Willow Park Pools & Spas
Willow Park Pools & Spas

Above Ground Pool Landscaping Ideas

Transform Your Above Ground Pool with Creative Landscaping

Landscaping around your above ground pool is a great opportunity to showcase your style and creativity. It’s your moment to add personal touches and design a backyard oasis that reflects your vision. With so many options available, the ways you can integrate your pool into the landscape are virtually limitless.

While there’s no single “right” way to landscape around an above ground pool, one helpful tip is to consider removing any grass immediately surrounding it.

Expert Tip: Avoid mowing too close to the pool. Lawn mowers can accidentally damage the pool’s outer wall, so eliminating the grass can help protect your investment.

Concrete and Paver Options

A concrete patio is a durable, low-maintenance choice that offers a sleek, tidy appearance—perfect for a clean and modern poolside space. For a more refined and customized look, consider a paver patio. With an endless range of colors, patterns, and styles, pavers make it easy to create an elegant outdoor area that complements any backyard.

Plants and Trees

Start by laying down a layer of mulch around your pool area—this creates a neat foundation and helps retain moisture for your plants. Consider planting your favorite shrubs or bushes to enhance the space. A row of evergreen shrubs is a particularly smart choice; they provide year-round greenery and help conceal the sides of your above ground pool. To brighten up the area, add a splash of color with blooming perennials planted in front of the evergreens.

When it comes to landscaping your above ground pool, the possibilities are endless. You have full creative freedom to design a space that feels like your personal retreat.

Planters

If you live in a colder climate, planters are a practical and flexible landscaping solution. Tropical plants and small palms look fantastic in large pots and can be arranged around the pool for an instant upgrade. When the temperatures drop, simply move the planters indoors to protect your greenery.

With the right landscaping choices, your pool area can become the ideal spot for parties, barbecues, or casual family get-togethers. Why travel far when you can create a summer escape right in your own backyard—and save money while you’re at it?

Expert Tip

According to manufacturer guidelines, it’s important to avoid using stones, gravel, or decorative rocks directly against your pool wall. These materials can chip the paint or cause corrosion, leading to serious damage over time. Many decorative rocks are acidic, which only increases the risk of harm to your pool.

If you do want to use rocks as part of your design, be sure to first install a protective barrier—such as roofing rubber or tar paper—between the pool wall and the rocks. This simple step can go a long way in preserving the integrity of your pool and extending its lifespan.