After years of designing outdoor spaces, I’ve learned that above ground pools don’t have to stick out like sore thumbs. With a bit of creativity and some easy landscaping ideas, you can turn any backyard pool into a gorgeous, functional retreat.
Upgrade with Stone Pavers for a Resort Feel
Sensory snapshot: The cool, textured surface of stone pavers under bare feet and the subtle pattern they cast in the late afternoon light always remind me of boutique hotel pools. I’ve used both natural and concrete pavers to create elegant walkways that instantly upgrade any pool area.
The toolkit for this idea:
- Natural stone paver set: Transform your poolside walkway with natural stone pavers for a chic, timeless resort-style vibe.
- Concrete stepping stones: Lay down concrete stepping stones to create an elegant, durable path that complements any green landscape.
- Non-slip outdoor paver sealer: Enhance safety and protect your pavers with a non-slip outdoor sealer designed for wet environments.
Transform with a Simple Gravel Border
One of my go-to moves is circling a pool with a crisp, neutral gravel border—it keeps things tidy, improves drainage, and makes mowing way less stressful. I’ve used this trick for clients who wanted minimal upkeep but maximum polish around their pools.
To help you get the job done:
- Decorative landscaping gravel: Add a clean visual accent around your pool and help manage drainage with low-maintenance decorative gravel.
- Edging stones or landscape edging kits: Define your gravel border and keep stones neatly in place with easy-to-install landscape edging solutions.
- Outdoor potted plants for poolside: Enhance the pool border’s look and add natural greenery with durable, easy-care outdoor potted plants.
Hide Pool Sides with Lush Shrubs
A lesson learned early: nothing softens metal pool walls faster than a mix of native shrubs and tall ornamental grasses. I love watching hydrangeas and feather reed grass grow up and around pools, blurring those hard edges by midsummer.
Might be a good match:
- Assorted Live Shrub Plants: Brighten and soften your pool’s edge—plant mixed live shrubs for instant greenery and natural privacy.
- Feather Reed Grass Seeds or Live Plants: Add vertical interest alongside your pool by planting ornamental feather reed grass for graceful movement.
- Hydrangea Bushes for Outdoor Planting: Grow lush hydrangea bushes to provide beautiful blooms and soften the hard edges of your pool area.
Create Instant Color with Potted Plants
Mini-story: Picture a ring of oversized pots bursting with tropicals and bold annuals, each one easy to rearrange or haul inside when the seasons change. I use this move in my own yard whenever I want fast, flexible color that’s impossible to mess up.
Some relevant options:
- Large Outdoor Planter Pots: Arrange statement-sized planter pots around your pool to spotlight colorful flowers and tropical plants instantly.
- Assorted Flower Annuals for Pots: Bring vibrant color to your poolside with easy-to-plant mixed annual flower packs for containers.
- Heavy Duty Plant Caddies with Wheels: Move your potted plants with ease using rolling plant caddies—perfect for seasonal rearranging outdoors.
Could a Privacy Screen Change Everything?
After a neighbor installed a tall wooden privacy screen beside their pool, the entire space transformed into a secluded oasis—suddenly, every swim felt like a private getaway. It’s an easy weekend project with a huge payoff in both style and comfort.
Grab the essentials:
- Wooden outdoor privacy screen panels: Enhance your poolside privacy and create a cozy retreat with easy-to-install wooden panels.
- Weather-resistant lattice fence topper: Add extra height and style to your existing fence for improved poolside seclusion and comfort.
- Solar-powered outdoor wall lights: Illuminate your pool area and privacy screen with energy-saving solar lights for a welcoming atmosphere.
Lay Down Artificial Turf for a Green Look Year-Round
Lesson learned: After a particularly muddy spring in Portland, I laid artificial turf around a client’s pool for instant greenery—no mowing or puddles ever again. The result was so convincing even their dog was fooled at first.
Products that may fit:
- Premium Artificial Grass Turf Roll: Give your pool area a lush, green appearance year-round with easy-to-install artificial grass turf.
- Outdoor Turf Seam Tape and Adhesive: Secure your artificial turf seamlessly and prevent lifting or shifting around your above ground pool setup.
- Artificial Grass Cleaner and Deodorizer: Keep your artificial turf fresh and clean with a dedicated cleaner designed for outdoor synthetic grass surfaces.
Define Spaces with a Brick Walkway
A brick walkway laid around the pool prevents muddy feet and adds a classic touch that’s both practical and beautiful. I always recommend this to families who want to keep grass clippings and dirt out of the water.
What you might need:
- Interlocking Brick Paver Kit: Easily lay a custom walkway around your pool to keep the area neat and mud-free.
- Landscape Edging for Pavers: Install sturdy edging to maintain crisp, clean lines along your brick walkway and reduce shifting.
- Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric: Place landscape fabric underneath your brick path to block weed growth and simplify maintenance.
