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Cindy Randall is the director of Perth Landscaping & Gardening, and knows how important it is to have your outdoor space looking good during the hot season. “The right poolside set up can act as another living space – it really opens up your home.”

Ms Randall has shared some of her top tips below to help you out.

Lighting

Lighting is a great way to give your pool area impact. “It looks amazing and means that once it gets dark the fun doesn’t have to move inside,” Ms Randall notes.

Pool lighting is ambient and looks very luxurious. Also due to the popularity of it, there are lots of options available for people to try out.

Shade

A generous amount of shade around and over your pool will mean that you will get the most out of your pool area this summer. Pergolas and cabanas will add some much needed reprieve from the summer sun.

Ms Randall recommends decking this shaded space out with a comfortable outdoor lounge or hanging hammock so you and the family can really relax.

Plants

When it comes to plants, Ms Randall cautions people against going it alone. “A lot of designers and DIYers can create beautiful pictures on paper, but actually include invasive root species that will destroy the pool’s infrastructure.”

Instead she recommends consulting at the very least a horticulturalist. It is also best to go for evergreen plants that don’t shed too much debris. Shedding leaves and flowers means more clean up for you.

If you are low on space, Ms Randall recommends creeping vines for your fence line.

Practical fencing

Ms Randall recommends that your fencing leans towards practical and functional options. While big screens of glass look beautiful, they need to be cleaned and looked after regularly.

Your fence should also give you a full view of the pool, not only because it looks great, but so kids can play safely if you are watching from the house.

Water features

Water features really add a wow factor to your pool area that never fails to impress. Fountains and cascades add a point of difference and also offer a nice comforting background sound.

“And it’s fun for the kids to play around under as well!”

Use the space

Many people are getting clever with the space they have when it comes to pool areas.

We know that when you are short on space, it can be difficult to justify all the bells and whistles. But if you consult a landscaper and a horticulturalist you can ensure that your pool area is just as stunning as the ones in magazines.

Lean into livability

When it comes to your poolside, you need to be thinking about the livability of that space for you and your family. “We are always thinking about livability with our designs because that is what will keep it looking good,” Ms Randall notes.

So think about your pool area realistically. Will those plants make lots of mess, will that fence get dirty, is that material a slip hazard?

With livability in mind, your pool will be your very own summer haven.

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