Why Use Artificial Plants Around Your Swimming Pool?

Summer is just around the corner, and you're eager to take a dip in your pool! But have you noticed lately? After a harsh winter, your pool surround can look like a barren wasteland, devoid of life. So, now is the time to spruce it up. Given the typical challenges of maintaining a beautiful poolside landscape, real plants often seem to be unable to cope. That's where artificial greenery comes in handy! Why? Let's take a look at the advantages of choosing artificial plants and how to choose outdoor artificial plants for your swimming pool.

Why Choose Artificial Plants Over Real Ones For Poolside Areas?

If you want to enjoy the beautiful poolside all year round, we suggest you choosing artificial plants. Though the initial purchase price of artificial plants may be higher than that of real plants, considering the long-term savings in water, chemicals, replacements, and especially labor costs, artificial plants are undoubtedly a very cost-effective and reliable investment. You will know the reasons from the following aspects:

Real plants require a lot of care. You have to remember to water and prune them regularly. You may also encounter aphids, caterpillars or other insects that can damage the leaves of the plants. However, artificial poolside plants can save you from all these troubles and they have low maintenance. These fake plants are designed to thrive in the harsh conditions for the swimming pool area.

Real plants’ fallen leaves, petals or other plant debris can clog the pool filter, resulting in expensive repairs and maintenance. They can also stain the swimming pool deck, making it look unsightly. While poolside artificial plants, you don't have to worry about these problems, because they are low maintenance.

Some real plants have thorns and poisonous leaves. They also attract bees and wasps, which are not only a nuisance, but also potentially dangerous to aquatic plants, especially for those who are allergic to thorns. While artificial plants don’t have them.

Pool water contains chlorine, which is key to keeping your pool clean, but is toxic to real plants, even a small amount. Similarly, in saltwater swimming pools, the high salt content is a major hindrance to real plants. However, fake plants are resistant to both chlorine and salt water.

Are Artificial Plants Good For Outdoors Pools?

Obviously, the answer is yes. And we need to choose high-quality artificial plants designed for outdoor use. Because the poolside environment is composed of several harsh elements that can quickly damage or kill ordinary plants. What conditions do artificial plants need to meet for poolside?
Choose artificial plants made of high-quality UV-resistant materials. Because the sun's rays have strong ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are often amplified by the reflection of swimming pool water. Polyethylene (PE) materials are a popular choice, especially when inhibitors are added directly to the resin during the manufacturing process. This prevents strong sunlight exposure from causing severe fading and deterioration of the plants.

Artificial plants must be made of inherently waterproof materials. This way the outdoor artificial plants will not break down, rot, or breed mold when exposed to rain, humidity, and swimming pool water spray (whether chlorine or salt water). Outdoor wind-resistant artificial plants need to be able to withstand temperature fluctuations and the bad weather. They can provide lasting beauty without being fragile in the harsh swimming pool environment like real plants.

So, when sourcing artificial poolside plants, it’s a good idea to ask for UV testing data, such as results to the ASTM G154 standard, as well as warranty coverage against fade. This will give you peace of mind and ensure your investment will last for years.

What are the Most Realistic and Durable Artificial Plants for Pool Environments?

The realism and durability of outdoor artificial pool plants is directly related to the quality of the materials and manufacturing process used to make them. Some people may choose artificial plants made primarily of silk, fabric, or low-grade plastics, which often lack the necessary durability to withstand long exposure to the sun and chemical splashes of poolside.

The most realistic and durable artificial pool plants are usually made using high-grade polyethylene (PE) plastics, with HDPE often used for structural components.Polyethylene (PE) plastic is ideal for outdoor use, especially around swimming pools. Its inherent water resistance makes it ideal for areas that are frequently exposed to water. During the production process, it can effectively incorporate UV inhibitors, which is essential for withstanding the strong sunlight around swimming pools. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) goes a step further and adds additional rigidity and chemical resistance. This is especially beneficial for larger plants or plants located in high-splash areas, which need to be more rugged to withstand the elements.

Also, when looking for these plants, pay attention to details. Look for products with detailed leaf molds. These molds should capture the natural texture and vein patterns of real plants to make them look as realistic as possible. A sophisticated color blend is also crucial, as it creates realistic color variations, just like you would see in nature.

Popular styles that meet these criteria and fit the poolside aesthetic are artificial palm trees. Varieties such as the Areca, Kentia, and Fishtail artificial palm trees can bring a tropical feel to a swimming pool area. Cycads have unique leaves that add a hint of exoticism. Various ferns can create a lush green vibe, while Agaves provide a more architectural element. Birds of Paradise can create a bold vibe, and Ficus can add a touch of elegance. Olive trees can add a Mediterranean feel, while Boxwood is ideal for creating hedges, privacy screens, or topiary trees that can help define a swimming pool area.

What Creative Pool Decoration Ideas Use Artificial Plants?

Artificial plants can provide us with endless creative possibilities when you design the pool landscape. The following ideas can be used for your reference, or you can use your ingenuity to create more possibilities.

1.Combine the outdoor artificial plants with the surrounding structure beside the swimming pool. You can install impact-resistant artificial vertical garden walls. These walls are made of durable PE material and can be placed on feature walls or fences. They can instantly create a lush background without the need for any irrigation system. This is not only convenient, but also adds a touch of greenery that is both eye-catching and maintenance-free.

2.Use dense artificial boxwood hedges or topiaries at the poolside. These can be used to make elegant privacy screens, perfect for those who want to create more privacy around the pool. They can also be used to divide different leisure or dining areas. And they can also cleverly hide pool equipment. Instead of displaying unsightly pumps and filters, it is better to hide them behind these artificial hedges on the pool deck, which can provide both a sense of structure and maintenance-free greenery.

3.If you are decorating the swimming pool of a spacious commercial venue such as a resort or hotel, you can choose large and eye-catching artificial plants trees. UV-resistant artificial palm trees or ficus trees planted in decorative pool pots can be eye-catching focal points. These outdoor artificial plants can anchor the corners of a swimming pool deck and make the area look more balanced. They can also frame the entrance to a swimming pool area, instantly adding height and creating a tropical vibe.

4.You can further enhance the beauty of your poolside with a variety of decorative applications. Weaving durable outdoor artificial vines, such as ivy or bougainvillea, over the top of a gazebo, railing or fence can soften the hard lines of a pool area and add a natural texture.

5.You can combine delicate containers. Mix artificial plants of different sizes and styles, such as grasses, architectural succulents and tall plants in modern pots. This not only creates visual interest, but also creates a unique look. Artificial shrubs in classic or custom shapes can add a touch of formality or whimsy, depending on your design preferences.

6.For special events, you can even create floating arrangements on waterproof bases. These applications offer complete design flexibility because they are not affected by sunlight or water flow. They provide instant and lasting visual impact and are extremely low maintenance.

What Should You Look for When Sourcing Artificial Plants for Pool Projects?

When you source artificial plants for your significant swimming pool projects, you should balance the initial cost against long-term value, durability, safety, and supplier reliability. By considering all these factors, you can ensure that you get the best fake plants for your pool area. Here’s why.

First, consider the product quality and resilience. Due to the demanding poolside environment, you need to ensure that the plants can withstand the elements. Request specific UV resistant data of the artificial plants, such as the number of ASTM G154 test hours. This will show you how well the plants can resist fading from sunlight. Inquire about whether the material of the fake plants is resistant to chlorine and saltwater exposure. High-Density PE often provides superior chemical resistance.

If you are decorating a high-use pool for commercial spaces with the artificial plants, in order to minimize the risk of accidents, you have to try to obtain the relevant fire-retardancy certifications, like NFPA 701 or BS 5852.

If you need to decorate the swimming pool with larger artificial trees or hedges on pool deck, consider the load wind first. At the same time, make sure the supplier knows the importance of proper anchoring or weighted base requirements for poolside safety. As you know, only the standard fixings are often insufficient in these areas.

Now it is the time to know the supplier's manufacturing capacity, quality control systems, and experience with large-scale or commercial projects for decorating the swimming pool with the artificial plants. Review the warranty terms comprehensively. If you don't want delays or damaged products during transportation, you can verify the supplier's logistical expertise for reliable delivery. If you have specific design requirements for your swimming pool project, check whether the supplier has the ability to provide OEM/ODM service.

FAQ:

- How do you waterproof fake plants?

From the above article, we can know that most outdoor artificial plants are made of polyethylene (PE). This plastic material is inherently waterproof and does not absorb water. However, if you plant artificial plants in pots, always make sure the pots have good drainage holes. Otherwise, water will easily accumulate around the base of the plant, causing problems over time. Even if the fake plants themselves are waterproof, the non-PE components used to make them (such as certain potting foams or treated wooden trunks) will degrade when exposed to water for a long time.

- How long will artificial plants last outside?

For the lifespan of outdoor artificial plants, we need to consider from the following two aspects: the quality of materials, especially UV resistant, and environmental conditions. For those high-quality, UV-inhibited PE plants, they can endure for 5 - 10 years or more before showing significant fading or degradation, even in sunny locations. While cheaper artificial plants is not resistant to UV, which might fade or become brittle within a single season. The environmental conditions can also influence the longevity of artificial plants, such as the intensity of direct sunlight, the frequency of chemical splash (chlorine or salt), wind, and physical wear.

- Is it OK to put fake plants outside?

Yes, but they should be the specifically designed outdoor fake plants. So, it's important to note that indoor artificial plants should not be used outdoors. Because indoor artificial plants lack the necessary UV resistant and durable construction to withstand outdoor weather conditions. And they will quickly fade and deteriorate when exposed to sunlight, rain, and temperature changes. For outdoor artificial plants, you have to select plants that are explicitly rated and warranted for outdoor use. These plants are designed with materials and construction techniques that can withstand the sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations. They are ideal for patios, decks, balconies, and of course, poolside areas.