19 Budget-Friendly DIY Above Ground Pool Landscaping Ideas That Transform Your Backyard

Above ground pools offer affordable swimming options, but often lack the integrated aesthetic appeal of their in-ground counterparts.

With thoughtful landscaping, you can transform your pool area into a backyard oasis that looks intentional rather than afterthought.

The right landscaping not only enhances your pool’s appearance but also improves functionality, privacy, and safety.

Best of all, many effective solutions can be implemented as weekend DIY projects without professional help.

These 19 landscaping ideas will help you create a cohesive outdoor space that makes your above ground pool look like it belongs perfectly in your yard, all while keeping your budget intact and your swimming season enjoyable.

1: Wraparound Wood Deck

Build a partial or complete wooden deck around your pool to create a seamless transition between your yard and water.

This classic solution instantly elevates the appearance of any above ground pool.

Use pressure-treated lumber specifically rated for outdoor and pool environments.

The deck provides comfortable barefoot surfaces, convenient entry points, and valuable lounging space that integrates your pool into the overall landscape design.

2: Stone Pathway Approach

Create a dedicated stone pathway that leads to your pool area, establishing it as a destination within your yard.

This simple addition defines circulation and prevents grass damage from wet feet.

Choose materials like flagstone, pavers, or gravel depending on your budget and aesthetic.

The path naturally draws the eye toward your pool while providing practical benefits like reduced debris tracking and a clear route for maintenance access.

3: Strategic Privacy Planting

Install tall grasses, shrubs, or small trees around portions of your pool to create natural privacy screens without constructing fences.

These living barriers add texture and color while blocking unwanted views.

Choose non-messy varieties that won’t drop leaves, needles, or berries into your pool.

Position plants far enough from the pool structure to prevent root damage while still creating the visual screening and wind protection you desire.

4: Mulched Perimeter Garden

Establish a defined mulch border with drought-tolerant plants around your pool to eliminate awkward lawn-mowing challenges and create a finished appearance.

This low-maintenance solution instantly improves your pool’s integration with the landscape.

Select a variety of heights, textures, and seasonal blooms for visual interest.

The mulched area creates a neat boundary that prevents grass from growing against your pool wall while providing visual softening of the pool’s hard edges.

5: Repurposed Pallet Pool Bar

Transform wooden pallets into a rustic pool-side bar for convenient drink and snack service without leaving the water.

This beginner-friendly DIY project adds both function and fun to your pool area.

Sand all surfaces thoroughly and apply exterior-grade sealant for longevity.

Position your bar close enough to the pool edge for swimmers to access but far enough to prevent excessive water splashing on food and drinks.

6: Stone or Brick Pool Surround

Install a border of flat stones or bricks directly around your pool base to create a clean, finished edge that contains mulch or plant materials.

This defined boundary elevates the appearance of your above ground pool installation.

Choose materials that complement your home’s exterior for a cohesive look.

The hard edge provides a maintenance strip that reduces weed growth against your pool wall while creating a permanent, professional-looking transition to your yard.

7: Upcycled Container Gardens

Position groupings of large planters with colorful flowers and foliage around your pool area to create instant landscaping without permanent installation.

This flexible approach allows seasonal changes and easy rearrangement.

Use containers of varying heights and materials for visual interest.

Repurpose unusual items like galvanized tubs, old wheelbarrows, or ceramic pots to create distinctive plant displays that draw attention away from the pool structure itself.

8: Solar-Powered Landscape Lighting

Install weather-resistant solar lights around your pool area to extend enjoyment hours and improve safety without complex wiring.

This affordable enhancement creates dramatic nighttime ambiance with minimal effort.

Place lights along pathways, steps, and key landscaping features.

The evening illumination transforms your ordinary pool into a magical water feature while providing practical visibility for nighttime swimming and entertainment.

9: Trellis Privacy Screen

Construct simple wood trellis panels on the exposed sides of your pool and train climbing plants to create living walls.

This architectural element adds height and privacy while softening the visual impact of your pool structure.

Choose fast-growing, non-invasive vines like jasmine, clematis, or morning glory.

The vertical element draws the eye upward while the combination of structured trellis and organic plant growth creates an appealing contrast in your landscape design.

10: Rock Garden Integration

Develop a decorative rock garden with drought-tolerant plants that transitions between your lawn and pool area.

This low-maintenance landscape solution requires minimal water and upkeep.

Incorporate boulders of various sizes alongside smaller stones and gravel.

The textural contrast between smooth pool walls and rugged stone creates visual interest while eliminating difficult-to-mow areas directly adjacent to your pool.

11: Repurposed Ladder Towel Rack

Transform an old wooden ladder into a poolside towel rack by sanding, painting, and sealing it for outdoor durability.

This practical addition addresses the constant need for towel storage around pools.

Position near your pool exit point for maximum convenience.

The vertical storage keeps towels off the ground while adding a decorative, rustic element that enhances your pool area’s function and appearance.

12: Defined Entrance Zone

Create a distinct entry point to your pool with special pavers, an arbor, or decorative steps that signal arrival at your water feature.

This intentional threshold establishes your pool as a destination within your landscape.

Include practical elements like a shoe/sandal storage area and towel hooks.

The defined transition helps contain pool-related clutter while adding an architectural element that elevates your above ground pool’s presence in your yard.

13: Outdoor Shower Station

Build a simple outdoor shower near your pool entrance to rinse off before and after swimming.

This practical addition reduces chemicals needed for water maintenance while preventing debris from entering your pool.

Construct using a garden hose connection and simple plumbing fixtures.

Position on a gravel drainage area or connect to your existing drainage system to prevent creating muddy spots in your yard.

14: Floating Pool Gardens

Create small floating planters from waterproof containers to introduce greenery directly onto your pool’s surface.

This unexpected touch brings landscaping elements into the water itself rather than just surrounding it.

Choose aquatic plants like water lettuce or small water lilies that thrive in chlorinated environments.

The floating elements add visual interest to your water surface while helping to reduce evaporation and maintain more consistent water temperature.

15: Recycled Paver Surround

Establish a level, clean edge around your pool using recycled concrete pavers or bricks.

This budget-friendly approach creates a finished appearance while providing practical benefits for maintenance.

Look for free or low-cost materials from construction sites or online marketplaces.

The uniform border contains landscape materials while providing a smooth, level surface for pool access and equipment placement.

16: String Light Canopy

Install weather-resistant string lights above your pool area to create a magical evening environment.

This simple addition dramatically transforms your nighttime swimming experience with minimal investment.

Secure lights to poles, trees, or your home’s structure in a pattern that covers your pool area.

The overhead illumination draws attention upward, away from the pool structure itself, while creating an inviting atmosphere for evening entertaining.

17: Tiered Planting Approach

Create visual interest around your pool with plantings arranged in graduated heights, from ground covers to shrubs to small trees.

This deliberate progression disguises the pool’s height while integrating it into your landscape.

Place shortest plants closest to the pool with increasingly taller varieties radiating outward.

The layered approach softens the visual transition between your pool and surrounding yard while creating a lush, garden-like atmosphere.

18: DIY Pool Equipment Cover

Build a simple wooden enclosure or screen to hide pool pumps, filters, and other mechanical equipment.

This practical project instantly improves your pool area’s appearance by concealing utilitarian elements.

Design with adequate ventilation and access for maintenance.

The finished structure can double as a poolside counter for drinks and towels while keeping unsightly but necessary equipment out of view.

19: Stepping Stone Access

Create a playful approach to your pool with circular stepping stones embedded in gravel, mulch, or groundcover.

This whimsical pathway adds character while providing practical benefits for bare feet.

Space stones at comfortable walking distances and ensure solid installation.

The defined route encourages proper entry and exit points while adding a decorative element that makes your pool area more visually engaging.

Conclusion

Your above ground pool deserves thoughtful landscaping that transforms it from a standalone object to an integrated feature.

Start with one weekend project, then gradually add elements that enhance both the beauty and functionality of your backyard oasis.