19 DIY Above Ground Pool Landscaping Ideas

Your above ground pool deserves beautiful surroundings that rival any inground installation.

You can transform your backyard oasis with simple DIY projects that won’t break the budget.

These landscaping ideas will hide unsightly pool walls and create stunning outdoor entertainment spaces.

Get ready to turn heads with your gorgeous pool area transformation.

1: Build a Wooden Deck Surround

You’ll create an elegant poolside experience by constructing a wooden deck around your pool’s perimeter.

This project provides easy access and sophisticated appeal.

The elevated platform gives your pool a built-in appearance. You can customize the size and add railings for safety and style.

2: Install Gravel Pathway Systems

You can guide guests to your pool area with decorative gravel paths that define traffic flow.

Choose colored stones that complement your home’s exterior palette.

The crunchy texture adds sensory appeal underfoot.

You’ll appreciate how gravel naturally drains water and requires minimal maintenance throughout swimming seasons.

3: Create Living Privacy Screens

You’ll establish natural barriers using fast-growing plants like bamboo or tall grasses in strategic locations.

These green walls provide seclusion from neighbors.

The organic screening softens harsh pool edges beautifully. You can adjust plant spacing to control visibility and airflow around your swimming area.

4: Design Decorative Rock Gardens

You can add visual interest with carefully arranged stone displays featuring drought-resistant succulents and native plants.

This low-maintenance option thrives in most climates.

The textural contrast creates focal points around your pool. You’ll love how rocks retain heat and provide year-round structure in your landscape design.

5: Construct Raised Flower Beds

You’ll frame your pool beautifully with elevated planting areas that showcase colorful blooms and fragrant herbs.

Use weather-resistant materials like cedar or composite lumber.

The height variation adds dimensional interest to flat yards. You can control soil quality and drainage while creating stunning seasonal displays.

6: Install a DIY Pergola

You can provide overhead coverage and architectural interest with a custom-built pergola positioned near your pool area.

This structure supports climbing vines beautifully.

The partial shade creates comfortable lounging spaces during hot afternoons.

You’ll appreciate having a defined area for outdoor dining and relaxation activities.

7: Spread Decorative Mulch Borders

You’ll define your pool’s footprint using colored mulch that prevents weeds while retaining soil moisture.

Choose materials that complement your home’s color scheme.

The organic coverage creates clean, finished edges around planted areas.

You can refresh the appearance annually with new mulch layers for continued visual appeal.

8: Build Bamboo Privacy Fencing

You can construct natural-looking barriers using bamboo panels or individual poles for an exotic, resort-style atmosphere.

This material weathers beautifully over time.

The vertical lines add height and elegance to your space.

You’ll love how bamboo provides privacy while allowing gentle breezes to flow through.

9: Create Stone Retaining Walls

You’ll solve drainage issues while adding structural beauty with stacked stone walls that terrace sloped areas around your pool.

This project prevents erosion effectively.

The natural materials blend seamlessly with landscape plantings.

You can incorporate built-in seating or planting pockets for added functionality and visual interest.

10: Install Artificial Grass Carpeting

You can eliminate pool deck maintenance with synthetic turf that stays green year-round without watering or mowing.

Modern options look incredibly realistic.

The soft surface feels comfortable on bare feet.

You’ll appreciate having a non-slip, quick-draining surface that maintains its appearance regardless of weather conditions.

11: Add Tiki Torch Lighting

You’ll create tropical ambiance with strategically placed tiki torches that provide flickering light for evening pool sessions.

Use citronella fuel for bug control.

The dancing flames add romance and warmth to nighttime gatherings.

You can easily move torches to accommodate different seating arrangements and activities.

12: Hang Outdoor Curtain Panels

You can soften your pool area’s appearance while adding privacy and wind protection using weather-resistant fabric panels.

Choose colors that coordinate with your decor.

The flowing materials create intimate spaces within larger yards.

You’ll love how curtains can be drawn or tied back depending on your privacy needs.

13: Layout Stepping Stone Paths

You’ll guide foot traffic and add artistic flair with decorative stones arranged in attractive patterns leading to your pool entrance.

Mix sizes for visual interest.

The irregular spacing creates casual, natural-looking walkways.

You can surround stones with ground cover plants or decorative gravel for polished finishing touches.

14: Arrange Container Garden Displays

You can add flexible color and greenery using large planters filled with seasonal flowers and foliage.

This approach allows easy rearrangement and plant rotation.

The portable gardens adapt to changing needs and preferences.

You’ll appreciate being able to move containers for optimal growing conditions and design effects.

15: Install Lattice Plant Support Panels

You’ll create vertical growing space for climbing roses, clematis, or ivy using wooden or vinyl lattice screens.

These structures add height and privacy.

The geometric patterns provide architectural interest even without plants.

You can paint lattice to match your home or choose natural wood tones.

16: Spread Pea Gravel Base Areas

You can create clean, modern surfaces around your pool using small, rounded stones that drain quickly and resist weeds.

This material works well in contemporary designs.

The neutral color complements any plant palette beautifully.

You’ll love how pea gravel feels smooth underfoot while providing excellent drainage characteristics.

17: Install Solar Pathway Lighting

You’ll illuminate your pool area safely using solar-powered lights that charge during the day and automatically activate at dusk.

No electrical work required.

The energy-efficient fixtures highlight walkways and landscape features.

You can easily relocate lights seasonally or as your landscaping design evolves over time.

18: Place Outdoor Area Rugs

You can define seating areas and add comfort with weather-resistant rugs designed for outdoor use.

Choose patterns that complement your pool’s color scheme.

The soft surfaces feel great on bare feet after swimming.

You’ll appreciate having defined spaces for lounging, dining, and entertaining around your pool area.

19: Integrate Water Feature Elements

You’ll enhance your pool’s ambiance with small fountains, waterfalls, or bubbling rocks that add soothing sounds and visual movement.

Solar options eliminate electrical complications.

The gentle water sounds mask neighborhood noise effectively.

You can position features to create focal points while adding humidity to dry climates.

Conclusion

Your above ground pool can become a backyard paradise with these creative DIY landscaping projects that enhance beauty and functionality.