Let’s be real — above ground pools have a reputation. And not exactly a glamorous one. But here’s the thing: with the right setup, your backyard can look like it belongs on a Pinterest board that makes people stop scrolling and save immediately. I’ve seen it happen, and I’ve done it myself. You don’t need a contractor or a second mortgage to make it happen.
Why Above Ground Pools Deserve More Credit
Above ground pools have come a long way. Today’s versions are sturdier, sleeker, and way more customizable than the flimsy blue rings we grew up with. The real magic happens in how you style and surround them. With a few smart choices, you can turn a $400 pool into a $4,000-looking setup — no exaggeration.
So, ready to make your neighbors do a double take? Let’s get into it.
1. Build a Deck Around It
A wraparound deck is the single biggest upgrade you can make. It instantly elevates the whole look and makes your pool feel intentional rather than just “plopped in the backyard.” You don’t need a professional carpenter either — there are tons of DIY deck kits designed specifically for above ground pools.
- Use pressure-treated wood for durability
- Add a built-in bench along one side to maximize space
- Stain it a rich walnut or cedar tone for that high-end feel
Even a partial deck on one side changes everything. IMO, this is the one splurge worth making if you’re going to pick just one.
2. Use Lattice Panels to Hide the Pool Walls
Nobody wants to stare at that corrugated steel siding. Lattice panels are cheap, easy to install, and look fantastic. You can find them at any home improvement store for around $10–$20 a panel.
Paint them white or black depending on your aesthetic, and suddenly your pool looks like it has a custom skirt. Bonus: you can grow climbing plants on them for an even more lush, garden-style vibe.
3. Add String Lights — Seriously, Just Do It
String lights are the fairy dust of backyard design. A strand of warm Edison bulbs draped around your pool area transforms the whole atmosphere after sunset. And we’re talking a $20–$30 investment here.
Hang them on a simple wooden pergola frame overhead, or string them between fence posts. Either way, the nighttime look will make your backyard feel like a boutique resort. 🙂
4. Create a Faux Rock Waterfall Feature
Okay, this one sounds fancy — and it kind of is — but it’s more achievable than you think. Pre-made faux rock waterfall kits are available online for under $150, and they connect easily to your existing pool pump.
The sound alone makes it feel luxurious. Pair it with some tropical plants nearby and you’ve basically built a mini lagoon. Your guests will 100% think you spent thousands.
5. Frame It With Raised Garden Beds
Surrounding your pool with raised garden beds filled with tall ornamental grasses or tropical plants creates a lush, resort-like border. This works especially well on the side of the pool that faces your yard or neighbors.
Use cedar raised beds (which you can build for under $50 each) and fill them with:
- Elephant ear plants for a tropical feel
- Ornamental grasses that sway in the breeze
- Hostas for shaded corners
This trick adds privacy AND beauty at the same time. Two birds, one stone.
6. Lay Pavers or Artificial Turf Around the Base
Bare dirt or patchy grass around a pool — not a great look, right? Pea gravel, concrete pavers, or artificial turf instantly clean up the area and give it a polished, finished appearance.
Artificial turf in particular is Pinterest gold. It looks lush year-round, requires zero maintenance, and feels soft underfoot. You can lay it yourself in a weekend.
| Option | Cost Estimate | DIY Friendly | Aesthetic Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | $50–$100 | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Concrete Pavers | $150–$300 | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Artificial Turf | $200–$500 | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Natural Stone | $300–$600 | ⚠️ Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
7. Install a Simple Pergola or Shade Sail
A pergola or a tensioned shade sail over part of your pool area does double duty — it provides shade AND makes the space look intentional and designed. A shade sail runs about $30–$80 and takes an afternoon to install.
For a pergola, you can buy a freestanding kit for under $300 and set it up yourself. Drape it with outdoor curtains or string lights and you’ve got yourself a proper outdoor room.
8. Paint a Mural on the Pool Wall
Here’s one that costs almost nothing if you’re even a little bit creative. Exterior paint and a stencil can turn that plain metal pool wall into a serious focal point. Think geometric patterns, a tropical beach mural, or even a simple ombre color fade.
Use exterior-grade spray paint or acrylic paint made for metal surfaces. This is one of those ideas that looks like you hired someone, but you did it yourself on a Saturday.
9. Add a Swim-Up Bar or Poolside Bar Cart
A poolside bar setup is pure Pinterest bait — and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. A simple outdoor bar cart from a thrift store or discount retailer (painted in a chic color) stocked with drinks and pool essentials looks absolutely intentional and stylish.
For the more ambitious crowd: a simple wooden bar built along the pool deck edge, with bar stools on the outside, creates a genuine swim-up bar effect. FYI, this idea gets more saves than almost anything else in pool design — and it costs maybe $100–$200 in materials.
10. Use Oversized Outdoor Planters as Focal Points
Big, bold planters placed strategically around the pool create visual anchors that make the whole setup look curated. You don’t need expensive pottery — large plastic planters painted in black, terracotta, or white look expensive and hold up outdoors.
Fill them with tall plants like bamboo, banana trees, or tall grasses for a dramatic effect. Place them at the entry point to the pool or at corners of the deck for maximum impact.
11. Add a Changing Cabana or Privacy Screen
Nothing says “this is a real pool situation” like a dedicated changing space. A simple outdoor cabana made from a basic tent frame and outdoor curtain panels costs under $100 and looks like something out of a luxury hotel.
You can also build a simple privacy screen from lattice or bamboo panels to section off a corner. Style it with a hook for towels and a small bench inside. Functional AND gorgeous.
12. Go for a Dark or Neutral Color Palette
Color matters more than most people realize. If you have the option to choose your pool’s exterior color (or paint it), go for deep navy, charcoal, hunter green, or matte black instead of the standard blue or beige. Dark tones photograph beautifully and read as far more premium.
Apply the same palette to your deck stain, planters, and furniture for a cohesive, designer look. Coordinating your color palette costs nothing extra — it’s just intentional thinking.
13. Hang Outdoor Curtains for a Dreamy, Cabana Vibe
Outdoor curtain panels hung on a simple rod or pergola frame add softness and texture that transform a basic pool area into something that feels like a luxury escape. White or linen-colored curtains work best — they move in the breeze and photograph incredibly well.
You can find outdoor curtain panels for $15–$30 per pair. Clip them onto a tension rod or rod brackets screwed into your pergola posts. That’s it. Instant spa energy. :/ (Yes, it really is that easy and it’s almost unfair.)
14. Use Solar-Powered Floating Lights in the Pool
Floating solar pool lights are inexpensive, require zero wiring, and create the most magical nighttime ambiance. Drop a handful in the pool and watch the whole area come alive after dark. They charge during the day and glow all night automatically.
You can grab a pack of 6–10 for under $30. They look like something you’d see in a high-end resort pool, and they cost less than a pizza. That’s the kind of ROI we’re all here for.
Bringing It All Together
You don’t need to do all 14 of these ideas — just a few well-chosen upgrades can completely transform your space. Start with the deck or pavers (for structure), add some greenery (for life), then layer in lighting (for atmosphere). That trio alone takes an above ground pool from “backyard eyesore” to “backyard oasis.”
The best part? Every single idea on this list is Pinterest-worthy, budget-friendly, and — most importantly — totally doable on a weekend.
Quick Budget Breakdown
Here’s a rough idea of what your transformation could cost:
| Upgrade | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| String lights + floating lights | $30–$60 |
| Lattice panels + paint | $40–$80 |
| Artificial turf surround | $200–$500 |
| Partial deck (DIY) | $300–$800 |
Mix and match based on your budget. Even $100 spent wisely can make a dramatic difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I really make an above ground pool look expensive on a tight budget? Absolutely. The key is focusing on the surround — decking, plants, lighting, and flooring — rather than the pool itself. These elements create the overall impression.
Q: What’s the single best upgrade for the money? String lights, hands down. They cost almost nothing and create the most dramatic before-and-after transformation, especially in photos.
Q: Do I need professional help for any of these projects? Most of these are genuine DIY projects you can complete in a day or a weekend. The deck build is the most involved, but even that is manageable with the right kit and a helper.
Q: Are these ideas safe for children? Yes — none of these ideas compromise pool safety. Just make sure you still follow standard above ground pool safety guidelines like proper fencing and supervision.
Now go make that backyard look like a million bucks — without spending anywhere close to it. Your next Pinterest post is basically already planned. 😄