What do you put around the base of your above ground pool?

A little landscaping goes a long way in making a pool area feel like a mini escape. A few ideas that have worked well for us:
  • Potted plants or raised planters around the pool add color and softness. Go for stuff like palms, grasses, or lavender, they’re low mess and love the sun.
  • String lights or solar lanterns make a big difference in the evening without needing to hardwire anything.
  • If you’ve got space, even a small gravel or stone path with stepping stones can add character and help keep dirt out of the pool.
  • We added a simple outdoor rug and a couple of chairs near the shallow end, makes it feel more inviting and chill, like a little patio spot.
  • Some folks also hang shade sails or install pergolas for a bit of shelter and style.

It doesn’t take much to change the vibe. Even small upgrades make the space feel more finished.
 
Idris Manning said:
Ours looks kind of plain and I want to make it nicer. Any landscaping or decor ideas?
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Above ground pools can feel a little bare without the right touch. Here are some simple (but solid) ideas that can really improve the look:
  • Gravel or river rock around the base helps with drainage and keeps weeds down. It also gives a nice, clean look.
  • Mulch + shrubs: Low-maintenance bushes or ornamental grasses planted around the pool can soften the space and add some greenery.
  • Deck or partial surround: If you can swing it, even a small wooden or composite deck makes a huge difference for both looks and function.
  • Outdoor lights: Solar stake lights or string lights around the perimeter give it a cozy vibe at night.
  • Pavers or stepping stones: Great for creating a clean path and keeping feet from dragging dirt into the pool.
  • Privacy screens or tall planters: These can add visual appeal and give you a little seclusion too.

Even just one or two of those touches can turn it from “basic pool” to a spot that feels like a mini backyard getaway.
 
Idris Manning said:
Ours looks kind of plain and I want to make it nicer. Any landscaping or decor ideas?
Click to expand...
Totally feel you! We added some simple landscaping around our pool—small shrubs, flowers, and a few decorative rocks really made a difference. I also added some solar lights along the edge, which not only look great at night but help create a cozy atmosphere. A nice deck or wooden pergola could also give it a more polished look if you have the space.
 
We put in some outdoor furniture around ours like comfy lounge chairs and a small table. It really made the pool area feel more like an extension of the living space. Also, consider adding some potted plants or even a few tall grasses to create privacy. A hammock nearby could be a great touch too if you're looking for a more relaxing vibe.
 
I actually ran into this exact question when I set up my pool last year. Ended up putting some pea gravel around the base, and it’s worked really well. It helps with drainage and keeps dirt from splashing up onto the sides when it rains. Before the gravel, I laid down some landscaping fabric to keep weeds from popping through that part’s optional, but I’m glad I did it.

Some folks go all out with bricks or edging, but I just wanted something simple and easy to manage. One tip: don’t pile anything right up against the pool wall and I left a small gap so water doesn’t collect and cause problems.

It’s not the fanciest setup, but it keeps the area looking clean and helps cut down on mess.
 
Idris Manning said:
Ours looks kind of plain and I want to make it nicer. Any landscaping or decor ideas?
Click to expand...
Totally get that. Once the pool’s up and running, the next step is making it feel like part of the yard instead of just dropped in the middle of it. A few things that worked well for us:

We added some gravel and pavers around the base to clean up the edges and make it easier to walk around without dragging in grass or dirt. A few low-maintenance plants or planters helped soften the look, especially near the pump and filter area which can look a bit industrial. Solar lights around the perimeter gave it a nice vibe in the evening without needing to run power.

If you want to go a bit further, a small deck or even just a raised platform for the ladder makes a big difference in how finished it feels. Some people also use privacy screens or lattice with vines to hide the pool walls if they're exposed.

Nothing too fancy, but even a few simple touches can make it feel a lot more inviting.
 
Idris Manning said:
Ours looks kind of plain and I want to make it nicer. Any landscaping or decor ideas?
Click to expand...
To make your pool area nicer, try adding shrubs, flowers, or ornamental grasses around the edges for a softer, natural look. Consider building a deck or wooden platform for a more polished feel, and add a privacy screen or bamboo fence for seclusion. For decor, use string lights, solar lights, or tiki torches for ambiance, and add comfortable outdoor furniture to create a cozy, inviting space.
 
We kept it pretty simple around ours. I laid down a strip of landscape fabric and poured a mix of small stone and pea gravel around the base just to clean up the edges and stop weeds from creeping in. It also keeps mud from splashing up on the walls when it rains. I added two big planters near the ladder to break up the look a bit, and that alone made it feel way more finished without turning it into a huge project.
 
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