are susceptible to scale, mealy bugs, and spider mites, but these pests are easy to spot and address.

Are hibiscus good around pools? ›

#5: Hibiscus flowers

Not only do its gorgeous, red and orange petals evoke tropical imagery, but they are also perfect for planting near the pool. They do need full sunlight, but some hibiscus varieties can withstand cooler conditions.

How do I turn my backyard into paradise? ›

Add Lushness with Plants

Surround your outdoor space with lush greenery. Plant containers with eye-catching varieties and arrange them near the seating area to provide living decor. A shallow planter filled with succulents can serve as a beautiful centerpiece for an outdoor table.

How do I make my patio look tropical? ›

Surround yourself with plants.

Surrounding yourself with plants, whether you use pots on your patio or garden beds filled with fantastic foliage and flowers, is a key element of making your garden feel more tropical.

How do I make my backyard feel like an oasis? ›

21 Backyard Oasis Ideas To Create A Dreamy Outdoor Space
  1. Use Plants to Your Advantage. ...
  2. Add Lights. ...
  3. Invest in Items That Last. ...
  4. Create Shade. ...
  5. Eliminate Weed, Without Harsh Chemicals. ...
  6. Create a Gathering Place with a Cozy Fire Pit. ...
  7. Soothe Your Senses with a Water Feature. ...
  8. Lounge in Style with Comfortable Outdoor Seating.

How can I make my house feel tropical? ›

Consider using materials like rattan or wicker furniture to create a laid-back and breezy island vibe. Introduce bamboo blinds or jute rugs for a touch of tropical authenticity. Embrace the raw beauty of wooden accents, whether it's a coffee table made from reclaimed driftwood or a set of carved wooden wall hangings.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanael Baumbach

Last Updated:

Views: 5909

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanael Baumbach

Birthday: 1998-12-02

Address: Apt. 829 751 Glover View, West Orlando, IN 22436

Phone: +901025288581

Job: Internal IT Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Motor sports, Flying, Skiing, Hooping, Lego building, Ice skating

Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.