24 Above Ground Pool Landscaping IdeasHow to Transform Your Backyard into a Private Paradise
1. Surround It with a Wooden Deck
If there’s one thing that makes an above ground pool feel like it belongs in a luxury resort, it’s a wrap-around wooden deck.
Not only does it visually anchor the pool to your yard, but it also creates a functional space to lounge, sunbathe, or watch the kids splash around.
Pro tip: Use pressure-treated wood or composite decking for durability.
According to the North American Deck and Railing Association, over 40 million decks in the U.S. are over 20 years old—so build yours with longevity in mind.
My uncle once built a deck in a weekend using reclaimed wood—it creaked like a haunted house by the second summer. Trust me, invest in quality materials.
2. Add Evergreen Privacy Hedges
If your neighbors are a little too curious—or if you simply crave a slice of seclusion—tall evergreen shrubs like arborvitae or Leyland cypress can act as a natural privacy fence.
They stay green year-round, giving your pool area a lush, inviting backdrop.
Why it works: Unlike fencing, greenery feels soft and inviting. Plus, studies show that time spent in green spaces can reduce stress by up to 60%.
That’s not just a plant—it’s a mood booster.
3. Create a Stone Pathway to the Pool
Think of this as the yellow brick road to your water wonderland. A flagstone or gravel path adds visual interest while keeping muddy feet out of the pool.
I once laid out stepping stones with my daughter, and we turned it into a “hop-to-the-pool” game. It became a ritual.
These little additions aren’t just functional—they create moments.
Design tip: Use crushed granite or river rock for a softer, more natural vibe. Avoid pea gravel—it’s like walking on marbles.
4. Build a Retaining Wall for a Terraced Look
If your yard is sloped, a retaining wall isn’t just smart—it’s stunning.
A terraced setup allows you to integrate plants, lighting, and seating while preventing erosion.
According to HGTV, using natural stone or interlocking blocks can increase curb appeal and boost home value by 5% to 10%. Who knew a wall could do that?
5. Landscape with Native Plants
Instead of struggling to keep exotic flowers alive, why not embrace what already thrives in your region? Native plants are lower maintenance, attract pollinators, and blend seamlessly with the environment.
In Texas, I once tried planting tropical hibiscus—beautiful for a minute, then cooked by July.
I switched to native coneflowers and black-eyed Susans, and they practically do cartwheels in the heat.
Fact: Native plants require up to 50% less water and are far more resistant to local pests.
6. Install Solar-Powered Landscape Lights
Light the way to nighttime swims with solar landscape lighting. It’s eco-friendly, easy to install, and makes your backyard look like a high-end resort after dark.
Place stake lights along paths and use spotlights to highlight trees or garden features.
Bonus: lighting improves safety and deters pests and burglars. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, well-lit outdoor areas see 60% fewer break-ins.
7. Use Gravel or Mulch Borders
Tired of mowing awkward corners around your pool? Install a gravel or mulch border to define the space and reduce maintenance.
Pro move: Use rubber mulch—it’s soft underfoot and doesn’t attract bugs like wood chips do.
Gravel is a winner too, especially if you want a modern or desert-style aesthetic.
8. Create a Poolside Lounge Zone
You don’t need an indoor spa to feel pampered.
Use outdoor furniture, a shade umbrella, and maybe a hammock to create a spot where you can towel off and drift into a nap.
I added a couple of Adirondack chairs and a side table for snacks and sunscreen—and suddenly my above ground pool felt like a vacation spot.
Stat: According to a HomeAdvisor survey, adding a dedicated lounge space can increase the perceived value of a backyard by over 30%.
9. Add a Pool Skirt or Decorative Panels
Nobody wants to look at an exposed pool wall. Dress it up with a pool skirt made of lattice, bamboo, or stone panels.
It’s like giving your pool a classy tuxedo.
DIY idea: Use peel-and-stick stone veneer panels—they’re lightweight, waterproof, and ridiculously easy to apply.
10. Build Raised Garden Beds Around the Pool
Want to make your pool feel like it’s nestled in a botanical oasis? Surround it with raised garden beds filled with colorful flowers, shrubs, and even herbs.
I grew lavender and mint near my pool—now every breeze smells like a spa day.
Insider tip: Keep plants low-maintenance and avoid anything that drops leaves or attracts bees.
11. Add a Pergola or Shade Sail
Sometimes the sun can be a little too enthusiastic.
Enter: the pergola. It provides shade, defines the space, and gives you a place to hang string lights or climbing vines.
Alternative: Shade sails are cheaper, modern-looking, and great for odd-shaped yards.
Fun fact: A good shade structure can lower temperatures by 10 to 15 degrees, making hot days bearable and your pool time longer.
12. Incorporate a Fire Pit Area Nearby
Water and fire—the ultimate contrast. Add a fire pit near the pool area for post-swim warmth, storytelling, or marshmallow toasting.
In one backyard I helped redesign, we used crushed stone and Adirondack chairs around a small fire pit. It became the go-to hangout—even in winter.
Stat to know: According to NAR, homes with fire pits sell for 2.8% more than similar homes without.
13. Try a Rock Garden
Minimalist, drought-tolerant, and meditative—a rock garden adds texture and structure without extra work.
Mix river rocks, pebbles, and a few strategically placed succulents.
Personal note: My grandma had one. We called it her “Zen zone,” and it was where she went to “think about not thinking.”
14. Incorporate Water Features
Let’s level up. A fountain, waterfall, or even a bubbling pot can add soothing sounds and movement to your landscaping.
Plus, water features help drown out traffic noise.
Tip: Solar-powered fountains are low maintenance and energy-efficient.
15. Install Artificial Turf
Tired of mowing and muddy feet? Install artificial grass around your pool for a neat, always-green look that’s surprisingly soft underfoot.
It’s not the stiff green carpet of the ’90s—today’s turf is lush, realistic, and permeable.
Fact: Quality turf can last 10–15 years, and it’s perfect for pool splash zones because it drains quickly.
16. Design a Tropical Oasis
If you crave vacation vibes, go all in. Think banana plants, elephant ears, colorful planters, tiki torches, and maybe a little ukulele music.
Plant placement is key: large leafy greens should be in the backdrop, while pops of color go up front.
Pro tip: Use container gardening if you’re in a colder climate—just wheel them inside for winter.
17. Use Decorative Boulders
Boulders aren’t just for mountains—they bring natural drama and structure to flat yards. Cluster them near plants or use them to edge paths and borders.
One client of mine added boulders with LED uplights—it looked like something out of Jurassic Park (minus the dinosaurs, thankfully).
18. Create a Poolside Dining Area
Who says poolside meals have to be burgers on paper plates? Add a bistro table, outdoor rug, and string lights, and suddenly you’re hosting al fresco dinners under the stars.
Stat: Outdoor dining spaces can increase entertainment space by 30%, especially in smaller homes.
19. Incorporate a Living Wall
A vertical garden or living wall can turn an otherwise dull fence into a leafy work of art. Use trailing plants, herbs, or ferns for a splash of greenery.
Why it’s great: It saves space and adds depth to your yard, especially in small areas where horizontal landscaping isn’t an option.
20. Add a Hammock Corner
You haven’t truly relaxed until you’ve napped near a pool in a hammock. Set up a freestanding frame or string one between two trees, and you’re in paradise.
Pro tip: Use a waterproof hammock fabric like Sunbrella so it doesn’t mildew from pool splashes.
21. Edge It with Pavers
Paving stones around the base of the pool help control erosion, reduce mud, and make it easier to mow.
Choose a neutral tone that complements your home’s exterior.
Bonus: They also prevent soil from washing into the pool during heavy rain.
22. Add Outdoor Storage That Blends In
Instead of leaving goggles, floaties, and pool noodles scattered about, hide them in stylish outdoor storage benches or cabinets.
Go for a wood-look resin or something weatherproof. I once repurposed an old cedar chest—it looked classy and smelled great.
23. Install a Pool Bar
Feeling extra? A small bar or refreshment station by the pool turns every swim into a party. Stock it with cold drinks, snacks, and Bluetooth speakers.
Pro tip: Use rolling carts so you can wheel it away when not in use.
24. Personalize with Art or Decor
Finally, make it yours. Hang weatherproof artwork, install decorative signs, or use quirky garden statues to give your pool area personality.
One family I worked with installed a vintage surfboard as wall art—it became the heart of their pool zone.
Reminder: Decor isn’t frivolous—it’s the final brushstroke on your masterpiece.
Final Splash of Advice:
When it comes to above ground pool landscaping, think beyond just function. You’re not just trying to make it look better—you’re creating an experience, a little sanctuary that reflects your personality and lifestyle.
Mix textures. Play with heights. And most importantly, make it feel like you. After all, the best backyard isn’t the most expensive—it’s the one where memories are made.
If this helped spark ideas or you’ve got questions about any of these, I’m just a message away. Let’s make your pool the crown jewel of the neighborhood.
