Summer’s coming, and that means only one thing: time to bust out the pool decor.
Dust off your sunnies and grab your swimmers because we’re ready to give your poolside the makeover of a lifetime.
But if you don’t want to overhaul your entire outdoor area and siphon your money into tens of items that would gather dust for most of the year – start thinking outside the box.
In particular, start thinking about a poolside fake hedge.
Whether you’re chasing privacy or just want to add a bit of greenery without the mess, we’ve got the details you need to know about setting up a faux hedge.
Here, we’ll walk you through the perks of a poolside fake hedge and give you a step-by-step guide on how to install it. We’ll even advise you on how to choose the perfect spot and add the final touches.
Let’s dive in!
Why Get a Poolside Fake Hedge?
First things first, why should you even consider a fake hedge for your pool?
Besides looking lush and giving off tropical vibes, there are some pretty solid benefits – and we’re not being biased here, all advantages are well-documented.
Here’s why you should think about placing an artificial hedge by your pool:
1. Boost Your Privacy
Got neighbours a bit too close for comfort? Have you noticed them sneaking a look inside your pool area while you’re lounging?
While we’re not saying this behaviour is uncommon (maybe the grass really is greener on the other side!), it’s intrusive to most people.
So, instead of asking your neighbour to cut it out – bump up your privacy with a pool hedge and get your seclusion back without erecting a huge fence to separate yourself.
This is possible with just one good artificial hedge. In fact, a client of ours recently extended their fence with a faux hedge, instead of building on top of it.
In any case, it’s much quicker than putting up a new fence or waiting for real hedge plants to grow on top of your existing one.
2. Low Maintenance, High Reward
Unlike real foliage, a fake hedge wall requires little to no upkeep.
You won’t be spending weekends pruning or watering. Just give it a quick wipe when it gets dusty, and you’re good to go. No dead leaves, no fertiliser, no irrigation headaches.
On the other hand, if you opt for real greenery, you’ll have your hands full of work during the summer because you’ll be raking leaves more often than you’ll be swimming.
If you ask us – that’s no way to spend the best time of the year.
3. Cost-Effective
Real hedges are high maintenance and come with ongoing costs for water, pruning, and pest control.
To help illustrate the difference, we’ve written a whole blog on what it would cost you to plant a real garden and contrasted it against the costs for faux foliage.
The results weren’t surprising for us, but they might be for you.
While an artificial hedge wall might be more expensive upfront, it’s a one-time investment. You spend the money once, and you won’t get any surprises popping up on your water bill.
As they say – you’ll just set it and forget it!
4. Windbreaker
Live in a windy area? Have you had a few plants die from gale winds? Have you then had to pick up the mess?
Not only do strong winds cause material damage, they can be a real heartbreak, as well.
A dense artificial privacy hedge can act as a windbreak and keep strong gusts from turning your poolside into a mini hurricane zone. Since a high-quality artificial hedge is dense and sturdy, it’ll prevent messes from winds in your yard.
Not only will your hair thank you, but you’ll also have a cleaner pool because you’ve blocked out leaves and debris.
How to Set Up an Artificial Hedge by the Pool?
Now that we have your attention to the idea of a poolside fake hedge, here’s how you can set one up without needing a green thumb:
1. Choose a wall
Have a look around your pool. Which wall or fence is begging for a makeover?
Pick a spot that could use some beautification or somewhere you want to break the wind. Try to visualise what you want to do, even if you only have a rough idea. This will set you up for success during the next stages, so it’s important to take your time.
2. Measure (then measure again)
After choosing your wall or fence, it’s time to measure it to decide on the number of fake hedge panels you’ll need.
Measure your wall or fence more than once to make sure you get it right. Be diligent during this step, as it could make or break your project. After you’ve measured yourself, check out our panel calculator to double-check the number of panels.
You don’t want to run out of hedge halfway through the job!
Our green walls usually come in 1×1 meters, but we always recommend having some leftovers for tricky corners. Alternatively, you may even decide to cover something else in your pool area.
3. Install the panels
You don’t have to be a tradie to get this job done.
Most of our fake hedge walls are DIY-friendly. Just follow the step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have it up in no time. All you need are some screws and brackets, and some free time on your hands to dedicate to the project – and you’re halfway there.
But, if you’re feeling a bit unsure, give our staff a ring, and we’ll help you out. We can also connect you to a team of professional installers to do the job for you.
4. Finishing Touches
Now comes the fun part!
The project doesn’t end when you install your panels. You can get creative and deck out your poolside fake hedge however you like and use as many (or as few) trinkets as you want.
String lights, fairy lights, or even some cute ornaments can make your hedge stand out. You can even use your hedge as a backdrop to hang signs on (for barbies or other gatherings).
If you’re going for a freestanding hedge, adding some potting mix or pebbles around the base can make it look even more realistic (and weigh it down).
How to Maintain Your Poolside Fake Hedge?
Once you’ve got your hedge up, the job’s not completely done. Here’s how to keep it looking brand new year-round:
1. Clean it
Every now and then, give your artificial hedge wall a quick clean.
A damp cloth should do the trick, but if it’s been a windy day and dirt has piled up, a garden hose works wonders.
2. Dry it
Since it’s next to the pool, there’s a good chance your poolside fake hedge gets splashed.
After a particularly rowdy swim, it’s a good idea to dry off your hedge. A towel works fine, but if you want to be extra thorough, you can get a blow dryer. In the end, make sure to keep your hedge from sogginess.
3. Check for damage
Every few months, take a peek at your hedge for any loose leaves or damage. If you spot a broken branch, fix it up before it gets worse.
Many of our green walls come with warranties that ensure they won’t get fade or show discoloration, but we can’t protect products from everything nature throws at them.
So, to ensure your faux hedge is right as rain for years, comb through its foliage once in a while and fix up any issues.
4. Make sure it’s secure
You might have installed the fake hedge for your poolside by the book, but hanging decor may come undone following severe weather.
Always err on the side of caution and check that your hedge is securely fastened to the wall or fence.
This is especially important if you’ve got children or pets running around with an eagerness to climb things that shouldn’t be climbed. It’s better to be safe than sorry – the last thing you want is for someone to knock your hedge over!
Wrapping Up
Adding a poolside fake hedge can be a real game-changer for your outdoor area this summer.
Having artificial hedges by your pool doesn’t contribute only to privacy and aesthetics, but it helps you save a lot of time and money in the long run.
With minimal maintenance and a simple installation process, there’s no reason not to give your pool area a stylish and functional upgrade today, with a few of our bestselling hedges.
