Make Your Pool Part of a Backyard You Love

A pool is only part of the picture. The paving underfoot, the planting around the boundary and the space to sit, dry off or watch the kids all shape how your backyard feels and functions.

Zones designs and builds pool landscaping and pool surrounds across the Northern Beaches, from Belrose and Frenchs Forest to Collaroy and Seaforth. Whether you’re finishing a newly installed pool or updating tired surrounds, we bring the layout, materials and landscaping together to create a space that suits your home and how you spend time outdoors.

Pool Surrounds Designed Around How You Live

Good pool landscaping starts with what happens beyond the water. You might need room for sun loungers, a shaded spot for supervising children, or a clear connection between the pool and your outdoor dining area.

Your local Zones consultant considers access, changes in level, drainage, privacy and maintenance from the start. We also look at how the pool connects with your lawn, garden and home, so the finished backyard feels cohesive and easy to use.

Pool Paving, Coping and Decking

The right pool surround needs to feel good underfoot and stand up to regular splashing, sun and everyday use. Zones can help you compare natural stone, porcelain pavers, concrete finishes, and timber or composite decking to find an option that suits your design and budget.

We consider slip resistance, heat underfoot, maintenance and suitability for your pool environment. Pool coping - the edging around the pool - is selected alongside the surrounding surfaces for a coordinated finish.

If you’re renovating an existing pool area, we assess the condition of the surrounds and help you decide what can stay and what needs replacing.

Planting, Privacy and Shade Around Your Pool

Planting can soften hard surfaces, screen neighbouring properties and give your pool area a more relaxed feel. The key is choosing plants that suit the available space and conditions without creating unnecessary maintenance.

For Northern Beaches gardens, we consider coastal exposure, wind, sunlight, leaf litter and the position of roots near paving and pool structures. Depending on your site, your design might include layered garden beds, screening plants, feature planting or pots for smaller spaces.

Shade can also form part of the plan, with a pergola, covered patio or other shade structure positioned to support comfortable poolside living.

Pool Fencing, Lighting and the Finishing Details

Practical details make a big difference to the finished space. Pool fencing needs to work with the landscape design while meeting applicable safety requirements. Lighting can help define paths, steps and entertaining areas, while thoughtful drainage helps manage water around paved surfaces.

Depending on your project, Zones can coordinate:

• Pool paving, coping and decking
• Pool fencing and gates
• Garden beds and privacy planting
• Retaining walls and steps
• Drainage and landscape lighting
• Poolside seating and shade
• Connections to alfresco areas and outdoor kitchens

We plan these elements together, helping you avoid a series of disconnected additions.

One Point of Contact for Your Pool Landscaping

Pool landscaping can involve several trades, especially when paving, fencing, electrical work and changes in level are involved. Zones gives you one point of contact to guide the design, establish the scope and coordinate the work.

If you’re installing a new pool through a separate pool builder, we can plan the surrounding landscaping around their specifications and construction schedule. For existing pools, we can redesign the surrounding area to improve its appearance, usability and connection to the rest of your backyard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you landscape around an existing pool?

Yes. Zones can help update existing pool surrounds with new paving or decking, planting, fencing, lighting and entertaining spaces. We assess the existing area before recommending a design and scope of work.

What is the best material for pool surrounds?

The best choice depends on your budget, preferred look and site conditions. Natural stone, porcelain, concrete, timber and composite decking each have different benefits and maintenance needs. We help you compare suitable options, including slip resistance and how warm they may feel in direct sun.

Can you help with a small or sloping pool area?

Yes. Smaller spaces benefit from careful planning of seating, access and planting, while sloping sites may need retaining walls, steps or changes in level. Your design will reflect the space available and any structural requirements.

How much does pool landscaping cost?

Costs depend on the size of the area, site access, materials and the work involved. Replacing paving and planting around an existing pool has a different scope from a full backyard renovation with retaining walls, fencing and an alfresco area. A consultation helps establish your priorities and a realistic budget.

Do pool landscaping projects need approval?

Some work may require approval, particularly where structures, retaining walls or changes to pool barriers are involved. Zones can help identify the requirements for your proposed project and coordinate any necessary approvals.

Ready to Transform Your Pool Area?

Book a free consultation with your local Zones Northern Beaches landscaping specialist. We’ll help you bring your pool surrounds, gardens and outdoor living spaces together.