If you haven't been there already, you should visit the courtyard gardens outside the Anniston Museum of Natural History for some ideas. You'll see many palms & other plantings with a tropical appearance that will look great around your pool....and that are cold hardy for your area. If you do visit & have any questions don't hesitate to contact Calhoun Co Extension Agent Hayes Jackson. He loves palms & subtropicals & will be glad to assist you.

Also, in case you haven't noticed the area Home Depots have a great selection of cold hardy palms this summer. Just look for the ice-blue pots.

Don't be concerned about palm roots. They're not invasive, but still I wouldn't plant closer than four or five feet from your pool just to allow for proper root development.

Hope you'll post some pics when you're finished. Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Anniston Museum of Natural History;