I bet most of the people that are looking for cheap above ground pool landscaping ideas have already spent their entire budget on the pool. So what should we do to make the pool area more inviting?
We should take the next step: landscaping around the pool in a way so that the swimming pool blends into the rest of the outdoor area.
- What is the best thing to put around an above ground pool?
Some of the most popular budget-friendly options are: rocks and pebbles, mulch and gravel, concrete and pavers, flower beds, plants, trees or small gardens.
You can also build a deck around the pool, but it could be really expensive.
- What should I plant around my above ground pool?
- Ornamental Grasses
- Shrubs
- Succulents
- Trees
- Salt Loving Plants
- Bug Repellants
When adding bushes or flowering plants to your above ground pool area, it’s always a good idea to look for vibrant, colorful plants that will complement the bright blue of the pool water.
Choose plants of several different colors and textures to take your pool’s landscape from monotonous to audacious.
- How to Landscape Around Your Above-Ground Pool
Create different zones around the pool and think about each zone as a separate area to landscape – for example, you can use rocks and mulch to outline the pool, then you can build flower beds and a walkway with stepping stones.
Some of the pools in this selection are not above-ground pools, but the landscaping in the surrounding area should be noted and could be used as an inspiration.
1. Create a Lavish Oasis with a Rocky Hillside Pool
The owners built a pool at the bottom of a hill. Boulders are the foundation of the retaining wall.
They used organic elements for the waterfall. A slide that goes under a stone overpass adds to the fun.
2. Freshen Up Your Poolside with Colorful Flowers
Add color with flowering plants. Lounge chairs with brown frames and deep green cushions blend into the background.
The filtration system is hidden by the large pot in the flower bed.
3. Separate Your Backyard Pools with Wildflower Privacy Screens
This yard is split into multiple entertainment areas. A spa is nestled in a semi-circle of shrubs and flower beds. The lower level features the swimming pool.
Wild flowers are used to create a soft, private divide. Use flowers and ground cover to keep people on the walkways.
4. Access Your Pool Deck from All Sides
The deck is built around the entire pool. This allows access from all sides. Gravel around the perimeter helps with drainage from rain storms. Mulch around the trees are kept in using the same color wood as the perimeter of the deck.
The design of this pool and deck takes into account the nearby trees which provide shade.
A post and beam structure on the far side of the pool can be used to string lights. This is an affordable way to extend the party into the evening.
5. Hillside Pool Area Upgrade with Pergola and Seating Area
Take advantage of a hill by extending the seating next to the pool and deck area.
A pergola adds shade to the seating area in the far corner. The zones are separated by pink and cream flower beds. The side of the pool is finished with a stone wall.
Stepping stones lead to the different seating areas.
6. Revamp Your Pool Area with Gravel and Pavers Walkway
The grassy area that leads to a pool always gets pushed down. This creates bare spots where the grass never has a chance to recover.
Create a path leading to and around the pool using gravel, marble chips, and slate pavers. This will also help prevent rain water from puddling at the pool area.
7. Bring Rustic Charm to Your Pool with Stone Wall Surround
This outdoor area used the slope in the yard to its advantage. Different seating areas were created around the pool.
It blends into the landscape using locally found boulders, tiles, and bricks.
via Land Design
8. Create a Shady Pool Oasis with Bushes
A long deck allows access to one side of the pool. A towel bar is attached to the fence.
Stepping stones leads swimmers to a shady area. Bushes were planted around the pool to hide the pool’s frame.
9. Desert Pool with Stone Facade and Turquoise Tile
This pool in the desert blends into its surroundings with a stone façade. Clay shingles cover the roof of the seating area. Turquoise pool tile introduces another color in the same palette.
A simple bed of lava rocks and trees defines the entertainment area near the pool.
via MSA
10. Grass and Paver Alternating Pattern for an Effortless Lawn
Create any pattern by alternating tufts of grass with square pavers. It eliminates the need for mowing. A quick pass with a weed trimmer will do.
The siding of the infinity pool was trimmed to match the deck. More greenery was introduced in potted plants.
via Lost West
11. Rectangular Planters Accentuate Patio Pool with Artistic Flair
Instead of doing a full remodel, a spa was filled in. The question was how to get it to blend into the rest of the patio.
Rectangular planters pointing across the semi-circle pool are an artistic solution. Ground cover plants have been planted and will eventually cover the slope with color.
via Lewis Aquatech
12. Enhance Above Ground Pool with Wood Framing and Deck
Add a finishing touch to an above ground pool with wood framing. A deck area hides in the shade.
The side of the hill shows off a rock retaining wall. Keep the grass from growing up near the pool by adding shrubs in a mulch bed.
13. Modernize Your Yard with a Desert Dream Pool
It’s tricky to maintain a pool in a desert climate. The water heats up and evaporates quickly in larger pools. The answer here is to keep the size small and deep. A small wall creates much-needed shade.
Recycling water with a pump and scuppers lowers the overall temperature. Keep the color of the walking area’s light to reflect the heat of the sun. Removing the ground cover from the surrounding area discourages wildlife from seeking refuge from the sun.
via ReMax
14. Brick Walkway and Patio with Fire Pit and Flower Garden
Different sizes of whitewashed bricks add interest to this walkway and patio.
A flower garden contrasts with the low retaining wall near the entertainment area. The lounge area includes a fire pit.
15. Add Glamour to Your Pool Deck with a Gazebo
A deck surround gets an upgrade with the addition of a gazebo. It’s a larger, more comfortable solution to a patio umbrella.
Low-growing bushes soften the fence line and hide the pool’s filtration system.
16. Elevate Your Deck with a Wooden Privacy Screen
The deck doesn’t have to connect to the house. The owners created a separate entertainment area by building a deck next to the pool.
A high fence adds privacy. The table and patio umbrella add a place for poolside dining.
17. Transform a Pool Area with Sage Bushes and Flowering Plants
Build up a beautiful backdrop for your pool area with sage bushes and flowering plants.
This reduces the noise level. Wide steps welcome swimmers into the pool and extend the look of the hill.
18. Add Intrigue to Your Pool with Gravel Landscape
Separating the deck from the pool is a great idea if you have several generations of family and friends enjoying the space. The pool is far enough away that kids can have their fun while adults enjoy conversations on the deck.
When the diving board starts showing its age, a water feature can take its place. They’re ready to add onto a pump system and add an upscale vibe.
Grassy areas near pools tend to get torn up and muddy. Replace the grass in these areas with gravel for a cleaner look.
19. Beautify Pool Fence with Floral Surroundings and Mulch Beds
Many suburban areas require a pool to be fenced in.
Soften the look by surrounding the area with a row of flowers and shrubs. Define the area by adding mulch beds.
20. Maximize Pool Aesthetics with Placement under Tree Shade
Keep the pool looking sleek and modern by maintaining the angles and color in the stepping stones and lounge chairs.
The pool is positioned to take advantage of the shade cast by the tallest tree in the yard.
21. Add Texture and Character to Small Pool with Water Feature
Create interest in a small pool by adding a water feature. The soothing sounds of the fountain enhance the ambiance in this meditative soaking pool.
Dark topper bricks and a Buddhist statue add to the calming scene.
via Alka Pool
22. Scenic Spa Area Features Waterfall and Concrete Bench Steps
Extra-wide steps lead to the seating at the top of the hill. It provides access to the spa and a nice view of the fire pit area.
The spa does double duty as a water feature with its stone siding and waterfall.
The poured concrete bench and steps provide a smooth contrast to the rough stone on the side of the soaking pool. The stones and concrete are matched to the local environment.
via Andrea Calo
