Landscaping Ideas Around an Above Ground Pool

Start With a Clear Plan: Assess Your Space and Goals

Before choosing a single plant or paver, step back and evaluate what you're working with. Above ground pools come in many sizes — round, oval, and rectangular — and each shape calls for a different landscaping approach. Walk the perimeter and note sun exposure, drainage patterns, existing utilities, and the distance between the pool and property lines or fences.

Define your primary goals. Are you trying to hide the pool wall, create privacy from neighbors, build a functional deck area, or all three? Rank them. A family with young children might prioritize safety and easy supervision, while empty nesters may focus on a serene, low-maintenance aesthetic. Your goals will guide every decision that follows.

Also consider how much maintenance you're willing to accept. A lush perennial border looks stunning but requires seasonal pruning, while a gravel-and-boxwood scheme demands far less attention. Match the design to your lifestyle. If you need inspiration for low-effort planting schemes, explore our guides on low-maintenance landscape ideas for principles that apply equally to pool surrounds.

Camouflage the Pool Wall With Layers of Planting

The most common complaint about above ground pools is the visible metal or resin wall. The solution is a layered planting strategy that creates a natural screen while looking intentional from every angle.

Layer 1: Tall Background Plants for Privacy

Start at the back with the tallest element — typically a privacy hedge or a row of tall ornamental grasses. These plants block sightlines from the street or neighboring properties and add vertical interest. Evergreen options provide year-round screening, while deciduous choices may offer faster growth. Ornamental grasses like miscanthus and switchgrass are excellent because they sway in the breeze and soften hard edges. For a formal look, consider Green Velvet boxwood — a compact, dense evergreen that responds beautifully to shaping and stays tidy along a pool perimeter.

Layer 2: Mid-Height Shrubs for Structure

In front of the tall screen, add mid-height shrubs that bridge the gap between the privacy hedge and the ground. Hydrangeas are a classic choice — their large blooms add color and their rounded form softens the pool's geometric lines. Browse our hydrangea care guide to choose varieties that match your climate and sunlight. For shadier spots, hostas provide broad, textured foliage and thrive in moist soil near pool splash zones. Learn more in our hosta growing guide.

Layer 3: Low-Growing Plants for Ground Cover

Finish with low-spreading perennials and ground covers that knit the planting bed together and suppress weeds. Daylilies, sedum, and creeping thyme are durable, drought-tolerant once established, and tolerate occasional splashing. Avoid plants that produce heavy leaf litter or berries that stain pool water and attract birds.

Build a Deck or Surround That Integrates the Pool

Nothing transforms an above ground pool faster than a proper deck. A deck hides the wall, creates a seamless transition from house to water, and provides usable space for lounging and entertaining. There are several approaches, each with trade-offs in cost, maintenance, and visual impact.

A partial wraparound deck — covering one side and a corner — is often the sweet spot. It provides a generous entry platform and seating area without the expense of a full surround. If you're handy, explore our DIY garden structure guides for building techniques that translate to deck framing. For larger projects, consider consulting a professional; our page on landscaping companies near you can help you find qualified local contractors.

Hardscaping: Paths, Borders, and Transition Zones

Hardscape elements define the pool area, keep mud and grass out of the water, and reduce maintenance. A simple gravel or mulch border around the pool base is the minimum — it creates a clean edge and prevents lawn equipment from damaging the pool wall.

For a more finished look, install a paver apron or a stepping-stone path connecting the pool to the house or patio. Stone and gravel also help with drainage, directing runoff away from the pool foundation. Our guide to gravel landscaping covers material options, edging techniques, and weed-control strategies. If your yard slopes, consider terracing with retaining walls — a technique also useful for downward-sloping front yards — to create level planting beds and prevent erosion.

Small decorative touches matter too. A few well-placed garden ornaments — a birdbath, a sculpture, or a tasteful fountain — add personality without overwhelming the space. Keep the palette restrained: in a pool setting, less is usually more.

Privacy Solutions That Don't Look Like Fortresses

Privacy is a top concern for pool owners, but solid fences can feel oppressive. A layered approach softens the boundary and looks more natural.

• Trellis panels with climbing vines — an affordable, attractive way to add height and greenery. Choose non-invasive climbers like clematis or climbing hydrangea.
• Bamboo fencing rolls — an entry-level option that installs quickly and provides instant screening. Pair with potted plants at the base to conceal the bottom edge.
• Tall ornamental grasses in raised planters — movable, low-commitment, and surprisingly effective at eye level.
• Evergreen shrubs planted in staggered rows — a living screen that improves each year. For a privacy screen that works in both sun and shade, browse evergreen shrub options.
• Pergolas or gazebos — a structure at one end of the pool creates a focal point and blocks sightlines from a specific direction. Our gazebo plans and pergola ideas pages offer inspiration for poolside structures.

Lighting, Irrigation, and Practical Infrastructure

Landscaping around a pool isn't just about plants — it's also about the systems that keep everything healthy and functional.

Poolside Lighting

Low-voltage landscape lighting extends the pool's usability into the evening and adds safety along paths and deck edges. Solar-powered stake lights are a budget-friendly entry point; hardwired systems offer more consistent brightness and are a mid-range upgrade. Keep fixtures away from the water's edge and use GFCI-protected circuits.

Irrigation for Poolside Beds

Hand-watering a poolside border gets old fast — and overspray from sprinklers can waste water and disrupt pool chemistry. A drip irrigation system delivers water directly to the root zone with zero overspray. If you're building raised beds around the pool, our guide to installing drip irrigation for raised beds walks through the process. For a gravity-fed option, consider a gravity-fed drip system that requires no electricity.

Drainage and Grade

Water must drain away from the pool, not toward it. Ensure the ground slopes gently away from the pool on all sides. French drains, dry creek beds, and rain gardens can manage runoff in low spots. If your yard has significant drainage challenges, consult a specialist — our page on landscape grading and drainage contractors can connect you with local experts.

Low-Maintenance vs. Lush: Matching the Design to Your Lifestyle

Every landscaping choice sits somewhere between "set it and forget it" and "high-touch garden." Be honest about how much time you want to spend on maintenance. A few guiding principles:

• Low-maintenance: Focus on evergreen shrubs, ornamental grasses, gravel mulch, and hardscaping. Avoid plants that drop heavy debris or require frequent deadheading. Composite decking over wood.
• Moderate maintenance: Add a few flowering perennials and seasonal annuals in containers. Accept some pruning and mulching each spring.
• High-impact / lush: Layer flowering shrubs, perennials, and annuals for continuous color. Accept regular watering, feeding, and deadheading. Consider a dedicated irrigation zone.

Container gardening is a valuable middle ground — pots of annuals can be moved, refreshed, and swapped seasonally with minimal commitment. They're also useful for spots where in-ground planting isn't practical, such as on a deck surface.

Safety and Pool-Edge Considerations

Landscaping around a pool introduces a few safety considerations that deserve attention:

• Slip-resistant surfaces: Choose textured pavers or decking with a raised grain for wet areas. Avoid polished stone and smooth tile near the pool edge.
• Non-toxic plants: Avoid plants with toxic berries or sap in reach of children and pets. If you have dogs, review our list of pet-safe plants for principles that apply outdoors as well.
• Clear sightlines: Don't let plants block views of the pool from the house or seating areas, especially if children use the pool.
• Fencing and barriers: Many jurisdictions require a barrier around pools. Integrate the fence into your landscaping design rather than treating it as an afterthought.
• Avoid thorny or prickly plants near walkways and deck edges — injuries near wet, slippery surfaces are a real risk.

If you're also maintaining a lawn around the pool area, our lawn care guides and grub control tips help keep the surrounding turf healthy without chemicals that could wash into the pool.

Seasonal Maintenance for Poolside Landscapes

Poolside planting beds need seasonal attention to stay tidy and functional:

• Spring: Cut back ornamental grasses, refresh mulch, inspect irrigation lines, and prune winter damage.
• Summer: Deadhead flowers, monitor for pests, and keep ground covers trimmed away from the pool edge.
• Fall: Remove fallen leaves promptly — they stain pool water and clog filters. Cut back perennials and plant spring bulbs in containers.
• Winter: Protect tender plants, check drainage, and plan next year's improvements. Use garden kneelers for comfortable cold-weather cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions