Above Ground Pool Designs Landscaping Ideas

Installing an above ground pool can transform a backyard into an oasis for entertainment, relaxation, and family fun. But the area surrounding the pool often gets overlooked in backyard design plans. With some creative landscaping ideas, you can blend your above ground pool beautifully into the overall aesthetic and better enjoy the outdoor space.

Thoughtful landscaping takes into account both softscape elements like plants and hardscape features like patios. It leverages colors, textures, lighting, and materials that complement the pool and home environments. Whether going for a contemporary, tropical, or cottage garden style, smart landscaping ties everything together into a cohesive whole.

Design Factors to Consider

When planning landscaping around an above ground pool, there are several key factors to evaluate:

• Sun exposure and sunlight needs - Make note of sunny and shaded areas that may impact plant choices and pool heating requirements.
• Privacy and noise reduction - Strategically place screening plants and structural elements to increase seclusion.
• Blending pool with home aesthetics - Select colors, styles, and materials that seamlessly integrate the pool area with the home's architecture and design.
• Creating areas for entertainment/relaxation - Incorporate functional spaces for dining, lounging, playing, grilling, etc.
• Choosing low maintenance plants and materials - Opt for native, drought-tolerant plants and durable construction materials that can withstand weather and heavy use.
• Irrigation and drainage planning - Properly slope surfaces and install systems to effectively deal with pool water overflow and runoff.
• Local climate and weather conditions - Choose landscaping suited to the regional environment, including humidity, wind, rain, and winter weather.
• Evaluating slope and terrain - Address grading challenges and stabilize slopes with retaining walls, steps, and thoughtful plant choices.
• Checking with HOAs for restrictions - Ensure all landscaping plans conform to homeowners' association guidelines governing hardscapes, plant heights, fences, etc.

Softscaping Ideas

Soft landscaping refers to the living decorative elements in a landscape like plants, trees, and grass surfaces. For above ground pools, aim to soften hard edges and create an attractive, welcoming environment. Consider the following:

• Groundcovers and grass options - Use drought-resistant groundcovers and artificial turf instead of grass to reduce maintenance.
• Flower beds and garden spaces - Incorporate colorful blooms and beautiful foliage with native perennials, annuals, roses, succulents, etc.
• Trees, shrubs, and screening plants - Strategically place plantings for shade, privacy, wind blocks, and pool safety buffers.
• Design styles - Garden styles like Zen, cottage, contemporary, and desert influences set the tone.
• Hardscapes that complement - Contrast softscapes with pathways, rocks, patios, or mix in wood-like porcelain pavers.

Hardscaping Tips

Hardscaping refers to structural landscape features like patios, walls, and pathways that can enhance above ground pool installations. Useful options include:

• Decks, patios, and pool surrounds - Create functional spaces for lounging, dining, and sunbathing with composite decking or natural stone.
• Pathways, stepping stones, and trails - Guide traffic flow with gravel, stone dust, pavers, flagstone, or timber walkways.
• Privacy walls, screens, trellises and arbors - Define spaces, hide pool equipment, and add vertical greenery with structures made of wood, stone, or metal.
• Retaining walls - Manage elevation changes and stabilize slopes with natural stone, block, or wood retaining walls.
• Outdoor kitchens, bars, dining areas - Construct gathering areas with built-in cabinetry, counters, appliances, bars, and fireplaces.
• Fire pits, fireplaces, chimineas - Create cozy lounge areas with the ambiance and warmth of fire features.
• Hot tubs, saunas, outdoor showers - Enhance the aquatic experience with poolside water relaxation and cleansing spaces.

Enhancing the Pool Itself

Don't forget the pool itself when planning above ground pool landscaping. Elements like coping, lighting, and water features can further beautify the installation:

• Custom coping and tile - Border the pool with decorative tiles or coping like natural stone, glass, or ceramic.
• Water features and floating fountains - Add visual interest and soothing sounds with sheets of water, cascades, or jets.
• Underwater lights and sconces - Illuminate the pool interior and exterior with LED lighting.
• Heaters, salt chlorinators, covers - Maintain comfortable water temperatures and clarity while preventing evaporation with handy accessories.
• Umbrellas, gazebos, canopies - Create shade with freestanding or mounted shade structures.

Budget-Friendly Strategies

You don't have to break the bank to beautifully landscape around an above ground pool. Cost-saving tips include:

• Low-cost native plants - Take advantage of plants naturally adapted to the region.
• Gravel and mulch - Use inexpensive inorganic materials for pathways and beds instead of pavers.
• DIY hardscape projects - Save on labor by tackling simpler patio, fence, and walkway projects yourself.
• Salvaged materials - Source budget finds from architectural salvage yards, thrift stores, and online classifieds.
• Repurposed furniture - Give old furniture new life with a coat of paint instead of buying new.

Maintaining the Space

An attractive landscape requires some degree of upkeep. Be prepared to handle tasks like:

• Pool care - Maintain proper chemical balances and cleaning regimens.
• Pruning and weeding - Tend to plants routinely.
• Pest management - Apply appropriate treatments as needed.
• Hardscape repairs - Seal, patch, and replace elements like patios, walls, and walkways periodically.
• Drainage improvements - Keep drainage paths clear of debris to prevent pooling water issues.
• Inspections - Routinely check for problems like leaks, cracks, erosion, or damage.

Professional Help

For best results, consider consulting design and maintenance professionals like:

• Landscape designers - Provide concepts and plans leveraging plants, construction, lighting, and decor.
• Landscape architects - Design aesthetically cohesive, functional environments meeting code and environmental requirements.
• Landscape contractors - Handle installation and construction tasks.
• Pool servicing companies - Assist with closing, opening, cleaning, repairing, and upgrading pools.

Inspiring Images

The following poolscapes demonstrate just some of the potential ways to beautifully blend above ground pools and thoughtful landscaping:

• Decks, patios, pergolas - Hardscapes define areas for lounging and dining with style.
• Water features, fire elements - The sights and sounds enhance the atmosphere.
• Lighting ambiance - Strands of lights create magical evening aesthetics.
• Garden styles - Contemporary minimalism, romantic English borders, desert, tropical themes set the tone.
• Dining and lounge zones - Create specialized areas for meals, sunbathing, conversations, or play.

Outdoor Living Design Concepts

When planning landscaping around above ground pools, look for opportunities to create outdoor living spaces. Useful zones include:

• Entertaining areas - Designate zones for gathering with dining tables, sofas, fire pits, bars, etc.
• Dining spaces - Include counters, cabinets, appliances, and seating to accommodate outdoor cooking and eating.
• Grilling stations - Set up permanent or portable grill sites safely away from pool splashing.
• Children's play areas - Add playsets, swing sets, sandboxes, splash pads for kids.
• Pet-friendly zones - Create areas for pets to safely enjoy the landscape without damaging plants.
• Relaxation nooks - Tuck away cozy places to nap, read a book, or reflect.

FAQs

Common queries that come up when planning above ground pool landscaping include:

• What are good landscaping ideas for a small backyard with limited space?
• How can I add more privacy and seclusion to my above ground pool area?
• What is the best way to landscape an above ground pool on a sloped yard?
• How should I maintain landscaping plants and materials in a windy area around my above ground pool?
• What kind of landscape design ideas work well for an above ground pool with a wrap-around deck attached?

By thoughtfully incorporating plants, hardscapes, accent features, and decor into above ground pool environments, you can create beautiful, enjoyable backyard escapes perfect for relaxation and entertainment. Pay attention to sunlight, existing architecture, traffic flow, and local climate when designing your poolscape. And leverage the talents of landscaping professionals if needed to fully achieve your backyard visions.