In all honesty, you can probably agree that above-ground pools get such a bad rap, right? Like when it comes to enhancing your outdoor living space and living your best life, this isn’t the type of pool that gets recommended. Basically, just say the words out loud and people instantly picture a bright blue inflatable (like an Intex) sitting awkwardly in the corner of a yard, surrounded by patchy grass and maybe a few sad lawn chairs.
Now, sure, some people do that for their backyards, but at the same time, that image is so outdated. Actually, with a little love and creativity, you can make an above-ground pool look like it belongs in a resort. Sure, it will need some effort put in (maybe more effort than an in-ground pool), but you can definitely still look all Pinterest-worthy.
Build the Scene Around the Pool
Actually, the biggest mistake people make is treating their pool like a random add-on instead of the centerpiece it deserves to be. That’s mainly where the mistake lies. So, just go ahead and give it a little structure. For example, it really helps to just wrap some decking or wooden panels around it to make it look built-in and elevated (literally and figuratively). Even a small platform with a few steps can make a huge difference. Basically, it’ll then look intentional instead of “temporary setup that’s been there for five years.” You can even look at Pinterest for some ideas, too.
Some people will even use plants as the ultimate cover-up. How? Well, tall grasses, palms, or even big potted ferns can make your pool area feel lush and private. Almost like a hidden oasis, however, keep in mind it does mean more debris will get into your pool, therefore, more cleaning. You could look into some tall fake plants, and a fake birds of paradise or a fake monstera, but those can be pricey. Basically, either way you look at it, there’s an investment, but it’ll be worth it.
It’s All About the Styling
For the most part, above-ground pools don’t have to look like afterthoughts, but they do if everything around them feels mismatched. So, you’ll absolutely need to just pick a color palette, stick to materials that work together, and make it feel like an actual outdoor living space, not just a spot for wet towels. The plant example above is great, and yeah, it shows there’s intention. But you can still do a lot more.
For example, something like a woven rug (even a cheap one from IKEA) under the lounge chairs can help, maybe some matching cushions that are fun colors, a cute side table for drinks, and the list can go on and on. But these tiny details add up fast. Meaning that your pool area feels curated instead of cobbled together. Even some of the best above ground pools can look luxury-level when you treat them like part of your décor.
Add Some Lighting Magic
This is the easiest of them all. So, as you know, lighting is where things start to feel expensive. But you should ideally look into string lights, solar lanterns, or even a few floating pool lights to set the mood. These are usually inexpensive, and even the solar ones are pretty affordable too.
