Privacy Considerations
You have an idea of the atmosphere that you want for your backyard pool, which probably doesn’t include neighbors spying on you, or being on display in your bathing suit. Be sure to incorporate privacy considerations in the design of your pool deck.
Stand on the proposed sight of your pool, looking back at your house. Can you see any of the neighbors’ windows or patio doors? Unless you block that view, they will also be able to see your pool and what is happening in and around it. Sometimes this cannot be helped due to your subdivision or the placement of neighboring homes, but you can do things to create privacy with a little creativity and forethought.
Consider installing privacy screens on the pool deck. These provide a visual break, as well as partial shade from the sun. Installing privacy screens may severely limit traffic and usability, so place them wisely. Make them as high as you feel comfortable, all the way around the pool if you need to, but remember you will have to look through them.
Think about planting a hedge or a row of evergreen trees. These can work as a green privacy screens once they are mature and aren’t offensive or unattractive. Trees should be installed a good distance away from the pool, so the roots do not conflict with the pool structure, nor there is any danger of the tree falling onto the pool.
A roofed structure, such as a gazebo or lanai can also add privacy and shade to a pool area. Place it in a spot that does not block the view from your home, but hopefully offers privacy from the neighbor’s second story windows. Match the roofing with your home or pool cabana and, if desired, use the posts and roof to plant climbing vines or plants, which will provide additional privacy, as well as visual interest.
A pool cabana can be a convenient spot for changing clothes, as well as a place for keeping maintenance supplies, pumps, heaters and water toys. Place the cabana off to the side and even consider using it as a screen to block an outsider’s view. Find out from your municipality whether there are restrictions as to where you can put a cabana or what size it permissible.
You will enjoy your backyard pool much more when you’ve taken into consideration any privacy issues. Make your pool area as much of an oasis as you prefer with privacy screens, live hedges, roofed structures and/or cabanas. The comfort of your family depends on it.