Creating Seamless Pool Environments
A swimming pool should be more than just a body of water—it should be the centrepiece of your outdoor living space, seamlessly integrated with surrounding gardens, entertaining areas, and the architecture of your home.
At John French Landscape Design, we specialise in pool landscaping that creates cohesive outdoor environments. From pool coping and fencing to planting design and paving, we ensure every element works together beautifully.
Our Pool Landscaping Services
Pool Coping
The coping—the edge treatment around your pool—is both functional and aesthetic. We install:
Natural Stone Coping
- Bluestone in various finishes
- Sandstone for warm tones
- Granite for durability
- Drop-face and bullnose profiles
Porcelain and Concrete
- Large format tiles
- Precast concrete units
- Honed and textured finishes
- Non-slip surfaces
All coping is installed with proper falls, expansion joints, and waterproofing to ensure long-term performance.
Pool Fencing
Victorian regulations require compliant pool fencing. We install:
Frameless Glass Fencing
- 12mm toughened safety glass
- Stainless steel spigots and hardware
- Uninterrupted pool views
- Premium contemporary aesthetic
Semi-Frameless Glass
- Glass panels with aluminium posts
- Cost-effective alternative
- Clear or tinted options
- Various post finishes
Tubular Steel Fencing
- Aluminium or steel construction
- Powder-coated finishes
- Horizontal and vertical designs
- Various colour options
All fencing is installed to AS1926.1 requirements and council specifications. For a detailed comparison of options, see our guide on glass vs aluminium pool fencing.
Pool Surrounds
The paving around your pool creates the entertaining platform:
Material Options
- Natural stone (Bluestone, Sandstone, Granite)
- Porcelain tiles on concrete
- Exposed aggregate concrete
- Timber decking (with careful selection)
Design Considerations
- Non-slip surfaces essential
- Falls away from pool
- Integration with coping
- Space for furniture and circulation
Poolside Planting
Choosing the right plants for pool areas requires care:
What We Consider
- Low debris (avoiding leaf drop into pool)
- Non-invasive roots
- Salt tolerance (for saltwater pools)
- Year-round interest
- Low allergen species
Planting Styles
- Tropical resort themes
- Australian native palettes
- Mediterranean influences
- Contemporary minimalist
Outdoor Structures
Complete your pool area with:
- Pool houses and pavilions: Shelter and storage
- Pergolas and shade sails: Protection from sun
- Outdoor showers: Convenient pool access
- Cabanas: Poolside entertaining
Design Integration
The most successful pool landscapes consider the whole property:
Views and Sightlines
- Pool positioned for best aspect
- Views from inside the home
- Privacy from neighbours
- Visual connection to garden
Circulation
- Easy access from house
- Flow around pool area
- Connection to other garden zones
- Service access for maintenance
Level Changes
- Pools on sloping sites
- Retaining walls as features
- Stepped terracing around pool
- Elevated viewing areas
Working with Pool Builders
We work alongside Melbourne’s leading pool builders to ensure seamless integration:
Our Collaboration Process
- Early involvement: Consultation during pool planning
- Coordinated design: Landscape design matched to pool
- Construction timing: Sequenced with pool installation
- Final integration: Completion after pool handover
What We Need
- Pool shell plans and dimensions
- Equipment location details
- Fencing requirements
- Drainage and service layouts
Compliance and Safety
Pool landscaping must meet strict requirements:
Fencing Regulations
- Compliant barrier heights
- Gate and latch specifications
- Climbing zone requirements
- Council inspection
Surface Safety
- Non-slip finishes
- Adequate falls for drainage
- No trip hazards
- Appropriate material selection
Water Management
- Drainage to stormwater
- Pool overflow management
- Garden irrigation separation
- Backwash disposal
Investment Considerations
Pool landscaping typically represents 25-40% of total pool project costs. Investment includes:
- Pool coping and edging
- Compliant fencing
- Paving and decking
- Planting and irrigation
- Outdoor structures
A well-landscaped pool area significantly enhances both enjoyment and property value.
Ready to Complete Your Pool Area?
Whether you’re planning a new pool or upgrading an existing one, contact us to discuss your pool landscaping project. We’ll help create an outdoor environment that maximises your pool investment.
