24 Above Ground Pool Landscaping Ideas
Let’s cut straight to the chase—above ground pools don’t have to be an eyesore.
With the right landscaping, these backyard oases can go from looking like a temporary fix to a full-blown resort-style feature.
Whether you’ve just set up your pool or you’re looking to give it a facelift, I’ve gathered 24 landscaping ideas that’ll have your pool looking like the backyard belle of the ball.
Trust me, I’ve seen my fair share of “before” yards that looked more like construction sites than relaxation zones.
But with a little creativity (and some good mulch), you can transform your space into a lush retreat even the neighbors will envy.
Let’s dive in—pun absolutely intended.
Lush Privacy Walls
Here’s a backyard truth bomb: Privacy is peace.
And when you’re floating on your flamingo raft with a cold drink, the last thing you want is Mr. Jenkins peering over the fence.
Use tall grasses like bamboo, Miscanthus, or Arundo donax.
These grow fast and create a living wall of green that sways in the breeze like a gentle lullaby.
If you’re more into structure, plant a hedge of boxwoods or install lattice panels and train flowering vines like clematis or trumpet vine to climb.
Within one summer, you’ll have a cocoon of greenery that keeps the world out.
Gravel Paths and Stone Borders
You don’t need a sprawling lawn to make a visual impact. A gravel path winding through your garden to the pool adds instant charm.
Top it with pea gravel or crushed granite, and use paver stones as stepping anchors.
Line the path with river stones or lava rocks around the base of your pool for a grounded, natural look.
It’s like giving your pool a set of polished shoes.
Pro tip: Use a weed barrier underneath to save yourself from the war on weeds later. You’ll thank me come summer.
Wooden Deck Wrap-Arounds
Let me be honest—I once had an above ground pool with nothing but grass around it. It looked like a satellite dish landed in my backyard.
A wooden deck changed everything.
A wrap-around deck doesn’t just hide the pool’s frame; it elevates the whole scene—literally and visually.
Whether it’s cedar, pressure-treated pine, or composite decking, this setup turns your pool into a true entertainment zone.
Add a few built-in benches, and suddenly you’ve got a party-worthy setup. It’s not just about swimming anymore—it’s a vibe.
Rock Garden Accents
If your pool landscaping feels a little… flat, introduce rock gardens.
You’d be surprised how a mix of boulders, succulents, and driftwood creates a desert oasis effect that’s both low-maintenance and eye-catching.
Plus, you’ll spend less time mowing and more time floating.
And for bonus points? Add solar lights among the rocks. When night falls, it’s like your backyard stars have come down to hang out.
Evergreen Ground Cover
Who wants mud tracked into their pool every time someone climbs out? Not you. Not me.
That’s where ground cover plants like creeping thyme, ajuga, or Irish moss come in.
They fill the space around the pool with lush green that stays low and soft underfoot.
Stats don’t lie: Homeowners using living ground covers reduce soil erosion by up to 90% compared to bare soil or mulch-only solutions.
It’s functional beauty.
Mulch Magic
Speaking of mulch, it’s like the humble wizard of landscaping. Not flashy, but powerful.
Layer cedar mulch or pine bark around the pool’s base.
It holds moisture for plants, prevents weeds, and adds a rich contrast against foliage. Bonus? It smells amazing after rain.
Keep a 12-18 inch buffer between mulch and the pool wall to prevent moisture issues and make room for future adjustments.
Tropical Paradise Vibes
Want to feel like you’re on vacation every day? Bring the tropics to your yard.
Plant banana trees, canna lilies, hibiscus, and bird of paradise around your pool zone. These bold plants scream “island getaway.”
I did this one summer, and let me tell you, my pool parties went from “casual hang” to “Margaritaville” real quick.
Poolside Planter Boxes
Don’t have in-ground beds? No worries. Add elevated planter boxes along the perimeter.
Fill them with ornamental grasses, trailing vines, and seasonal flowers for year-round visual interest.
A mix of textures and colors keeps the eye moving and draws attention away from the pool’s structure.
Choose weatherproof materials like galvanized metal, composite, or sealed wood.
Bonus: planter boxes make it easier to swap out plants as seasons change.
Stone Retaining Walls
For yards with a slope, install a stone retaining wall to level out the pool area.
Not only does this make installation easier, but it adds serious character.
Use limestone, fieldstone, or stacked concrete blocks for a layered, natural look.
Toss in some sedums or cascading flowers to soften the edges.
Think of it as giving your pool a proper stage to shine on.
Pergolas and Shade Structures
The sun’s great—until you feel like a rotisserie chicken. Enter the pergola.
Install one beside your pool for instant shade and drama. Hang curtains, string lights, or even a hammock underneath.
It becomes your pool’s chill-out lounge, cocktail spot, or reading nook.
Fact: Strategic shading can lower pool water temps by up to 10°F and reduce evaporation by 30-40%.
Natural-Looking Pool Skirts
You know what gives away an above ground pool? The metal frame.
Hide it with faux stone skirting, bamboo fencing, or composite panels.
I once wrapped mine in slatted cedar planks and stained them dark—looked like a spa resort and cost less than $200.
Even corrugated metal sheets painted black or white give a modern-industrial finish if that’s your style.
Flowering Borders
Nothing softens the hard edge of a pool like a border of flowering plants.
Think shasta daisies, salvia, lavender, and coneflowers—plants that thrive in sun and don’t mind a little splashing.
Choose perennials to keep maintenance low. And throw in some marigolds—they’re not just cheery, they help repel mosquitoes too.
Outdoor Lighting for Ambience
You ever notice how lighting changes everything? Wrap solar string lights around trees, line paths with LED stake lights, or install motion-sensing uplights behind bushes.
After dusk, your backyard transforms into a scene from a summer romance movie. Not bad for a few lights and an extension cord.
Zen Garden Elements
For a tranquil twist, channel some Japanese garden inspiration.
Install a gravel raking area, add a stone lantern, or place a few bonsai planters near the pool.
A bamboo water feature trickling nearby adds that serene soundtrack you didn’t know you needed.
Even a small Buddha statue tucked into a corner creates a feeling of stillness.
Your backyard becomes not just a place to swim—but a place to breathe.
Edible Landscaping
Hear me out: planting herbs and edible flowers near the pool isn’t just practical—it’s genius.
Imagine reaching over and plucking mint for your mojito, or tossing fresh basil on your poolside pizza.
Use rosemary, lavender, and chives to line the walkway.
Not only do they smell amazing, but they’re also drought-tolerant and thrive in heat.
Poolside Lounge Zones
Create zones around the pool for different moods.
Use outdoor rugs, weatherproof loungers, and side tables to section off areas for sunbathing, reading, or sipping iced coffee.
This turns your pool into more than a splash zone—it’s now an outdoor living room with serious flair.
Climbing Plants and Trellises
Need a vertical element? Add a trellis or two with climbing roses, wisteria, or passionflower.
These plants climb fast and bloom big, making the space feel enclosed and enchanted.
It’s like turning your backyard into the secret garden you dreamed about as a kid.
Recycled Pallet Bar
Here’s a DIY gem: take wooden pallets, stack and stain them, and turn them into a poolside tiki bar.
I built one in a weekend and spent the rest of the summer as the neighborhood’s favorite bartender. Margarita, anyone?
Add a thatched roof, hang a chalkboard for drink specials, and you’ve got yourself a backyard attraction.
Fire Pit Zones
Nothing pairs better with water than fire. A fire pit near the pool extends your backyard fun well into the night.
Use lava rocks, adirondack chairs, and a few throw blankets for cozy vibes.
And trust me, there’s nothing like drying off by a crackling fire under the stars.
Artificial Turf Touch
If maintaining grass feels like a chore, lay down some artificial turf around the pool. It stays green, feels soft, and doesn’t get muddy.
That means no more clumps of dirt in the pool filter.
Choose high-quality, UV-resistant turf, and it’ll look real enough to fool even the most skeptical gardener.
Container Plant Variety
Want greenery without commitment? Go for potted plants.
Use terracotta pots, ceramic urns, or wooden barrels to house your favorite plants and arrange them around the pool.
Switch them out by season or mood—think spring daffodils, summer petunias, and fall mums. It’s like wardrobe changes for your landscape.
Waterfall Features
Add a self-contained waterfall to one side of your pool. The sound of splashing water calms the mind and drowns out neighborhood noise.
You can buy pre-made kits or build your own with rocks and a pump. It’s the kind of upgrade that turns your pool into a spa-like escape.
Solar Showers and Rinse Zones
This one’s more practical than pretty, but it’s a game changer: install a solar-powered outdoor shower.
Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also keeps sunscreen and dirt out of the pool.
Trust me, your filter will thank you—and so will your guests when they rinse off without going inside.
Fencing That Feels Fancy
Don’t overlook the power of a good fence.
Instead of going basic, try horizontal slat wood, modern steel, or even hedge fencing for a softer boundary.
Add hooks for towels, wall-mounted planters, or even a mini vertical herb garden. Function and flair, all in one.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the real secret: landscaping isn’t about size—it’s about intention.
Even a modest above ground pool can become a stunning focal point with the right touch.
Mix textures, play with levels, and layer your landscape like a painter builds a canvas.
So whether you’re a weekend warrior or a laid-back lounger, start with just one of these ideas.
Watch how it changes your space—and how you feel in it. A little landscaping magic goes a long way.
And who knows? Maybe next summer, you’ll be the one giving poolside tours to inspired friends.
If you want more detailed advice on designing a specific layout or plant pairing, just let me know.
I’ve got plenty more backyard secrets where this came from.
