Question
We are looking at a home that backs up to a busy neighborhood street.  There is an existing 7 foot tall brick wall approximately 15feet from the street.  There are two 25 feet tall live oaks between the wall and the street whose limbs are trimmed starting at about 7 feet.  We would like to put in a pool but are afraid of the noise.  HOA prevents the wall from being extended up.  With our pool we plan to add a waterfall to cancel out some of the noise. We live in the dallas texas area.   Any suggestions to decrease the noise pollution?

Answer
John,
If you are wanting to buffer the noise and have more privacy while you are in your backyard retreat I know exactly how you feel. You do not want to plant any type of deciduous(trees that shed their leaves in fall as well as when the wind picks up) trees next to your pool however. That would cause extra work on your part getting up the mess.

What I would do is like you suggested,the waterfall or fountain idea. It all depends on your budget.
Another good noise buffer and something that would not harm your pool arae is some fast pyramidal growing evergreens or evergreen hedges around the pool or just on the side of the pool where it is closest to the street.

If you don't want to actually dig a bed by your pool because of all the mulch or pebbles or whatever you would use in landscaping beds may get into the pool then you could get some huge planters and put big evergreen trees in them in a row to make a "wall" so to speak.These of course could be placed on the side of the pool closest to the street. If you live in a warm climate (8 and above) you could also use some big palms(Sago or frond palms). These spread out more.
I hope these suggestions are helpful and if you would like more info go to www.google.com and type in"landscaping around pools" or "plants used for noise reduction" in the search box.Good luck on your new outdoor retreat!