Forums » Discussions » Swimming Pool Landscaping with Steel Edging (Case Study)

kafeelansari1
Avatar

40 Swimming Pool Landscaping Ideas | HGTV

Landscaping around a swimming pool plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall aesthetic and functional appeal of outdoor spaces. Among various landscaping techniques, using steel edging has gained popularity due to its durability swimming pool landscaping, sleek appearance, and versatility. This case study explores the successful implementation of steel edging in swimming pool landscaping, highlighting design choices, installation process, and benefits.

Project Overview

The project involved landscaping the backyard of a residential property featuring a medium-sized swimming pool. The homeowner aimed for a modern, clean-lined look that would complement the pool’s architecture and improve the durability of surrounding garden beds and walkways.

Why Steel Edging?

Traditional pool landscaping often uses concrete, stone, or plastic edging. However, steel edging offers distinct advantages:

Durability: Steel edging is highly resistant to weather, wear, and corrosion when properly treated, making it ideal for wet environments.

Clean Lines: The slim profile of steel creates sharp, precise boundaries that enhance modern design aesthetics.

Low Maintenance: Unlike wood or plastic, steel doesn’t warp, crack, or fade, reducing upkeep over time.

Flexibility: Steel can be bent and shaped on-site to fit curved or irregular pool shapes.

Design and Planning

The landscaping team decided to use corten steel edging, which develops a natural rust-like patina that protects the material and adds a warm, earthy tone contrasting beautifully with the cool blue of the pool water.

Key design elements included:

Creating defined garden beds with ornamental grasses and succulents to soften the hard edges.

Installing a narrow steel edge along the perimeter of the paved pool deck to separate the walking surface from the planting areas.

Using the steel edging to create gentle curves that echo the pool’s shape, providing visual harmony.

Installation Process

Site Preparation: The area around the pool was cleared, and existing edging removed.

Trenching: A narrow trench was dug along the designated edging line, ensuring proper depth for steel panels.

Edging Placement: Pre-cut steel panels were shaped and anchored securely into the trench with spikes and concrete where necessary.

Backfilling: Soil was replaced behind the steel edging, compacted to hold the edge firmly.

Finishing Touches: Mulch and plants were added to garden beds, and the pool deck was cleaned to highlight the sharp edging.

Results and Benefits

Visual Appeal: The steel edging provided a clean, modern look that enhanced the pool area’s design.

Functional Separation: It effectively separated plants from the pool deck, preventing soil erosion and keeping the deck clean.

Longevity: The steel showed excellent resistance to moisture and sun exposure during follow-up inspections.

Customer Satisfaction: The homeowner was pleased with the minimal maintenance and contemporary style.

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates that steel edging is a practical and stylish solution for swimming pool landscaping. Its durability, adaptability, and sleek appearance make it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a modern outdoor environment with long-lasting appeal. For anyone considering pool landscaping, steel edging offers both functional benefits and a visually striking finish.