Above Ground Pool Makeovers: 10 Stylish Ideas You Can Try

Your above ground pool doesn't have to look like a temporary setup in the middle of your backyard.

With the right above ground pool makeover ideas, you can transform it into a stunning focal point that looks just as polished and resort-worthy as any in-ground pool.

Whether you're working with a tight budget or ready to go all out, there are stylish upgrades that can completely change how your pool area looks and feels.

The truth is, most above ground pools suffer from the same problem: they're installed without any thought given to the space around them.

The liner, the frame, and the ladder are all functional – but they do nothing for curb appeal or backyard ambiance.

That's exactly what a pool makeover fixes. From custom decking to clever landscaping, these ideas will help you create an outdoor retreat you'll actually want to spend time in.

10 Above Ground Pool Makeover Ideas to Transform Your Backyard

These 10 makeover ideas will help you elevate your pool area and make your backyard the go-to spot for family fun, summer parties, or quiet afternoons in the sun.

1. Build a Wraparound Deck

Nothing elevates an above ground pool faster than a well-built deck.

A wraparound deck frames the pool beautifully, creates usable surface space for lounging, and makes the entire setup look intentional rather than temporary.

You can build one from pressure-treated lumber for a classic look, or opt for composite decking if you want something low-maintenance and weather-resistant.

Even a partial deck on one side of the pool makes a dramatic difference. Add built-in bench seating or planters along the edges to make the space even more functional.

For more outdoor DIY ideas that maximize your backyard space, take a look at our roundup of budget-friendly backyard ideas that look amazing.

2. Upgrade Your Pool Liner

The liner is one of the first things people notice about an above ground pool, and it has a bigger impact on aesthetics than most people realize.

Swapping out a faded or plain blue liner for something with a stone, tile, or pebble print can instantly make your pool look higher-end. Modern liners come in a wide range of patterns and colors, from soft ocean blues to deep charcoal and even tropical prints.

The process is more straightforward than it sounds — most liners can be replaced in a single weekend — and the visual payoff is significant.

A new liner paired with clean pool edges can make an older pool look brand new.

3. Add Poolside Planters and Greenery

Plants are one of the most affordable and effective ways to soften the look of an above ground pool and make the surrounding space feel lush and inviting.

Tall ornamental grasses, bamboo, and tropical plants like elephant ears or cannas create a privacy screen while adding dramatic visual interest.

Potted palms instantly give any pool area a resort feel. Place large planters at the corners of your pool deck or line a fence with trailing plants to create a natural backdrop.

Our list of poolside planter ideas for a resort-style backyard is a great place to start if you're looking for specific plant and container combinations that work well near water.

4. Install String Lights or LED Lighting

Good lighting can completely transform how a pool area feels, especially in the evening.

String lights draped over a pergola or along the fence line create a warm, magical atmosphere that makes your backyard feel like a private escape.

Waterproof LED strip lights installed along the base of the pool frame or underneath the deck create a dramatic glow effect after dark. Solar-powered path lights are another great option — they're easy to install, cost nothing to run, and add a polished finishing touch to the space.

If you love the idea of solar-powered features in your backyard, our guide to DIY solar water fountains you can make for your backyard has some seriously creative ideas worth exploring.

5. Create a Privacy Screen or Fence

Privacy makes a pool area feel more like a retreat and less like a fishbowl.

A simple bamboo fence, a lattice panel covered in climbing vines, or a row of tall arborvitae can create an enclosed, intimate feeling around your pool without blocking all airflow.

You can also use fabric shade sails stretched between posts for a modern, architectural look that also provides sun protection.

If you prefer a more natural approach, trellises covered in flowering vines are beautiful and effective.

For ideas on how to use trellises creatively throughout your outdoor space, check out these easy garden trellis ideas you'll want to copy ASAP.

6. Lay Pavers or Stepping Stones Around the Pool

If a full deck isn't in the budget, pavers and stepping stones offer a beautiful and affordable alternative.

Laying a ring of large concrete pavers or natural flagstone around the base of the pool ties the whole area together and creates a clean, finished border.

You can fill in between the pavers with ground cover plants, pea gravel, or artificial turf depending on your style. This approach also solves the muddy grass problem that often develops around above ground pools from foot traffic and splashing.

A well-laid paver border immediately makes your setup look more permanent and intentional.

7. Add a Pergola or Shade Structure

Shade is a practical necessity around a pool, but it's also a major design opportunity.

A pergola positioned beside or over part of the pool deck creates a defined outdoor room where you can set up seating, hang lights, and even add outdoor curtains for extra privacy.

Market umbrella stands are a simpler, more portable solution if you want flexibility.

A shade sail — which comes in bold geometric shapes and a rainbow of colors — adds a modern, designer touch without requiring permanent construction.

Whatever structure you choose, adding shade instantly makes the space more usable during the hottest parts of the day.

To complete the look, consider planting a shade garden nearby; our beautiful shade garden ideas you'll want to copy can help you fill those shadier spots around your pergola with gorgeous low-light plants.

8. Dress Up the Pool Frame and Skirt

The metal frame of most above ground pools is functional but far from attractive. One of the easiest makeover moves you can make is hiding or dressing up that frame.

Cedar or redwood fence boards attached vertically around the outside of the pool create the illusion of a wooden barrel pool — it's one of the most popular DIY above ground pool upgrades for good reason.

Alternatively, you can use lattice panels, corrugated metal, or even outdoor fabric skirting to conceal the frame. Paint or stain the material to match your deck or house trim, and suddenly the whole structure looks cohesive and custom.

9. Landscape the Surrounding Area

The landscaping around your pool does as much for the overall look as the pool itself.

A well-landscaped pool area feels immersive and intentional, while an unlandscaped one feels unfinished no matter how nice the pool is.

Think about layering — use low ground cover plants closest to the pool, medium-height shrubs in the middle layer, and taller trees or grasses as a backdrop.

Curved garden beds with mulch look far more polished than straight lines of grass.

If you're planning how to landscape along the perimeter, our article on jaw-dropping ways to landscape along your fence has plenty of ideas that translate beautifully to a pool surround as well. 

10. Add Outdoor Furniture and Finishing Touches

No pool makeover is complete without the right furniture and accessories.

A few well-chosen pieces — a couple of lounge chairs, a small side table, an outdoor rug — can anchor the space and make it feel designed rather than thrown together.

Choose weather-resistant materials like teak, powder-coated aluminum, or all-weather wicker, and pick a color palette that ties into the rest of your outdoor décor.

Add a few throw pillows, a lantern or two, and maybe a small cooler station, and you've created a full outdoor living setup that happens to have a pool in it.

For container plant ideas that work well on outdoor furniture-filled patios, browse our guide to gorgeous patio plants that are surprisingly easy to grow.

How Much Does an Above Ground Pool Makeover Cost?

One of the most common questions homeowners have before starting a pool makeover is: how much will this actually cost?

The honest answer is that it depends entirely on how far you want to go.

At the lower end, simple upgrades like a new pool liner, fresh pavers, string lights, and a few potted plants can be done for as little as $300 to $800.

A mid-range makeover that includes a modest deck, landscaping, and quality outdoor furniture might run anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000.

A full transformation with a custom wraparound deck, pergola, professional landscaping, and premium lighting can cost $10,000 or more.

The good news is that above ground pool makeovers are incredibly DIY-friendly.

Most of the most impactful changes — building a deck, laying pavers, planting around the pool, installing lighting — are projects that a motivated homeowner can tackle over a few weekends.

If you're strategic about where you spend your money, you can achieve a high-end look on a very reasonable budget.

Start with the changes that will have the most visual impact (usually the deck and the landscaping) and add other elements over time.

Even small investments, like new planters or a coat of paint on the pool frame, can make a noticeable difference without breaking the bank.

Planning Your Pool Makeover: Key Things to Consider First

Before you dive into any above ground pool makeover project, a little upfront planning will save you a lot of headaches later.

First, think about how you actually use your pool.

Do you need more shade? More privacy? More storage for pool toys and equipment? Identifying your top priorities will help you focus your budget on the upgrades that matter most to you.

Second, consider your pool's size and shape when planning structural elements like decks and pavers.

An oval pool requires different framing than a round one, and this affects how a deck can be built.

Third, check your local zoning and HOA rules before building any permanent structures.

Some municipalities require permits for decks above a certain size, and some HOAs have restrictions on above ground pools or pool structures.

Getting clear on the rules upfront prevents costly mistakes.

Finally, think about safety — especially if you have children.

Any deck or fence added around the pool should comply with local pool safety codes, which often include requirements for fence height and self-closing gates.

If you're approaching this as part of a bigger homestead or backyard project, good planning tools can help. Our guide to designing a small garden covers space planning principles that apply equally well to any outdoor area, including a pool surround.

Start Your Above Ground Pool Makeover Today!

Transforming an above ground pool from an eyesore into a backyard showpiece doesn't require a designer or a massive budget. It requires a clear vision, a bit of planning, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

Whether you start with a simple liner swap and some string lights or go all-in with a custom deck and lush landscaping, every improvement you make brings you closer to an outdoor space you're genuinely proud of.

The ideas in this post are meant to be mixed and matched — you don't need to do all ten at once. Pick one or two that excite you most and start there.

As your pool area evolves, you'll get a clearer sense of what it needs next.

Have you tackled an above ground pool makeover? We'd love to hear how it turned out!

Drop your tips, questions, or before-and-after stories in the comments below — your experience might be exactly what another homesteader needs to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a deck around an above ground pool without a permit?

It depends on your local municipality. Many areas require a building permit for any deck above a certain height or square footage, and some specifically include pool decks in their regulations.

Before you start building, check with your local building department to find out what's required. Even if a permit isn't mandatory, it's still worth verifying that your deck design meets safety codes — especially if children will be using the pool.

What is the best material to put around an above ground pool?

Concrete pavers, natural flagstone, and pressure-treated or composite decking are among the most popular choices. Pavers are budget-friendly and easy to install yourself.

Composite decking is more expensive upfront but requires virtually no maintenance and won't rot, warp, or splinter like wood.

Artificial turf is also a great option for low-traffic areas around the pool where you want a lush, green look without the upkeep of real grass. Avoid fine gravel directly adjacent to the pool, as it tends to end up inside the pool with swimmers.

How do I keep grass from dying around my above ground pool?

Grass around above ground pools typically struggles due to foot traffic, splashing chlorinated water, and shade from the pool structure.

The most effective solution is to replace the grass in the immediate pool surround with a hardscape material like pavers, decomposed granite, or rubber mulch.

If you want greenery, use hardy, water-tolerant plants in raised planters rather than relying on grass. Laying a permeable landscape fabric under pea gravel is another option that keeps weeds down while allowing drainage.

How long does an above ground pool liner last, and how do I know when to replace it?

Most above ground pool liners last between 6 to 10 years with proper care. Signs that your liner needs replacing include visible fading or discoloration, wrinkles that won't smooth out, small leaks, and brittleness or cracking — especially around the seams and edges.

If you're noticing persistent water loss that can't be explained by evaporation or splash-out, a slow liner leak is likely the culprit.

Replacing a liner is a manageable DIY project for most homeowners and is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh an older pool.

What plants are safe to put near an above ground pool?

The key is choosing plants that won't create excessive debris, have non-invasive root systems, and can tolerate occasional splashing of chlorinated water.

Good options include ornamental grasses, agapanthus, lavender, rosemary, yucca, and succulents. Avoid plants that drop a lot of leaves, seeds, or flowers, as these end up clogging your pool filter.

Also steer clear of plants with thorns or spines near areas where barefoot swimmers will be walking. Container plants are ideal near pools because they're easy to reposition and keep debris contained.

For full sun options that pair beautifully with pool settings, browse our picks for full sun container plants you'll wish you planted sooner.