An above ground pool can be the centerpiece of your summer fun, but the space around it often needs a little help. With some smart above ground pool landscaping ideas, you can turn that basic pool area into a beautiful part of your yard. It’s all about blending function with style to create a space you’ll love using and looking at.
Let’s look at ways to build your own creative backyard oasis, from simple upgrades to more involved projects. You don’t need a huge budget, just some planning and creativity.
Above Ground Pool Landscaping Ideas
The goal is to make your pool feel like an intentional part of your garden, not just a temporary fixture. Good landscaping softens the hard lines of the pool wall, adds privacy, and makes the whole area more inviting.
Start by thinking about your main priorities. Do you need more seclusion? Want to reduce maintenance? Dream of a tropical vibe? Your answers will guide your choices.
Here are core principles to follow:
* Safety First: Always keep pathways clear. Avoid slippery materials close to the pool edge and thorny plants where people might brush against them.
* Mind the Roots: Do not plant large trees or shrubs with aggressive root systems too close to the pool structure. They can damage the wall or liner over time.
* Consider Debris: Place deciduous trees (the ones that lose leaves) a good distance away to minimize cleanup. Evergreens are often a smarter choice nearby.
* Define the Space: Use landscaping to create a distinct “pool zone” within your larger yard.
Building a Deck for Function and Flow
A deck is one of the most popular ways to integrate an above ground pool. It provides a stable surface for lounging and entering the pool, and it can hide the pool wall for a more built-in look.
You can build a deck that wraps around one side or the entire pool. A partial deck is great for a seating area and ladder access. A full wrap-around deck creates a stunning, resort-style effect.
Key planning steps for a pool deck:
1. Check local building codes for permits and safety requirements, especially for railings.
2. Choose durable, splinter-resistant materials that can handle constant water and sun. Composite decking, cedar, and pressure-treated wood are common choices.
3. Plan for drainage so water doesn’t pool on the deck surface.
4. Include storage underneath for pool supplies and equipment.
Choosing the Right Plants and Greenery
Plants are the magic that makes landscaping come alive. They add color, texture, and a sense of lushness. The right plants can also act as a natural privacy screen or windbreak.
Go for a mix of heights and textures. Ornamental grasses are fantastic for adding movement and a soft, modern feel. They’re usually low-maintenance and drought-tolerant too.
Best plant types for around pools:
* Ornamental Grasses: Fountain grass, blue fescue, maiden grass.
* Evergreen Shrubs: Boxwood, dwarf Alberta spruce, holly (for structure and year-round color).
* Perennial Flowers: Daylilies, lavender, salvia, coreopsis (for reliable seasonal color).
* Container Plants: Palms, hibiscus, agave, colorful annuals. Pots add flexibility and can be moved as needed.
Remember to group plants with similar water and sun needs together. This makes your gardening life much easier.
Creating Privacy with Strategic Planting and Structures
Enjoying your pool is hard when you feel like your neighbors are watching. Creating privacy turns your pool area into a true retreat. There are several effective ways to do this.
A fast-growing hedge is a classic solution. Look for columnar evergreens like arborvitae or bamboo (use clumping varieties in containers to control spread). They create a living wall that looks great.
Other privacy solutions include:
* Lattice Panels: Attach them to your deck or fence and grow climbing vines like clematis or jasmine.
* Outdoor Curtains: Hang them on a pergola or simple frame for a soft, resort-like feel.
* A Pergola or Gazebo: This structure defines the space and, when draped with fabric or vines, adds overhead privacy.
Using Mulch, Rock, and Pavers for Clean Borders
Defining the ground around your pool is crucial for a finished look and for keeping grass and mud at bay. It also helps with drainage and reduces maintenance.
A border of mulch, stone, or pavers creates a clean “moat” around the pool. This zone keeps you from tracking grass clippings into the water and gives you a dry place to walk.
Compare popular materials:
* Mulch: Inexpensive and easy to install. It looks natural and helps soil retain moisture. Needs replenishing every year or two.
* River Rock or Gravel: More permanent and drains excellently. Choose smooth stones for barefoot comfort. It can be harder to keep clean of falling leaves.
* Pavers or Flagstone: The most permanent and structured option. Creates a patio-like feel. Proper installation with a gravel base is key to prevent shifting.
Whichever you choose, install a good quality landscape fabric underneath to suppress weeds. It saves you countless hours of weeding later on.
Adding Lighting for Evening Ambiance
Don’t let the fun stop when the sun goes down. Lighting extends the use of your pool area and creates a magical atmosphere. It’s also an important safety feature for night swimming.
Use a combination of lighting types. Path lights illuminate walkways. Uplighting in trees or shrubs adds drama. String lights or lanterns provide overall ambient glow.
Easy lighting ideas you can install:
1. Solar-powered stake lights along a planting bed or path (no wiring needed).
2. LED rope lights under the top rail of your pool or along deck steps.
3. Waterproof floating lights for inside the pool itself.
4. Plug-in string lights hung from a pergola, fence, or between posts.
Incorporating Seating and Shade Areas
A great pool landscape is about more than just the swim. It’s about relaxing nearby. Comfortable seating and shaded spots are essential for taking a break, reading a book, or supervising swimmers.
Think beyond standard patio furniture. A built-in bench along the deck edge saves space. A hammock strung between two trees invites napping. Weather-resistant outdoor rugs and pillows add color and comfort.
For shade, consider a large market umbrella, a cantilevered shade sail, or a pergola with a retractable canopy. Having a shaded table is perfect for drinks and snacks without having to go inside.
DIY Project: Building a Simple Stone or Wood Retaining Wall
If your pool is on a slope, or if you just want to add more visual interest, a low retaining wall is a fantastic project. It can level a area for seating or planting and adds a strong architectural element.
Stackable wall blocks from a garden center make this a manageable DIY task. They lock together without need for mortar. Similarly, you can use sturdy landscape timbers or railroad ties for a rustic wood look.
Basic steps to build a small retaining wall:
1. Plan the layout and mark it with spray paint or a garden hose.
2. Dig a trench about 6 inches deep and wide enough for your first course of blocks or timbers.
3. Fill the trench with 3-4 inches of compacted gravel for a stable base.
4. Lay your first course, checking for level constantly.
5. Stack subsequent courses, often stepping them back slightly for stability.
6. Backfill behind the wall with gravel for drainage as you build.
Maintaining Your Pool Landscape Easily
A beautiful landscape that’s a nightmare to maintain will quickly become a burden. The goal is to create a space that’s easy to care for, so you can spend more time swimming and less time working.
Choose plants that are suited to your climate and sun conditions—they’ll naturally require less fuss. Install a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses on a timer to handle watering automatically. Use mulch to reduce weeds and watering needs.
Keep tools handy. A small storage bench by the pool can hold a skimmer net, leaf blower, and pruning shears. A quick five-minute tidy-up after each use prevents bigger cleanups later.
FAQ: Your Landscaping Questions Answered
What are some cheap ideas for landscaping around an above ground pool?
Use mulch for borders instead of stone. Grow privacy from fast-growing seeds like sunflowers or morning glory vines on a trellis. Repurpose wooden pallets to create simple deck platforms or vertical planters. Shop for plants at end-of-season sales.
How do you hide an above ground pool with landscaping?
Use a combination of tall plants (like arborvitae or ornamental grasses) and structures. Building a deck that reaches the top of the pool wall is the most effective method. You can also use lattice panels attached to the pool’s exterior and grow vines on them.
What should you not plant around a pool?
Avoid plants that drop a lot of leaves, flowers, or fruit (like certain maples, crepe myrtles, or berry bushes). Stay away from plants with invasive root systems (like willows). Also, avoid plants with thorns (roses, barberry) close to walking areas.
Can you put artificial grass around an above ground pool?
Yes, artificial turf is a great low-maintenance option. It provides a soft, green surface that never needs mowing or watering. Ensure it’s installed with proper drainage and is rated for outdoor use. It can get hot in full sun, so placing it in partly shaded areas or using a lighter color helps.
How do I make my above ground pool look like a natural pond?
For a natural pond look, camouflage the top rail with stacked stone or wood. Surround the base with large, natural boulders and lush, leafy plants like ferns, hostas, and grasses. Use a dark-colored pool liner to mimic the depth of a pond. The key is to hide the manufactured lines of the pool structure.
Starting your project might seem daunting, but just pick one area to focus on first. Maybe it’s building a simple gravel border this month, and adding a few container plants next month. Over time, your efforts will combine to create that personal oasis you’ve been imagining. The sound of water and the sight of your green, private retreat will make every bit of planning worth it.