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Transforming Your Backyard: The Ultimate Guide to Landscaping Around an Above Ground Pool

Let’s be honest for a second: above ground pools often get a bad reputation. For years, they were seen as the “budget” option that stuck out like a sore thumb in an otherwise beautiful backyard. You’ve seen the look—a massive blue or grey metal cylinder sitting in the middle of a patch of dead grass, surrounded by loose hoses and plastic ladders.

But here is the secret that professional landscapers and savvy homeowners know: An above ground pool is a blank canvas. With the right landscaping approach, you can transform that “big metal tub” into a high-end backyard oasis that looks like it belongs in a luxury resort. Whether you are working with a brand-new installation or trying to revive an old pool area, this guide is going to walk you through every single step of the process.

We’re going to cover everything from the structural “must-haves” to the aesthetic “nice-to-haves,” ensuring your pool area is safe, functional, and breathtakingly beautiful. Grab a cold drink, sit back, and let’s start dreaming up your new favorite place to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Phase 1: The Golden Rule of Above Ground Pool Landscaping

Before you buy a single bag of mulch or a flat of flowers, we need to talk about the most important rule of above ground pool maintenance: The 12-to-24-Inch Buffer Zone.

It is incredibly tempting to plant your flowers or lay your sod right up against the wall of the pool. Do not do this. Above ground pool walls are typically made of steel, aluminum, or resin. If you pile wet soil, mulch, or grass directly against these walls, you are inviting moisture to sit there 24/7. This leads to corrosion, rust, and eventually, structural failure.

Furthermore, you need a “splash zone.” When kids are cannonballing into the water, that water has to go somewhere. If it lands directly on soil, you get a muddy mess that eventually erodes the sand base holding your pool level. Your first step should always be creating a perimeter of 1 to 2 feet around the entire pool filled with inorganic material (like stone or gravel) that allows for drainage and keeps moisture away from the metal.

Phase 2: Choosing Your Ground Cover (Rocks vs. Mulch)

The foundation of your landscaping is what you put on the ground. You have two main contenders here: stone and organic mulch. Let’s break down which one is right for you.

The Case for Decorative Stone and Gravel

In the world of above ground pools, stone is king. Here is why:

• Drainage: Water passes through stone easily and evaporates, keeping your pool frame dry.
• Low Maintenance: You don’t have to replace it every year like you do with mulch.
• Cleanliness: Stone doesn’t blow into the pool. If a stray piece of mulch gets in your water, it can clog your filter or affect your chemistry as it decomposes.

Pro Tip: Use “River Rock” or “Pea Gravel” for a soft, natural look. Avoid “Crushed Limestone” if possible, as the dust can track into the pool and affect the pH levels of the water.

The Case for Wood Mulch

Mulch is much cheaper upfront and provides a softer look, but it comes with risks. If you choose mulch, make sure it is a high-quality, large-nugget bark. Avoid fine-shredded mulch, which is light enough to be picked up by a gust of wind and deposited directly into your skimmer basket. Also, ensure there is a plastic or landscape fabric barrier between the mulch and the pool wall to prevent rot.

Phase 3: Hardscaping – Creating Structure and Access

Hardscaping refers to the “hard” elements of your yard—decks, patios, and walkways. This is where you truly integrate the pool into the rest of your home’s architecture.

The Full-Wrap Deck vs. The Side Deck

If your budget allows, a deck is the single most effective way to make an above ground pool look “built-in.”

• Full-Wrap Decks: These surround the entire pool. They offer maximum lounging space and make the pool look like an inground model. However, they are expensive and require significant maintenance (staining/sealing).
• Side Decks: A smaller deck that meets the pool at one point. This is often more affordable and provides a dedicated “entry point” where you can place chairs and a table without covering the entire perimeter of the pool.

Pavers and Stepping Stones

You don’t want people tracking grass and dirt into the pool. Creating a clear path from your back door to the pool ladder using pavers is essential. Use large, flat flagstones for a rustic look, or uniform concrete pavers for a modern aesthetic. Space them out and fill the gaps with creeping thyme or small pebbles for an “expensive” look on a budget.

Retaining Walls

Does your yard have a slope? Many people shy away from pools because of uneven ground, but a retaining wall can be a design feature. By building a tiered stone wall on the “high” side of the pool, you can create a natural-looking garden bed that frames the water and adds visual depth to the yard.

Phase 4: Softscaping – Choosing the Right Plants

This is the fun part! Plants bring life, color, and privacy to your pool area. However, choosing plants for a pool is different than choosing plants for a standard garden bed. You have to consider chlorine/salt tolerance, debris, and root systems.

1. Privacy Plants (The Green Wall)

Nobody wants to feel like the neighbors are watching them swim. Instead of a boring wooden fence, use “living fences.”

• Ornamental Grasses: Varieties like Karl Foerster or Maiden Grass grow tall (4-6 feet), move beautifully in the wind, and require almost zero maintenance. They are also incredibly tolerant of pool splashes.
• Arborvitae: Specifically the ‘Emerald Green’ variety. These stay narrow and tall, providing a year-round evergreen screen.
• Bamboo (Clumping Variety): If you want a tropical vibe, clumping bamboo is great. Warning: Always ensure it is the clumping variety, not the running variety, or it will take over your entire neighborhood.

2. Tropical Flair

Since pools are synonymous with summer, why not lean into the tropical look?

• Canna Lilies: These have massive, bold leaves and vibrant orange or red flowers. They love the sun and don’t mind the humidity near the water.
• Hibiscus: Huge, dinner-plate-sized blooms that make you feel like you’re in Hawaii.
• Elephant Ears: Their massive leaves provide incredible texture and a lush, jungle-like atmosphere.

3. What to AVOID

Save yourself hours of cleaning by avoiding these plants near the water:

• Trees with “Messy” Cycles: Avoid Oak, Maple, or Willow trees near the pool. You will spend your entire summer emptying the skimmer basket of leaves, tassels, and seeds.
• Thorn-Bearing Plants: Roses are beautiful, but a rogue thorn and a bare foot (or an inflatable pool float) are a recipe for disaster.
• Bee-Magnets: While we love pollinators, you don’t necessarily want a swarm of bees right at the water’s edge where people are splashing. Avoid heavy nectar-producers like Lavender or Bee Balm directly next to the ladder.

Phase 5: Lighting for Ambiance and Safety

Your pool area shouldn’t go dark just because the sun went down. Proper lighting extends your “pool time” into the late evening and adds a layer of safety.

Solar Path Lights

These are the easiest and cheapest option. Line the walkway to the pool to prevent trips and falls. Look for “warm white” LEDs rather than “cool blue” for a more sophisticated, high-end glow.

String Lights (Bistro Lights)

Stringing Edison-style bulbs from your house to a few strategically placed 4×4 posts around the pool creates an instant “party” atmosphere. It provides a soft, overhead glow that isn’t as harsh as a floodlight.

In-Bed Spotlights

If you’ve planted beautiful ornamental grasses or palms, use “uplighting.” Placing a small spotlight at the base of a plant and pointing it upward creates dramatic shadows and makes the landscape look professionally designed at night.

Phase 6: Furniture and “Zoning” Your Space

A common mistake is just throwing a few plastic chairs next to the pool. To make your backyard feel like a true outdoor living room, you need to “zone” the space.

The Sunbathing Zone

This is where your chaise lounges go. Place them on a flat area (ideally a small patio or the deck) where they get maximum sun. Use outdoor rugs to define the space—this also keeps the ground cool for bare feet.

The Dining Zone

Even a small bistro table and two chairs can create a “cafe” vibe. This gives people a place to sit and talk to the swimmers without having to be in the water.

The Utility Zone

Let’s be real—above ground pools come with “stuff.” Skimmers, vacuum hoses, and chlorine buckets. Don’t let these clutter up your beautiful landscape. Use a decorative lattice screen or a small storage shed tucked behind some tall grasses to hide the equipment from view.

Phase 7: Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

Now that you have the ideas, how do you actually do it? Here is your weekend-by-weekend plan.

Weekend 1: The Perimeter

Clear away all grass within 2 feet of the pool. Dig down about 2-3 inches. Lay down a heavy-duty, commercial-grade landscape fabric (don’t buy the cheap stuff—it will tear). Secure the fabric with staples and fill the area with your chosen stone. This immediately cleans up the look of the pool.

Weekend 2: Edging and Pathways

Install edging (metal, plastic, or stone) to keep your rocks in place and prevent the grass from creeping back in. Lay down your pavers to create a clear walkway from the house to the pool entrance.

Weekend 3: Planting

Dig your holes outside of that 2-foot stone buffer. Mix your native soil with some high-quality compost to give your plants the best start. Group plants in “odd numbers” (3s and 5s)—this is a classic design trick that looks more natural to the human eye.

Weekend 4: Lighting and Decor

Install your solar lights, hang your string lights, and bring out the furniture. Add some large outdoor pots with colorful annuals (like Petunias or Marigolds) to the deck or patio for a final pop of color.

Phase 8: Budgeting for Your Project

Landscaping can get expensive quickly, but it doesn’t have to. Here are three ways to approach the budget:

• The Budget Approach ($200 – $500): Focus on the 2-foot stone perimeter and a few DIY wooden planters. Use pea gravel and solar lights.
• The Mid-Range Approach ($1,000 – $3,000): Includes a professional-grade stone perimeter, a small paver patio for seating, and a variety of perennial plants and shrubs.
• The Luxury Approach ($5,000+): A full or partial wrap-around composite deck, professional low-voltage lighting, and a fully designed garden with privacy screening and irrigation.

Conclusion: Your Oasis Awaits

Landscaping around an above ground pool is about more than just “hiding” the pool—it’s about highlighting the fun and relaxation that the pool brings to your life. By following the 2-foot rule, choosing the right materials, and layering your plants and lighting, you can create a backyard that you’ll be proud to show off to friends and family.

Remember, landscaping is a journey, not a destination. You don’t have to do it all at once. Start with the stone perimeter this summer, add a few plants next summer, and maybe that deck the year after. Before you know it, you’ll have the backyard oasis you’ve always dreamed of.

Happy swimming, and happy gardening!

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