Whether you already have a saltwater pool or are going to be renovating your current chlorinated pool into one, it’s important for pool owners to recognize that not all plants fair as well as the next when it comes to salt water. Saltwater pools produce a large amount of salt that then mixes in with the soil, which hinders a plant’s ability to absorb water properly from that soil.
The good news is that there are a number of attractive plants out there that saltwater pool owners can plant near and around the pool. Let’s start by looking at the most popular category for pool plants:
The Best Foliage And Flowers For Saltwater Pools
Foliage and flowers are usually the top choice for plants for around the pool because of their bright and exciting shapes and colors. Some of the best include:
- Lantana plants
- Portulaca
- Kalachoe
- Daylilies (though these are the least tolerant on this list)
- Ivy geraniums
- Coleus blumei
- Prickly pear cactus
The Best Vine And Groundcover Plants For Saltwater Pools
Whether it’s a pergola, a fence, or the ground itself that you’re looking to add some extra color and dimension to, here are the top salt tolerant vines and groundcovers:
- English Ivy Plants (though do be warned – these plants are invasive so you’ll be needing to keep up with your weeding)
- Bar harbor juniper (this is a top choice for anyone looking to eliminate or reduce debris in their pool)
- Lily
- Virginia Creeper vines
The Best Shrubs For Saltwater Pools
Shrubs can add some privacy and customization to any pool, with a favorite being:
- Winterberry holly (this shrub rarely sheds, so you won’t end up with a ton of unwanted debris in your pool)
- Rosa rugosa (also known as the “beach rose)
- Sumac
- Yucca
- Oleander
Dhruv Gangwal
Dhruv Gangwal is the Marketing Director at Shasta Pools, Arizona’s leading pool builder. With extensive experience in strategic marketing, consumer behavior, and the evolving trends of outdoor living, Dhruv is dedicated to helping homeowners make informed, confident decisions about their pool investments. He works closely with Shasta’s design and sales teams to craft educational resources that simplify the pool-buying process and highlight the latest innovations in backyard living. Known for his customer-first approach and data-driven insights, Dhruv’s articles provide practical advice that homeowners can trust. When he’s not developing marketing strategies, he’s staying ahead of industry trends, exploring new ways to enhance the homeowner experience, and studying how outdoor living spaces continue to shape modern lifestyles.
