Poolside Landscaping: What to Know Before You Build

If you’re installing a pool in Iowa, don’t wait until it’s finished to think about landscaping. The area around your pool is just as important as the pool itself—and a well-designed landscape can improve safety, function, and long-term value. Whether you’re building new or upgrading an existing pool, here’s what to consider when planning poolside landscaping in Iowa.

1. Start with the Right Hardscape
Pavers are a smart, durable choice for pool decks in Iowa. They resist cracking during freeze-thaw cycles, drain water efficiently, and can be customized to match your home’s style. Escape Landscaping installs paver patios designed specifically for pool environments, with options for slip-resistant finishes and integrated seating walls. We also offer coping and step solutions to create seamless transitions between the pool and surrounding spaces.

2. Think Drainage and Grading First
Pools change the way water flows through your yard. Without proper grading and drainage, you risk flooding plant beds, pooling around the foundation, or waterlogged turf. We evaluate your entire yard layout before construction begins—making sure water moves away from the pool, not toward it. Retaining walls or subtle elevation changes may be needed to guide runoff in sloped areas.

3. Add Turf for Low-Maintenance Zones
Artificial turf is a great addition to poolside areas. It eliminates muddy patches, reduces slipping hazards, and stays green no matter how often it’s walked on. We install turf around pools, under lounge chairs, and in small transition areas where grass would normally struggle. It’s soft, clean, and ideal for relaxing without the mess of dirt or mulch.

4. Frame the Pool with Functional Planting Beds
Smart planting adds privacy, color, and shade without extra maintenance. We design poolside beds that use heat-tolerant, low-shedding plants suited for Iowa’s climate—so you won’t be fishing debris out of your water every weekend. Gravel or stone mulch keeps weeds down and drainage up. Proper spacing also prevents overgrowth and root intrusion near pool plumbing.

5. Incorporate Retaining Walls for Elevated Spaces
If your yard has a slope or your pool sits on a lower level, retaining walls offer both structural support and visual impact. They can define the edge of your pool zone, create tiers for lounge areas, or frame a built-in fire pit nearby. Escape Landscaping builds walls that match or complement your hardscape to create a cohesive outdoor environment.

6. Extend Pool Time with Lighting and Features
Poolside lighting not only improves safety but makes the space usable after dark. We install low-voltage landscape lighting, under-cap wall lights, and path lights to illuminate your outdoor area without harsh glare. Additions like fire features, pergolas, or built-in planters can help soften hard edges and create a luxury resort feel right in your backyard.

7. Plan for Long-Term Maintenance
Every feature we install is designed with Iowa’s seasons in mind. From durable pavers to freeze-resistant turf systems and properly drained planting beds, we help pool owners avoid costly repairs and high-maintenance zones. Our team also offers seasonal service packages to keep your entire landscape performing at its best, long after the pool is filled.

Design Your Poolside Landscape the Right Way
At Escape Landscaping, we help homeowners across Iowa create poolside environments that are beautiful, functional, and built to last. Whether you’re planning a pool for next season or improving the space around an existing one, our team will guide you through layout, materials, grading, and plant selection.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and design a poolside landscape that’s ready for every season.