As a landscape architect, I’ve seen above ground pools transform from eyesores into stunning backyard sanctuaries. With the right surround, your pool can become the centerpiece of an outdoor oasis that looks intentional, inviting, and uniquely yours.
Hide Pool Walls with Matching Wood Cladding
On one of my own projects, I wrapped an above ground pool’s exposed sides in the same cedar planks as the deck, creating a seamless, modern look. Suddenly, the pool looked built-in and intentional—guests always ask if it’s actually an in-ground design.
Options that might work:
- Cedar or Composite Wood Decking Boards: Transform your pool’s look by wrapping exposed walls with durable, natural-looking wood decking boards.
- Stainless Steel Deck Screws: Secure your cladding projects with rust-resistant screws designed for outdoor decking and wood installations.
- Weatherproof Wood Stain or Sealant: Protect your new wood cladding from moisture and UV rays using quality exterior wood sealant.
Build a Wraparound Deck for Seamless Access
One of my first projects after leaving public parks was wrapping a client’s above ground pool with a wide wooden deck, instantly making the space feel like a true extension of their home. The deck hugged the pool on all sides, offering easy entry points and plenty of room for sun loungers and potted plants—turning a simple pool into a private resort.
Essentials for this look:
- Outdoor Chaise Lounge Chairs: Create a relaxing retreat by adding comfortable chaise lounges, perfect for sunbathing or poolside reading anytime.
- Patio Umbrella with Base: Enhance your deck’s comfort with a sturdy patio umbrella, providing shade during sunny afternoons by the pool.
- Slip-Resistant Pool Deck Steps: Improve safety and style by installing slip-resistant stairs, making entry to your elevated pool deck easier.
Stone Pavers: The Resort-Style Walkway
Laying stone pavers in a sweeping arc around the pool reminds me of my favorite boutique hotels. Not only do pavers keep muddy feet at bay, but their cool, solid feel underfoot invites everyone to linger barefoot, even on the hottest days.
May just do the trick:
- Outdoor Stone Paver Kits: Create a stylish and durable walkway around your pool to keep feet cool and mud-free all summer.
- Decorative Landscape Gravel: Fill gaps between pavers with decorative gravel for extra drainage and an attractive, finished appearance.
- Garden Edging Border: Define your walkway and flower beds with flexible garden edging, keeping everything neat and easy to maintain.
How Does a White-on-White Palette Transform a Pool Space?
After a trip to the Mediterranean, I helped a client reimagine their pool area with white decking, white stones, and a pale fence—suddenly their small yard felt as bright and spacious as a Greek island terrace. The monochrome look bounces light and instantly lifts the mood.
To help you get the job done:
- White composite deck tiles: Refresh your pool surround with easy-to-install white deck tiles for a clean, cohesive Mediterranean-inspired look.
- Decorative white landscaping stones: Enhance your poolside with decorative white stones, creating a bright and low-maintenance accent border.
- Tall white vinyl privacy fence panels: Add privacy and a fresh backdrop with durable white vinyl fence panels around your pool space.
Curate an Outdoor Living Room with Rugs and Pillows
Sometimes, all it takes is a bold outdoor rug and a scatter of waterproof pillows to turn a poolside deck into an open-air living room. I love mixing patterns and textures—clients are always surprised how these little details make the space feel so much more inviting.
These may be of interest:
- Colorful Outdoor Area Rugs: Add a splash of personality and comfort to your poolside deck with a vibrant, weather-resistant rug.
- Waterproof Outdoor Throw Pillows: Mix and match patterns with waterproof throw pillows to create a cozy, inviting outdoor seating area.
- Outdoor Sectional Sofa Set: Upgrade your pool deck’s comfort and style with a spacious, weatherproof outdoor sectional sofa set.
Try a Mosaic Tile Accent for Sparkle
For a playful twist, I’ve added a band of colorful mosaic tiles around a pool’s rim—the way sunlight dances on the tiles is pure magic. This detail always becomes a talking point at summer parties.
A few useful items:
- Outdoor Mosaic Tile Sheets: Elevate your pool surround with easy-to-apply mosaic tile sheets for a vibrant, personalized touch.
- Pool-Safe Tile Adhesive: Secure your mosaic tiles effortlessly with waterproof adhesive designed especially for outdoor pool applications.
- Tile Grout and Sealer Kit: Maintain the beauty of your mosaic tiles by using durable grout and sealer for outdoor protection.
Bold Move: Install a Platform for Poolside Dining
For a family that loved dinner al fresco, I designed a raised platform beside their pool with a dining table and lanterns, turning every swim into a special occasion. Now, sunset meals here are a summer tradition—there’s something magical about dining with your feet almost in the water.
Helpful items for this idea:
- Outdoor Wooden Dining Table Set: Create an inviting space for memorable meals by the pool with a stylish wooden dining table set.
- String Lights for Outdoor Use: Add warm ambiance to your evenings with durable string lights designed for outdoor entertaining areas.
- Decorative Outdoor Lanterns: Set the mood for enchanting dinners with decorative lanterns that give your platform a cozy glow.
Lesson Learned: Add a Brick Walkway for Clean Feet
After a season of muddy footprints in my own yard, I laid a brick walkway leading from the house to the pool. Now, wet feet stay clean, and the warm bricks add a classic touch that just feels right under bare toes.
Items that may come in handy:
- Interlocking Patio Paver Bricks: Create a durable, attractive walkway to your pool—easy to install and designed for barefoot comfort.
- Landscape Edging Strip: Keep your walkway neatly bordered and prevent shifting with flexible edging perfect for garden paths.
- Paver Joint Sand: Finish your project and help lock your pavers in place, reducing weeds and improving walkway stability.
Surprise: Blend the Pool into a Slope for a Hidden Oasis
Faced with a challenging hillside, I partially buried an above ground pool and built terraced gardens above and below—even the homeowners were shocked at how natural the pool looked nestled into the landscape. Sometimes, working with the land’s quirks yields the most unforgettable results.
Get the gear:
- Stackable Stone Garden Edging: Enhance your terraced gardens with easy-to-install stone borders for a seamlessly natural look and structure.
- Raised Garden Bed Kits: Create vibrant, layered planting areas above and below your pool with simple, customizable raised bed kits.
- Outdoor Solar Pathway Lights: Light up steps and garden terraces with solar lights for safety and beautiful nighttime ambiance around your pool.
Action: Light It Up with Subtle Poolside Illumination
I always remind clients not to overlook lighting—soft LED strips tucked under deck railings or solar path lights around the pool not only extend swim hours but cast a magical glow on warm nights. The right lighting transforms a backyard pool into an enchanting evening escape.
Some relevant options:
- Outdoor LED Deck Lighting Kit: Highlight deck railings and surfaces with easy-to-install LED lights for a soft evening ambiance.
- Solar Pathway Garden Lights: Illuminate walkways effortlessly with energy-saving solar lights for added safety and charm after dark.
- Weatherproof Outdoor Lanterns: Accent your landscaping with durable lanterns for a cozy, attractive glow around your pool area.