A successful pool renovation is about more than installing or updating the pool itself
The surrounding landscaping plays a major role in how the finished space looks, functions and connects with the rest of the property.
From pool paving and garden edging to planting, drainage, retaining and material selection, every element needs to work together. When the landscape is considered as part of the pool renovation from the beginning, the result feels like one cohesive outdoor space rather than a pool surrounded by disconnected features.
For this Meadowbank, Auckland pool renovation, Franc Landscapes completely rethought the existing outdoor area, creating a contemporary garden that combines practical landscaping with carefully selected materials.
Transforming a Meadowbank pool area
Led by Kevin Franc, the Auckland landscape-construction team set out to create a more functional and modern outdoor space around the client's existing pool.
“We changed the whole layout, completely transformed the space,” Kevin says.
The new landscape combines clean-lined hard landscaping, porcelain paving, macrocarpa sleepers, raised garden beds and layered planting, with each material chosen to complement the existing pool and home.
Rather than treating the pool as a standalone feature, the landscaping was designed to make it feel integrated into the garden.
This is one of the most important considerations when renovating a pool: the pool, paving, garden and surrounding materials should be designed as one space.
Choosing the right materials for pool landscaping
Material selection can make a huge difference to the finished appearance of a pool renovation.
For this Meadowbank project, pool refurbishment specialist and tiler Mario Miocevic and his team at Artisan Stone and Tile introduced a fresher and more contemporary material palette, combining the clean appearance of porcelain paving with the natural warmth of macrocarpa sleepers.
The porcelain paving provides a crisp foundation around the outdoor living areas, while the macrocarpa sleepers add texture and warmth to the garden.
Sourced through Central Landscape Supplies, the macrocarpa sleepers were used as garden edging to create definition and height, while also helping contain the bark mulch around the planting.
Why use sleepers around a pool garden?
Sleepers can be a practical landscaping solution for creating garden edging, raised garden beds and changes in level around a pool area.
They can also introduce natural texture into a contemporary landscape, helping soften hard surfaces such as porcelain paving and concrete.
For this project, the Franc Landscapes team added another small detail that elevated the finish.
A small finishing detail that makes a difference
Rather than leaving the sleeper edges square, the team created a subtle chamfer or bevel along the timber.
“For the sleepers, we like to create a chamfer, like a little bevel edge, to have a nice finish,” Kevin explains.
It may be a small detail, but these finishing touches can make a significant difference to a landscape project.
The chamfer gives the robust macrocarpa a more refined, crafted appearance and helps the timber detailing feel intentional alongside the clean lines of the porcelain paving.
Good landscaping isn't always about adding more. Sometimes it's about refining the details already there.
Using pebbles to connect the pool and garden
The planting and decorative stone were also carefully considered to tie the different areas together.
Because the existing pool plaster had a green tone, the team selected Ūruti pebbles, which feature a distinctive mix of green and blue tones.
“We have a lot of green—the pool is green itself—so there’s a lot of green and blue in those pebbles,” says Kevin.
This created a natural connection between the pool and surrounding garden rather than introducing a contrasting material that competed with the existing colour palette.
The Ūruti pebbles also provide a practical benefit: their open surface allows water to drain through, making them a useful landscaping material in areas where drainage is important.
What is the best stone or pebble to use around a pool?
There isn't one universal “best” pebble for pool landscaping. The right option depends on the colour of the pool, surrounding paving, planting, drainage requirements and overall landscape design.
For this Meadowbank renovation, green and blue-toned Ūruti pebbles complemented the existing pool while providing a practical drainage surface.
Why the right soil matters in raised garden beds
The raised garden beds were filled using lawn mix, which might seem like an unusual choice for garden planters.
However, according to Kevin, the sand content provides useful drainage within the raised beds while helping the planting maintain its intended height.
This highlights an important part of landscape construction that can easily be overlooked: what goes underneath the planting is just as important as what you see above the ground.
Choosing the right growing medium can influence drainage, plant performance and the finished levels of a garden.
Why material supply matters on a landscape project
Good design and construction are only part of a successful landscaping project. Having access to materials when they are needed can also help keep a project moving.
For this renovation, the team was able to source materials through nearby Central Landscape Supplies yards, with responsive delivery helping Franc Landscapes order products as construction progressed.
“Most of the time it comes within a few hours,” Kevin notes.
For landscape contractors, reliable access to materials can make a significant difference when a project involves multiple products and construction stages.
The finished Meadowbank pool renovation
The completed landscape brings together porcelain paving, macrocarpa sleepers, raised planting, bark mulch and Ūruti pebbles to create a cohesive outdoor space around the existing pool.
The porcelain provides structure and a contemporary feel, while the timber introduces warmth and natural character. The planting softens the hard landscaping, and the green and blue tones of the pebbles reinforce the colour of the pool.
The result is a complete transformation of the Meadowbank outdoor area—built around thoughtful material selection, practical landscaping and attention to detail.
What should you consider when landscaping around a pool?
When planning a pool renovation or pool landscaping project, consider the entire outdoor area rather than the pool in isolation.
Key considerations include:
- Paving: Choose a surface that complements the home and provides a practical area around the pool.
- Drainage: Make sure water has somewhere to go and consider how different surfaces will manage rainfall and pool splash.
- Levels: Existing pool levels, garden levels and retaining requirements should be considered early.
- Garden edging: Sleepers, stone or other edging materials can define planting areas and create clean transitions.
- Planting: Select plants that suit the conditions around the pool and soften hard landscaping.
- Materials: Consider colour, texture and how paving, timber, stone and planting work together.
- Maintenance: Think about cleaning, plant growth, mulch movement and ongoing upkeep before choosing materials.
- Access: Make sure materials and construction equipment can reach the site efficiently.
- Design: A detailed landscape plan can help ensure the finished project is practical and visually cohesive.
Pool Landscaping FAQs
How do you landscape around an existing pool?
Start by considering the pool as part of the wider landscape. Assess the existing paving, levels, drainage, planting and access before choosing new materials. From there, introduce complementary elements such as garden edging, planting, decorative stone and new paving to connect the pool with the surrounding garden.
What is the best material for pool landscaping?
The best material depends on the design and requirements of the site. Porcelain paving can provide a contemporary look, while natural timber such as macrocarpa sleepers can add warmth through garden edging and raised beds. Decorative pebbles can also provide colour and drainage in suitable areas.
Are macrocarpa sleepers good for garden edging?
Yes. Macrocarpa sleepers can be used for garden edging and raised garden beds, providing structure, definition and a natural timber finish. The way the sleepers are finished can also influence the overall appearance of the landscape.
Why is drainage important around a swimming pool?
Effective drainage helps manage rainfall, pool splash and surface water, reducing the risk of water pooling around paving, garden beds and other landscape features. Drainage should be considered during the design stage rather than treated as an afterthought.
What pebbles are good around a pool?
The right pebble depends on the colour palette, surrounding materials and drainage requirements of the landscape. For this Meadowbank project, Ūruti pebbles were selected because their green and blue tones complemented the existing green pool plaster.
What soil should be used in raised garden beds?
The appropriate growing medium depends on the plants and conditions of the garden bed. In this project, lawn mix was used because its sand content helped provide drainage while supporting the required planting levels.
How important is landscape design for a pool renovation?
Very important. A detailed landscape plan can help coordinate paving, garden beds, levels, drainage, planting and materials before construction begins. This helps create a more cohesive result and can reduce uncertainty during construction.
How much does pool landscaping cost in Auckland?
The cost of pool landscaping in Auckland varies considerably depending on the size of the area, access, existing conditions, paving, retaining, drainage, planting and materials selected. A landscape contractor can provide a more accurate estimate once the site and scope have been assessed.
Planning a pool landscaping project in Auckland?
Whether you're renovating an existing pool or redesigning the entire outdoor area, the materials surrounding the pool can be just as important as the pool itself.
Paving, sleepers, decorative stone, soil, mulch and planting all contribute to how the finished landscape looks and performs.
For this Meadowbank project, Franc Landscapes demonstrated how carefully selected materials and thoughtful detailing can completely transform an existing pool area into a cohesive, contemporary outdoor space.
Looking for landscaping materials for your next Auckland project? Explore the range available through Central Landscape Supplies or visit your local yard for advice on choosing the right products for your project.
Project credits
Landscape construction: Franc Landscapes
Location: Meadowbank, Auckland
Materials supplied by: Central Landscape Supplies
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