Do Trees Belong Around My Pool?
Trees, in general, have long been used to enhance the look of fibreglass pools by providing a more natural look for poolside areas. In Australia, they are particularly useful for the shade that they can provide for swimmers in the hotter months (which is most of the year here!) However, it’s only natural in turn to wonder how a nearby tree, or set of trees, could potentially influence your pool.
Thankfully, while your favourite tree won’t cause any serious problems for your pool, there are definitely some effects to consider. These effects will change drastically depending upon tree size and type. So, read on to decide whether or not that beautiful jacaranda tree is worth it!
Should Trees Be Kept Near My Pool Or Not At All?
As we mentioned before, there’s no reason to go running for the chainsaw. A tree won’t destroy your pool nor cause any serious damage. They will however affect your pool in certain ways that need to be noticed before they can cause any type of nuisance.
A nearby tree will affect your fibreglass pool in the following ways:
- Organic debris (leaves) falling into your pool
- Certain insects may fall into your pool as well
- Depending on the tree, critters or birds may nest nearby
- A tree may provide shade and this can affect the temperature of your pool
- Underground roots may grow around the structure of your fibreglass pool, making it difficult to remove the tree in future
The level of nuisance each of these factors may cause will depend on your personal preference. Some pool owners may not mind spending a few extra minutes skimming the leaves from their pool, but others will. It will be up to you to decide whether or not the design aesthetic that a tree brings to your pool is worth these extra factors of maintenance and upkeep.
Different Types Of Trees = Different Effects On Your Fibreglass Pool
This rule also applies to the size of surrounding trees as well as the type, too. A small tree, a young one or even hedges and shrubbery, will affect your pool significantly less. In juxtaposition, however, a large tree with many leaves and heavy branches will cause far more organic debris to fall in your pool. A large tree will also be more inviting to small animals and birds.
It’s worth noting as well that palm trees are particularly popular in certain states of Australia: these types of trees regularly drop dead branches and seeds into nearby backyards.
The type of tree is also an important factor to take note of: certain types of flora will take minimal maintenance to keep clean whereas others will drop leaves daily into your pool.
A Tree May End Up As A Home For Critters And Insects
Insects becoming trapped in pool water is part of every pool owner’s experience, regardless of whether or not a tree is nearby. What a nearby tree will do, however, is increase the number of insects that are attracted to your pool – meaning you will have to clean more.
Trees will also attract birds and local critters, and these animals may deposit droppings into your pool, affecting the chemical balance.
Leaves, Leaves And More Leaves
The biggest way a tree close to your pool will affect your day to day pool maintenance is an increase in leaves falling into your pool. This will require more cleaning on your end and closer attention paid to your pool’s chemical balance. The last thing you want is for a leaf to sink to the bottom of the pool and stain the fibreglass floor.
Although the larger number of leaves falling into your pool may not be the most dangerous thing to happen, it will simply require you to clean more frequently and for slightly longer periods.
Shady Spots Will Lower The Temperature Of Your Pool
One reason you may want a tree near your pool is for the shade that they can provide. This is especially valuable during the summer months and can even make relaxing by your poolside area far more enjoyable.
What some pool owners forget though is that this shade will affect the temperature of your pool: the more of your pool that is covered in shade, the colder it will be. Your pool overall will also take longer to heat during the winter months.
Are Trees Still Able to Be Moved After A Pool Is Installed?
This is a popular question we receive from many future pool owners, and the concern is obvious. In the vast majority of cases yes, a tree is still very much able to be moved after a pool has been installed near it.
What will be affected is the moving process itself. The professionals you hire to move the tree will have to work around the pool, adding on time and costs to the budget. What’s more, certain trees will have more aggressive and stronger root systems underground These root systems can grow quite close to your fibreglass pool and so the process of removing them must only be attempted by certified professionals.
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, all of these effects are manageable and very much sustainable alongside your pool. It will be up to you to decide whether or not the extra work cleaning will be worth the added appearance value of any nearby trees.
But now that you know trees are no reason to hold back on purchasing a fibreglass pool, it’s the perfect time to check out our award-winning range. Fill out our free online quote form today and one of our friendly, professional team members will be in touch!
