Owning a pool is a great way to add value to your property and create a fun and refreshing space for your family and friends to enjoy!Â
However, one of the downsides of having a pool is dealing with the unsightly pool equipment that can take away from the aesthetic appeal of your yard. The pool pump motor, filter system, heater, PVC pipe, and other equipment can be an eyesore that you wish you could just hide away. That’s how I felt!
Fortunately, there are many creative and practical ways for pool owners like you to disguise your pool equipment and improve the overall look of your backyard and pool area.Â
In this blog post, we will explore several ideas on how to hide that pool equipment and transform your outdoor space. Whether you are looking for a DIY project or something you can buy, there are plenty of options to hide your pool equipment or make it blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment.Â
So, let’s dive in and explore the best ways to hide that pool equipment!
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5 Tips and Considerations for Hiding Your Pool Equipment
When it comes to hiding your pool equipment, there are some important factors to consider to ensure that your project is successful. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Tip #1: Plan Before You Build Your Pool
When you’re designing your new pool and selecting its location, keep in mind where you will be placing the pool equipment. This will help you determine the most convenient and visually appealing spot for the equipment.
A pool contractor or designer can help you choose the best location for your pool and equipment, as well as provide guidance on how to hide the equipment effectively (some might provide a pool pump cover). With the right planning and design, you can enjoy a beautiful, functional pool without the unsightly equipment detracting from the overall look of your backyard.
Tip #2: Plan Your Enclosure Project
Before you start building any structures to hide your pool equipment, it’s important to plan out your project thoroughly. This means considering the size of your equipment, the location of your pool, and the design of your backyard. You’ll want to choose a location that is convenient for the equipment to function properly but also one that won’t be an eyesore. This may mean building a structure that blends in with your existing landscaping or creating a new design element that complements your outdoor space.
In some cases, you may be able to place your pool equipment in a pool shed, pool house, garden shed, or in a garage. Wherever it may be, you want to make sure you have easy access to the pool equipment.
📣 My Tip: If you have the right space, you can also plan out storage for pool chemicals, pool supplies, pool toys, pool floats, pool accessories, yard tools, and other special tools in the same area as your pool equipment to create an all-in-one storage space for your new pool.
Tip #3: Check Before You Dig!
Check before you dig: If you’re planning to build a structure to hide your pool equipment, it’s important to check for any underground utilities before you start digging.
🛑 WARNING: You will be digging in a place with several underground utility lines (electric, gas, water, internet, etc.), so you must carefully work in this area. This will help you avoid accidentally hitting a gas or water line, which can be dangerous and costly.
Tip #4: Your Equipment Will Need Ventilation
Even though you want to hide your pool equipment, it’s important to remember that it still needs adequate ventilation. If you plan to conceal your equipment with a structure, you need to make sure your structure that has vents or louvers that allow air to flow through and prevent your equipment from overheating.
📣 My Tip: Be sure to consult with a professional if you’re not sure how to properly ventilate your equipment. I would recommend contacting the equipment manufacturer for recommendations and talking with your pool contractor as well.
Tip #5: Provide Enough Room to Service the Equipment
Finally, when hiding your pool equipment, it’s important to give yourself enough space to service the equipment. This means ensuring that there is enough room to remove panels, change filters, and perform other routine maintenance tasks. If building or buying a structure, consider a structure with a removable roof, hinged lid, or side panel to make it easier to access the equipment when needed.
By following these tips, you can successfully hide your pool equipment and create a more visually appealing outdoor space. Whether you choose to build a dedicated equipment room, enclose your equipment in a structure, or simply camouflage it with landscaping, with a little planning and creativity, you can make your pool equipment disappear from sight.
4 Ways to Hide Your Pool Equipment
There are several ways to hide pool equipment, depending on your personal preferences, budget, and the layout of your backyard. Here are some popular options:
Way #1: LandscapingÂ
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to hide pool equipment is by using landscaping. You can plant small trees, shrubs, or tall grasses around the equipment to create a natural screen. Alternatively, you can use hedges or a living wall to create a more structured look. With landscaping, you can customize the look and feel of your backyard to match your style.
Way #2: Enclosures
Another option is to build an enclosure around the equipment. This can be done using wood, vinyl, or even a pre-fabricated shed. You can choose a design that matches your home’s architecture or create a unique look with custom finishes.
With an enclosure, you can protect the equipment from the elements and create a more streamlined look in your backyard. In some cases, you may be able to have this equipment placed in your garage. All you need is a quick trip to your local home improvement store to get the right materials.
As stated above, make sure you consult with a pool professional and/or equipment manufacturer before placing your equipment in an enclosed structure to make sure your equipment will function properly, and there will not be any safety hazards to you or others.
Way #3: Fences and Walls
A best way to hide pool equipment is by building a fence. A fence made from wood paneling or vinyl can be built around the equipment can be a great choice. A fence can also help keep children and pets away from the equipment for safety purposes.
A wall (brick, stone, or concrete wall) can also be a great idea to hide your pool equipment. However, this may take more effort than a fence.
Way #4: Screens
You can use a variety of screens to hide pool equipment, such as lattice panels, bamboo screens, or decorative metal screens. Screens can be mounted on posts, attached to walls, or placed on wheels for easy mobility. They offer a decorative touch and can also provide some privacy.
Just make sure to choose a screen that is weather-resistant and will not obstruct airflow to the equipment.
What Did We Do for Our Pool Equipment?
Our pool equipment is off to the side of our house along one of our fence lines. A simple solution for us was to add a gate between the fence and the house to completely block not only the sight of the pool equipment but also the noise.Â
7 Ideas and Examples to Hide Your Pool Equipment
Below is our list of example products that you can use to hide your pool equipment.
#1
Privacy Hedge Plants
Planting privacy hedge plants, like the Podocarpus Macrophyllus shown above, is one of the easy ways to hide pool equipment. You should select an evergreen plant like this one to make sure the pool equipment stays hidden all year.Â
This privacy hedge can grow up to 20 feet tall. The 12 live plants that come in 4″ pots are easy to plant and maintain, and they provide excellent coverage for pool equipment while also adding a touch of natural beauty to your outdoor space.
#2
Artificial Privacy Hedge
Don’t want to maintain a real hedge? Then get an artificial hedge! The AGPL Upgraded Artificial Boxwood Hedge Wall is an excellent solution for hiding pool equipment as it serves as both a backyard area divider and a privacy wall that looks like a natural hedge.
The durable and stylish dark gray stainless steel planter box complements the artificial boxwood hedge, which is easy to maintain and provides outstanding coverage for pool equipment while also adding a touch of sophistication to your outdoor spaces.
#3
Slatted Wooden Fence
Looking for an option that ties into the style of your house and outdoor space? Then a slatted wood fence (with real wood panels) can be a fantastic option.
The Enclo Wood Outdoor Privacy Fence Screen is a perfect way to hide pool equipment as it is designed to provide privacy and concealment. The slatted design of the fence allows for airflow and light to pass through while still providing excellent coverage for pool pump equipment and more.Â
#4
Vinyl Picket Fence
The traditional look of a vinyl fence, like the Enclo Wilmington Vinyl Privacy Fence, is an excellent way to hide pool equipment. The white color of the fence screen provides a clean and classic look that blends in seamlessly with any outdoor space, while the no-dig kit makes installation quick and easy.
#5
Vinyl Panel Fence
If you prefer that your pool equipment not be seen at all, then you need a panel fence like this one from Enclo. The vinyl resin panels completely block the pool equipment from view (creating the look of a pseudo wall) and provide ample coverage for pool equipment, making this vinyl fence screen a practical and stylish solution for concealing pool equipment.
#6
Privacy Screen
Need something a little less permanent? Then a privacy screen like this one can be a great option for you.Â
The screen is designed with a stand, making it easy to move and position as needed, while its decorative nature means it can be used as a statement piece or focal point in addition to its practical use of concealing pool equipment. Overall, this privacy screen offers a functional and stylish solution for hiding pool equipment.
#7
Metal Enclosure
If it is suitable for your type of pool equipment, there are metal enclosures like the one above that can be a great way to hide pool equipment. Â
Made from sturdy aluminum, this all-weather anti-theft pool equipment cover is designed to withstand the elements while providing excellent coverage for unsightly equipment. The enclosure’s versatile design allows it to be used as a privacy screen, trash can enclosure, flower stand, or even an air conditioner rack, making it a practical and stylish addition to any outdoor space.
