Above ground pools are a fantastic way to bring summer fun into your backyard without the hefty price tag of an inground pool. With a bit of creativity, you can turn this simple structure into a stunning focal point that blends seamlessly with your outdoor decor.

1. Twinkle Lights Magic

String lights add a magical touch to evening swims.
String lights add a magical touch to evening swims.

String decorative lights around your pool for an enchanting evening atmosphere. In my backyard, these lights turn a simple swim into a magical experience.

A few helpful options:

  • Outdoor String Lights: Create a cozy, inviting atmosphere with durable, water-resistant outdoor string lights.
  • Solar-Powered LED Lights: Eco-friendly lighting option that charges during the day and illuminates your pool area at night.
  • LED Rope Lights: Flexible rope lights ideal for outlining pool edges, offering vibrant, customizable illumination.

2. Tiling with Flair

Tiles add artistic flair and elegance to your pool.
Tiles add artistic flair and elegance to your pool.

Decorate your pool with tiles for a mosaic effect that sparkles in the sun. I’ve always admired how tiles can transform a pool into a piece of art.

Useful items to consider:

  • Decorative Pool Mosaic Tiles: Create a stunning mosaic design for your pool, adding color and texture.
  • Waterproof Tile Adhesive: Secure tiles around your pool with waterproof adhesive for lasting durability.
  • Tile Grout Sealer: Protect and seal your pool tiles with a grout sealer to ensure longevity.

3. Lounge and Unwind

Create a comfortable retreat with inviting seating by the pool.
Create a comfortable retreat with inviting seating by the pool.

Adding a cozy seating area around your pool can transform it into a relaxation haven. I love including cushioned chairs and a small table for drinks—it’s the perfect spot to unwind.

Some ideas to consider:

  • Outdoor Patio Cushioned Chairs: Comfortable cushioned chairs perfect for relaxation by the poolside, ensuring a cozy lounging area.
  • Round Outdoor Coffee Table: A durable round table ideal for holding drinks and snacks poolside while you relax.
  • Weather-Resistant Outdoor Pillows: Enhance comfort and style with weather-resistant pillows that complement your outdoor seating.

4. Minimalist Magic

A minimalist design offers elegance and simplicity.
A minimalist design offers elegance and simplicity.

Embrace a minimalist look with clean lines and neutral colors. In my opinion, sometimes less is more, and a simple design can be incredibly striking.

Explore these options:

  • Minimalist Outdoor Lounge Chair: Enhance relaxation with sleek, neutral-colored lounge chairs for a minimalist poolside setup.
  • Neutral Outdoor Umbrella: Provide shade with a simple, neutral umbrella, complementing your minimalist pool design.
  • LED Pool Lights: Add ambiance with minimalist LED pool lights, enhancing nighttime aesthetics effortlessly.

5. Private Paradise

Create a private sanctuary with stylish poolside screens.
Create a private sanctuary with stylish poolside screens.

Enhance privacy with fences or screens around your pool. I’ve used tall plants and decorative screens to create a secluded retreat in my own backyard.

You might like:

  • Outdoor Privacy Screen Fence: Create a secluded pool area with this durable and stylish privacy screen fence.
  • Tall Outdoor Planters: Enhance poolside privacy with tall planters, adding natural beauty and seclusion.
  • Bamboo Screen Panels: Add an earthy charm and privacy to your pool with versatile bamboo screen panels.

6. Budget Beauty

Achieve a stylish look on a budget with gravel and planters.
Achieve a stylish look on a budget with gravel and planters.

Opt for cost-effective materials like gravel and simple planters to spruce up your pool area. I love how these affordable touches can still make a big impact.

A few relevant products:

  • Decorative Gravel Stones: Enhance your pool’s surroundings with decorative gravel for a clean and modern look.
  • Terracotta Planters: Stylish terracotta planters to add natural beauty and warmth near your pool area.
  • Outdoor Plants for Planters: Low-maintenance outdoor plants will bring life and color to your poolside garden.

7. Decked Out Delight

A wooden deck adds both functionality and flair to your above ground pool.
A wooden deck adds both functionality and flair to your above ground pool.

Building a wooden deck around your above ground pool is like framing a masterpiece. I’ve found that a deck not only elevates the pool’s appearance but also provides a perfect space for sunbathing and socializing.

These products might be useful:

  • Wood Decking Tiles: Easy-to-install wooden tiles ideal for creating a beautiful poolside deck.
  • Outdoor Lounge Chairs: Comfortable lounge chairs perfect for sunbathing next to your pool.
  • Planters for Pool Deck: Stylish planters to add greenery and elegance around your pool area.

8. Covered in Comfort

A pergola offers both shade and aesthetic appeal.
A pergola offers both shade and aesthetic appeal.

Add a shade structure or pergola for comfort and style. In my experience, providing shade enhances comfort and protects against the sun’s rays.

Might be a good match:

  • Retractable Pergola Canopy: Provides adjustable shade and style, perfect for sun protection over your pool area.
  • Outdoor Sun Shade Sail: Durable fabric offering UV protection, enhancing comfort around your pool.
  • Weatherproof Patio Umbrella: Easy to install, adjustable, and adds a pop of color while providing shade.

9. Modern Minimalism

Sleek lines and minimal decor create a modern pool aesthetic.
Sleek lines and minimal decor create a modern pool aesthetic.

Opt for a modern minimalist design with sleek lines and minimal decor. In my own space, this approach creates a chic and sophisticated look.

Items that may come in handy:

  • Rectangular Above Ground Pool: Sleek and modern, perfect for seamless integration into minimalist spaces.
  • Minimalist Outdoor Deck Tiles: Durable and stylish tiles for a clean, modern poolside look.
  • Contemporary Poolside Lounger: Elegant lounger with clean lines, enhancing the minimalist aesthetic.

10. Multi-Level Marvel

Multi-level decks add dimension and style to your pool area.
Multi-level decks add dimension and style to your pool area.

Design your pool area with multi-level decks for added dimension and interest. In my experience, this approach not only looks stunning but also maximizes space for entertaining.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Outdoor Deck Tiles: Enhance your multi-level deck with durable, weather-resistant deck tiles for a sleek look.
  • Adjustable Patio Chaise Lounges: Relax in style with adjustable chaise lounges perfect for sunbathing on your pool deck.
  • Waterproof Outdoor Umbrella: Provide shade and comfort with an adjustable, waterproof patio umbrella for hot days.

11. Accessorize with Style

Brighten up your pool with fun floats and chic umbrellas.
Brighten up your pool with fun floats and chic umbrellas.

Add colorful pool floats and umbrellas for a playful yet functional touch. In my own pool, these accessories bring a splash of color and fun.

A few things you might like:

  • Colorful Pool Floats: Brighten your pool with vibrant floats for fun and relaxation all summer long.
  • Stylish Patio Umbrella: Add shade and style with a chic poolside umbrella, perfect for sunny days.
  • Decorative Pool Balls: Enhance your pool’s look with decorative balls offering a playful, colorful touch.

12. Stone Serenity

Stone surrounds create a harmonious blend with nature.
Stone surrounds create a harmonious blend with nature.

Surround your pool with stone or brick for a natural, integrated look. In my experience, this setup harmonizes beautifully with the landscape and offers a rustic charm.

Check these products out:

  • Natural Stone Pool Pavers: Enhance your pool with durable, natural stone pavers for a rustic, harmonious look.
  • Outdoor Patio Umbrella: Provide shade and comfort with a stylish, weather-resistant outdoor patio umbrella.
  • Garden Planter Pots: Add greenery around your pool with elegant, weatherproof garden planter pots.

13. Tropical Getaway

Transform your pool area into a tropical paradise.
Transform your pool area into a tropical paradise.

Create a tropical escape with palm trees and exotic plants around your pool. In my backyard, these elements transport me to a beachside paradise every time.

Possibly handy products:

  • Artificial Palm Trees: Enhance your poolside with lifelike palm trees for a permanent tropical vibe.
  • Exotic Plant Seeds: Grow tropical plants easily with a mix of exotic seeds suitable for backyard planting.
  • Outdoor Lounge Chairs: Relax in style with comfortable chairs perfect for lounging by the pool.

14. Hide and Seek

Greenery helps blend your pool seamlessly into the landscape.
Greenery helps blend your pool seamlessly into the landscape.

Use shrubs and grasses to hide the sides of the pool for a more natural look. I’ve found that this greenery softens the pool’s presence and enhances the overall aesthetic.

Give these a look:

  • Artificial Outdoor Shrubs: Enhance privacy and soften pool edges with durable, weather-resistant artificial shrubs.
  • Decorative Grass Seed Mix: Grow lush, ornamental grasses to naturally blend your pool into the surrounding landscape.
  • Natural Bamboo Fencing: Create an elegant, tropical barrier around your pool area with eco-friendly bamboo fencing.

15. Garden Oasis

Transform your pool area into a garden oasis with thoughtful landscaping.
Transform your pool area into a garden oasis with thoughtful landscaping.

Incorporate landscaping like shrubs and flowers to blend your pool with its surroundings. My own pool area feels like a garden oasis with the addition of vibrant blooms and lush greenery.

A few suggestions:

  • Outdoor Solar Garden Lights: Enhance your pool area with these solar-powered lights, adding ambiance and practicality.
  • Weather-Resistant Planter Boxes: Stylish planter boxes for showcasing vibrant flowers, adding charm to your garden oasis.
  • Garden Watering System: Maintain lush greenery effortlessly with an efficient and easy-to-install garden watering system.

16. Uniquely Shaped Pools

A uniquely shaped pool adds a bold touch to your backyard.
A uniquely shaped pool adds a bold touch to your backyard.

Choose a unique pool shape to make a bold statement in your backyard. I’ve seen how an interesting shape can turn a standard pool into a conversation piece.

Try these:

  • Geometric Pool Liners: Enhance your pool’s look with stylish liners tailored for unique shapes. Durable and chic.
  • Custom Pool Deck Lights: Illuminate your pool area with adjustable deck lights for evening swims and ambiance.
  • Outdoor Poolside Lounge Chairs: Relax by the pool with comfortable, weather-resistant lounge chairs. Perfect for any backyard.

17. Elegant Walkway

A stone walkway adds elegance and functionality to your pool area.
A stone walkway adds elegance and functionality to your pool area.

Lay a brick or stone walkway around your pool for elegance and practicality. In my garden, this feature makes pool access easier and keeps feet clean.

A few choices to try:

  • Brick Patio Paver: Durable brick pavers for a classic and elegant poolside walkway design.
  • Natural Stone Paver: Natural stone pavers add a touch of rustic elegance to your pool area.
  • Outdoor Pathway Lighting: Weatherproof pathway lights enhance safety and ambiance around your pool walkway.

18. Eco-Friendly Flow

Eco-friendly pool setups promote sustainability and beauty.
Eco-friendly pool setups promote sustainability and beauty.

Consider a natural filtration system for an eco-friendly pool setup. I’ve found that using plants and natural materials can keep the water clean and clear.

Products that could assist:

  • Natural Pool Filtration System: Utilizes plants and natural materials to keep pool water clean without chemicals.
  • Aquatic Plants for Pool Filtration: Enhances water clarity and purity using natural filtration from aquatic plants.
  • Eco-Friendly Pond Pump: Circulates water efficiently to support natural filtration and maintain water quality.