Let's be real for a hot minute – above ground pools get a bad rap. People think they're the awkward cousin of the swimming pool family, but I'm here to tell you that's complete nonsense. With the right landscaping magic, your above ground pool can look like it belongs on the cover of Better Homes & Gardens. I've seen some absolutely stunning transformations that'll make you do a double-take and wonder if you're looking at the same pool.

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The secret sauce isn't spending a fortune or hiring a team of landscape architects (though if you've got the budget, go for it!). It's all about working with what you've got and being clever about how you integrate that pool into your outdoor space. Whether you're dealing with a tiny backyard or acres of land, there are ways to make your above ground pool look intentional, stylish, and downright enviable. So grab your favorite beverage, and let's dive into 20 landscaping ideas that'll have your neighbors asking for your designer's number.

20. Create a Simple Gravel Border

Starting off with something totally doable – a clean gravel border around your pool. This is like the little black dress of pool landscaping: simple, classic, and works with everything. You're basically creating a defined space that says "this pool belongs here" instead of looking like it just landed from outer space. Choose gravel that complements your home's exterior, and don't go crazy with the width – 2-3 feet is plenty. It's also super practical because it helps with drainage and gives you a clean walking surface that won't track mud into your pool.

19. Install Outdoor String Lights

Nothing says "backyard paradise" quite like string lights, and they're probably the easiest way to add instant ambiance to your pool area. Hang them around the pool perimeter, string them between trees, or create a canopy effect overhead. The warm glow makes evening swims feel magical and extends your pool season well into the night. Plus, they're ridiculously affordable and you can find solar-powered options that won't jack up your electric bill. Pro tip: go for warm white LEDs – they're more flattering than the harsh daylight bulbs.

18. Build a Simple Wooden Walkway

A wooden walkway leading to your pool is like rolling out the red carpet for summer fun. It doesn't have to be fancy – even a simple straight path made from pressure-treated lumber can make your pool area feel more intentional and resort-like. You can use deck boards, pavers, or even those interlocking wooden tiles from the home improvement store. The key is creating that "journey" to your pool rather than just having it sitting there in the middle of your yard like a big blue circle.

17. Add Colorful Poolside Planters

Here's where you can really let your personality shine through. Large planters filled with vibrant flowers or tropical plants can transform your pool area from basic to brilliant. Think big, bold planters with bright geraniums, or go tropical with some bird of paradise plants. The beauty of planters is that you can move them around until you find the perfect spots, and you can swap out seasonal plants to keep things interesting. Just make sure they're big enough to make a statement – tiny pots will get lost in the landscape.

16. Create a Pebble Mosaic Pathway

If you're feeling a bit crafty and want something unique, a pebble mosaic pathway is absolutely stunning and not as hard as it looks. You can create simple patterns or go wild with intricate designs leading to your pool. River rocks, beach pebbles, or even colored glass stones can create beautiful walkways that feel custom and high-end. It's like creating art that you get to walk on every day. The best part? It's actually pretty forgiving – imperfections just add character.

15. Install a Pergola or Gazebo

Now we're talking about making a real statement! A pergola or gazebo near your pool creates an instant outdoor room and gives you that resort vibe you're after. You don't need to go crazy expensive – there are tons of DIY kits available, or you can build a simple structure yourself. It provides shade for those blazing hot days and creates a perfect spot for poolside lounging, dining, or just hanging out. Add some climbing vines like clematis or morning glories, and you've got yourself a living roof.

14. Design a Rock Garden Border

Rock gardens are having a major moment, and they're perfect for pool landscaping because they're low-maintenance and look amazing year-round. Create a border using various sizes of rocks and stones, then tuck in some drought-resistant plants like succulents, lavender, or ornamental grasses. It's like creating a natural sculpture around your pool. The rocks retain heat during the day and slowly release it at night, which can actually help keep your pool area warmer in the evening.

13. Plant a Privacy Hedge

Nobody wants to feel like they're swimming in a fishbowl, and a well-planned privacy hedge can solve that problem while adding serious curb appeal. Fast-growing options like bamboo (just make sure it's clumping, not running, unless you want to take over your entire neighborhood), arborvitae, or privet can create a living wall that's way more attractive than a fence. You get privacy, noise reduction, and a beautiful green backdrop for your pool photos. It's like creating your own private resort.

12. Add a Water Feature

The sound of water is incredibly relaxing, and adding a fountain, waterfall, or even a simple bubbling rock can take your pool area to the next level. You don't need to install something massive – even a small tabletop fountain nearby can create that spa-like atmosphere. If you're feeling ambitious, a small waterfall that flows into your pool is absolutely stunning, though that's definitely more of a project. The sound masks traffic noise and creates a zen-like environment that makes your backyard feel like an escape.

11. Create Tiered Flower Beds

Tiered flower beds add dimension and visual interest around your pool, especially if your yard is pretty flat. You can use retaining wall blocks, natural stones, or even railroad ties to create different levels. Plant taller flowers and shrubs in the back tiers and shorter ones in front. It's like creating a natural amphitheater around your pool. This approach also helps with drainage issues and gives you way more planting space without taking up additional yard area.

10. Install Landscape Lighting

Good lighting can make or break your pool area's nighttime appeal. Think beyond basic flood lights – use pathway lights to define walkways, uplights to highlight trees or architectural features, and underwater pool lights to make the water glow. Solar options have gotten really good lately and can save you from running electrical lines all over your yard. The goal is creating layers of light that make your pool area feel magical after dark, not like an airport runway.

9. Build a Fire Pit Area

A fire pit near your pool might sound counterintuitive, but it's actually genius for extending your outdoor season. You can swim in the evening, then warm up by the fire afterward. It creates a natural gathering spot and makes your pool area usable even when it's too cool to swim. You can go simple with a portable fire bowl or build something permanent with stone or brick. Either way, it adds that cozy factor that makes your backyard feel like the ultimate hangout spot.

8. Design a Zen Garden Space

Sometimes the most beautiful landscapes are the most peaceful ones. A zen garden area with carefully placed rocks, raked gravel, and minimalist plantings can create a incredibly serene pool environment. Think clean lines, simple materials, and plants like ornamental grasses, hostas, or Japanese maples. It's the opposite of busy or cluttered – everything has a purpose and a place. This approach works especially well if your home has modern or minimalist architecture.

7. Create a Tropical Paradise

If you live in a warm climate (or just want to pretend you do), go full tropical with your pool landscaping. We're talking palm trees, banana plants, hibiscus, bird of paradise, and lots of lush green foliage. Even in cooler climates, you can use containers for tropical plants and bring them inside during winter. Add some bamboo screening, maybe a tiki torch or two, and suddenly you're not just swimming in your backyard – you're vacationing in it. It's like having your own personal Hawaii.

6. Install a Pool Deck

This is probably the single biggest game-changer for above ground pools. A properly designed deck makes your pool look built-in and gives you actual space to relax, sunbathe, and entertain. You can go simple with basic decking or get fancy with multiple levels, built-in seating, or even a hot tub section. The key is making it look intentional and proportional to your pool size. A deck also solves the problem of that awkward pool ladder situation and gives you storage space underneath.

5. Add Outdoor Curtains or Drapes

Outdoor curtains are having a serious moment, and for good reason – they add instant elegance and privacy to any space. Hang them from a pergola, between trees, or on standalone posts around your pool area. They create rooms within your outdoor space and add movement and softness to what can sometimes feel like a harsh pool environment. Choose weather-resistant fabrics in colors that complement your overall design. On breezy days, they create this dreamy, resort-like atmosphere that's absolutely gorgeous.

4. Create Multi-Level Landscaping

This is where you really start thinking like a landscape designer. Instead of having everything at ground level, create visual interest with raised planters, retaining walls, and different elevation changes around your pool. You might have a raised deck, lower-level seating areas, and elevated planting beds. It creates depth and makes your pool area feel much larger and more sophisticated than it actually is. This approach works especially well on sloped lots where you're already dealing with elevation changes.

3. Design an Outdoor Kitchen or Bar Area

Now we're talking about serious outdoor living! An outdoor kitchen or even just a simple bar area near your pool turns your backyard into the ultimate entertainment space. It doesn't have to be elaborate – even a simple counter with a mini-fridge and some bar stools can make pool parties infinitely better. If you're handy, you can build something custom, or there are lots of prefab outdoor kitchen options available. Having food and drinks easily accessible means people actually stay outside and enjoy the pool area longer.

2. Install Professional-Grade Landscaping

Sometimes it's worth bringing in the pros, especially if you're dealing with challenging terrain, drainage issues, or just want something truly spectacular. Professional landscapers can create seamless designs that integrate your pool perfectly with existing features, handle complex grading and drainage, and select plants that thrive in your specific climate and conditions. They can also handle things like irrigation systems and lighting that might be beyond DIY skill levels. It's an investment, but the results can be absolutely stunning.

1. Create a Complete Outdoor Living Space

The ultimate above ground pool landscaping isn't just about the pool – it's about creating a complete outdoor living environment. We're talking about zones for different activities: swimming, dining, lounging, cooking, and entertaining. Maybe you have a pergola with outdoor dining furniture, a separate fire pit seating area, a pool deck with lounge chairs, and beautifully landscaped borders tying it all together. The pool becomes just one element in a larger design that makes your entire backyard feel like a luxury resort. This is the approach that gets featured in magazines and makes your friends seriously jealous.

The key to any successful pool landscaping project is planning it out as a complete space rather than just dropping a pool in your yard and hoping for the best. Think about how you want to use the area, what your budget allows, and what will work best with your existing landscape and home architecture. Whether you tackle one small project at a time or go for a complete transformation, the right landscaping can turn your above ground pool from an eyesore into the crown jewel of your backyard.