The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) recently introduced a new Water Smart Landscape design created specifically for pools. The Pool-Friendly design comes just in time for the fall planting season and can be adapted to fit the needs of any yard. It’s the latest design provided by the SNWA. Other designs include Child-Friendly Backyard, Entertaining Backyard, Color Explosion Front Yard, Low-Maintenance Front Yard and Mojave Accents Back Yard.

The sample designs can be used as the actual blueprint for your upgrade or simply as inspiration. In addition to being water-smart, attractive and functional, each design meets the requirements of the SNWA’s Water Smart Landscapes rebate program. The Water Smart Landscapes rebate program offers $1 for every square foot of grass converted to water-smart trees, shrubs and groundcover. If you’re ready for an upgrade, keep these tips in mind:

Enroll in the Water Smart Landscapes program. In order to qualify for a rebate, you must follow the program’s steps, which include a applying for the program and pre-conversion site visit before you remove any turf. Apply online at snwa.com or call the Conservation Helpline at (702) 258-SAVE.

Do your homework. Before you commit to a plan, do a little research. Will you be doing the conversion yourself or hiring a landscaper? How will you use the space? Do you plan to entertain in your yard or is it rarely used? Do you want year-round color, a green oasis or a true desert look? The answers will help you determine what types of plants to use in your landscape.

Develop your plan and set a budget. Determine where you want to place your favorite plants, trees, shrubs and groundcover. Keep in mind the amount of sun, shade and wind your yard naturally receives. Remember that shade trees can cool your home, cut down on energy costs and provide a place for poolside relaxing or a backyard picnic. If you’re planting around a pool, avoid trees or plants that drop thorns or anything sharp near your pool. Bare feet will undoubtedly find them!

Adjust your irrigation. This is the whole point of a water-smart conversion. Your irrigation system must be upgraded with your landscaping. That means drip irrigation for your plants, trees and shrubs and efficient sprinklers for any remaining turf. Sprinkler systems can be converted to drip irrigation.

Consider patio surface and don’t forget the mulch. Patios with permeable surfaces, such as ungrouted flagstone, may qualify for the rebate and provide space for entertaining while saving water. Pool decking will not qualify for the rebate, but used around a pool, it too provides entertainment space with no water use. Organic and inorganic mulches help cool the soil around your plants, prevent erosion and reduce evaporation.

For more information on the sample designs and how to upgrade your landscape, visit snwa.com or call the Conservation Helpline at (702) 258-SAVE.