How to Lay out a Swimming Pool Flower Bed

Drill 1/2 in holes spaced 6 to 8 inches apart in all directions in the bottom of the pool. This provides drainage and prevents the soil from becoming soggy after rains. Most plants thrive in well-drained soil and suffer if their roots remain wet for long periods.

Level the ground in the area where you intend to display your flowerbed. Rake the area smooth and fill in low areas with gravel or sand. This creates a solid base for your swimming pool garden.

Observe the path of the sun throughout the day for several days to determine the amount of light your garden area receives. Record the amount of time the garden is in full sun, partial shade and shade. This will help you choose plants that match the lighting in your location.

Mix equal parts of potting soil or garden loam, peat moss and perlite to make a planting mixture for your flowerbed. Keep in mind that garden loam may contain weed seeds, whereas commercial potting soil does not. Fill the pool to within 2 inches of the rim of the pool.

Choose plants whose height is one half to two thirds the width of the bed for the center of the bed. For example, if your pool in 6 feet in diameter, your central plants should be no more than 3 to 4 feet tall. This creates height for your flowerbed, while keeping plants in proportion to the size of the bed. Think daisies, brightly colored coneflowers or rudbeckia for your central flowers.

Choose flowers approximately one half the height of your central flowers to plant in the mid ground of the flowerbed. For a 6 foot pool, choose flowers that reach heights of 1 to 1 1/2 feet. Place them around the central flowers, following the recommended spacing.

Add low mounding flowers near the perimeter of the pool. Pansies, marigolds or dwarf snap dragons work well. Choose flowers that complement or contrast the existing colors in your flowerbed.

Complete the flower bed with trailing plants, such as wave petunias, lobelia or ivies. Tuck these around the rim of the pool and allow them to trail over the edge to extend the line of the flowerbed. Vines and trailing flowers flowing over the edges give your bed a natural appearance.