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How to Hide an Above Ground Pool landscaping in a Backyard

It’s cold in Missouri and as I sit here sipping tea and dreaming of summer, I thought I’d share a few photos I snapped during a garden tour in Springfield, Missouri last year. I was, somewhat surprisingly, very impressed by the above ground pool landscaping 😁

It was a great tour with lots of natural water features, which I love, but I was most impressed by the creative landscaping done around this modest pool. Maybe you are like me and crave the cool comfort of a swimming pool in the heat of summer, but am stuck between not having the cash to finance an in-ground pool and being too concerned with aesthetics to ever add a big blue above ground pool to an otherwise lovely backyard. These creative homeowners found a solution:

A small deck and fence conceal this easy-set style above ground pool. With dramatic ornamental grasses planted just outside the fence, the only hint of a pool from across the yard is an inviting sliver of cool blue rising above the fence. A raised deck with an umbrella provides the perfect spot for parents to supervise swimming pool fun.

concrete steps wood deck and landscaping around above ground pool

Prime example of great above ground pool landscaping. Creative Backyard DIY

Not everyone is interested in investing in an in-ground swimming pool, even if they have space and resources. Pool maintenance is expensive, time-consuming, and essential for the life of the pool- which can be decades. In-ground pools are, generally, permanent commitments. Although in-ground pools can be removed- the cost of removal can rival the cost of installation!

For most people, an above ground pool is actually a better choice. Although many adults enjoy lap swimming for exercise, aquarobics, or just cooling off in a pool, most of the time pools are used primarily by growing kids. Many parents choose temporary pools, instead of a decades-long commitment to a property liability that their kids will eventually outgrow.

Wooden deck around above ground pool

The pond pictured here is really the best of both worlds, don’t you think? One of the primary arguments AGAINST above ground pools is that they tend to be an eyesore to look at: a big blue monstrosity in an otherwise nice backyard.

Building a fence, decking, and landscaping around an above ground pool isn’t cheap- it’s an investment in itself- but seems to be a happy medium for these homeowners who wanted the ease of an above ground pool without the hassle of looking at it.

How to landscape an above ground pool

This standard soft-sided blue above ground pool is placed in the corner of a yard with a solid plant fence surrounding the perimeter. The fencing has two purposes: keeping unsupervised children out of the pool and hiding the offensively bright blue material from disrupting the vibe of a tranquil backyard garden.

Ideas to Make a Cheap Above Ground Pool Look Luxurious

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For additional screening, ornamental grasses have been added. Ornamental grasses can grow up to 6-10 ft high in a single season and are a great choice for concealing a large backyard eyesore. Countless colorful varieties of ornamental grasses make this a fun addition.

With a fence and grasses in place, you’ll need to make sure that you have a way to supervise young swimmers with a clear view- and that’s where this deck comes in. Elevated just a few feet off the ground, this umbrella-shaded deck offers just enough space for parents to gather and relax comfortably while making sure young swimmers stay safe. These homeowners opted for concrete steps, but wood deck steps can be built or purchased pre-fabricated. I believe I would have opted for the wood step to match the rest of the decking…but preferences aside – this solution get the job done beautifully.

Safe and Stylish Landscaping and Deck for an Above Ground Pool

This above ground pool privacy deck setup even has space for a clothesline! Strung off to the side, the space between raised overlook deck and the perimeter fence makes a great place to install a line for drying towels and swimsuits. Also concealed by the privacy fence and ornamental landscaping, it’s hung to dry here are less visible from other areas of the yard.

hiding an above ground pool in a landscaped backyard

A Quick Plug for the Above Ground Pool

Above ground pools are a great option for those who want a pool but don’t want to deal with the costs and hassle of a traditional in-ground pool. One of the main benefits of an above ground pool is its affordability. Above ground pools are significantly less expensive than in-ground pools, making them a great option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a pool without breaking the bank.

Another benefit of an above ground pool is its versatility. Above ground pools come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that fits your specific needs and yard space. They can also be installed quickly, with some models even being set up in as little as one day.

Above ground pools are also low maintenance and easy to clean, making them a great choice for busy families. Additionally, they are often made of durable materials such as steel or aluminum, making them long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear.

Above ground pools are also safer than in-ground pools, as they usually have a ladder or steps leading into the pool, reducing the risk of injury. Finally, above ground pools are also more energy-efficient than in-ground pools, as they have smaller pumps and filters that consume less electricity.

Overall, an above ground pool is a great option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a pool without the costs and hassle of a traditional in-ground pool. With its affordability, versatility, low maintenance, safety, and energy efficiency, an above ground pool is the perfect choice for any family looking for a summer escape. So, maybe get one and use some clever landscaping to make it blend in nicely with your space 🙌

My parents had an in-ground pool installed at their home a number of years ago and they did some of the work themselves and the cost of installation ended up being over $35,000!!!. This round style above ground pool is less than 1/35th the cost of my parents pool and similar figures for this great rectangular style above ground pool. Both are great options for Summer :] So, there you go…”but you don’t have to take my word for it” quote credit LeVar Burton (I always liked that guy!)

2023 Little Update

I just came back from an East Coast bike ride along the GAP and C&O Canal and as I rode along the gravel trail through Pennsylvania and Maryland I saw tons and tons of above ground pools. It might just be me a someone who doesn’t live out East, but it seems like Above Ground pools might be ‘having a moment’ where people are really seeing the upsides of the above ground pool option to keep cool on long summer days and purchasing. If you are going to ‘take the plunge’ (very puny) do yourself the favor of landscaping the pool in so it keep your space looking great!

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Ok Really – I’ll try to wrap this up now😂

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