Pool Landscaping Ideas for Melbourne Homes: Design Inspiration

Creating Your Perfect Pool Environment

We often tell our clients in Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs that pool landscaping isn’t just about a water feature; it is an engineering challenge wrapped in a design opportunity. From the steep clay slopes of Doncaster to the heritage overlays in Kew, the difference between a “concrete hole” and a private resort lies entirely in how you handle the landscape.

This guide breaks down the specific strategies, costs, and plant choices that work for Melbourne’s unique climate and terrain. We will move beyond generic advice to look at soil reactivity, specific stone performance, and the exact regulations you need to know before breaking ground.

Resort-Style Pool Landscaping

The Look

Lush, tropical, and luxurious—resort-style landscaping creates a holiday-at-home ambiance. We find this style particularly effective in creating privacy for properties with overlooking neighbours.

• Dense layered planting with palms and tropical foliage
• Natural stone or timber decking
• Outdoor lounging areas and daybeds
• Water features and spill-overs

Key Plants

Palms We recommend the Phoenix roebelenii (Pygmy Date Palm) for its manageability, but be warned: it has sharp thorns near the base of the fronds.

• Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (Bangalow Palm) - Self-cleaning, meaning dead fronds drop off cleanly.
• Howea forsteriana (Kentia Palm) - Ideal for shaded corners.

Tropical Foliage

• Strelitzia nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise) - Use this for height, but keep it 2m+ from pipes due to aggressive roots.
• Cordyline ‘Red Star’ - Adds deep burgundy contrast without taking up width.
• Alcantarea imperialis (Imperial Bromeliad) - A stunning, architectural centerpiece that tolerates Melbourne winters better than smaller bromeliads.

Screening

• Bambusa textilis ‘Gracilis’ (Slender Weaver’s Bamboo) - The only bamboo we suggest near pools; it clumps rather than runs and has minimal leaf drop compared to other varieties.
• Murraya paniculata (Orange Jessamine)
• Magnolia ‘Little Gem’

Materials

Paving & Decking We often spec Travertine for resort themes, but the grade matters immensely.

• Travertine: Premium grade (fewer holes) costs approx. $69-$89/m², while installation adds another $80-$120/m².
• Timber: Spotted Gum is a durable local favorite, costing around $105/m² for materials.

Insider Tip: If you choose timber decking, ensure your builder uses stainless steel screws. Standard galvanized screws will rust rapidly near saltwater or mineral pools, staining your beautiful wood within months.

Pool Heating Costs (2025 Estimates)

Creating a resort feel means warm water. Here is what you can expect to pay for heating in Melbourne:

Best Suited For

Larger properties with sheltered microclimates. The eastern suburbs from Kew to Doncaster often provide ideal conditions.

Contemporary Minimalist Pool Landscaping

The Look

Clean lines, restrained palette, and sophisticated simplicity. We focus heavily on texture rather than colour in these designs to prevent visual fatigue.

• Geometric pool shapes
• Limited plant palette in bold groupings
• Monochromatic or limited colour scheme
• Architectural plants as sculptures

Key Plants

Structural Plants

• Agave attenuata (Fox Tail Agave) - Soft leaves make it safer near walkways than spiky varieties.
• Dasylirion wheeleri (Desert Spoon)
• Sansevieria (Snake Plant) - Excellent in pots but must be brought undercover during frost.

Mass Planting

• Lomandra ‘Tanika’ - An incredibly tough native that looks manicured with zero effort.
• Tulbaghia violacea (Society Garlic)
• Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue)

Materials

Stone Selection We consistently recommend Harkaway Bluestone for Melbourne homes. Unlike darker imported basalts which can get scorching hot (50°C+), Harkaway has a lighter tone that stays cooler underfoot. Expect to pay around $66-$89/m² for French Pattern pavers.

Glass Fencing Pro-Tip Glass fencing looks stunning but can be a nightmare to clean. We strongly advise applying a coating like EnduroShield immediately after installation. It costs about $60 for a DIY kit or ~$11 per panel factory-applied, reducing cleaning time by up to 90% by repelling water and dirt.

Best Suited For

Modern architectural homes, smaller properties where simplicity prevents visual clutter.

Australian Native Pool Landscaping

The Look

Celebrating local flora while creating a swimming pool environment. We love this style because it connects the pool area seamlessly to the wider landscape of bushland suburbs like Warrandyte or Eltham.

• Native grasses and groundcovers
• Sculptural Australian plants
• Muted colour palette with seasonal highlights
• Natural materials and organic forms

Key Plants

Feature Plants

• Tristaniopsis laurina ‘Luscious’ (Water Gum) - A far superior alternative to Eucalypts near pools; it has large, shiny leaves that are easy to scoop out and doesn’t drop nuts.
• Xanthorrhoea (Grass Trees) - An iconic architectural statement.
• Banksia integrifolia ‘Sentinel’ - A narrow, upright form perfect for tight screening.

Mass Planting

• Westringia fruticosa ‘Grey Box’ - This compact native rosemary is bulletproof against salt splashes and drought, requiring almost no pruning to keep its shape.
• Poa labillardieri (Tussock Grass)
• Grevillea ‘Bronze Rambler’

Groundcovers

• Myoporum parvifolium (Creeping Boobialla) - Excellent weed suppression.
• Viola hederacea (Native Violet)
• Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed) - A lush lawn alternative for low-traffic zones.

Materials

• Crazy paving in local Castlemaine slate or sandstone
• Recycled timber decking (Class 1 durability required)
• Corten steel edging for planters
• Gravel mulch paths (use a binding agent to stop stones entering the pool)

Best Suited For

Properties in bushland settings, homes seeking low water use, gardens where natives complement surrounding vegetation.

Mediterranean Pool Landscaping

The Look

Sun-drenched, relaxed, and perfectly suited to Melbourne’s dry summers. We design these spaces to feel established and timeless, using materials that age gracefully.

• Olive trees and lavender
• Terracotta and natural stone
• Warm colour palette
• Informal, romantic planting

Key Plants

Trees and Large Shrubs

• Lagerstroemia indica ‘Natchez’ (White Crepe Myrtle) - Offers stunning white summer flowers and high mildew resistance, which is critical for Melbourne’s humidity.
• Olea europaea (Olive) - Warning: Plant these at least 3m back from the coping; their fruit stains paving and their roots are notoriously invasive near plumbing.
• Citrus varieties in pots

Perennials and Groundcovers

• Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Chef’s Choice’ - A culinary rosemary with a higher oil content and semi-prostrate habit.
• Lavandula ‘Avonview’ - A Victorian-bred variety that handles our clay soils better than English lavender.
• Salvia varieties

Climbers

• Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) - The gold standard for a scented, green backdrop.
• Bougainvillea - Keep in pots to restrict size and thorns.
• Wisteria

Materials

• Sandstone or limestone paving (Requires sealing every 2-3 years)
• Terracotta pots and urns
• Rendered walls in warm ochre or white tones
• Gravel paths

Best Suited For

North-facing gardens, properties with Mediterranean architecture, homeowners seeking low-maintenance beauty.

Small Space Pool Solutions

Not every pool needs a large garden. We specialize in transforming compact courtyards in inner suburbs like Richmond and Prahran into functional plunge zones.

Design Strategies

• Plunge pools (typically 4m x 2.5m)
• Wall-mounted planters to save floor space
• Vertical gardens on boundary fences
• Multi-functional furniture (bench seating with pump storage inside)
• Mirror and lighting tricks to expand the visual space

The “Endless Swim” Solution

For small pools, a swim jet system is a game-changer. It turns a plunge pool into a gym.

Plant Selection

Focus on plants that provide impact without taking up ground space:

• Espaliered Citrus or Camellia on walls
• Climbing plants on wire trellis structures
• Pots that can be moved for entertaining
• Plants with architectural presence like Cycads

Maximising Impact

• Feature wall behind pool clad in stone or timber battens
• Integrated seating and planters
• Overhead structures for enclosure and shade
• Lighting for evening transformation

Practical Considerations for Melbourne

Climate Adaptation

Melbourne’s variable weather means pool landscaping must handle hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. We also have to design for:

• Reactive Clay Soils: Common in Doncaster and Templestowe, these soils expand when wet and shrink when dry (Class M or H sites). You must ensure your pool coping and surrounding paving have flexible expansion joints to prevent cracking.
• Wind Exposure: Use sturdy hedging like Westringia to create windbreaks that reduce evaporation.

Safety Regulations (Critical Data)

Victorian pool laws are strict. We ensure every design complies with AS 1926.1, which dictates:

1. Fence Height: Minimum 1200mm from finished ground level.
2. Non-Climbable Zone (NCZ): A 900mm arc on the outside of the fence where no footholds (trees, BBQs, pot plants) can exist.
3. Gate Latch: Must be at least 1.5m above the ground.

Pool-Friendly Planting

Around pools, avoid plants that:

• Drop excessive leaves or flowers (Jacaranda is a notorious pool clogger)
• Have invasive root systems (Ficus and Rubber Trees)
• Attract bees excessively near water level
• Create mess in water

Maintenance Reality

Consider the maintenance your pool landscaping will require:

• More plants = more maintenance
• Some styles require professional care
• Factor ongoing costs into decisions
• Design for realistic maintenance capacity

Working With Your Pool Builder

Landscape design should coordinate with pool construction:

• Engage landscape designer early in process
• Coordinate levels and drainage
• Plan for construction access and staging
• Consider shared contractors where appropriate

Ready to Create Your Pool Paradise?

The right pool landscaping transforms your swimming experience and extends your outdoor living. We are ready to help you navigate the permits, the design, and the construction to build a space you’ll love. Contact us to discuss your pool project and explore the possibilities for your property.