A beautiful pool with a muddy strip around it is not finished. Landscape is part of the job. We like a clear paved edge you can walk with wet feet, planting that will not dump leaves into the water, and a line of sight from the house so you can see the kids.
On the Mid North Coast that means plants that handle humidity and salt air, and paving that stays cool enough in January. Keep trees with aggressive roots away from the shell. Leave room for the fence, the gate and the equipment pad. Shade sails and umbrellas are easier to add when the footings are thought about early.
Because we do not subcontract the build, the same team that digs the hole understands how the paving will sit. Bring photos of gardens you like. We will tell you what will survive next to a pool and what will become a maintenance problem.