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Picking your above ground pool from Watson’s is easy with the help of our experts. But picking out what you want to do for landscaping around your new pool may not be so simple. There are so many options that it can become overwhelming.
But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a list of easy and inexpensive landscaping ideas to create a cohesive and vibrant pool and outdoor experience.
10 Above Ground Pool Landscaping Ideas
Adding a deck to your above ground pool is a great option, but it can be expensive. If you’re not ready for a deck or want a more natural look, consider these 10 budget-friendly ideas to kickstart and create a beautiful landscape for your above ground pool.
#1: Create a Path
Depending on where your pool sits, add a fun pathway to your pool entrance. Many popular options are pavers, pebble or rock, or even a stamped concrete pathway. Not only does this look good, but it will eliminate the dead patches of grass from constant foot traffic back and forth.
Line the pathway with lights, plants, or flowers to add color. For a fun look, you can combine pavers with your grass to make a designed pathway out of both.
#2: Wrap Your Pool
If a platform deck is out of your budget or just not preferred, another way to create a similar effect is to wrap your pool. You can use pretty much any material (for the most part) and it can transition seamlessly into the rest of your landscape design. Choose from materials like wood, composite, veneer panels, stone, and more.
The wrap can then transition into other landscaping, such as a patio, or maybe a half-surround deck.
#3: Add a Sun Deck or Patio
You don’t necessarily need to use this area only for sunbathing, but in your landscape design, consider adding an area where you can include chaise chairs, a bench, a lounge set, or maybe even an outdoor dining set or sectional. While swimming is the ultimate summer fun activity, it’s also relaxing to take a break or siesta in the sun next to your pool!
When adding this area, make sure to use non-slip materials. Stamped concrete, pavers, or even a small non-elevated deck are good options. Consider adding an outdoor rug as well to add color and one more measure for safety from slipping.
This also makes for a great area to place towels, phones, sunscreen, coolers, and other essentials you’ll want close by to your pool.
#4: Add a Gazebo
Like the sun deck, a gazebo is a great addition to add shade to your pool area landscaping. Place your chairs or dining set under this to get out of the heat or get out some card games to play while drying off.
A small loveseat and fire pit would make a perfect addition to your landscaping for evening swims and cooler days.
If a gazebo is not for you, grab a couple of Watson’s big patio umbrellas for your sun deck if you don’t have natural shade.
#5: Add Plants and Flowers
Create a tropical oasis or hidden gem in the woods by planting greenery around your pool and in your backyard. Find out which plants grow best in your climate and the amount of sun and shade you have! Flowers can add lots of color and plants add texture and beauty to create an abundant and lush botanical feel.
Here’s a list of 13 easy and low-maintenance plants to consider adding to your landscape!
Not sure where you want it? Consider using a pot for the plant first and move it around to figure out where you want to eventually plant it. Also make sure to account for how large it will grow, if you’re planting a shrub or tree and space out accordingly.
#6: Gravel and Rock
While the site of green grass can be beautiful and add to your landscape, consider the areas that will have high foot traffic (not just the pathway) and consider adding gravel or rock and plants to that area. This avoids muddy or dead patches. Plus, gravel and rock are much less maintenance than watering grass to keep it green in the summer!
Gravel and rock also come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, which add even more fun to your yard! We definitely recommend gravel or rock around your pool if you’re not doing a deck or patio off of it.
#7: Raised Planter Bed
A unique look and fun landscaping idea is to add a raised planter bed around the perimeter of your pool. You can fill this with flowers, plants, or shrubs and it creates a nice look around your whole pool. You can decide how high you want the planter to be and can even terrace it for a multi-level look.
#8: Plan for a Fence
Whether close to the pool or to your property line, there are requirements for fencing for pools and spas. Make sure you account for this and add it into your landscape design (if you don’t have one already).
If you don’t already have one, a cost-effective solution is to fence closer to the pool to avoid extra material costs. Watson’s carries fencing that attaches right to the pool for added safety.
#9: Don’t Forget Lighting
While lights aren’t likely the first thing you think about when planning your pool landscaping, you should definitely consider them! They can add safety if you enjoy evening or night swims, ambiance, and fun if you choose multicolored string lights!
There’s a variety you can choose from as well. Lanterns or pathway lights are great for your walkways, to surround your pool or sun deck, or for the entrance to your pool. Add some lanterns to an accent table on the patio as well as next to some potted plants. Just make sure you have electrical or choose solar-powered lights.
#10: Use What You Already Have
The most inexpensive way to landscape and design your outdoor space and around your above ground pool is to use what you already have and add or adjust around that (unless you really don’t like it!).
If you have large stones, add potted plants around them to bring in color. If you already have a deck or patio, install your pool next to it and wrap the exposed side. If you have a slope in your yard use that to create a terraced look with plants or stones.
Before You Design Your Landscape!
As you begin your design process, think about the following considerations first so you’re prepared and efficient!
Create Zones: If you want more variety or different landscaping, zone it out first. Know exactly where you want everything to go and make a plan!
Consider Maintenance: If you don’t have much of a green thumb or time to maintain, choose plants, trees, and other landscaping choices that don’t need too much TLC.
Know What Grows: Understand your climate and your sun/shade space in your backyard. All of this is important when picking out flowers and plants. Don’t spend money on things that won’t grow. Plant where they will thrive and look beautiful all season long. For all-year round color, consider evergreens.
Don’t Use Mulch. Don’t use mulch next to your above ground pool! While it looks great and can be used in other areas, avoid it next to your pool as it attracts termites which could eat your pool and cause the need for repairs or replacements.
Never Obstruct the Pool. Make sure that whatever you are planting or adding, especially if it’s large or will grow to be large (like a tree), that it won’t obstruct your view of the pool for safety purposes.
If you’re looking to add an above ground pool to your backyard this summer, Watson’s is the place to shop! We’re the experts in above ground and semi in-ground pools and have a variety of shapes and sizes to select from! Stop into one of our nine superstore locations today to see for yourself and create the outdoor oasis you’ve been dreaming of!
