Unique, colorful landscaping really helps set the pool scene in your Arizona backyard. Of course, landscaping – like your pool – requires some maintenance to keep everything looking fresh and beautiful. But if you’d rather spend your days lounging by the pool than working in your yard, you’re in luck. Check out our top four ideas for low-maintenance swimming pool landscaping, then get back to your favorite pool float!

1. PLANT ORNAMENTAL GRASS

Ornamental grass can be particularly stunning when grown around the pool. Though some grasses will tolerate being around the pool better than others, they are all generally easy to care for and will only need to be cut back every year or so. Pick something like deer grass or bear grass for a simple green look, or mix in some color with pink muhly.

TIP: Ornamental grasses don’t shed, so plant them in beds around the pool and other areas where you might normally plant flowers.

2. OPT FOR DROUGHT-TOLERANT PLANTS

Arizona’s desert climate leads to scorching summer temperatures and low annual rain totals. The resulting drought conditions means you can spend A LOT of time watering plants if you don’t use ones can tolerate minimal watering. But, you don’t need lush landscaping to keep your yard looking great. Find drought-tolerant plants such as Texas sage or Damianita daisies for a low-maintenance pop of color.

TIP: You may need to give any drought tolerant plants an extra watering during the hottest months to keep them looking perky and radiant, but apart from biannual trimmings, all you’ll need to do is sit back and enjoy your surroundings.

3. CHOOSE POOL-FRIENDLY PLANTS

That’s right, some plants thrive better when planted near pools than others. And, some plants will give you fewer maintenance headaches than others. Select plants that are not only better able to tolerate chemicals, but also won’t shed debris or drop leaves into the pool water. If you have a saltwater pool, you’ll want plants that do well with the salt content.

TIP:  Zoysia grass, Green Island ficus and ferns are all great options, though your local nursery will likely have some great suggestions.

4. USE ARTIFICIAL TURF

Keeping a green lawn in Arizona is a huge challenge—unless you use artificial turf. Artificial turf has come a long way from its stiff, plastic appearance. It’s become a popular option for Arizona pool owners who want a more traditional-looking backyard landscape (i.e. doesn’t look like a desert) but don’t want to bother with the irrigation systems necessary for regular grass. You can even find pet-friendly turf that makes it easy to clean animal waste. Best of all, turf will stay luscious and green all year long, without the need of any watering or maintenance!

TIP: Use a mix of gravel and/or rocks and artificial turf with flagstone pathways and raised beds for a truly customized, low maintenance pool landscape.