Sustainable pool landscape: are you aware?

Many of our urban landscapes are resource-hungry environments that require high inputs of energy, water, nutrients and chemicals.

Pool landscapes are no exception. So it's time to shed any preconceptions of brown-tinged natives, unruly grasses and scraggly flowers and get into the good-looking sustainable stuff. 

So what is a sustainable landscape?

According to Outdoor Creations' David Kirkpatrick, it's a natural system that has the resources to be self-maintaining. Plant choice and water consumption play a large part. "Lawns can consume far more water than Australian natives, natives less than exotics and cacti and succulents even less," says David.

"South African plants like proteas are also low-water-use vegetation. Some plants also support others by providing nutrients those plants are lacking."

David reports a disappointing lack of requests for sustainable landscapes. "However, we are constantly trying to weave sustainable elements into our landscapes, like using mulch and persuading people to install water tanks." Using recycled mulch on garden beds helps prevent water loss and weed growth, maintain constant soil temperature and release water and nutrients back into the soil. It can also be a haven for beneficial insects.

Sustainable garden leads to sustainable pools

Similarly, a sustainable garden may accommodate nesting spots for birds that feed on thrip, aphids and scale, thus minimising the need for pesticides.

David recommends water tanks that hold a minimum 10,000 litres for an average block (this doesn't include filling the pool). A water tank of sufficient size next to the pool will top up the pool as well as irrigate the garden. Good design will also use the topography of the landscape to channel water where it's needed.

Taking account of existing vegetation for windbreaks, shading and views is essential in sustainable landscape design. Wind is one of the highest causes of evaporation. "Natives like lilly pillys make fabulous windbreaks - also she-oaks, grevilleas and hakeas," says David. "Regular pruning is the secret - it results in dense rather than scraggly foliage, more flowers and it doubles the lifespan of the plant."

Garden plants for your backyard

The right plant choice can mean big reductions in heating and cooling costs. "Exotics like silver birches, ashes, flowering pears and other deciduous plants offer excellent shade protection in summer, but allow the sun to penetrate in winter," says David.

Some food-producing gardens are compatible with pool landscapes. "Evergreen fruiting trees such as Feijoa, citrus, and herbs like rosemary, lavender, thyme are good choices - even border plantings using attractive vegetables like chilli, parsley, chives and some mint," David says.

This is what green dreams are made of. Enlist a professional, adopt a sustainable approach and you'll not only end up with a pool landscape that's great on your eyes, nose and taste buds, but one nature will thank you for.

Contact a landscape designer in your area to find out more about a sustainable pool landscape: