Above Ground Pool Landscaping Ideas: Elevate Your Pool Area

Inspiring and Stylish Above Ground Pool Landscaping Ideas

Landscaping around an above-ground pool offers a perfect opportunity to blend functionality with aesthetics. A well-planned landscape not only enhances the beauty of your pool but also makes it safer and more enjoyable. From simple designs that require little maintenance to lush surroundings that create a private oasis, the right landscaping choices can transform your above-ground pool into the focal point of your backyard.

**Table of Contents**
Benefits of Landscaping Around Your Pool
What To Put Around an Above Ground Pool
Above Ground Pool Border Ideas
Practical Ideas for Increased Pool Area Functionality
Pool Surround Materials Compared
Considerations for a Pool Safe and Functional Landscape
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Benefits of Landscaping Around Your Pool

Enhanced visual appeal: A well-designed landscape helps integrate the pool into your backyard, creating a cohesive look.
Increased privacy: Tall plants, hedges, and fencing options help block outside views, ensuring privacy.
Improved safety: Non-slip materials and strategically placed lighting can reduce the risk of accidents.
Higher property value: A well-landscaped pool area can increase the overall value and attractiveness of your home, protecting what you invested in the pool itself.

Small semi-inground pool with landscaped surround Above ground pool with planted border and deck

What To Put Around an Above Ground Pool

The most popular choices are river rock or gravel for a low-maintenance border, wood or composite decking for a usable surface, and concrete or natural stone pavers for a finished patio look. Most backyards end up combining two of the three.

Using Natural Materials

Rocks: River rocks or decorative pebbles are popular for pool edges. They improve drainage and create a clean, low-maintenance border. Note that light-colored stone stays cooler underfoot than dark, which matters on a surface people cross barefoot.
Gravel: Gravel pathways prevent dirt and grass from being tracked into the pool and offer a simple, rustic aesthetic.
Mulch: Wood mulch around the pool adds a natural look, helping retain moisture for surrounding plants and keeping weeds at bay. Keep it back from the pool edge, since loose mulch blows into the water and ends up in your skimmer basket and filter.

Planning what goes around the pool is a separate question from what goes underneath it. See our guide to what to put under an above ground pool.

Above ground pool with gravel border and surrounding fence Above ground pool set into a landscaped backyard

Planting Options

Shrubs: Fast-growing options like hydrangeas and lilacs can offer privacy and soften the hard edges of your pool area.
Grasses: Ornamental grasses such as feather reed grass or fountain grass sway beautifully in the wind and require minimal upkeep.
Flowers: Hardy perennials like lavender, daylilies, and coneflowers add a splash of color and fragrance without much maintenance.

What to avoid planting nearby

Trees and shrubs that drop heavy leaf, needle, or flower litter will keep your skimmer basket full all season. Anything with aggressive spreading roots should be kept well back from the pool wall and any buried plumbing. Skip thorny species anywhere people walk barefoot, and site heavy pollinator attractors like lavender away from seating and walkways rather than right against them.

Above ground pool bordered by ornamental grasses and perennials Above ground pool with flowering plants along the base

Curious about what variety of plants to pick? Check out our guide on 10 Cold Hardy Tropical Plants: Turn Your Poolside Into Your Own Tropical Paradise.

Above Ground Pool Border Ideas

Decking and Pavers

Wood decking: Wood decks, whether pressure-treated or cedar, provide a natural, warm aesthetic to your pool area. They blend seamlessly with outdoor surroundings, offering a rustic feel. Raised decks can also double as seating areas, making them versatile and functional. Decks attached to or surrounding an above ground pool usually require a permit and have to meet local structural and barrier requirements, so check with your building department before you design. However, they require regular maintenance, such as resealing, to prevent weather damage. Only use wood that is prepared for moist environments.
Composite decking: If you want the look of wood without the maintenance, composite decking is an excellent choice. It is highly durable, resistant to warping, and doesn’t splinter, making it a safe option for barefoot lounging.
Concrete pavers: These versatile, durable materials are slip-resistant and come in various colors and styles, from sleek modern to rustic. They create a seamless transition from pool to yard, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Pavers are also cost-effective and require little upkeep.
Natural stone: For a more luxurious look, natural stone pavers like travertine, flagstone, or limestone offer timeless elegance. They are ideal for creating a spa-like ambiance, with cool surfaces underfoot that are perfect for hot days.
Porcelain pavers: These offer a contemporary, sleek design. Porcelain pavers are highly durable, resistant to pool chemicals and scratches, and maintain their appearance over time. They also require minimal maintenance, making them a perfect choice for long-term use.

Above ground pool with paver patio surround Above ground pool with natural stone border and seating area

Practical Ideas for Increased Pool Area Functionality

Lighting Solutions

Any lighting that requires wiring near or in the water should be installed by a licensed electrician and meet your local electrical code. Requirements for clearances and GFCI protection around pools are strict, and they vary by jurisdiction.

String lights: These are a classic choice for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere around your pool. They can be draped along fences, nearby trees, or pergolas to add a soft, ambient glow. For a festive touch, you can even opt for color-changing string lights. However, be cautious not to hang them directly over the pool to avoid electrical hazards.
Floating lights: If you’re looking to add a whimsical or serene vibe, floating lanterns or LED light balls are excellent options. These lights move gently with the water, creating a mesmerizing effect, perfect for evening relaxation or parties.
Submersible LED lights: For a more immersive effect, submersible LEDs can be installed on the pool’s walls or steps. They come in various colors and are ideal for transforming your pool into a stunning visual centerpiece.
Path and deck lighting: Installing recessed deck lights or rope lights along pathways improves safety and adds elegance to the area around your pool. These lights are subtle but effective in guiding guests while enhancing the overall ambiance.

Above ground pool deck lit with color LED lighting at night Above ground pool illuminated with purple LED lighting at night

Seating and Furniture

Modular seating: Opt for flexible furniture like sectional sofas that can be rearranged easily for different events. These pieces provide comfort and are great for maximizing space in smaller pool areas.
Built-in benches: If you’re designing a deck around your pool, consider adding built-in benches. They offer a sleek and space-saving option for seating while also providing storage underneath for pool accessories.
Lounge chairs and daybeds: For a more luxurious feel, include cushioned lounge chairs or daybeds near the pool. This type of furniture is ideal for sunbathing or relaxing by the water, adding a resort-like quality to your backyard.
Outdoor dining sets: Incorporating tables and chairs makes the space functional for dining, especially if you host poolside barbecues or family gatherings. Look for water-resistant materials like metal or treated wood for durability.
Shade solutions: Adding umbrellas or a pergola provides essential shade during hot days.

Pergola and lounge seating beside an above ground pool Wood deck with seating built around an above ground pool

Pool Surround Materials Compared

Material	Best for	Slip resistance	Maintenance	Watch out for
River rock or pebbles	Low-maintenance borders, drainage	Poor underfoot, not a walking surface	Occasional raking	Dark stone gets hot; small stones migrate into the pool
Gravel	Pathways, keeping grass out of the pool	Moderate	Occasional topping up	Tracks into the pool on wet feet
Wood mulch	Planting beds around the pool	Not a walking surface	Replace annually	Blows into the water and clogs the skimmer
Wood decking	A usable surface with a warm, natural look	Good when dry, slick when wet	Reseal regularly	Permit likely required; use lumber rated for wet conditions
Composite decking	Deck surface without the upkeep	Good, does not splinter	Minimal cleaning	Higher upfront cost than wood
Concrete pavers	Cost-effective patio surface	Good	Little upkeep	Can settle unevenly without a proper base
Natural stone	A high-end, spa-like finish	Varies by stone	Occasional sealing	Most expensive option here
Porcelain pavers	Modern look, chemical resistance	Good	Minimal	Needs careful installation
Artificial turf	Green year-round with no mowing	Good	Rinse off debris	Heats up in direct sun
Native plants	Beds that survive on local rainfall	Not applicable	Little watering or trimming	Takes a season or two to fill in

Considerations for a Pool Safe and Functional Landscape

Drainage: Proper grading ensures water flows away from the pool to prevent puddles and flooding.
Non-slip surfaces: Rubber pavers, textured concrete, or decking reduce slip risks around the pool area.
Privacy options: Use tall shrubs, privacy screens, or fences to create a secluded space. If you are adding fencing, check that it also satisfies your local pool safety and barrier requirements.
Decor: Add personal touches like potted plants, water features, or pergolas to enhance the overall aesthetic and comfort.

Conclusion

Good above ground pool landscaping usually comes down to three decisions: what surface you want underfoot, what you want to look at, and how much upkeep you're willing to take on. Start with the surround material, since it sets the budget and the layout, then plant around it. Everything else is finishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best low-maintenance plants for around a pool?

Ornamental grasses like feather reed grass and fountain grass need almost no upkeep and hold their shape all season. Hardy perennials such as lavender, daylilies, and coneflowers add color without much watering. Native plants are the lowest-maintenance option of all, since they are already suited to your local rainfall.

How can I landscape around my above-ground pool on a budget?

Gravel and river rock are the cheapest surrounds and both are DIY-friendly. Wood mulch costs less again but needs replacing each year. Native plants cost more upfront than annuals but nothing to maintain. Concrete pavers sit in the middle and can be laid a section at a time as budget allows.

What are safe materials to use around the pool area?

Rubberized pavers, composite decking, and textured concrete all give reliable footing when wet. Composite has the added advantage of not splintering, which matters on a surface people cross barefoot. Avoid smooth tile and untreated smooth concrete anywhere that stays damp.

How do I ensure proper drainage in my pool landscaping?

Grade the ground so it slopes away from the pool on all sides, and lay a gravel base under any hard surround to give water somewhere to go. Standing water against an above ground pool wall is the main thing to design out, since it shortens the life of the structure.

What are some unique above-ground pool decor ideas?

String lights, wooden screens, pergolas, or even a cascading water feature can elevate the design of your pool space.