Perfect Pool Landscaping

With all the dull, uninviting above ground pool decks out there, you’d think unique landscaping ideas for above ground pool decks and patios were hard to find. Fortunately, nothing could be farther than the truth. Here are three simple ways you can brighten up your pool area and turn it into the relaxing oasis it was meant to be.

Start with Plant Screens

The first thing most people thing about when landscaping an above ground pool is how to soften the line from lawn to pool. The easiest and most effective way to do this is by placing plants with thick screening plants with thick foliage around the perimeter of the deck. You’ll want to keep these trimmed at about half-way between the ground and the surface of the deck to soften the visual line.

Some good plant choices are evergreen shrubs like boxwood, euonymous, or easily pruned bamboos like heavenly bamboo (nandina domestica) and Green View Bamboo (Sasa tsuboian). Ornamental grasses can also work well and you won’t need to worry about trimming them.

Since these plants won’t be too close to your pool area, you’re fine with something that’s a little messy or prickly, but make sure not to plant anything that will attract bees. Here, even juniper will be fine if it fits your landscape design.

Get Creative with Potted Plants

The problem with a lot of above ground pool decks is that they tend to look a little bleak and uninviting with a little greenery. Container planting is an easy way to solve that problem. First of all, it lets you place a plant anywhere on the deck you want. Another advantage is that it gives you the chance to have colorful tropicals near your pool. Just carry the pots into the garage or house for over-wintering. While there are endless styles and sizes of plant, look into tiered plant stands and hanging plant holders to add vertical interest to your deck.

Mind Your Steps

The steps leading up to the raised deck around an above ground pool are one of the things that make the area unique, so why not play it up as much as you can? One option is to frame the steps (or entrance to the deck) with an arbor or pergola or a set of matching statues or stone pillars on each side. Something else you might want to do is train a climbing vine along the one side of the railing. Just make sure it doesn’t interfere with anyone’s ability to grip the railing in case of a slip.

These three landscaping ideas for above ground pool decks and patios are so easy to get plan and get done that you could do one each weekend and completely transform your pool landscape in less than a month.