Pool equipment is a part of having a pool in your yard or outdoor space. However, simply having them lying around is not a good sight, to say the least. If you’re looking to tidy up, aesthetic-wise then you should adopt these four ideas for hiding pool equipment.
Add a Pool Equipment Shed
If you have extra space in your outdoor setting then you can have a small shed added for storing your pool equipment. This can serve as storage for your other things, such as gardening tools and supplies.
Hide your shed in plain sight and make it unobtrusive by matching it with your current landscape. For instance, you can paint it the same color as your house or give it a stained texture so it can match your fence. Furthermore, you can have the pool pump hidden behind the shed or covered for a cleaner look. Just make sure to provide adequate ventilation so it won’t overheat.
You can go slightly off-tangent and build a pool house, where swimmers can change clothes or dry themselves in relative privacy. When constructing a pool shed it helps to determine the size you want before laying down the foundation. As for material, you can pick from several, including wood, concrete and metal, among others.
Create a Fence or Wall
A fence or wall is one of the quickest solutions for hiding pool equipment. The good thing about it is that you can probably construct it on your own using materials you already have in your house.
A wall serves to block the view and reduce pump motor noise. A pool filter screen can hide the pump, while vinyl privacy walls are available in most commercial stores and garden centers. A prefabricated vinyl fence panel is the recommended item since it’s very durable, inexpensive and comes in a variety of styles. You can align the panel into a wall or make it into a square for a more traditional storage setup.
Other materials to consider when hiding pool equipment via walls include glass, stone, concrete and wood. Before constructing one or having a professional do the work, consider several factors such as design, form and how you want it to blend in the background. You will also have to accommodate for size if you want it to hide your pool pump and equipment.
Build a Storage Box for Pool Equipment
A box for your pool equipment offers greater protection against the elements compared to a simple screen. They’re usually made from wood or vinyl, made to look like a fence and can be propped up via hook, piston or hinged lids.
While they’re usually made to hide or conceal the pool pump, you can make it large enough that it can accommodate large pool equipment and supplies as well. Slats provide enough ventilation so the motor won’t overheat and moisture won’t get trapped in.
It’s recommended that you use wood for constructing a DIY storage box for your pool equipment. Alternatively, you can have one made by a professional or through hardware shops and home improvement stores. It’s worth noting that having a larger box for storage is generally better than one that’s too small to hold all your pool or gardening equipment and supplies.
Plant a Hedge or Shrub
Show off your gardening skills and green thumb by planting a privacy hedge or screen that hides the pool equipment. The living screen can be made from bushy plants or shrubs, or any species you like. You can use a trellis to make vining plants move up and around, or a standalone shrub that has an upright growth habit.
When planting a hedge or screen it’s best that you choose a plant that doesn’t leave a lot of mess. Fruit shrubs and similar plants will only make it more difficult to maintain your pool, so leave them out. Instead, you can opt for evergreen plants such as honeysuckle, ivy or something similar.
Pick a plant species that’s native to your region, or those that can grow within your USDA zone. Also, follow the care requirements and maintenance so your living screen can grow lush and healthy. Remember to choose plants that have a high tolerance to salt and chlorine as well so that the pool water doesn’t kill grass or plants around your pool.