When it comes to transforming your outdoor space into an inviting oasis around an above ground pool, many people focus on the initial cost of the pool itself. However, with a little creativity, you can create a beautiful landscape that seamlessly blends the pool area with the rest of your yard.
The key is to think about each zone around the pool as a separate area to landscape.
For instance, you could use rocks and mulch to define the pool’s perimeter, then build flower beds and a walkway using stepping stones to create a visually appealing transition from one space to another.
When it comes to selecting plants, choose ones that complement the bright blue of the pool water with vibrant, colorful blooms. Consider mixing in different colors and textures to add visual interest and take your pool’s landscape from monotonous to stunning.
Some popular budget-friendly options for landscaping around an above ground pool include rocks and pebbles, mulch and gravel, concrete and pavers, flower beds, plants, trees, or small gardens. You can also incorporate ornamental grasses, shrubs, succulents, salt-loving plants, and bug repellants to create a unique and functional space.
Ultimately, the best thing to put around an above ground pool is what works best for your budget, climate, and personal style.
Create a Lavish Oasis with a Rocky Hillside Pool
To create an unparalleled backyard oasis, the owners commissioned AMS Landscape Design to craft an innovative aquatic experience. At the heart of this design lies a pool situated at the base of a hill, where natural boulders serve as the foundation for the retaining wall, expertly blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The waterfall, too, features organic elements that harmonize with the surroundings, creating a sense of serenity.
Meanwhile, a thrilling slide snakes its way beneath a majestic stone overpass, adding an element of playful adventure to the overall design.
Freshen Up Your Poolside with Colorful Flowers
As you relax on the lounge chairs with brown frames and deep green cushions, the surrounding landscape becomes an extension of your serene atmosphere. The thoughtful placement of flowering plants adds a pop of color to the scene, seamlessly blending into the natural hues of the surroundings. Meanwhile, the filtration system is discreetly tucked away by the large pot in the flower bed, allowing you to focus on the calming ambiance.
Separate Your Backyard Pools with Wildflower Privacy Screens
The outdoor space is thoughtfully divided into distinct entertainment zones. One such area features a serene spa nestled among lush shrubs and vibrant flower beds, creating a tranquil retreat. Meanwhile, the lower level of the yard is dedicated to a refreshing swimming pool experience. To define separate areas for relaxation and recreation, soft wildflowers are strategically used as a natural barrier.
Furthermore, carefully chosen flowers and ground cover help guide visitors along designated walkways, ensuring a seamless transition between zones.
Access Your Pool Deck from All Sides
The design of this outdoor oasis features a deck that wraps around the entire pool, providing easy access from all angles. To ensure proper drainage after rainstorms, gravel surrounds the perimeter of the deck. The trees on site are incorporated into the design, with mulch used to keep them healthy and thriving – the same color wood is used for both the trees and the deck’s perimeter, creating a sense of cohesion.
As an added bonus, the nearby trees provide natural shade, making this outdoor space perfect for relaxing on warm days. To extend the fun into the evening hours, a post-and-beam structure on one side of the pool can be used to string lights, offering an affordable and festive way to illuminate the area.
Hillside Pool Area Upgrade with Pergola and Seating Area
Optimize your outdoor space by incorporating a hillside into your design. Consider extending the seating area adjacent to the pool and deck, creating a seamless transition between these features. A strategically placed pergola can provide welcome shade in the far corner of this expanded seating zone. The various areas are cleverly separated by vibrant pink and cream-colored flower beds, adding visual interest and depth to the space.
Meanwhile, a natural stone wall completes the look on the side of the pool, creating a beautiful focal point. To further enhance the ambiance, consider incorporating stepping stones that lead visitors through the different seating areas, encouraging exploration and discovery.
Revamp Your Pool Area with Gravel and Pavers Walkway
When designing an above-ground pool space, it’s common for the grassy areas surrounding the pool to become worn down, leaving bare spots that can be challenging to recover. To mitigate this issue and create a visually appealing atmosphere, consider installing a pathway using materials like gravel, marble chips, or slate pavers. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your pool area but also helps prevent rainwater from pooling around the perimeter.
By incorporating these elements into your design, you can create a functional and inviting space that’s perfect for relaxation and entertainment.
Bring Rustic Charm to Your Pool with Stone Wall Surround
The outdoor space leveraged the natural slope of the yard to create a series of distinct seating areas around the pool. To achieve seamless integration with its surroundings, the design incorporated locally sourced materials such as boulders, tiles, and bricks. This thoughtful approach allowed the space to blend harmoniously into the existing landscape.
Create a Shady Pool Oasis with Bushes
The deck surrounding the pool offers easy access from one side, while a thoughtfully placed towel bar on the adjacent fence provides a convenient spot for drying off after a swim. Meanwhile, stepping stones guide swimmers towards a secluded and shady area, where lush bushes have been strategically planted to conceal the pool’s frame, creating a peaceful ambiance.
Desert Pool with Stone Facade and Turquoise Tile
The desert oasis seamlessly integrates with its arid surroundings, featuring a stone façade that blends harmoniously into the landscape. The seating area’s roof is topped with clay shingles, while the turquoise pool tile injects a pop of color to the monochromatic palette. Nearby, a simple yet elegant arrangement of lava rocks and trees defines the entertainment zone, creating a natural ambiance that perfectly complements the surrounding desert landscape.
Grass and Paver Alternating Pattern for an Effortless Lawn
To create an visually appealing and low-maintenance design, consider alternating tufts of grass with square pavers. This approach eliminates the need for frequent mowing, as a simple pass with a weed trimmer will suffice to keep the area tidy. Additionally, consider incorporating more greenery through potted plants, allowing you to add a touch of natural beauty to your outdoor space.
For added cohesion, ensure that any surrounding features, such as the infinity pool’s siding, are trimmed to match the deck and overall aesthetic.
Rectangular Planters Accentuate Patio Pool with Artistic Flair
To seamlessly integrate the newly filled spa into the existing patio design, a thoughtful approach was needed. The challenge was to create a visually appealing connection between the two spaces. One effective solution is to incorporate rectangular planters that stretch across the semi-circle pool, creating an artistic focal point.
To further enhance the area’s aesthetic appeal, ground cover plants have been strategically planted along the slope, which will eventually mature and blanket the space with vibrant color.
Enhance Above Ground Pool with Wood Framing and Deck
Transform your above-ground pool experience by incorporating wooden framing and a cozy deck area that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The natural slope of the hill creates a visually appealing rock retaining wall, while strategically placed shrubs within a mulched bed prevent overgrown grass from encroaching on the pool’s perimeter.
Modernize Your Yard with a Desert Dream Pool
Maintaining a pool in a desert climate can be a challenge, as water tends to heat up and evaporate rapidly in larger bodies. To overcome this issue, it’s essential to keep the pool size small and deep. This allows for better temperature control, reducing evaporation rates. Additionally, installing a small wall around the perimeter creates much-needed shade, helping to regulate the pool’s environment.
Another effective solution is to implement recycling water systems using pumps and scuppers, which not only conserve water but also lower the overall temperature of the pool. Furthermore, selecting light-colored surfaces for walking areas can help reflect sunlight and mitigate heat gain. Finally, removing ground cover from surrounding areas discourages wildlife from seeking refuge in the pool’s vicinity, reducing the need for costly maintenance and upkeep.
Brick Walkway and Patio with Fire Pit and Flower Garden
The visually appealing combination of varying whitewashed brick sizes creates a captivating atmosphere for this walkway and patio. In a deliberate contrast, a vibrant flower garden flourishes near the low retaining wall that defines the entertainment area. Meanwhile, the lounge space beckons with its cozy fire pit, perfect for chilly evenings spent socializing with friends and family.
Add Glamour to Your Pool Deck with a Gazebo
Upgrading your above ground pool’s deck surroundings can be taken to the next level with the addition of a gazebo. This larger, more comfortable alternative to a patio umbrella offers an inviting space for relaxation and socializing. To further enhance the overall aesthetic, consider incorporating low-growing bushes that softly soften the fence line and discreetly conceal the pool’s filtration system.
Elevate Your Deck with a Wooden Privacy Screen
While it’s not necessary for the deck to be directly connected to the house, some homeowners have cleverly created separate entertainment areas by building decks adjacent to their pools. For instance, in this stunning backyard oasis, a freestanding deck has been constructed beside the pool, providing a unique space for relaxation and recreation. The installation of a high fence adds an extra layer of privacy, allowing residents to enjoy their outdoor space without prying eyes.
To make the most of this tranquil retreat, a patio table and umbrella have been thoughtfully placed, creating a picturesque spot for al fresco dining.
Transform a Pool Area with Sage Bushes and Flowering Plants
Surround your pool area with a serene oasis by incorporating sage bushes and vibrant flowering plants, effectively reducing ambient noise levels. The incorporation of wide, inviting steps not only provides a comfortable entrance for swimmers but also cleverly extends the visual appeal of the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless transition from hill to poolside.
Add Intrigue to Your Pool with Gravel Landscape
By incorporating separate spaces for different age groups, you can create a harmonious atmosphere at your outdoor gathering spot. For instance, separating the deck from the pool area allows kids to have their own fun while adults can socialize and enjoy conversations without distractions. As your equipment ages, consider replacing an old diving board with a water feature that integrates seamlessly into your existing pump system, adding a touch of sophistication.
Additionally, the grassy areas surrounding pools often become worn out and muddy over time. To maintain a clean appearance, replace the grass with gravel, which provides a low-maintenance and visually appealing solution. With these ideas, you can turn your outdoor space into a welcoming haven for all to enjoy.
Beautify Pool Fence with Floral Surroundings and Mulch Beds
In many suburban neighborhoods, pool fencing is a necessity. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t add some visual appeal to the area. Consider surrounding the fenced space with a beautiful row of flowers and shrubs that not only soften the look but also create a natural boundary between your outdoor living spaces. To further define the area, consider adding mulch beds that complement the lush greenery and provide a nice contrast in texture.
Maximize Pool Aesthetics with Placement under Tree Shade
To maintain a sleek and modern aesthetic around the pool, it’s essential to ensure that the stepping stones and lounge chairs continue to showcase clean lines and harmonious color schemes. Additionally, the pool’s placement takes advantage of the natural shade provided by the yard’s tallest tree, creating a inviting and comfortable outdoor space.
Add Texture and Character to Small Pool with Water Feature
Transform your small pool into an oasis by incorporating a water feature. The gentle hum of a fountain creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and meditation. To further elevate the ambiance, consider adding dark-colored topstones and a thought-provoking Buddhist statue. This harmonious combination will transport you to a state of tranquility.
Scenic Spa Area Features Waterfall and Concrete Bench Steps
As you ascend to the top of the hill, a set of expansive stairs greets you, granting access to the serene spa area and affording a picturesque view of the fire pit below. The spa itself serves as a dual-function water feature, its stone façade and waterfall creating a soothing ambiance.
The poured concrete bench and steps that flank the soaking pool provide a striking contrast to the rugged natural beauty of the surrounding stones, all carefully selected to blend seamlessly with the local environment, ensuring a harmonious visual marriage.
