A swimming pool is the centerpiece of a Virginia backyard — but the pool itself is only half the experience. The hardscape surround, landscaping, privacy screening, and lighting transform a concrete hole in the ground into a resort-quality outdoor retreat. In Loudoun County, where summers are hot and humid and homeowners entertain heavily from May through September, pool landscaping is not an afterthought. It is the difference between a backyard with a pool and a true outdoor oasis.
This guide covers the pool deck materials we recommend for our climate, the privacy solutions that keep neighbors from staring, the plants that survive chlorine and splashing, and realistic costs for creating a pool surround that looks like it belongs in a magazine.
Pool Deck Material Cost in Virginia (2026)
The pool deck is the single largest surface around your pool and the material choice affects safety, temperature, maintenance, and appearance. Here is how the three most popular options compare in our market:
Concrete Pavers (Travertine-Look or Textured)
$18–$28/sq ft
Concrete pavers specifically rated for pool decks with textured, non-slip surfaces. "Tumbled" or "brushed" finishes provide grip when wet. Wide color range including travertine, limestone, and slate looks. Cooler surface temperature than stamped concrete.
Pros:
Excellent slip resistance (textured surface)
Cooler underfoot than concrete
Individual pavers can be replaced
Wide color and pattern selection
Good freeze-thaw performance with proper base
Cons:
Higher cost than stamped concrete
Polymeric sand in joints can wash out
Requires periodic resealing
Weeds can grow in joints if sand fails
Best for: Most residential pools in Virginia where safety, aesthetics, and longevity are balanced
Natural Travertine or Limestone
$28–$45/sq ft
Imported natural stone with honed or brushed finish. Travertine is naturally porous, which makes it cooler underfoot than any other material. The beige and cream tones complement water beautifully. Must be sealed annually in our climate.
Pros:
Coolest surface temperature of any pool deck material
Stunning luxury appearance
Naturally slip-resistant when honed
Ages beautifully
Highest resale value impact
Cons:
Highest cost
Requires annual sealing
Porous = can stain from pool chemicals
Some varieties are too soft for high traffic
Limited color range (earth tones only)
Best for: Luxury properties, homeowners prioritizing aesthetics and comfort, pool owners who entertain frequently
Stamped Concrete with Cool Deck Additive
$14–$22/sq ft
Stamped concrete with a specialized "cool deck" or "Kool Deck" additive that reduces surface temperature by 10–20 degrees. Textured stamp pattern provides slip resistance. Integral color with antiquing release for depth.
Pros:
Most cost-effective option
Seamless appearance (no joints)
Customizable patterns and colors
Cool deck additive reduces heat
Good durability with proper sealing
Cons:
Can crack over time (requires control joints)
Slip resistance depends on texture and sealer choice
Surface can get hot without cool deck additive
Difficult to repair seamlessly
Best for: Budget-conscious pool owners, large pool decks where paver cost is prohibitive, modern pool designs
Pro tip on temperature: In direct summer sun, standard concrete can reach 120–140°F — hot enough to burn bare feet. Travertine typically stays 20–30 degrees cooler. If you have children or entertain barefoot, material temperature should be a primary decision factor, not an afterthought.
Privacy Screening for Pool Areas in Virginia
Loudoun County lots vary dramatically — some properties have acreage and natural privacy, while others are on 0.25-acre parcels where neighbors can see directly into the pool from their deck. Here are the privacy solutions we install most:
Evergreen Privacy Hedge
$25–$60/linear ftFast-growing evergreen shrubs planted in a dense row. "Green Giant" Arborvitae is the most popular choice in our market — grows 3–5 feet per year, reaches 20–30 feet tall, and creates a solid green wall within 3–4 seasons. Other options include Leyland Cypress and American Holly.
Natural, organic appearance
Provides year-round privacy
Blocks wind and noise
Improves air quality
No permit required
Takes 3–5 years for full privacy
Requires watering during establishment
May need deer protection in rural areas
Takes up 4–6 feet of yard depth
Best for: Properties with adequate space along the property line, homeowners who want a natural look
Decorative Fence + Climbing Plants
$35–$75/linear ft6–8 foot privacy fence (vinyl, wood, or composite) with climbing plants like Clematis, Wisteria, or climbing hydrangea. The fence provides immediate privacy; the plants soften the appearance over time.
Immediate privacy
Plant coverage softens fence appearance
Wide material options (vinyl, wood, composite, aluminum)
Can include gates for access
Fence permits may be required
Some HOAs restrict fence height and material
Wood fences require maintenance
Higher upfront cost than hedges
Best for: HOA communities where fence rules are defined, properties needing immediate privacy
Pergola with Privacy Screens
$8,000–$20,000Pergola over a lounge or dining area with retractable shade cloth, outdoor curtains, or fixed lattice panels. Creates a semi-private "room" within the pool area without fully enclosing the space.
Partial privacy with open-air feel
Shade and privacy combined
Defines an outdoor room
Retractable options for flexibility
Architectural interest
Does not provide full privacy
Higher cost per linear foot than hedges
Fabric curtains need replacement every 3–5 years
Requires structural footings
Best for: Properties where full enclosure is not desired, homeowners who want a resort-like atmosphere
Bamboo or Ornamental Grass Screen
$15–$40/linear ftClumping bamboo (Fargesia varieties — non-invasive) or tall ornamental grasses like Miscanthus or Calamagrostis planted in dense rows. Fast vertical growth with a modern, tropical aesthetic.
Modern, unique aesthetic
Fast growth (some grasses reach 8 feet in one season)
Movement and sound in wind
Lower cost than hedges
No permit needed
Deciduous grasses die back in winter (reduced privacy)
Bamboo requires clumping varieties only
May spread if not maintained
Less dense than evergreen hedges
Best for: Modern or tropical pool designs, homeowners wanting a unique aesthetic, areas whereevergreens are too formal
Plants That Thrive Around Pools in Virginia
Not all plants can handle the microclimate around a pool — reflected heat, chlorine exposure, occasional flooding from splashing, and compacted soil from construction. These are the proven performers we specify for pool landscaping:
Ornamental Grasses
Miscanthus, Pennisetum, Calamagrostis, Feather Reed Grass
Tolerate heat, reflected light, and poor soil. Movement adds life to pool area. Low maintenance, no leaf litter in pool. Modern aesthetic pairs well with travertine and pavers.
Succulents and Sedums
Autumn Joy, Angelina, Hens and Chicks, Blue Spruce Sedum
Extremely drought-tolerant. No leaf drop in pool. Unique texture and color. Thrive in the hot, dry microclimate near pool coping. Perennial in our climate.
Tropical-Look Annuals
Elephant Ears (Colocasia), Cannas, Caladiums, Lantana
Create a resort-like atmosphere. Large leaves provide lush texture. Annuals allow seasonal color changes. Elephant ears and cannas grow massive in Virginia summer heat.
Evergreen Foundation Plants
Boxwood, Cherry Laurel, Compacta Holly, Dwarf Nandina
Year-round structure near the pool. Tolerate reflected heat. Low leaf drop. Boxwood and nandina are particularly clean — minimal debris in the water.
Flowering Perennials
Russian Sage, Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, Salvia, Coreopsis
Seasonal color without constant replacement. Attract pollinators. Tolerate heat and sun. Low maintenance once established. Long bloom period through summer.
Avoid These Near Pools
Crepe Myrtle (flowers stain), Magnolia (large leaves clog filters), River Birch (constant leaf drop), Pine trees (needles in water), Roses (thorny, require spraying)
These plants create maintenance nightmares for pool owners. Flowers stain decking, leaves clog filters and skimmers, and thorny plants are hazardous near barefoot traffic.
Pool Lighting and Safety Features
Deck Lighting
Low-voltage LED path lights along pool deck edges, recessed lights in retaining walls or steps, and strip lighting under coping edges. Creates ambiance and prevents trips after dark.
Water Feature Lighting
Color-changing LED lights in waterfalls, bubblers, or fountains. Creates a stunning nighttime focal point. Many systems integrate with smart home controls for color and timing adjustments.
Landscape Uplighting
Uplights on specimen trees and architectural plants around the pool perimeter. Adds depth and drama. Warm white (2700K) is most flattering for skin tones and water reflection.
Safety Fencing and Gates
Virginia building code requires pools to be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates. Removable mesh fences are popular for seasonal use. Glass panel fencing is premium but stunning.
Get a Pool Landscaping Quote for Your Property
We design and build pool surrounds, privacy screening, and complete pool landscaping throughout Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Purcellville, Brambleton, Herndon, Chantilly, and all of Virginia. Free on-site consultation with material samples, layout options, and 3D renderings.
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P&L Outdoor Solutions LLC
Leesburg, VA — Virginia
Two-company team serving all of Virginia. Victor Pastor (P&L Outdoor Solutions LLC) handles client services, design, and coordination. Grover Capriles (Level Up Quality Construction LLC) leads all physical construction — VA Class A RBC & CBC licensed, fully insured.