How to Hide Pool Filter and Pump (5+ Ways)

Installing a swimming pool in your backyard can provide years of enjoyment and recreation for your family. However, pool equipment like filters and pumps can be large and unsightly. Fortunately, there are ways to hide these devices to maintain your pool while preserving the aesthetic of your landscape.

Why Hide Pool Equipment?

Pool pumps and filters are necessary for proper sanitation and maintenance. However, they can be eyesores next to an otherwise attractive pool and landscape design. There are several benefits to concealing this equipment:

• Improves aesthetics and ambiance of pool area
• Creates a cleaner look by reducing visible clutter
• Makes landscape appear larger by hiding bulky items
• Increases privacy from neighbors and passersby

Pre-Planning Essential Steps

Hiding pool equipment requires considering a few key factors during the pool installation planning stages:

Determine Equipment Size and Layout

The size of pumps, filters, heaters and other gear will dictate how much space you need to conceal them. Measure equipment dimensions ahead of time to plan adequate room for these vital devices. Be sure to account for future upgrades too.

Select Strategic Location

Situate equipment near existing structures to make concealing simpler, such as by the home, garage, storage shed, or behind landscaping. Run plumbing and electrical to this discreet area beforehand.

Check Local Building Codes

Building codes provide important regulations to safely install equipment. Check guidelines for proper clearances, ventilation, access doors, and approved materials to avoid violations. This prevents expensive changes later.

Hire a Licensed Contractor

While savvy DIYers can handle some basic pool projects, hiding intricate equipment is best left to seasoned professionals. An experienced pool contractor understands complex requirements for proper function and accessibility.

5 Popular Ways to Hide Pool Pumps and Filters

Once adequate planning is complete, there are several effective options to make pool devices disappear. The five most popular choices include:

1. Landscape Screens

Flowers, shrubs, trees or trellises with vines can provide natural, attractive screening around pool equipment. Just be sure not to block the ventilation these systems need. Hardy, fast-growing plants that thrive in your climate are ideal.

Some top plant choices include:

• Bamboo – Grows over 5 feet per year to quickly hide behind
• Honeysuckles – Hardy vines that rapidly cover trellises
• Arborvitae – Tall, narrow evergreen trees to flank equipment
• Hostas – Big leaves conceal pumps even in shade
• Elephant Ears – Tropical, huge fronds act as living screens

2. Decorative Fencing and Screens

An array of fencing materials can easily and beautifully mask filter systems. Match fence style to your existing landscape for a cohesive look. Some fencing ideas include:

• Lattice – Flexible to curve around equipment
• Picket Fences – Timeless look with narrow slats
• Tropical Bamboo – Creates tropical, private retreat
• Reed Fencing – Natural, rustic appearance
• Shadowbox – Decorative, semi-open pattern

3. Discreet Equipment Pads or Boxes

Specially designed structures act as hiding spots to tuck pumps and filters out of sight. These useful shelters include:

Pump Houses – Small, roofed buildings to fully enclose equipment inside. Allows ample room for access and maintenance.

Concrete Pads – Discreet concrete slabs neatly border equipment flush with the ground. Place decorative rock or mulch around pad to further hide.

Plastic Boxes – Affordable plastic shells simply place over top of pumps or filters. Use landscaping to mask the structure.

Partially Buried – Dig a hole to sink equipment beneath ground level, leaving only the top portion visible. Finish grade smoothly around the sunken equipment.

4. Under Deck Installation

For homes with pool-side decks, conceal equipment neatly underneath for instant invisibility. This utilizes dead space efficiently while hiding unsightly pool parts out of view and safe from the elements.

5. Underground Bunkers

The ultimate way to make pool equipment vanish is by installing it completely underground. However, this option requires careful planning for functionality, access and proper ventilation. Consider long-term costs for repairs too before digging bunkers.

Important Considerations

While hiding filtration and pumps may improve aesthetics, a few cautions are critical when concealing these important systems:

Accessibility – Never restrict access to equipment doors, panels and valves. Complete concealment limits emergency or routine maintenance. Provide ample room for service.

Ventilation – Equipment generates heat and needs airflow and cooling to avoid damage. Don’t tightly enclose pumps without allowing adequate venting.

GFCI Protection – Exposed pool wiring requires GFCI outlets or breakers. Running extension cords long distances to concealed gear can be hazardous without this protection.

Future Equipment – When sizing hiding spots, factor in possible future equipment like heaters, salt chlorine generators or automatic pool cleaners that may eventually need to occupy this space.

Drainage – Ensure concealed equipment stays dry and free of rain flooding, sprinklers, etc. Poor drainage causes water damage over time.

Level Installation – Pump lids and access panels require level ground to open without obstruction. Avoid uneven sunken or raised hiding spots.

Popular Landscaping Ideas to Hide Pool Parts

Using creative landscaping is one of the most effective and beautiful ways to mask pool components. Plants, rocks, gravel and other features integrate equipment discreetly into the yard while enhancing the environment.

Some top options include:

Rock Gardens – Boulders, crushed rock or pea gravel surrounds equipment in a decorative, natural bed.

Raised Planters – Brick, stone or masonry planter boxes double as chic hiding spots when filled with flowers.

Water Features – The soothing sound of splashing fountains or waterfalls disguises faint pump noises.

Garden Sheds – A backyard shed placed near equipment looks neatly integrated rather than randomly placed to hide gear.

Fire Pits – Groupings of chairs around a flickering fire pit draws attention away from pool parts.

Pillars or Trellises – Disguise equipment behind structures draped in flowering vines.

Tropical Plants – Lush elephant ears, palms and bamboo create a serene, secluded look.

Evergreen Shrubs – Year-round foliage from bushes like holly, boxwood, juniper or arborvitae hides consistently.

Decorative Pots – Use large ceramic, stone or concrete pots to conceal pumps or filters behind.

FAQ About Hiding Pool Pumps and Filters

Hiding important pool systems comes with common questions. Here are helpful answers to some frequently asked questions:

Is it okay to fully enclose pool equipment?
No. Fully blocking access, ventilation and airflow around pumps, filters and heaters causes overheating and damage. Leave adequate room around concealed equipment.

Do codes allow hiding pool parts?
Most local codes allow concealing equipment behind fences, plants and structures as long as gear remains accessible for emergency or routine maintenance. Check specific regulations.

What is the easiest way to hide pool equipment?
The simplest methods are using existing structures like decks or planting large foliage like bamboo or elephant ears around pumps and filters. Low-maintenance options blend in equipment.

How much space is needed to hide my pool equipment?
Measure the length, width and height of your specific equipment like pumps, filters, heaters, etc. Allow an extra few feet of space all the way around equipment to ensure good airflow and accessibility.

Can I completely bury pool equipment underground?
While it is possible to install equipment below ground, significant planning and costs are involved. Consider ventilation, condensation, water intrusion risks, repairs and difficulty accessing gear before digging pits.

I hope this comprehensive guide gives you ample ideas to discreetly hide pool pumps, filters, heaters and other unsightly but necessary equipment. Proper planning is key to not just disguising these parts but doing so safely, legally and in a way that allows for proper ongoing maintenance. With creative approaches like landscaping or decorative structures, you can eliminate pool clutter for a showpiece yard.