Ideas

16+ Clever Above Ground Pool Ideas for Your Home

Setting up an above ground pool doesn't mean you have to settle for a giant blue plastic tub sitting awkwardly in the middle of your lawn. With a little DIY magic and smart landscaping, you can easily blend it right into your backyard design.

1. Build a Wrap-Around Deck

Wooden wrap-around deck built around an above ground pool — Hide pool walls with a custom wooden deck.

Build a wrap-around deck to completely hide the exterior walls of your pool. This simple upgrade instantly makes the whole setup look like a permanent, high-end fixture in your yard. You can use standard treated lumber to keep costs down while gaining a massive amount of usable space for lounging. I love adding a few specific features to these wooden decks to make them practical.

Built-in bench seating
Non-slip composite stair treads
A hinged trap door for pump access

2. Sink It Halfway

Half sunken above ground pool with a low wooden deck — Dig down slightly for an in-ground pool look.

A half-sunken installation gives you that sleek, custom in-ground look without the massive excavation bill.

By digging down just a couple of feet, you lower the profile of the pool significantly. Then you just build a low deck level with the top rail to seamlessly connect it to your yard. This approach makes the water feel much more accessible.

Retaining wall blocks for the excavated edge
Good drainage gravel at the base
A low-profile wooden border

3. Add a River Rock Border

River rock border surrounding the base of an above ground pool — Stop mud with a clean river rock border.

I always struggled with the muddy mess that develops around the pool ladder until I put down a gravel border. Digging a shallow trench around the base and filling it with river rock completely solves the splash-out problem. It keeps grass clippings out of the water and stops weeds from growing against the liner.

You can edge the rock with simple plastic bender board to keep it neat.

4. Wrap It in Bamboo

Above ground pool exterior wrapped in natural bamboo fencing — Cover vinyl sides quickly with rolled bamboo fencing.

Wrapping the exposed sides in bamboo fencing instantly covers up that cheap-looking vinyl exterior.

You just buy rolls of natural bamboo and secure them directly to the pool's upright supports using heavy-duty zip ties. It takes about an hour to do the whole perimeter. The natural wood tones blend beautifully with garden greenery.

Why it works: Why it works: The flexible bamboo bends easily around the curve of the pool while letting air circulate to prevent mold.

5. Plant Ornamental Grasses

Tall ornamental grasses planted around an above ground pool — Hide the pool base with tall ornamental grasses.

Plant a dense ring of tall ornamental grasses around the outside to soften the harsh lines of the pool.

Varieties like zebra grass or fountain grass grow fast and tall enough to hide the siding. They also sway nicely in the summer breeze.

Just make sure to leave a small access path to your pump and filter.

Why it works: Why it works: Ornamental grasses thrive in the inevitable splash zones and provide lush, natural privacy.

6. Hide the Pump Equipment

Slatted wooden box hiding pool pump equipment — Build a slatted box to hide pool pumps.

Construct a pallet wood enclosure around your ugly pump and filter equipment to keep your yard looking tidy. You can break down free shipping pallets and build a simple slatted box that hides the machinery while still letting it breathe. Paint or stain it to match your deck for a cohesive look.

Put the lid on hinges so you can easily reach the skimmer basket.

7. Use a Galvanized Stock Tank

Galvanized metal stock tank used as a backyard pool — Use a stock tank for an industrial vibe.

Using stock tank pools creates a trendy, industrial vibe that fits perfectly in smaller yards. These galvanized metal troughs don't need any special exterior cladding because the ribbed steel already looks fantastic on its own. You can set them up on a simple leveled sand pad in a single afternoon. Add a small cartridge filter over the side to keep the water crystal clear all summer.

Why it works: Why it works: The rigid metal structure is incredibly durable and holds up to harsh weather far better than soft-sided plastic options.

8. Build a Towel Station

Wooden post with hooks holding colorful pool towels — Keep towels off the grass with a station.

The area right next to the pool always becomes a dumping ground for wet towels and goggles.

Building a simple towel station out of a wooden post and some heavy-duty hooks keeps the clutter off the grass. You can sink a 4×4 post in concrete and attach a small basket at the bottom for sunscreen.

It keeps everything organized and within arm's reach of the water.

9. Hang Overhead Bistro Lights

Bistro string lights hanging over an above ground pool at night — Hang bistro lights for magical nighttime pool swimming.

Stringing outdoor bistro lights above the water creates a magical, resort-like atmosphere for night swimming.

You can mount tall wooden poles in heavy concrete-filled planters around the perimeter to hold the light strings high above the splash zone. This avoids having to dig deep post holes in your yard.

The warm glow reflects off the water beautifully once the sun goes down.

10. Design a Multi-Level Deck

Multi-level wooden deck built around a backyard pool — Build a tiered deck for lounging and swimming.

Creating a multi-level deck breaks up the massive vertical wall of an above ground pool.

You can build a lower platform for lounging and a smaller, higher platform just for jumping in. This tiered approach is visually much more interesting than a flat, floating square.

Add wide stairs connecting the two levels to double as extra seating.

Why it works: Why it works: Tiered decking creates distinct zones for relaxing and swimming without overwhelming a small backyard.

11. Lay a Paver Foundation

Above ground pool sitting on a flat paver stone patio — Use paver stones for a perfectly level foundation.

A standard 15-foot round pool holds over 5,000 gallons of water, making proper base leveling critical.

Installing a solid paver stone patio underneath provides a perfectly flat, unshifting foundation. It completely eliminates the risk of the legs sinking into muddy soil after heavy rain.

You can extend the pavers a few feet past the pool to create a clean walkway.

Why it works: Why it works: Pavers distribute the massive weight of the water evenly and prevent the liner from stretching unevenly.

12. Attach a Bar Ledge

Wooden bar ledge attached to the side of an above ground pool — Add a wooden ledge for a swim-up bar.

Add a wooden bar ledge directly onto the top rail of your pool for easy summer entertaining. You can attach wide, sealed cedar planks to the existing metal uprights to create a sturdy spot for resting drinks and snacks. Pair the ledge with a few weather-resistant bar stools on the outside for a cool swim-up bar feel.

13. Skirt with Corrugated Metal

Corrugated metal skirting wrapped around an above ground pool — Wrap your pool base in cheap corrugated metal.

Wood paneling can cost upwards of $30 per square foot, but corrugated metal sheets are a fraction of the price. Screwing these galvanized panels around the base of your pool gives it a sleek, modern farmhouse aesthetic. You just overlap the edges and secure them to a simple wooden frame built around the pool legs. The metal reflects the surrounding garden, making the massive structure feel much lighter.

Why it works: Why it works: Corrugated metal is cheap, rust-resistant, and curves easily to match the exact radius of round pools.

14. Build a Slatted Privacy Screen

Slatted cedar privacy screen hiding an above ground pool — Hide bright blue vinyl with a slatted screen.

I hated staring at the bright blue vinyl from my kitchen window, so I built a slatted privacy screen. Using horizontal cedar strips spaced an inch apart hides the pool while still letting light and air flow through. I planted climbing jasmine at the base to eventually cover the wood with green leaves.

The cedar naturally weathers to a gorgeous silver-gray over time.

15. Add a Hardwood Surround

Permanent wooden surround built around a soft-sided pool — Protect the pool liner with a hardwood surround.

Most soft-sided pools only last about 3 to 5 years if left exposed to the harsh winter elements. Building a permanent hardwood surround protects the fragile liner from sun damage and stray yard tools. You frame it out like a standard wall and clad it in durable exterior siding to match your house. I recommend treating the wood with a high-quality marine sealant to prevent water damage from constant splashing.

Cedar tongue-and-groove boards
Exterior grade plywood painted with outdoor enamel
Reclaimed barn wood for a rustic touch

16. Incorporate Hidden Toy Storage

Deck box used for storing pool toys next to stairs — Use a deck box to stash pool toys.

Floating pool toys always end up blowing across the yard during summer storms.

Tucking a deck box right against the pool steps gives you a dedicated spot to stash all the inflatables. You can even top it with an outdoor cushion so it doubles as a changing bench.

It keeps the yard looking clean and protects your expensive floats from sun rot.

A waterproof resin storage trunk
A custom-built cedar chest
A simple mesh hanging bin

17. Use Large Potted Plants

Large potted tropical plants placed around a pool deck — Decorate with movable large potted tropical plants.

Using large potted plants instead of inground landscaping gives you total flexibility around your pool. You can group massive resin planters filled with tropical palms and hibiscus to create a temporary jungle vibe. When you need to access the pool walls for maintenance, you just slide the pots out of the way.

Stick to lightweight potting soil so the containers are actually easy to move.