16 Diy Above Ground Pool Landscaping Ideas
Do you have an above ground pool in your backyard? You may be lucky enough to have this wonderful amenity for your family,
but you may be wondering how to incorporate your pool into your current backyard and landscape design.
There are many diy above ground pool landscaping ideas that you can use to make your pool area beautiful and add a little more green to your backyard.
You’re going to love these pool landscaping ideas!
1. Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are a great way to add texture and interest to your above ground pool landscaping.
There are many different varieties of ornamental grasses to choose from, so you can find one that will work well in your space.
Some ornamental grasses are low-growing and will look great in the foreground of your landscaping.
Others can grow quite tall and will make a dramatic statement as a backdrop to your pool.
Ornamental grasses are also very low-maintenance and can handle the heat and humidity that is so common in the summer months.
2. Rock Garden
If you have a small space, you can still add a garden around your above ground pool.
Rock gardens are a great way to add texture and dimension to your pool area without taking up a lot of space.
For this project, you’ll want to add a layer of rocks around the perimeter of your pool.
Then, you can add potted plants, bushes, and flowers to the rock garden.
Be sure to add some variety to your garden by using plants of different heights and colors.
3. Lush Landscaping
You don’t have to have a large in-ground pool to have a lush, tropical pool area.
This pool, with its raised deck, is surrounded by tropical plants, including palm trees and elephant ears.
The large rocks around the pool add a natural look to the landscaping and help protect the pool liner.
The plants are also a great way to add some privacy to your pool area.
4. Hardscape Ideas
Hardscaping is the term used to describe the use of hard landscaping materials, such as pavers, bricks, and stones, to create a landscape design.
This can be used to create a walkway or patio, or to create a border around your pool.
Hardscaping is a great way to create a clean, finished look around your pool, and
it can also be used to create a sense of separation between the pool area and the rest of your yard.
5. A Touch of the Tropics
Who says you need a tropical destination to get the feeling of a tropical paradise?
This above ground pool is surrounded by tropical plants and flowers, giving it a lush, exotic feel.
The potted plants in the pool area also add to the tropical vibe, and you can easily move them around as needed.
6. Decking Ideas
One of the best things about an above ground pool is that you can choose to have it freestanding, or you can install it partially or fully in the ground.
If you choose to have your pool partially in the ground, you can create a seamless look by adding a deck around the pool.
Decks are not only beautiful, but they also provide a safe and easy way to enter and exit the pool.
You can add a deck to your above ground pool, no matter what size it is, and it can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.
7. A Partial Deck
If you like the idea of a full deck, but don’t want to build one that wraps all the way around your pool, consider a partial deck.
This is a great way to add a little more sophistication and structure to your pool area without the cost and work of a full deck.
You can build a partial deck that’s as big as you like, but is usually at least big enough to accommodate your pool steps and a couple of chairs.
This will give you a place to sit and relax and will also help to define the space.
You can build a partial deck that’s even with the top of your pool, or you can build it to be just a step or two up.
If you want to add a full deck later, this can be a good way to get started.
8. A Full Surround
If you want to go all out on your above ground pool landscaping, consider adding a full surround with a deck and some planters.
This will make your pool feel like a true oasis.
Depending on your budget, you can choose to use a variety of materials like wood, stone, or concrete.
You can also add a fence to create a private space for your pool.
9. A Rock Surround
If you don’t want to use wood or composite materials to create a deck around your above ground pool, you can use rocks instead.
A rock surround looks natural and helps to support the pool walls.
You can also use rocks to create a retaining wall to support the pool, like in this project.
The retaining wall helps to create a level area for the pool and deck and also provides a place to plant flowers.
10. A Partial Rock Surround
If you don’t want to fully commit to a rock or stone surround, you can still use this material to anchor a portion of your pool.
This is a great way to create a focal point or a backdrop for a seating area or outdoor kitchen.
Here, the pool is surrounded by a wood deck and a line of rocks. This creates a clear boundary for the pool and makes it feel more intentional.
The rocks are also a great way to add a pop of color and a natural texture to the space.
11. A Full Rock Surround
If you want to go all out on the rock theme, then you could even create a full rock wall around your above ground pool.
This can be done with a stacked rock wall or with a rock wall that is poured with concrete.
You can also add a rock wall to just one side of your pool to create a focal point. Then you can add a few extra rocks around your pool for a pop of color.
This look is a bit more time consuming and will require a lot of rocks, but the end result is stunning and will last for years to come.
12. A Flagstone Surround
Flagstone is a beautiful, natural stone that can be used for a variety of landscaping projects, including creating a pool surround.
If you want to make your above ground pool blend in with the natural landscape, a flagstone surround is the perfect choice.
You can use irregularly shaped flagstone pieces to create a unique, organic look around your pool.
Or, if you prefer a more formal design, you can use square or rectangular pieces to create a more structured look.
Flagstone comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose the perfect shade to complement your pool and the rest of your landscaping.
In this design, the flagstone pool surround is complemented by a flagstone patio area,
creating a seamless transition from the pool to the rest of the outdoor living space.
13. A Partial Flagstone Surround
This pool is a great example of how you can use a mix of materials to create a beautiful above ground pool landscape.
The pool is surrounded by a wooden deck, which is a great way to hide the pool wall and add a touch of luxury to the space.
The wooden deck is then surrounded by a flagstone patio, which is a great way to create a seamless transition from the pool area to the rest of your backyard.
The flagstone patio is also a great place to put some lounge chairs so you can relax and soak up the sun.
The flagstone patio is a great way to create a seamless transition from the pool area to the rest of your backyard.
The flagstone patio is also a great place to put some lounge chairs so you can relax and soak up the sun.
14. A Full Flagstone Surround
This pool has a full flagstone surround with a fire pit and a pergola.
The landscaping is kept simple with a few potted plants and some flowers planted around the exterior of the pool.
You can also see some large rocks and boulders placed around the pool to help break up the hardscaping and add some interest.
15. A Waterfall
If you want to give your pool a more natural look, you can add a waterfall to the pool.
This will make the pool look like a natural pond, and the sound of the water will help to create a relaxing atmosphere in your backyard.
You can make a waterfall as simple or as complex as you like, and you can even make one that is adjustable so that you can change the flow of the water.
This is a great feature if you want to make your backyard look different for a special occasion.
16. A Waterfall and a Partial Deck
A partial deck is a great solution for an above ground pool, providing a place to sit and relax that’s a little more elevated than the yard.
The deck in this photo is a great example of a DIY project. The wood is cut to fit the pool, and the homeowner added a ladder and a small fence.
A DIY pool deck can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be.
The pool is surrounded by a rock wall that’s a great place for plants. The waterfall adds a dramatic touch to this above ground pool landscaping.
Conclusion
The best thing about these ideas is that you can use them as a starting point and adapt them to your needs.
You can add or remove plants, trees, or shrubs, change the color of the mulch or stones, and even add a pathway around the pool.
