We recently went back to check on a job we finished up in January. We have been working on this backyard in stages. When we first got to the site there was a pool surrounded by dirt! The pool is situated low on the property which added to the challenges. Because we can not raise the pool we had to bring the landscaping down to it. In the end we decided to run a french drain across the face of the pool to move any standing water from the decking off of the property.
The owners wanted more privacy, more seating area around the pool and to hide the pool equipment. They also wanted something to hide the A/C units that are under the deck right off the house.
In addition they desired more green and shade surrounding the pool and less fence to look at which added to the sense of desolation. Under the porch we used hog panel so the vines, that were already there and doing quite well in the planters, could grow up and form a green screen. That didn’t mask the nose enough so we added wood slats which matched the surround we made for the pool equipment. Additionally, the solid wall helps keep the heat from the condenser units from pummeling the family as they sit on the lower patio.
For a more detailed explanation go to http://ravenscourtgardens.com/2015/04/13/pulling-it-together-pool-scaping/