Clever Ways to Conceal Unsightly Pool Machinery with Landscaping

For homeowners with backyard pools, dealing with all the mechanical equipment like pumps, filters and heaters can be an eyesore. Luckily, there are creative landscaping solutions to mask the visibility and noise from such systems without compromising their functionality.

By incorporating natural barriers or structural enclosures into your landscape design, you can effortlessly blend these pool parts into the outdoor aesthetic. Read on for handy ideas to conceal pool equipment of all sizes and types.

Lush Plantings for a Subtle Screen

One approach is using living greenery as a natural sight and sound buffer around pool machinery. With some strategic plant choices, you can create a pleasant hidden zone for equipment instead of letting it detract from backyard tranquility.

Row of Tall Grasses

Planting long grasses like pampas grass, maiden grass or fountain grass along the perimeter of the equipment area establishes a soft, swaying partition. These hardy varieties grow in dense clumps, some over 10 feet tall, forming a living wall of foliage. Their graceful plumes billow in the breeze, adding movement and texture without total obscurity.

Bushes and Shrubs

For a more enclosed nest for machinery, medium-height bushes like holly, boxwood, rosemary or hibiscus planted tightly together can create a sturdy border. These bushy shrubs fill out as they mature to make an opaque hedge, fully blocking equipment from sight. Some varieties also have pleasant flowers or aromas.

Small trees like Japanese maples, crepe myrtles or ornamental cherries planted strategically around equipment can shade and visually separate the space when they reach 15-30 feet at maturity. Their branching canopy helps filter noise as well.

Vines and Climbers

For walls, fences or posts around pool equipment, consider vigorous climbing vines like trumpet vine, Carolina jessamine or crossvine. Fast-growing varieties like hyacinth bean vines or morning glory can completely cloak surfaces in just one season. The key is properly installing supporting trellises, mesh or cables early on so vines can latch and climb vertically as they expand.

Bamboo Copse

For tropical flair, use bamboo to hide pool parts seamlessly. Clumping bamboo species like Bambusa or Fargesia are ideal for privacy screens since they form dense upright groves. Space poles or canes a few feet apart when first planting, then watch them merge into a tall, impenetrable thicket. Ensure proper rhizome barriers on spreading varieties.

Structures and Enclosures

In addition to living screens, physical structures can effectively conceal equipment while also protecting contents from weather and animals. Simple framework additions to your landscape design help mechanize parts recede from view.

Dry Stack Stone Walls

Stone and rock formations make natural-looking backyard features, with dry stack (no mortar) walls an easy DIY option. Use a mix of boulders, slabs and gravel to build up stable partitions around equipment. Not only do these earthy barricades disguise machinery, the layers also prevent soil subsidence and drainage issues.

For a more finished look, use brick, cinder blocks or structural retaining wall blocks for sturdy foundations and panels. Mortar the units together neatly, then adorn with pots or whimsical rock stacks.

Fenced Hideaways

Simple wooden fences, lattice panels or privacy screens keep equipment tucked discretely out of sight. For compact parts, consider small storage sheds or closets that house them fully out of mind. Louvered designs allow ventilation while concealing contents.

Around heat pumps, water tanks or pool access points, erect taller privacy fences or enclosures to keep the area private yet accessible. Ensure at least a few feet clearance around equipment for service and repairs.

Landscaping Berms

For simple concealment against a home or wall, pile and slope soil to form an earthen mound around equipment. Plant berms with erosion-controlling grasses or ground cover to maintain their shape. The raised elevation not only hides machinery, but also safeguards against flooding.

To make berms more prominent, edge with stones or retaining walls, or tunnel equipment into recessed alcoves. Mounds and hills blend equipment into the topography, focusing attention elsewhere.

Sound Barriers

While concealment addresses visibility issues, reducing noise is also vital for peaceful environs. In addition to absorbing plant buffers, incorporate fence caps, soundproof barriers or insulated equipment boxes to dampen operational noise from pumps, filters and pool cleaners.

Complementary Touches

Finally, factor pleasant design details around equipment zones to complement screening methods. Subtle enhancements help spaces feel inviting instead of strictly utilitarian.

Soothing Water Features

Mask machinery clatter with more pleasant water sounds from patio fountains, contained ponds or small waterfalls. The ambient noise masks hums while making spaces more relaxing. Situate water features conveniently out of reach from equipment for safety.

Ambient Plantings

Plant aesthetically around structural boundaries with flowering vines, mixtures of ornamental grasses, herbs or rows of berry bushes. Consider raised planter boxes for convenient access. Vibrant plants make spaces enjoyable for you while obscuring contents.

Winding Paths

Guide foot traffic past equipment spaces gracefully with flat stepping stone pathways, rubble mulch trails or pea gravel walkways. Curving routes lead visitors on a scenic journey without revealing utilitarian areas.

Decorative obelisks, rainbow fountains or mosaic garden sculptures placed at path junctures also distract from machinery zones.

When tackling pool equipment concealment, consider your overall landscape style, property layout and functional needs. Formal backyard designs may warrant masonry walls and structured planting beds. Sprawling rustic spaces are perfect for natural dry stack stone borders and billowing fountain grasses.

Chat with reputable landscaping contractors early in pool construction planning. They can suggest low-maintenance plant variety and structural solutions to seamlessly incorporate required equipment from the start.

It's easy to keep pool machinery out of sight without affecting your landscape. Savvy screening creates functional, beautiful and peaceful surroundings.