Privacy & Beauty: 15 DIY Above Ground Pool Landscaping Ideas

Your above ground pool doesn’t have to be an eyesore. With the right landscaping, it can become a beautiful, private oasis right in your backyard. Whether your style leans modern, rustic, or tropical, these DIY landscaping ideas will help blend your pool seamlessly into your outdoor space while adding privacy, style, and comfort.

1. Lush Plant Wall Backdrop

Frame your pool with tall, leafy greenery for instant privacy and a lush, tropical feel.

Steps:

• Install planter boxes or large pots behind the pool.
• Plant tall foliage like bamboo, arborvitae, or ornamental grasses.
• Add mulch and drip irrigation to keep maintenance low.

Tips:
Opt for fast-growing plants to get results quickly. Use evergreens for year-round coverage.

2. Deck with Built-In Planters

Surround your pool with a wooden deck that includes built-in planter boxes.

Steps:

• Build a wood or composite deck around the pool’s perimeter.
• Integrate raised planter boxes at corners or edges.
• Fill planters with cascading flowers and herbs.

Tips:
Use herbs like lavender or rosemary for fragrance and natural pest control.

3. Stone Gravel Border

A ring of decorative stone around the base of your pool enhances drainage and adds style.

Steps:

• Clear a 1–2 ft wide border around the pool.
• Lay weed barrier fabric.
• Fill with river rocks, gravel, or crushed stone.
• Accent with solar lights or potted plants.

Tips:
Use white or light-colored stones to reflect heat and keep the area cooler.

4. Privacy Screen Fence

Add instant seclusion with a DIY wooden privacy fence or screen.

Steps:

• Choose fence panels, lattice, or slatted screens.
• Anchor posts around the pool’s back or full perimeter.
• Stain or paint for a stylish finish.
• Decorate with hanging planters or lights.

Tips:
Use lattice panels with climbing vines for both coverage and natural beauty.

5. Tropical Vibes with Palms

Create a resort-like escape with tropical plants and accents.

Steps:

• Plant potted palms, ferns, or banana plants around the pool.
• Lay down tan-colored gravel or outdoor rugs.
• Add tiki torches or bamboo fencing.

Tips:
Group plants in threes to create a lush, layered look.

6. Rock Garden Zen Border

Surround your pool with a minimalist, peaceful rock garden layout.

Steps:

• Create a defined border with large stones or edging.
• Fill in with gravel, river stones, or lava rock.
• Add ornamental grasses and small Japanese maples.

Tips:
Use drought-tolerant plants for low maintenance and water conservation.

7. Pergola + Climbing Plants

Install a pergola near or over your pool, then grow vines to add privacy and shade.

Steps:

• Build or place a pergola over part of your pool or deck.
• Plant climbing vines like jasmine or clematis.
• Hang sheer outdoor curtains for added softness.

Tips:
Use pergola hooks for lanterns, planters, or string lights.

8. Raised Garden Beds

Line your pool with DIY raised garden beds to bring color, privacy, and functionality.

Steps:

• Build or place wooden or metal raised beds along the pool border.
• Plant a mix of tall and trailing plants.
• Use flowers, herbs, and low shrubs for variety.

Tips:
Incorporate edible plants for a poolside kitchen garden.

9. Trellis Fence with Flowers

Frame your pool with decorative trellises covered in flowering vines.

Steps:

• Install wood or metal trellises along one or more sides.
• Plant climbing flowers like clematis, trumpet vine, or climbing roses.
• Add mulch and edging around the base.

Tips:
Stagger trellis heights for added visual interest.

10. Grassy Oasis Look

Soften the pool’s hard edges with ornamental grass landscaping.

Steps:

• Plant clumps of fountain grass, blue fescue, or maiden grass around the base.
• Add mulch to hold moisture and prevent weeds.
• Place large rocks or garden sculptures in between.

Tips:
Choose grasses that stay compact and don’t spread aggressively.

11. Natural Wood Steps & Surround

Give your pool a rustic finish with wooden steps and borders.

Steps:

• Build simple wood steps leading into the pool.
• Frame the pool with reclaimed wood beams or sleepers.
• Plant ground cover or flowers around the base.

Tips:
Seal the wood for water resistance and longevity.

12. Modern Paver Patio Base

Lay concrete or stone pavers around your pool for a clean, modern aesthetic.

Steps:

• Level the area around the pool.
• Lay square or rectangular pavers in a geometric pattern.
• Fill gaps with gravel, moss, or ground cover.

Tips:
Use gray or tan pavers for a neutral, timeless look.

13. Flower Border with Landscape Edging

Create a charming flower border around your pool with clear edging.

Steps:

• Install plastic or metal edging around the pool.
• Fill the space with low-maintenance flowers like marigolds or petunias.
• Add solar stake lights between blooms.

Tips:
Choose drought-resistant flowers for sunny pool areas.

14. Privacy Hedge Wall

Plant a line of dense hedges along one or more sides of your pool for beauty and seclusion.

Steps:

• Dig a trench and plant privacy hedges like boxwood, holly, or viburnum.
• Mulch heavily to retain water.
• Prune for shape as they grow.

Tips:
Hedges take time—start with mature plants for quicker results.

15. Lighting-Focused Landscape

Transform your pool area with landscape lighting that highlights plants and adds ambiance.

Steps:

• Add stake lights along pathways and flower borders.
• Use spotlights to highlight tall plants or trees.
• Hang string lights or install solar-powered lanterns.

Tips:
Solar-powered options are budget-friendly and energy-efficient.