An above-ground pool can be a great addition to any backyard. With the right landscaping, you can transform the area around your above-ground pool from basic to beautiful. Whether you want a minimal look or a lush tropical oasis, there are many creative ways to landscape around an above-ground pool. Here are 20 fantastic above-ground pool landscaping ideas ranging from minimalist to lush.
Blending in with Natural Surroundings
One way to make an above-ground pool feel like a natural part of your yard is to use landscaping that blends in with the natural surroundings. Here are some ideas:
Use Native Plants and Trees
Choose trees, shrubs, grasses and flowering plants that are native to your region. This creates an authentic look and has the added benefit of being easier to maintain. Some great options include crepe myrtles, redbud trees, arrowwood viburnum,switch grass and coneflowers. Arrange the plants around the pool in a naturalistic pattern.
Incorporate Large Rocks and Boulders
Incorporating large rocks and boulders into the landscape around the pool can help it feel integrated. Opt for indigenous stone when possible. Create mini-outcroppings or use the stones in a creative pattern around the pool’s exterior. Low stone walls also work well for a cohesive look.
Mulch and Pebble Surrounding
Using mulch, gravel or pebbles to surround the pool on the ground can further blend it with natural textures. Opt for mulch or pebbles in earthy hues like brown, tan or grey. Spread a 2-3 inch layer around the pool’s exterior. Be sure it extends several feet out in all directions.
Wooden Fencing or Screens
Install wooden fencing or privacy screens around part or all of the pool perimeter. This warm material creates a rustic, earthy look. Use naturally weathered wood if possible, and avoid painted/stained wood for the most organic aesthetic.
Minimalist Look
If you want to keep your above-ground pool landscaping clean and simple, a minimalist style is perfect. Here are some ideas for a minimalist look:
Focus on Shapes and Textures
Keep plant selections minimal and focus more on interesting shapes and textures. For example, round river rock, spiky succulents, tall grasses, bamboo and contorted trees provide visual interest with a minimalist vibe.
Limit Colors
Stick to a simple color palette of greens with just a couple accent colors like white, gray and tan. Avoid bright, flashy colors and go for muted, earthy hues. The limited color scheme creates a calm, minimalist look.
Concrete and Gravel Surrounding
Instead of grass or mulch, opt for concrete, pebbles or gravel. This surrounds the pool in simple, minimal hardscaping. Pour a concrete pad around the entire perimeter or create a pebble patio space on one side.
Outdoor Furniture
Wicker or aluminum outdoor furniture in your choice of muted colors can provide seating around the pool without clutter. Choose furniture with straight, sleek lines rather than ornate curves and flourishes. A couple chairs, chaises or sofas are all you need.
Simple Decking
Rather than detailed stone or tile, opt for a plain wood deck if you want one. Straight painted or stained wood boards in cedar, redwood or composite keep things minimalist. You can also forego a deck altogether and use pavers or gravel.
Tropical Paradise
Transform your above-ground pool into a lush tropical oasis with the right landscaping elements. Here are some ideas:
Lush Tropical Plants
Surround the pool with tropical plants like hibiscus, bird of paradise, palms, elephant ear, philodendron, croton, ferns, coleus, dracaena and banana trees. Choose plants with big bold leaves for maximum tropical impact.
Floral Colors
Pick flowers in brilliant tropical hues like orange, magenta, red, yellow and pink. Bougainvillea, hibiscus, crocosmia, lantana, impatiens and geraniums are great poolside picks. Use them as accents throughout plantings.
Bamboo Screens
Strategically place bamboo screens around part or all of the pool perimeter. This instantly creates a Polynesian vibe. For ease of access, use screens that have an opening on one side.
Thatched Elements
Thatched shade sails, rugs and tiki hut-style covers further enhance the tropical look. Ensure they are weather-resistant and use crisp white or natural brown thatching. Position near seating areas.
Tropical Hardscaping
Use patterned stone, tile or concrete around the pool rather than plain concrete. Opt for natural hues with some greenery between. Accent with terracotta pots and ceramic tiles in tropical patterns.
Night Lighting
Install festive string lights around palm trees and throughout plantings. Go for a color like fuchsia, lime or turquoise rather than plain white. The colorful lights will make the space feel fun and tropical after dark.
Mediterranean Oasis
Give your above-ground pool area a taste of the Mediterranean with this style of landscaping.
Olive Trees and Succulents
Dot olive and fig trees around the perimeter along with classic Mediterranean plants like lavender, thyme, rosemary and varieties of succulents like agave and aloe.
Terracotta Pots
Terracotta pots filled with citrus trees, herbs and flowering plants can help set the Mediterranean mood. Group pots together in clusters for big impact.
Stone or Tile Hardscaping
Use stone tile in sandy shades like cream, tan and brown to surround the pool rather than concrete. Accent with hand-painted Mediterranean tiles.
Arbors, Trellises and Columns
Add architectural interest with wooden arbors over entryways, trellises against walls for climbing vines and faux classical columns around the pool or patio areas.
Weathered Wood Furniture
Chaises, benches, chairs and tables made from weathered unfinished wood complement the Mediterranean look. For added flair, look for furniture with wrought iron accents.
Outdoor Curtains
Hang breezy curtains in creamy linen or cotton around cabanas or on the exterior of nearby buildings. This gives a romantic, old world feel to the space.
Japanese Garden
For a zen backyard retreat, try transforming the area around your above-ground pool into a tranquil Japanese garden.
Japanese Maple and Rocks
Incorporate elegant Japanese maple trees and large rocks placed thoughtfully around the pool. This mimics iconic Japanese garden style.
Evergreens and Bamboo
Plant black pines, junipers and bamboo around the pool or garden edges. Use gravel or mosses between plants, with occasional stepping stones.
Water Feature
Install a small water feature like a bamboo fountain or stone basin with a trickling waterfall. The soothing sound of water completes the Japanese garden atmosphere.
Lanterns and Statues
Place large stone Japanese lanterns and small Buddha statues or pagodas strategically around the pool, pathways and plantings. Opt for grey, black or natural stone colors.
Minimal Furniture
Use a minimalist approach to furniture. A solitary stone bench, couple of wood chairs, small table or single chaise prevents clutter.
Rustic Wood Elements
If desired, incorporate elements made from simple unfinished wood like pergolas, trellises, privacy screens and decking. This enhances the natural vibe.
Desert Oasis
Embrace desert vibes with xeriscape landscaping around your above-ground pool.
Drought-Tolerant Plants
Utilize cacti, yucca, agave, aloe and other succulents that need minimal watering to thrive. Native desert trees like mesquite also help set the scene.
Rocks and Gravel
Surround the pool with white rocks, gravel and boulders for proper desert landscaping. Leave areas of sand between plantings.
Neutral Tones
Stick to an earthy color palette. Cool tones like grays, browns, tans and pale greens complement the landscape without competing.
Rustic Wood Furniture
Use wooden chairs, chaises, picnic tables and pergolas made from aged wood. Unfinished cedar and teak have a nice weathered look. Add natural fabric cushions.
Fire Pit
A fire pit brings warmth and comfort on cool desert nights. Place it near the pool on a bed of pebbles or sand. Use local stones or concrete for construction.
Outdoor Rugs
Natural fiber rugs in earthy hues help define sitting areas around the pool without detracting from the desert vibe. Use colors like ivory, tan, gray and brown.
Beach Oasis
Make your above-ground pool feel like you’re at the beach with fun seaside elements.
Beach Plants
Incorporate grasses, palms, yucca and colorful flowers like lantana and bougainvillea. Let plants spill over edges for a wild, windswept look.
Sand
Use sand in place of grass, mulch or pebbles around the pool. Opt for soft natural tones rather than bright white. It’s okay if some migrates into the pool.
Beach Furniture
Use weathered teak or unfinished wood chairs, tables, chaises and umbrellas for a coastal look. Woven plastic or waterproof cushions are perfect.
Nautical Accents
Incorporate nautical accents like buoy planters, driftwood pieces, shell wreaths and anchors. Keep it playful.
Tiki Elements
Tiki torches, huts, bamboo fencing and rattan or bamboo furniture lend a touch of kitschy paradise. Just go easy on the theme to keep it looking polished.
Outdoor Shower
An outdoor rinse off shower by the pool’s entrance lets you wash sand off after a beach trip before entering the pool. Use wood or tile construction.
Urban Chic
For a modern, sophisticated look, try trendy urban details when landscaping around your above-ground pool.
Modern Furniture
Sleek outdoor sofas, chairs and chaises in bold colors or fresh white look chic. Include fun accents like poufs and side tables.
Modern Sculptures
Abstract metal, concrete or stone sculptures make great urban accents. Place them in plant beds or on the pool deck.
Fire Features
Modern free-standing fire pits, fire bowls on pedestals or long linear fireplaces lend warmth and a contemporary vibe.
Wood Decking
A poolside wood deck edged in crisp white or black painted trim keeps things modern. Use ipe, mahogany or composite wood for durability.
Architectural Plants
Go for interesting architectural plants like spiky yucca, tall grasses, large agave, olive trees and bold tropicals. Avoid ornate flower beds.
Lap Pool
Consider making your above-ground pool a narrow lap pool for a very sleek modern look. This works especially well for smaller backyards.
Rustic Farmhouse
Embrace the charming farmhouse aesthetic when landscaping around your above-ground pool.
Galvanized Buckets and Tubs
Use galvanized metal buckets, watering cans and tubs planted with flowers as fun rustic accents around the pool deck.
Weathered Wood
Incorporate weathered cedar or teak for elements like privacy fencing, benches, planter boxes, trellises and decking. Keep the wood unfinished.
Picnic Tables
Classic wood picnic tables with farmhouse charm provide casual seating areas for gatherings. Look for checkerboard tables for extra flair.
Whitewashed Pots
Terracotta or concrete pots gains rustic appeal when whitewashed. Display around the pool filled with flowering plants.
Wicker Furniture
Set up a neutral-cushioned wicker seating area on part of the pool deck for cozy charm. Include rocking chairs and side tables.
Climbing Vines
Let vines like morning glory, wisteria and passionflower climb up any fences or arbors. The lush greenery enhances the farmhouse vibe.
English Garden
An English garden design around your above-ground pool oozes quaint, romantic charm.
Wrought Iron Furniture
Wrought iron furniture like arched benches, bistro sets and canopy beds complement the English garden look when placed around the pool.
Rose Trellises
Install wooden trellises around the pool and grow vines of fragrant roses up them. An arched trellis covered in roses makes a grand entryway.
Flower Beds
Fill garden beds around the pool’s perimeter with cheerful English garden favorites like peonies, foxglove, hydrangea, cosmos and delphinium.
Brick or Stone Walls
Short brick or stone garden walls around planting beds or framing entryways boost the traditional English aesthetic. Top with potted plants.
Decorative Extras
Place decorative English-style extras around the pool area like a red phone booth, a classic bike, a croquet set or a birdbath.
Colorful Awnings
Add pops of color with striped or bold patterned awnings above seating areas. This keeps things fun and whimsical.
Woodland Haven
Create an enchanting woodland setting around your above-ground pool with these ideas:
Trees and Shade Plants
Plant willows, birch and maple trees plus hostas, astilbe and ferns that thrive in shady spots and provide lush woodland texture.
Large Leafy Plants
Incorporate large leafy plants like elephant ears, umbrella plant and anthurium for a jungle vibe. Use ceramic or wire plant stands in shady areas.
Gravel and Stone Paths
Gravel or irregular stone pathways winding around plantings and seating areas boost the natural woodland feel.
Tree Stump Stools
For fun rustic seating, place live-edge wood or actual tree stump stools and side tables around the pool deck.
Canopy Bed
A comfy canopy bed on the pool deck surrounded by greenery provides a whimsical forest escape. Use weather-resistant canvas and plant vines at the corners.
Twig or Vine Privacy Screen
Use sticks or flexible vines like jasmine to create a natural-looking privacy screen if desired. This defines the space while keeping an open feel.
Bohemian Backyard
Free-spirited bohemian style is perfect for transforming poolside areas into relaxing, eclectic spaces.
Moroccan-Pattern Rugs
Scattered embroidered Moroccan poufs and area rugs in bright colors bring bohemian flair. Layer different sizes and pile them with cushions.
Macrame Hangings
Dangle macrame wall hangings with woven textures and fringing from trees and posts around the pool. Opt for natural tones like ivory and tan.
Colourful Furniture
Mismatched brightly painted chairs and tables create an artsy seating area. Add patterned cushions for boho lounging.
Plants in Pots
Rather than garden beds, go for a mix of leafy and flowering potted plants in bright glazed ceramics and woven baskets.
Canopy Tent
A breezy canopy tent provides shade and let’s light filter through for an inviting bohemian escape. Drape the edges with bold patterned fabric.
Outdoor Kilim Rug
Cover plain concrete areas around the pool with vintage Turkish kilim rugs in colorful tribal patterns. Layer a couple together.
Poolhouse Escape
Having a pool house takes above-ground pool landscaping to the next level. Here are some ideas for styling them:
Lounge Area
Furnish the pool house interior with comfy seating, a bar area, TV and sound system for the ultimate lounge space. Open up the facade completely for an indoor-outdoor feel.
Changing Room + Bath
Include a convenient changing room and full bathroom so guests don’t have to go inside the main house. Store pool towels and supplies inside.
Outdoor Shower
Install an outdoor rinse-off shower next to the pool house entrance so people can shower before and after swimming. Use beachy blue and white tile.
Cafe Seating
Set up a cafe-style seating area outside the pool house with a bistro table and chairs for dining al fresco. Extend the overhanging roof for shade.
Lush Greenery
Plant palms, ferns, tropical flowers and leafy plants around the pool house. The surrounding greenery makes it feel secluded.
Patio Lights
String lights above the pool house and surrounding patio for magical ambiance at night. Go for festive bulb shapes and colors.
Low-Maintenance Design
If you want to minimize upkeep, go for these easy-care landscaping ideas:
Hardscaping
Use hardscaping materials like stone, concrete, pebbles and gravel rather than grass or high-maintenance plants that require frequent care.
Succulents and Cacti
Take advantage of low-maintenance succulents, aloe and cacti in sunny areas around the pool. Group in modern geometric designs.
Native Plants
Choose native shrubs, grasses, trees and flowering plants adapted to the climate so they thrive without extra effort.
Perennial Flowers
Opt for easy perennial flowers suited to the growing conditions so they reliably return each year without replanting. Put them in low-care beds edged with stones.
Mulch Beds
Where you do have garden beds, contain them with borders and fill with 2-3 inches of cedar or cypress mulch to limit weeds and retain moisture.
Limited Lawn Areas
Rather than sod