Creating a stunning backyard with an above-ground pool doesn’t have to drain your wallet.
With a little creativity, clever design choices, and a sprinkle of elbow grease, you can turn your pool area into a backyard paradise without breaking the bank.
In this guide, I’ll share 19 actionable, budget-friendly ideas for landscaping around your above-ground pool, complete with stats, tips, and practical advice.
1. Use Mulch and Gravel to Define Spaces
Mulch and gravel are your best friends when it comes to cheap landscaping. Not only do they prevent weeds, but they also create defined walkways and seating areas. Mulch comes in various colors and textures, letting you match it to your pool’s theme.
Pro tip: Use darker mulch around plants for contrast and lighter gravel near the pool to keep things bright and clean. Statistically, mulch can reduce soil erosion by 45-50%, which is a hidden bonus for pool areas.
2. Plant Fast-Growing Shrubs for Privacy
Privacy can transform your pool space from “meh” to “resort-level.” Fast-growing shrubs like arborvitae, bamboo, or privet can give you natural screening within a year or two.
Bamboo, for example, can grow 3–5 feet per year, giving you a quick hedge that feels lush and tropical. Just make sure to plant it in containers if you don’t want it to spread uncontrollably.
3. Create a Simple Deck with Pallets
Pallets are cheap, versatile, and surprisingly stylish. Sand them down, paint them, and stack them for a tiered pool deck or lounge area.
I once transformed my backyard pool by stacking pallets into a 4-foot elevated seating platform, and friends couldn’t believe it was DIY. With a little sanding and staining, you get a professional look without professional costs.
4. Incorporate Potted Plants
Potted plants are the quickest way to add color and life around your pool. Choose tropical plants like philodendrons, ferns, and palms, which thrive in sunny spots.
Large pots can serve dual purposes: they define areas and prevent muddy footprints. According to a landscaping survey, using potted plants can reduce ground maintenance by 30%, since you’re avoiding permanent garden beds that require constant care.
5. DIY Stone Pathways
Stone pathways guide the eye and make your pool area feel polished. You don’t need expensive flagstones. River rocks, stepping stones, or broken concrete pieces can create a rustic, yet functional path.
Fun fact: a well-placed stone pathway can increase perceived property value by up to 5%, even in small backyards.
6. Add Solar Lighting
Good lighting transforms your pool into an evening oasis. Solar-powered stakes or string lights are cheap and easy to install. They also save on electricity bills and avoid the need for wiring.
A personal tip: wrap solar string lights around shrubs or the pool ladder—this creates a soft glow without the harsh glare of overhead lamps.
7. Build a DIY Pergola
A pergola provides shade, structure, and elegance. You don’t need a fancy contractor—wooden beams and some creativity go a long way.
Climbing plants like wisteria or jasmine can cover the pergola for free scent and greenery. Statistically, shaded pool areas see a 20–30% higher usage rate in hot climates, simply because people avoid direct sun exposure.
8. Use Artificial Turf Around the Pool
Artificial turf creates a clean, mud-free, and lush look without the maintenance of grass. Installation is easy, and it keeps the area safe for kids running around barefoot.
Fun anecdote: I replaced a 10×10-foot patch near my pool with turf for $120, and it instantly looked like a resort lawn without mowing or watering.
9. Add a Rustic Fence
Even a low budget can deliver privacy and charm. Pallet fences, bamboo screens, or even rope fencing create visual separation.
According to landscaping experts, adding a fence around a pool can improve perceived safety and aesthetic appeal by 40%, which is huge if you plan to host summer parties.
10. Layer Flower Beds
Layering flowers creates depth and color without breaking the bank. Plant tall flowers at the back, medium ones in the middle, and low-lying blooms in front.
Budget tip: buy starter plants instead of mature flowers—they grow fast, and you’ll save 50–70% upfront. I personally love marigolds and zinnias for their bright, hardy nature and easy growth.
11. Install a Rope or Wood Swing
Adding a swing near the pool makes it playful and inviting. Rope swings or wooden benches are cheap to build and can be anchored to a tree or pergola.
Tip: make sure the ground under the swing is covered with mulch or turf to prevent injuries. Your backyard will suddenly feel like a mini water park without the expense.
12. Repurpose Old Furniture
Old chairs, stools, or benches can be painted and sealed to withstand outdoor conditions. This is a cost-effective way to create lounge spaces around your pool.
I once converted two thrifted chairs into vibrant poolside seating for under $40. Friends always ask where I bought them—secretly, it was garage sale magic.
13. Use Decorative Stones for Pool Border
Instead of expensive edging materials, decorative stones can define the pool perimeter. White stones reflect sunlight and keep the area bright, while darker stones create a modern look.
Fun fact: borders also reduce soil runoff into the pool, keeping water cleaner and reducing maintenance costs.
14. Add a Fire Pit Area
A fire pit can elevate your backyard for summer and winter use. You can build one cheaply with concrete blocks or steel rings.
It’s perfect for evenings by the pool, roasting marshmallows, or simply relaxing. According to backyard trend surveys, fire pits increase social usage by 35%, meaning your pool area will be the hub of your home.
15. Hang Outdoor Curtains
Outdoor curtains on a pergola or DIY frame give instant privacy and elegance. Choose water-resistant fabric that won’t fade in the sun.
Personal trick: I used leftover curtain fabric from an old bedroom set, and the cost was zero. It added a luxurious, cabana-like vibe for pennies.
16. Incorporate Recycled Materials
Old tires, wine barrels, or wooden crates make fantastic plant beds or seating areas. This is eco-friendly and wallet-friendly, plus it gives your backyard a unique personality.
I once built a tire lounge with cushions around a pool corner—it became a conversation starter and added functional seating for under $50.
17. Create a Shade Sail
Shade sails are inexpensive, easy to install, and look modern. They protect your skin from UV rays and make your pool area usable even in peak sun hours.
Tip: install them diagonally to create dynamic shapes and wind flow. According to outdoor living stats, shade sails reduce ambient temperature by up to 10°F, making summer swims much more comfortable.
18. Plant Native Flowers and Grasses
Native plants are drought-tolerant, require minimal care, and thrive in your local soil. They also attract birds and butterflies, creating a living, breathing ecosystem around your pool.
For example, if you live in a warm region, lavender, coneflowers, or ornamental grasses are cheap and require little watering. Over time, you save hundreds on water bills and maintenance.
19. Add Floating or Poolside Decorations
Floating lights, inflatable decor, or small statues can instantly enhance the visual appeal of your above-ground pool. These are inexpensive, movable, and seasonal.
A small LED floating lantern can add ambiance for less than $5, creating a magical night-time vibe. Mix it with string lights or a fire pit, and suddenly, your pool looks like it belongs in a luxury magazine.
Conclusion
Landscaping around an above-ground pool doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By mixing creativity, budget-friendly materials, and a few DIY hacks, you can transform a plain backyard into a personal paradise. Whether it’s using mulch and stones, planting fast-growing shrubs, or adding playful decor, these 19 cheap landscaping ideas prove that style doesn’t have to equal spending.