Sometimes the costs of an in-ground pool installation are simply too high. And if you’re renting, it’s ludicrous to spend all of that money just to move and leave it behind in the future. While above ground pools may not always have the same sleek look, they’re just as effective and you can transform yours into a beautiful backyard oasis.
You don’t need a big budget or a professional landscaper to take your above ground pool from basic to breathtaking. With these above ground pool landscaping ideas on a budget, you can make your setup look far more expensive than it really is.
1. Tall Potted Plants
Of all the above ground pool landscaping ideas on a budget, tall potted trees may be one of the easiest and most affordable. Fill large planters with tropical plants or palms, or even tall ornamental grasses, to create a lush appearance around your pool.
If you use lightweight containers made of resin or plastic that mimic the look of ceramic or stone, you can move and rearrange the pots depending on the season or occasion. For maximum savings, find some old barrels, crates, and buckets and upcycle them with a coat of waterproof paint.
2. Shrubs or Hedges
Give your pool area some privacy by planting shrubs and hedges all around it. It also provides a natural, integrated feel that doesn’t cost a fortune. If you want dense coverage without waiting years for maturity or having to buy multiple plants, go for fast-growing plants like arborvitae, privet, and boxwood.
Cheaper options like hibiscus and oleander thrive in warmer climates and add a pop of color, and if you buy smaller plants and let them fill over time, they’ll provide the same coverage and natural beauty at a lower cost.
3. Lattice Panels
Lattice panels have the ability to disguise the unattractive sides of an above ground pool while adding style and charm. Lattice is available in wood, vinyl, and composite materials, but you can cover the panels with climbing plants like ivy, jasmine, and morning glories.
If you enjoy DIY projects, you can install them around the base of your pool and size them to match the height. In the end, this cost-friendly idea adds beauty and texture, fragrance if you add plants, and a safe solution that prevents pets or small children from getting too close to the pool.
4. DIY Wooden Deck
Have you been avoiding the idea of a wooden deck because it’s not worth the price tag? The good news is that you can build your own budget-friendly wooden deck around your above ground pool. Use pressure-treated lumber or reclaimed wood to keep costs low, and opt for a partial deck or platform instead of a full wrap-around deck for further savings.
If you’re not a carpenter or experienced builder, there are simple DIY deck plans online or you look for an affordable pre-made deck kit. Finish the look by staining the wood in a natural tone and add some inexpensive outdoor furniture.
5. Outdoor Curtains
If you’ve got a couple of posts or a simple pergola structure, you can hang outdoor curtains. And if you don’t, it doesn’t cost much or take much effort to install posts. Outdoor curtains bring elegance and privacy to your above ground pool area, and you can choose your design based on your style.
Lightweight weather-resistant fabrics in white or neutral shades add an airy vibe, while patterns and bold colors add a vibrant, lively vibe. To save more money, repurpose shower curtains, cheap fabric panels, or drop cloths for the same effect. Combine them with string lights and potted plants for a resort-like setup.
6. Interlocking Tiles
Not all above ground pool landscaping ideas on a budget require slightly complicated steps to install. Interlocking outdoor tiles are designed to snap together easily without any special tools. They’re available in materials like wood composite, rubber, and stone-look plastic to keep the natural look when you transform bare ground or concrete into a comfortable yet attractive surface.
You can cover any space, control the costs as you go, disassemble and take them with you when you move, and lay them in stylish patterns. Interlocking tiles also provide a safe, slip-resistant area for walking around the pool.
7. Gravel or Pebbles
Gravel and pebbles are more than an inexpensive landscaping trick. They create a neat, low-maintenance border that reduces mud and prevents weed growth around your pool. They also provide excellent drainage at a much lower cost than many other materials, while preventing slips from wet and muddy feet.
Clear the area, lay down landscaping fabric, and spread your gravel or pebbles evenly. You can choose from a variety of colors and sizes to match your backyard style, while incorporating stepping stones and larger rocks can add visual appeal and a comfortable walking surface.
8. Ground Cover
Just like gravel, ground cover improves aesthetics, reduces erosion, helps with drainage, and provides a comfortable walking surface. If you mix creeping thyme, clover, or sedum with stepping stones, you can create a beautiful natural pathway to and around your pool.
Keep costs low by purchasing plugs or small starter plants and allow them to spread naturally. Many are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, and it’s a foolproof way to cover the awkward bare patches of soil where grass won’t grow.
9. Stone or Brick Edging
Add a finished look to your above ground pool while staying within budget, keeping mulch and plants neatly contained, and reducing maintenance. How? With stone or brick edging, of course. Edging creates a visual boundary between your pool and the rest of your yard.
It creates a more intentional look and it can be accomplished with affordable materials like reclaimed bricks, concrete pavers, or decorative stones. Dig a shallow trench, place the bricks or stones in a row, and secure them with soil or sand. Consider mixing stone colors or arrange them in creative patterns for added style.
10. Pergola or Gazebo
You don’t need to buy a large, costly gazebo while there are more than enough affordable DIY kits and lightweight, smaller pergolas available that won’t stretch your budget. Build a simple pergola with inexpensive (or free) lumber and some basic tools to add shade and structure to your above ground pool.
Even four posts and outdoor fabric can mimic the look of a pergola and provide the same comfort on hot days. Enhance the look with string lights, outdoor curtains, climbing plants, or any other above ground pool landscaping ideas on a budget.
11. Lighting Accents
Place some floating LED lights in your pool, lanterns or battery-operated candles around your seating area, solar stake lights surrounding the pool perimeter, or fairy lights draped along a fence or pergola. Good lighting not only illuminates the space and makes it look bigger, but it also increases safety and provides the opportunity to swim even after the sun sets. To save extra money and eliminate the wiring issue, consider using solar-powered lights.
12. Decorative Fencing
You can enhance privacy, add safety, and elevate the look of your above ground pool with a single feature that doesn’t cost a fortune. You can use plain chain-link or basic wood panels, but budget-friendly decorative fencing is a much better option.
Materials like bamboo fencing, lattice panels, and recycled pallet wood create a stylish backdrop for your pool area. Pair it with string lights and planters, and paint or stain it to match your exterior style. If full fencing is too expensive, strategically placed partial sections also provide a sense of enclosure and coziness.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.