There’s a calmness to a rectangular pool that gives a backyard a clean, modern vibe that feels instantly inviting. But the pool is just the beginning. Add shaded spots for hot afternoons, a smooth deck for coffee or cocktails, and carefully chosen plants that stay tidy and vibrant, and suddenly your backyard becomes a place that comes alive!
Once you start layering in thoughtful landscaping, that rectangle pool transforms from a simple pool into a backyard that feels complete. With the right plants, lighting and hardscaping, you can turn your backyard into a place that’s lived in, loved, and beautifully suited to how you actually spend your time outdoors.
Ready to see how it all comes together?
Why rectangular pools work so well in Perth
If you’re dreaming of a backyard that feels sleek and modern, a rectangular pool might be your perfect match. And here in Perth, where yards can be on the smaller side, they make the most of every metre.
Their clean, simple shape means you get plenty of swim space without overwhelming your yard, and they pair nicely with almost any outdoor setup. Here’s why they’re such a favourite for local Perth homes:
- Fantastic for entertaining: The straight edges of a rectangle pool make it easy to arrange seating, dining and lounge areas, giving you a backyard that’s perfect for entertaining friends or hosting a relaxed alfresco dinner without any awkward gaps.
- Works well with decks, lawns and outdoor kitchens: Rectangle pools are super flexible. You can pair them with decking for style, turf for play, or an outdoor kitchen for full-on entertaining mode. Everything fits neatly around the pool, so the backyard feels beautifully cohesive.
- Family and pet-friendly: With straight edges and clear sightlines, it’s easy to keep an eye on kids or pets as they play around the pool. Thoughtful landscaping enhances safety too, with slip-resistant surfaces, compliant fencing and smart design choices working seamlessly together, so everyday life feels relaxed and worry-free.
- Amazingly easy to accessorise: From poolside lighting to fencing, pergolas, or shade sails, rectangle pools provide a simple canvas that lets you add all the extras without clashing with the design.
- Low-fuss, high-style: Let’s be honest, straight lines just look good. But beyond that, they make maintenance, cleaning and landscaping around the pool easier.
Perth-friendly plants that love the poolside
Nothing kills a poolside vibe faster than constant leaf litter or plants that need endless attention. But don’t worry, there’s a clever trick. Namely, choose greenery that’s tough, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance. These are the plants that won’t drop heaps of leaves in your pool or demand daily care to stay looking great.
In Perth’s hot, dry summers, the right selections will survive the heat, stay neat, and make your backyard feel like a stylish retreat. Here are some favourites that tick all the boxes:
- Lomandra: These soft, grass-like plants are brilliant for edging your pool. They barely drop leaves, handle Perth’s heat outstandingly well, and give your poolside that neat, polished look without you having to lift a finger.
- Westringia: A dense, hardy native that doubles as a natural screen. It keeps nosy neighbours at bay, smells lovely when it flowers, and stays tidy so you can enjoy privacy without constant pruning.
- Kangaroo Paw: If you want a stunning splash of colour that stands out, Kangaroo Paw delivers bold, sculptural blooms that will brighten your poolside. And without leaving a trail of petals to sweep up.
- Agaves & Yuccas: These are the drama queens of the garden, but in a good way. Bold, architectural and low-maintenance, they give a modern edge without dropping unwanted leaves in your pool.
- Succulents: Tiny waterwise warriors that look amazing in planters or tucked into garden beds. They’re fuss-free, sculptural and perfect if you want a lush poolside without extra work.
Hardscaping ideas to elevate your poolside
You might not think about it at first, but when planning your rectangle pool landscaping ideas, what’s underfoot matters just as much as what’s around your pool. Using the right landscaping and paving can carve out spaces for lounging, dining and alfresco fun, and subtly guide the natural flow of movement so your backyard flows naturally and feels completely relaxed.
Let’s take a look at a few great ideas to get you started:
- Timber-style decking: Sun-warmed underfoot and ready to lounge, decking sets the scene for lazy afternoons, casual meals with friends, or that first coffee in the morning sunshine.
- Porcelain and stone pavers: Porcelain or stone pavers are all about style meeting practicality. They’re durable, safe and cool enough to keep your feet happy on even the hottest days.
- Concrete coping: Concrete coping wins fans for its low-maintenance charm and fuss-free style. Plus, it keeps your pool edges looking sharp and modern year after year.
- Stepping stones or raised platforms: Raise your pool’s style factor with platforms or stepping stones. They turn your backyard into a little playground, adding height and visual interest.
Enjoy your poolside all day with clever shade
You’ve already chosen the perfect pool, picked plants that thrive in Perth’s heat, and laid down hardscaping that ties it all together. But even the most beautiful backyard isn’t fully enjoyable without a little shade.
A pergola or pavilion instantly creates a cool, inviting retreat, which is a standout choice for alfresco dining, a shaded lounge, or even a quiet spot to sip your morning coffee. Maybe you’re looking for more flexibility. This is where umbrellas are lifesavers. You can move or adjust them as the sun shifts, giving you a comfy spot wherever you are in the yard.
With these stylish solutions in place, your rectangle pool area is ready for everything from family fun to weekend entertaining.
Make your pool shine after the sun goes down
As the sun dips and the heat goes down, your poolside starts to feel different. And outdoor lighting is what makes that shift happen. When planning rectangle pool landscaping ideas, lighting is often the final layer, but it’s the one that transforms how you use your outdoor area.
Soft lighting along steps or decking, for instance, makes moving around the pool easy after dark. From there, subtle LEDs add a soft glow that lifts the mood without drawing too much attention.
Finish it off with a pendant or feature light over your alfresco area, and your backyard becomes a place for relaxed dinner conversations and fun-filled nights that stretch beyond the sunset.
Partner with Perth’s pool landscaping experts
A rectangular pool is a fantastic foundation, but landscaping is what turns it into a destination. From crisp decking and Perth-friendly plants to clever lighting and shaded retreats, every detail shapes how your family enjoys it day after day.
Luke’s Landscaping specialises in turning rectangle pool landscaping ideas into a backyard that’s as enjoyable to use as it is to look at. Reach out today and we’ll help you create a backyard where swimming, entertaining and relaxing flow naturally, and where your rectangular pool takes centre stage.
Rectangular Pool Landscaping Ideas: Your Top FAQs Answered
Yes! Rectangle pools are perfect for maximising space in smaller yards. Careful landscaping, compact decking and well-chosen Perth-friendly plants can create a stylish, open feel. Even in limited space, layering height, textures and shading makes your poolside inviting and functional without feeling cramped.
Privacy can be stylish and natural. Consider native hedges, Westringia screens, trellises, or tall planters. Combining height, texture and layering creates a subtle barrier from neighbours, and it keeps your backyard feeling open and inviting.
Safety doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Smooth, slip-resistant decking, clear sightlines and low-maintenance plants create a poolside that’s beautiful yet practical. Add integrated seating and shaded zones for supervision and comfort, so everyone can enjoy the space safely.
Layered lighting enhances both safety and mood. Soft pathway or step lighting keeps you safe, LED pool-edge lights add drama, and pendant or feature lights over alfresco areas create ambience.
