I get wildly excited about cheap above ground pool landscaping ideas because a little creativity turned my own sad plastic pool into a backyard hangout. It felt like such a win to spend less and make the space feel intentional – and you can do the same.
This post exists because I tried a bunch of budget tricks so you don’t have to waste time or money on the duds. I’ve learned what actually looks good, what fades after one season, and which projects give the biggest “wow” for very little cash.
You’ll get 25 practical, pretty, and doable ideas with real-life notes from my trials – think plants, gravel, lights, DIY decks, and simple accents you can finish over a weekend.
These 25 Cheap Above Ground Pool Landscaping Ideas You’ll Actually Use
Cozy Wicker Seating Nook
I adore the idea of surrounding a pool with wicker chairs to create a chill lounging spot – it feels cottage-core without the price tag. I once rescued two mismatched wicker chairs at a yard sale and spray painted them; they instantly upgraded our backyard. If you add a small side table and a lantern, people will actually sit and stay – promise.
Umbrella & Bench Shade
A simple umbrella with wooden benches and potted plants is an instant shade solution that looks curated. You can buy a cheap market umbrella and a couple of inexpensive benches, then add hanging planters – that’s what I did the first summer. Little imperfections like a slightly crooked umbrella make it feel lived-in, not staged.
String Light Ambiance
String lights around an above ground pool are budget gold because they turn a plain yard into a magical evening space. I remember the first night I hung lights – we stayed outside until midnight just talking, it was that cozy. Hang them from poles or trees and use soft white bulbs for a warm glow.
Simple Deck Steps
Adding a small set of steps and a partial deck makes entry easier and gives you a spot for towels and drinks. I built a narrow step platform with basic lumber and sealed it in one weekend – it looked way more expensive than it was. If you aren’t handy, many prefab step kits are affordable and screw together quickly.
Umbrellas for Extra Coverage
Two umbrellas over a hot tub or pool create an instant resort vibe and protect you from sunburned shoulders. Buying a couple of clearance umbrellas gave our backyard a mini retreat feel, and we rotate them for shade as the sun moves. Pro tip – choose neutral tones so they blend with plants and furniture.
Gardened Pool Oasis
Planting trees and shrubs around the pool adds privacy and softens the metal sides without a big budget. We planted a fast-growing hedge along one side and it made the pool feel tucked away within a season. Keep in mind that some trees drop more leaves than others – avoid messy species if you hate frequent skimming.
Grass-Edge Simplicity
Letting the pool sit on a tidy lawn is the cheapest, cleanest look and screams “casual summer.” I love how simple grass makes the pool feel like it belongs in the yard; when we first set ours up we just mowed carefully around it and called it done. If you want to get fancier later, add a stepping stone path and a plant or two.
DIY Ground Prep
Digging and prepping the ground before installing gives a level base and is something you can DIY – just rent a leveler if needed. My partner and I spent one sweaty afternoon leveling the site and I still joke that I earned every splash that summer. A solid base keeps the pool stable and extends its life, so don’t skip this step even if it’s tempting.
Fun Flamingo Decor
Adding playful floats like flamingos and a simple deck around the pool makes it feel festive for parties and photos. I bought a neon flamingo float on sale and it made our summer photos look professionally staged – ha. Use bright accents sparingly so the space feels fun, not chaotic.
Potted Hot Tub Greenery
Potted plants around a hot tub give a lush feel without permanent planting or heavy cost. I love container gardening because you can move plants seasonally and replace inexpensive ones when they flop. Choose hardy pots and add trailing plants for a spa-like border.
Gravel Perimeter Path
Surrounding the pool with gravel is cheap, low-maintenance, and helps with drainage – plus it looks intentionally styled. We used pea gravel and a border paver to keep things tidy; it cost way less than concrete. It also prevents mud from being tracked into the pool, which is a real-life win.
Small Pool Patio
A small patio area with a few chairs makes the pool feel like part of an outdoor living room. I set up a simple rug and two folding chairs one summer and it instantly became our favorite reading spot. Even a tiny patio gives structure and a zone for hanging out besides the water.
Wooden Deck & Umbrella
A modest wooden deck with room for an umbrella looks elevated and is surprisingly affordable if you DIY. We built a small platform with space for two chairs, just enough for morning coffee and towel draping. Imperfect wood staining only adds character – it doesn’t need to be flawless to look like a million bucks.
Before & After Glow-Up
Before and after shots are inspiring because small changes – paint, plants, a deck – transform the whole yard. I still love looking at our before pic; it reminds me that progress is real and inexpensive upgrades add up. Share your before and after too – it’s oddly motivating.
Social Pool Gatherings
Make room for friends by adding a simple seating circle near the pool so people can chat without being in the water. One summer we hosted impromptu evenings and the seating arrangement kept everyone cozy and included. You don’t need perfect furniture – even cushions on pallets can do the trick.
Stone Steps Hot Tub
Stone steps around a hot tub or pool add permanence and a natural vibe without building a full deck. I sourced leftover stone from a neighbor’s project once and used it to create rustic steps – major budget win. Natural materials like stone age gracefully and require very little maintenance.
Lush Green Surround
Surrounding the pool with lush grass and trees makes the area feel like a hidden oasis, even in a small yard. I remember lying on the grass after a swim and feeling like I was on a mini-vacation – totally worth the inexpensive plant choices we made. Just pick low-drop trees if pool cleaning isn’t your fave chore.
Inexpensive Pool Pump Setup
A tidy pump and filtration area kept out of sight is practical and can be camouflaged with lattice or plants. We boxed ours in with a simple slatted screen and planted a tall pot nearby; it hid the ugliness but kept access easy. Functional details like this keep your pool useable without sacrificing looks.
Rock Border DIY
Placing rocks to create a border around the pool is cheap and gives a finished look – plus dogs love it (our pooch helped supervise). I once spent an afternoon arranging stones and felt oddly peaceful, like landscaping therapy. Choose flat rocks for stability and vary sizes for a natural effect.
Wood Steps Accent
Simple wooden steps look smart against the pool and give a safe entry point that you can build yourself. I sanded and sealed our steps to protect them from splashes, and that small extra step saved a lot of wear. If you’re short on tools, many hardware stores cut and pre-drill pieces to simplify assembly.
Empty Pit Prep
An empty concrete pit evokes thinking about a future permanent pool space – and you can repurpose similar areas cheaply. We had a patch of compacted soil that we leveled and mulched to make a neat pool pad. Sometimes the goal is just making the space usable and tidy, not perfect landscaping.
Deck With Trees Backdrop
Framing decking with trees in the background offers shade and depth and feels expensive without the price tag. I planted two small ornamental trees behind our deck and within a couple of seasons the space felt private and intentional. Keep planting distances in mind so roots won’t interfere with the pool base.
Stone Wall Accent
A low stone wall around the pool creates a terraced look and doubles as extra seating for guests. We used leftover concrete blocks and covered them with stone veneer for a high-end look on a budget. It’s one of my favorite DIY upgrades because it honestly looked way pricier than the cost.
Fenced Pond Aesthetic
A wooden fenced area with plants and rocks makes a small pool or pond feel private and curated. I once fenced a corner of the yard and added pots and a tiny water feature; neighbors thought we paid landscapers. You can mimic that feel around a small pool with inexpensive slats and a few climbing plants.
Playful Rubber Duck Theme
Two pink rubber ducks in a pool are whimsical and remind you not to take backyard design too seriously. I keep a silly float or two on hand during summer – they make kids laugh and adults relax. Small playful touches like this make the space approachable and fun.
How to Actually Make This Work For You
Start small and prioritize fixes that solve problems – level ground, simple steps, and a good pool cover will change your daily experience more than expensive decor. Then add layers slowly: gravel or decking first, plants for privacy next, and finally lights and accents so you don’t burn out or overspend. Remember that half the charm is making a space yours – imperfect, cozy, and ready for real life.
How much should I budget for a simple makeover?
Expect to spend anywhere from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on materials and how much you DIY – gravel, plants, and string lights are very affordable. If you do the labor yourself you’ll get the most impact for the least money.
What plants work best around above ground pools?
Choose low-drop, non-invasive plants like ornamental grasses, boxwood, or potted palms so you don’t end up with extra debris in the water. I like using containers because they’re flexible and easy to replace if a plant fails.
Can I add decking myself safely?
Yes – many small deck projects are doable for a confident DIYer with basic tools; follow local building codes and make sure to use rot-resistant lumber or composite. If you’re unsure, a small prefab platform or step kit is a safe and inexpensive alternative.
Any tips for lighting on a budget?
String lights, solar stake lights, and inexpensive LED spotlights do the trick and are easy to install without an electrician. In our yard, solar lights along a gravel path created a cozy vibe and required zero wiring.
