What should I plant by our above ground pool?

Question

We just got an above ground pool and I would like to make it look nice. We have a kidney bean shape mound of dirt around the pump and I would like to plant there. Any suggestions?? I am thinking of Crimson queen japanese maple and/or banana plant.

Answer 1

I live in Zone 5 here in Michigan and we have an above ground pool, too.  We planted globe arborvitaes around our pool (evenly spaced by about 4 feet). However, we lost a couple because of repeated splashing of chlorinated water near the pump/filter side of the pool--especially when we (and you) have to occasionally flush out the filter. Chlorinated, acidic water will burn most plants. You need a tough, trim-able shrub set back aways from the edge of the pool, not an expensive and delicate Japanese Maple. Remember that the kids will often splash water out of the pool while playing and you will quickly grow tired of leaves and seeds from any neighboring trees falling into the pool.

Answer 2

I was told by my above ground pool installers not to plant anything near the pool since grass, weeds & such will grow into the liner & ruin it. In fact I was advised to spray weed killer, such as "Round Up" at least 12" out to keep away from the liner. You also need to carefull about leaves blowing into the pool. Even my neighbors trees shed in my pool in the fall - what a mess! As long as it's not close to the pool the Banana tree sounds best to me. I live in Zone 8.