There’s nothing quite like cooling off in your own pool on a hot day, and an above ground pool can turn any backyard into a personal paradise. Let’s chat about creative ways to make these pools truly shine—trust me, you’ll be surprised how stunning and fun they can be!
1. Decked Out: Wraparound Wooden Deck
Nothing elevates an above ground pool like a full wraparound wooden deck—I built one last year and it not only hides the pool’s sides but creates loads of space for sunbathing and drinks with friends. It’s the ultimate poolside hangout, and you’ll never want summer to end!
Possibly helpful picks:
- Outdoor Patio Furniture Set: Enhance your deck with stylish outdoor seating for ultimate relaxation and entertaining comfort.
- Solar-Powered LED Deck Lights: Illuminate your deck with eco-friendly solar LED lights for a charming evening ambiance.
- All-Weather Outdoor Umbrella: Stay cool and protected with a durable umbrella, perfect for sunbathing on hot days.
2. Garden Oasis: Lush Landscaping
Bring in layers of greenery, flowers, and ornamental grasses to soften the pool’s edges—my clients always gasp at how a few well-placed shrubs can transform the vibe. It’s like swimming in your own secret garden!
Some handy options:
- Evergreen Shrubs: Enhance your pool’s natural beauty with evergreen shrubs, adding year-round texture and greenery.
- Ornamental Grasses: Create a soft and flowing edge around your pool with elegant ornamental grasses.
- Flowering Perennials: Introduce vibrant color to your poolside with hardy flowering perennials for lasting blooms.
3. Minimalist Chic: Keep It Simple
Sometimes less really is more—a simple grass lawn and uncluttered pool can feel refreshingly open. I’ve done this for families with kids, and everyone loves the easygoing, playful look.
You might like:
- Outdoor Poolside Lounge Chair: Relax in style by your pool with this comfortable and sleek outdoor lounge chair.
- Wooden Pool Decking Tiles: Upgrade your pool area with easy-to-install wooden decking tiles for an elegant look.
- Poolside Patio Umbrella: Create a shaded retreat with this stylish patio umbrella, perfect for sunny pool days.
4. Tile Accents for a Mediterranean Flair
If you want your pool to sparkle, add mosaic tiles along the rim or steps—I tried this with blue and turquoise hues, and it instantly felt like a slice of the Mediterranean. It’s a small detail with big impact!
Consider these options:
- Blue Mosaic Pool Tiles: Add vibrant blue mosaic tiles to your pool for an instant Mediterranean transformation.
- Turquoise Pool Tile Sheets: Enhance your pool steps with turquoise tile sheets for a captivating coastal appearance.
- Tile Adhesive for Pools: Secure your tiles with durable, water-resistant adhesive for long-lasting Mediterranean charm.
5. Desert Escape: Cacti & Rock Gardens
Even in dry climates, you can create a stunning desert-inspired poolscape with cacti, succulents, and rock gardens. I love how the mix of textures makes the pool stand out like a sparkling oasis.
Explore these options:
- Artificial Cacti Set: Enhance your poolscape with lifelike cacti that require no maintenance. Perfect for any desert theme!
- Decorative River Rocks: Create a stunning rock garden around your pool with these smooth, decorative river rocks.
- Outdoor LED Garden Lights: Illuminate your desert oasis with solar-powered LED lights, enhancing nighttime ambiance beautifully.
6. Compact & Cozy: Urban Courtyard Pool
No big yard? No problem—a small above ground pool tucked into a city courtyard feels intimate and luxurious. My city-dwelling friends are always amazed how much relaxation you can fit into a petite patio.
Items that may come in handy:
- Outdoor LED String Lights: Transform your courtyard with ambient lighting—perfect for a cozy evening by the pool.
- Weatherproof Patio Lounge Chairs: Relax in style with comfortable and durable lounge chairs, perfect for your urban oasis.
- Wooden Planters for Outdoor Use: Enhance your space with lush greenery in elegant wooden planters, adding natural charm.
7. Mix Materials: Wood, Stone, and Metal
Blend different deck materials—like wood, stone, and sleek metal—for a layered, contemporary look. I once combined cedar decking with steel railings and slate accents, and the textures played off each other beautifully.
Might be a good match:
- Cedar Decking Boards: Enhance your pool area with cedar decking for a natural and elegant appearance.
- Slate Stone Tiles: Add sophistication to your deck with durable and stylish slate stone tiles.
- Steel Railing Kit: Secure your pool with sleek, modern steel railings for a chic and safe environment.
