Above Ground Pool Landscaping Ideas to Transform Your Backyard

You set up an above ground pool because it’s fast, affordable, and fun. But now it looks like a big blue UFO landed in your yard. The fix?

Landscaping that makes it feel intentional, not like a temporary splash pod. Let’s turn that circle of joy into a legit backyard hangout—without selling a kidney.

Pick a Style (So Your Pool Doesn’t Look Random)

You need a vibe. Tropical?

Modern? Rustic cabin-core? Choose a theme so your plants, stones, and furniture actually make sense together.

It keeps things cohesive and stops you from impulse-buying twenty mismatched planters at 9 p.m.

• Tropical chill: Think palms (cold-hardy varieties if needed), grasses, bright flowers, and sandy-toned gravel.
• Modern minimal: Clean lines, black or white planters, river rock, and decking with sleek metal accents.
• Rustic retreat: Natural wood, stacked stone, cedar mulch, and soft, feathery plants like lavender and Russian sage.
• Desert-friendly: If you hate maintenance, go with crushed granite, agave, yucca, and a few sculptural boulders.

Pro tip: Echo your house

Match the pool area to your home’s exterior. If your house is farmhouse white with black trim, copy those tones around the pool. If it’s brick, use warm stone and wood.

Instant harmony.

Build a Base: Patios, Decks, and Paths

Hardscaping gives your above ground pool a sense of place. Translation: it stops the “random plastic thing in the lawn” effect.

• Gravel skirts: A 12–24 inch border of pea gravel or river rock around the pool looks clean and helps drainage. Add a weed barrier underneath, FYI.
• Paver patio: Create a lounging zone on one side.

  Use large-format pavers for a modern look or tumbled stone for something classic.

• Partial decking: A half or three-quarter wrap deck gives you easy access without going full HGTV. Add built-in steps and a gate for safety.
• Stepping stone path: Connect the pool to your house or outdoor shower. Your grass will thank you.

Drainage matters (like, a lot)

Slope away from the pool and avoid soil piled against the wall.

Standing water near the base equals rust and ants. Neither screams “vacation.”

Planting Around the Pool (Without Making It a Leaf Soup)

You want green, you don’t want constant skimming. Choose low-drop, heat-loving plants with shallow roots and good manners.

• Best shrubs: Boxwood, dwarf arborvitae, spirea, nandina, barberry (careful with thorns), and hydrangea (for partial shade).
• Best grasses: Blue fescue, fountain grass, Japanese forest grass (shade), and switchgrass.

  They move in the breeze and look fancy with zero effort.

• Best perennials: Daylilies, salvia, coreopsis, coneflower, yarrow, and lavender. Pollinators love them, and they don’t shed like crazy.
• Pots that pop: Use large containers for things you don’t want in the ground—bananas, palms, hibiscus. Group in threes for drama.

Plants to avoid

– Anything that drops needles, sticky sap, or tons of leaves (looking at you, pine and birch). – Aggressive rooters near the pool (willow, bamboo). – Thorny plants near walkways unless you enjoy first-aid drills.

Disguise the Walls (But Keep Access Easy)

Above ground pool walls aren’t exactly architectural masterpieces.

You can soften them without creating a maintenance nightmare.

• Decorative panels or lattice: Attach freestanding panels a foot or two away from the wall. Grow vines like star jasmine or clematis on them.
• Raised planters: Curved or straight beds with stone or composite boards look custom. Fill with low-maintenance shrubs and grasses.
• Privacy screens: Slatted wood or metal screens block views and add style.

  Combine with tall grasses for movement and height.

• Skirting for decks: If you have a wrap deck, add horizontal slats or shaker-style panels to hide supports.

Leave service space

Keep at least 24 inches clear around the pool wall for maintenance. Your future self (and your filter) will thank you.

Lighting That Sets the Mood (and Prevents All-Night Faceplants)

Lighting turns your pool zone from “meh” to “wow” after dark. It also keeps people from tripping on the single step they swear they saw.

• Solar stake lights: Easy and cheap.

  Line paths and edges.

• String lights: Zig-zag them over a lounge area or deck. Use warm white for cozy, not interrogation bright.
• Step and riser lights: If you have stairs, light them. Safety first, cool factor second.
• Spotlights: Up-light a feature tree or a privacy screen.

  Instant drama.

Pro wiring tip

If you go hardwired, use outdoor-rated fixtures and GFCI outlets. Hire an electrician if you’re not 100% confident. Shock-free summers only, please.

Functional Add-Ons You’ll Actually Use

Make the space work for how you swim, sun, and snack.

Pretty is nice. Practical is better. Both?

Chef’s kiss.

• Towel station: A simple wall-mounted rack or freestanding ladder. No more wet towel scavenger hunts.
• Storage bench: Hide floats, test kits, and sunscreen. Keeps the area tidy and your sanity intact.
• Outdoor shower or rinse station: A basic hose with a sprayer works.

  A cedar post with a showerhead looks bougie for cheap.

• Shade: Cantilever umbrella, shade sail, or a small pergola. Your SPF will appreciate the assist.
• Fire pit zone: Set it a safe distance away and enjoy that glorious wet-hair-by-the-fire vibe.

Small yard? Go vertical

Use tall planters, trellises, and wall-mounted shelves for plants and decor.

Your square footage might be small, but your style doesn’t have to be.

Materials That Survive Sun, Water, and Chaos

Pools are tough on materials. Choose stuff that laughs in the face of splash zones.

• Best ground covers: River rock, pea gravel, decomposed granite, rubber mulch (around play areas), and pavers.
• Wood choices: Pressure-treated, cedar, or composite. Composite lasts longest and doesn’t splinter.

  IMO, go composite if budget allows.

• Metals: Powder-coated aluminum and stainless steel for railings and screens. They resist rust better.
• Fabrics: Outdoor-rated, UV-stable cushions. Store them when storms roll in.

Chemical splash reality check

Chlorine happens.

Keep delicate plants and raw steel away from the immediate splash zone. And rinse decks occasionally to avoid residue buildup.

Budget-Friendly Ideas That Still Look Custom

You can get big impact with small moves. Your wallet does not need to sob.

• Gravel + planters combo: Lay a gravel ring and add three oversize planters.

  Looks intentional fast.

• DIY steps and a landing pad: A small platform with two wide steps makes entry feel polished.
• Secondhand scores: Hunt Facebook Marketplace for outdoor furniture and planters. Sand, paint, repeat.
• Mulch magic: Fresh mulch around beds gives instant contrast and hides sins. Reapply annually.

Maintenance: Keeping It Cute All Season

The best landscape is the one you’ll maintain.

Be honest about your energy levels, then plan accordingly.

• Weekly: Skim plants near the pool, blow off debris, check for weeds, and sweep gravel back in place.
• Monthly: Trim back fast growers, refresh mulch or rock, inspect drainage after heavy rain.
• Seasonal: Fertilize perennials, divide grasses, and clean/ reseal wood. Winterize if you’re in a cold climate.

Kid and pet reality

Choose durable materials, avoid toxic plants, and add a fence or gate. Safety beats aesthetics, always.

IMO, self-closing gates are a must.

FAQ

How close can I plant shrubs to my above ground pool?

Leave at least 2 feet between shrubs and the pool wall. That gap allows airflow, prevents rust, and gives you room to work. Larger shrubs may need 3–4 feet, especially if they spread.

What’s the best ground cover around the base?

Use pea gravel or river rock over a weed barrier.

They look clean, drain well, and don’t blow into the pool like bark mulch. If you love mulch, use it in beds away from the splash zone.

Can I put a fire pit near the pool?

Yes, but keep it a safe distance away (10–15 feet) and downwind of the main seating area. Choose gas if you want low smoke and less ash.

Always follow local codes and common sense.

Do I need a permit for decking around my pool?

Often, yes. Many municipalities require permits for decks above a certain height or attached to the pool. Check local codes and get inspections—better now than during resale.

What plants handle chlorine splash best?

Tough cookies like daylilies, lavender, yucca, juniper, and ornamental grasses handle occasional splash just fine.

Keep anything delicate a bit farther out, and rinse hard surfaces occasionally.

How do I make the pool look more “in-ground” without digging?

Build up around it. Use raised planters, terraced beds, and a partial or full-height deck. Then finish with cohesive materials—stone, wood, and plants—to visually nest the pool into the landscape.

Conclusion

Above ground pools get a bad rap, but smart landscaping flips the script.

With the right base, plants, screens, and lighting, your pool area will look curated, not cobbled together. Start with a style, layer materials, keep maintenance realistic, and add a few “oh wow” moments. Do that, and your blue UFO becomes the best hang spot on the block—no abduction necessary.