Morgan Blake
New member
Mine feels like a giant tub in the yard. Anyone got tips to make it look more resort than redneck?
How do you keep your above ground pool looking “fancy”?
- Thread starter Morgan Blake
- Start date
Jessie Grant
New member
Plants and gravel around the base helped mine look way less temporary.
Nathan Parker
Member
It’s easy for an above-ground pool to feel more functional than fancy. I’ve been working on upgrading the vibe of mine, and a few simple changes made a big difference.
Adding a nice deck or even a partial surround gives it that built-in look. Some outdoor string lights, a few potted plants or palms, and a couple of comfy lounge chairs can really boost the resort feel. I also used bamboo fencing around the base to hide the legs and pump, it instantly looked more polished. It doesn’t take a huge budget, just a few thoughtful touches.
Adding a nice deck or even a partial surround gives it that built-in look. Some outdoor string lights, a few potted plants or palms, and a couple of comfy lounge chairs can really boost the resort feel. I also used bamboo fencing around the base to hide the legs and pump, it instantly looked more polished. It doesn’t take a huge budget, just a few thoughtful touches.
syedsalman
Active member
Haha I feel you 
Ours started the same way big blue tub vibes. A few upgrades made a huge difference though! First thing we did was add some landscaping around it tall grasses, a few palms, maybe even some big planters with tropical plants if you're into that look.
Then we swapped the plastic furniture for a couple of loungers with neutral cushions and added a big umbrella for shade. Also, string lights or solar torches at night? Game changer. Makes it feel like a backyard resort instead of a cattle trough
Ours started the same way big blue tub vibes. A few upgrades made a huge difference though! First thing we did was add some landscaping around it tall grasses, a few palms, maybe even some big planters with tropical plants if you're into that look.Then we swapped the plastic furniture for a couple of loungers with neutral cushions and added a big umbrella for shade. Also, string lights or solar torches at night? Game changer. Makes it feel like a backyard resort instead of a cattle trough
Oliver James
Active member
Totally been there! What helped ours look way more “resort” was adding a deck around it. Even a small platform makes a huge visual difference. We also laid some pea gravel around the base and edged it with stone so it looked more intentional.
Toss in some outdoor rugs, lanterns, maybe a little Bluetooth speaker hidden in the plants playing spa music and boom, instant resort vibe. Bonus points if you hang a few curtains or a shade sail. It’s all about layering textures and creating those cozy zones.
Toss in some outdoor rugs, lanterns, maybe a little Bluetooth speaker hidden in the plants playing spa music and boom, instant resort vibe. Bonus points if you hang a few curtains or a shade sail. It’s all about layering textures and creating those cozy zones.
Brent Carter
Member
Mine’s just a basic above-ground pool, but I’ve managed to dress it up a bit without going overboard. I put some pavers and gravel around the bottom to clean up the look and stop weeds from creeping in. Then I added a couple of big planters with flowers and stuck some solar lights in the ground, nothing fancy, but it makes a big difference at night.
I also built a small wooden step-up platform, just two steps really, but it makes getting in easier and looks a bit more finished than the regular ladder. Keeping the water clean helps a lot too even the best setup won’t look great if the pool’s cloudy.
Honestly, it’s not hard to make it look nicer. Just a few small touches here and there really bring it together.
I also built a small wooden step-up platform, just two steps really, but it makes getting in easier and looks a bit more finished than the regular ladder. Keeping the water clean helps a lot too even the best setup won’t look great if the pool’s cloudy.
Honestly, it’s not hard to make it look nicer. Just a few small touches here and there really bring it together.
Sophia Henry
Member
Totally get that. Ours looked the same at first. Laying down gravel or mulch around the base helps a lot. A few planters with tall grass or palms can hide the sides and give it a cleaner look. We added some string lights and a small wood step, and it instantly felt less like a tank and more like a chill spot. Doesn't take much, just the right little touches.
Monica Cardona
Member
Totally get it! To make your above-ground pool feel more like a resort, try adding a deck around it for a seamless, elevated look. You can also landscape with plants, shrubs, or even decorative stones to soften the edges and blend it into your yard. Consider adding privacy fencing or tall plants like bamboo for a more serene, secluded vibe. Pool lighting and outdoor furniture like lounge chairs or a small bar area can add a cozy, luxury feel. A good solar cover also looks cleaner and more polished than a basic tarp. These small changes can really transform the space!
Andrew Coleman
Member
I had the same “big tub in the yard” feeling at first, and what helped mine the most was tying everything together so it didn’t look like the pool was just dropped there. I added a simple border with stone edging and tucked a few low outdoor lights along it, so at night it actually looks intentional instead of random. I also wrapped the pump area with a little privacy screen so the equipment isn’t the first thing you see. Even tossing an outdoor rug near the entry point made the whole setup feel less bare. Nothing crazy or expensive, just small touches that make it look more put-together.