Above-ground pools are easy to install, require little maintenance, and, above all, budget-friendly. Whether it’s adding a deck for lounging or a poolside bar for entertaining above-ground pool ideas can make your yard more functional and fun.
Above-ground pool designs usually stick out, so planning their landscape designs can turn out to be a bit tricky. However, this shouldn’t discourage you; you can still achieve a stylish look that resonates with your needs!
Furthermore, with the list of above-ground pool landscaping ideas that we’re going to share, you can be assured of creating a world-class spa that will incorporate a bit of pizzazz into your backyard.
Take a look!
1. Match Your Surroundings
One way to create a cohesive look with your above-ground pool is by matching its color palette with that of your landscaping. This white-tiled plunge pool echoes the fence, gravel, and stepping stones.
A patch of oversized plants creates an unplanned aesthetic, with the varieties providing continuous color and interest.
2. Pool for All Seasons
This simple and budget-friendly above-ground pool can be used all year, with features such as heaters, chillers, and covers adding a touch of flare.
Plenty of green foliage creates a monochromatic look for a simple palette, with the planters complementing the pool’s coping for a polished look. Small penny tiles on the side show off the pool’s style, while wooden lanterns keep the space looking stylish.
3. Build a Bar
This above-ground pool has a gravel base around it that’s layered with small planters that provide pops of green color and texture. The gravel border also helps to enhance proper drainage.
A small outdoor bar gives the pool a cheerful and festive feel, with the ruffled umbrella providing a budget-friendly way to add personality to the above-ground pool. Accent lighting makes this design a very relaxing spot to take a dip.
4. Create a Tropical Paradise
Planting palm trees around your above-ground pool is one easy way to add a topical feel to your landscaping. This shipping container pool is located on a slope and utilizes the slope’s natural decline to make the pool seem like an in-ground pool.
Palm trees and other large-leaf plants further evoke the island look around the pool, with a small decked area nearby providing a lovely spot to take in the surrounding views.
5. Enjoy the View
Don’t be afraid to maximize the view from your above-ground pool if you have one. Here, trees frame the view of a lake from a distance, making the design command attention even more.
Only a few planters were used to draw the eye, leaving the view to do all the heavy work. A pair of black plastic chairs, a side table, and a storage unit make the space complete.
6. Leave It Bare
Using minimal landscaping ideas is also an excellent way to create a beautiful setting for your above-ground pool. Here, scattered trees highlight the extensive landscape ahead.
Some landscaping is done with gravel, softening the edges of the stock tank pool.
7. Embrace a Modern Look
Tropical plants blend with this shipping container pool to create a natural look. The gravel and black stepping stones are an excellent choice for a stunning yet low-maintenance above-ground pool landscaping idea.
To make your design feel more intentional, consider adding a small gate.
8. Take a Rest
The deck for this above-ground pool enables adults to relax while keeping a close eye on the play, thanks to several features such as an umbrella for shade, chairs and loungers for resting, and a sofa for a mid-afternoon nap.
Other accents and structural elements, such as pillows, potted plants, and a wooden privacy screen, help create an outdoor room. Don’t forget to add a couple of inflatables to make your above-ground pool look more inviting!
9. Uplift Your Summer Holidays
One way to create a focal point for your above-ground pool is to place large planters at the pool’s entrance. Here, blooming white Spiraea prunifolia combines with marigolds and petunias in planters to adorn a lattice wall, creating an inviting space.
These planters also provide an inexpensive way to bring color and interest. The pool is punctuated by a wooden privacy fence, and together with the custom tiles that wrap the sides of the above-ground pool’s deck, they create a secluded outdoor space for rejuvenation.
10. Take a Peek
A deck may not be the most convenient place to dive into an above-ground pool, but it can serve other purposes.
Here, a private pool deck does an excellent job of highlighting the viewing window of the above-ground pool, with its dark gray privacy screen and staircase making the landscaping appear more intentional. Paver bricks, gravel, and rock boulders all work together to create a more natural-looking transition.
11. Add Some Accessories
Adding accessories to your above-ground pool landscaping can help create a dreamy oasis. Container planters surround this above-ground pool, using their foliage to soften the stock tank pool’s appearance while incorporating various shades of green into the space.
A partial deck fitted with an umbrella allocates a place to sit and relax. The lawn and walkway give you a tour around the pool, with the pink umbrella for the poolside bar and plastic pink flamingos reinforcing the pink theme.
12. Use a Container Garden
A container garden is an excellent option for adding a bit of color to brighten your space, especially if you have a pool deck. Consider recycling or salvaging items such as watering cans for a cheap and easy DIY solution.
Here, vibrant blooms break up the straight lines and curves of the pool and deck while providing season-long interest. A pair of Adirondack chairs also help inject some color into the neutral space.
13. Make it Executive
The wooden deck for this above-ground pool adds warmth and breaks up the formal look of the landscaping, in addition to extending the usable patio space.
Container planters nicely dress up the pool area and soften its sharp edges. Numerous trees provide a natural privacy screen, with the abundant green color, outdoor seating, and post lighting bringing the space to life.
14. Beautify with Pavers
An above-ground pool mainly caters to swimming and relaxing, but you can also use your design to create a beautiful garden feature in your landscape.
Here, brick pavers and gravel form a perimeter around the pool, adding subtle beauty and whimsy.
15. Add a Fire Pit
This contemporary above-ground pool is surrounded by spots for relaxing, entertaining, and visiting. Transparent acrylic panels evoke a modern feel and combine with the gravel and lawn to define the space.
A fire pit surrounded by rustic log seats makes the space warm and cozy even in cold weather.
16. Bring In Some Rocks
This above-ground pool landscaping idea is perfect if you’re looking to have enough room for lounging beside your pool. A partially raised deck offers room for loungers and planters and pairs with a wooden pathway for a way in and out of the pool area.
Other additions, such as the gravel border, rocks with planters placed above them, and a lush green lawn, make this landscaping design unique.
17. Adopt a Natural Feel
Above-ground pool landscaping ideas that use natural materials such as rocks can create a more natural look that will blend in well with the water. Here, natural stone steps and deck bring a rustic feel to this elegantly styled space.
A gravel bed adds more rocks to the picture and enables the evergreens and lawn to take center stage.
18. Keep It Simple
An above-ground pool is an easy solution for a pool with minimal maintenance or cost. Trees and flowers engulf this above-ground pool for a wild, natural look, making the space aesthetically pleasing.
A paved segment near the above-ground pool with a bistro set and plenty of shade creates a relaxing spot to sit and have memorable conversations, all while having a sip of afternoon tea!
19. Incorporate Some Curves
This well-designed above-ground landscaping idea involving a lawn, green foliage, and a curvy walkway has a relaxing feel to it.
The small raised deck would be easy to build and is guaranteed to bring lots of enjoyment to your pool area.
20. Do Away with the Lawn
This concrete tile deck is an excellent above-ground pool landscaping idea to stop grass clippings from finding their way into the pool, but even more so to keep the pool area clean. The raised stone garden bed adds great beauty to the pool area and provides an extra spot to sit while you enjoy snacks and drinks.
The plants help soften the hard surfaces, with cascading foliage adding more impact. Several trees and a strategically placed hedge create a dense wall of greenery for privacy.
21. Choose a Neutral Theme
This above-ground landscaping design features a gray palette from the deck, pool, gravel, fence, and even the house’s facade.
Several bollard lights surrounding the pool give the space a high-end look, while a lush lawn makes the area perfect for lazy summer days.
22. Cook Up Some Meals
The gray stone cladding adorning this above-ground pool is a DIY landscaping idea that takes this design to an entirely new level. Light wood tones throughout the space help balance the dark color palette and create a dynamic contrast with the grays in the space for a unique look.
Evergreen plants lining the wall create a more natural and relaxing atmosphere. A grill, bench seating, and a decorative mirror ensure there is never a lack of fun in this backyard!
23. Try a Minimalist Design
This small above-ground pool matches the elevated vibe of the contemporary facade. A well-manicured lawn, gravel border with spotlights, and gray tile cladding make the pool area feel almost resort-like.
A corner garden with trees and beautiful flowers elevates the landscape to the next level, while planters help pull the space together. Locating the trees far enough away from the tree is essential for preventing seeds, fruit, or cones from landing in your pool.
24. Share a Drink
Building a poolside bar for your above-ground pool is an excellent way to create an entertainment area that will impress your guests. This poolside bar’s countertop carries onto the pool’s deck for a cohesive look.
Fragrant flowers add beautiful color to the space, while geometrically placed pavers bring interest beneath.
25. Make a Statement
It doesn’t matter if you live in a crowded neighborhood; many DIY landscaping options can make your above-ground pool feel private and secluded. Here, a stone wall and wooden privacy screen combine to provide an escape from the real world.
Carefully spaced plants on pea gravel beds that are at different heights provide a much-needed lushness and draw more attention to the pool area. The lush green lawn echoes the foliage for a serene, summery atmosphere.
26. Build a House
The light blue pool house in this above-ground pool landscaping idea complements the wood tones for the deck and fence of the pool and has enough chairs for relaxing. An outdoor rug, coffee table, wall art, and a wall clock help bring the indoor vibe out.
A separate relaxing spot on the deck, with a pair of chairs and a glass side table, creates a lovely place to enjoy a peaceful outdoor breakfast.
