Low-Maintenance Landscaping That Complements Your Above Ground Pool

Having an above ground pool can provide a beautiful backyard oasis for relaxation and recreation. However, keeping the surrounding landscape attractive yet easy to maintain can seem daunting. With some strategic planning and plant choices, you can create a lovely pool setting that complements your above ground pool without requiring constant care.

The key is selecting low-maintenance plants, materials and features purposely suited to an above ground pool environment. This allows you to keep your pool area looking refreshed and inviting all season long, without the need for intensive upkeep and work.

Choose Plants That Thrive with Minimal Care

The plants you select around your above ground pool should be relatively carefree varieties that are adapted to poolside conditions. Native plants that are accustomed to your local climate are always a wise choice, as they require less water, pruning and ongoing maintenance once established.

Succulents like sedum, aloe and echeveria are excellent options that need little irrigation. Ornamental grasses add texture and color with no fuss. Low-growing shrubs and compact evergreen bushes fill space nicely without aggressive growth. Avoid plants that shed leaves, pods or messy fruits into the pool itself.

Perennials, Shrubs and Trees for Low-Maintenance Beauty

Some recommended low-maintenance perennials include lavender, salvia, yarrow and coreopsis, which thrive in hot, sunny poolside areas with minimal water and care. Easy-care shrubs like boxwood, holly and yaupon provide structure and interest. Japanese maple, crape myrtle and other small trees give height while remaining tidy and self-sufficient.

Group plants with similar irrigation needs together in the landscape beds surrounding the pool. This allows you to water just certain sections, rather than the entire area at once.

Succulents and Cacti Add Texture

Succulents like agave and aloe require very minimal watering, making them ideal for poolside planting beds. Their distinctive shapes and textures complement the pool's smooth water surface beautifully. Simple containers filled with a combination of succulents and cacti make stunning poolside accents.

Incorporate Hardscape Elements for Ultra-Low Maintenance

When planning the area around an above ground pool, hardscaping materials can provide an utterly carefree alternative to planting beds. Options like pebbles, gravel, brick, concrete pavers, tiles and stones simply need to be installed initially, then require zero upkeep later beyond a quick sweeping or hosing off.

Concrete and Pavers Prevent Weeds

Pouring a concrete patio surface or installing pavers around part of the pool eliminates weeding, watering and mowing. Modern paver designs offer many attractive colors and patterns to complement the pool and landscape. For a contemporary vibe combine geometric pavers with bright boulders and succulents.

Gravel and Pebbles Offer Easy Care

Using colored or decorative gravel or pebbles surrounding an above ground pool keeps the area tidy looking with no maintenance. It provides a smooth, finished appearance around the pool's edges. Accent with large weathered boulders for visual appeal.

Design for Simplified Maintenance

Thoughtful design choices can also make an above ground pool's landscaping lower maintenance. Space plants far enough apart and prune selectively to control spread and growth. Limit expanses of turf grass around the pool which require perpetual mowing, watering and edging.

On a sloped yard, incorporate retaining walls to create a flat space adjacent to the pool, containing the landscape and preventing soil runoff issues. This ensures the area stays neatly defined for less work.

Create Zones Based on Needs

Group plants with similar light and irrigation needs together in "zones" around the pool area. For example, make one arid zone of cacti and succulents that rarely need water. Build a shady zone populated with ferns and impatiens that enjoy moist soil. This makes caring for each area simple.

Minimize High-Work Elements

Limit or omit elements that demand attention like delicate flower beds, extensive turf grass, large trees and shrubs that constantly need pruning. Opt instead for hardscape, native plants and perennials able to thrive on their own.

Include Eye-Catching Hardscape Accents

While minimizing plantings reduces poolside maintenance, hardscape features can provide visual impact and personality. Decorative boulders, drainage pebbles, pathway pavers and stones make areas surrounding above ground pools more inviting.

Items like stone benches, tile mosaic tables and rustic fencing also lend charm. For nighttime drama, incorporate subtle lighting around steps and walkways. Using hardscape elements strategically prevents a sparse or vacant look.

Add Dimension with Vertical Features

Vines trailing up a cedar trellis or privacy screen, bamboo screens, rough-hewn wooden fences and cinder block seating walls add height and a sense of enclosure around above ground pools. Position a few large statuary pieces or potted specimen trees around the perimeter for sculptural silhouettes.

Focal Points Draw the Eye

Direct attention to specific manmade accents like an ornate footing for the pool, an ivy-covered arbor, cascading wall fountain or glass globe solar lights. This gives the area outside your above ground pool a sense of polish and purpose.

Provide Shade Simply

Creating some shaded spots around your above ground pool keeps the space comfortable and usable even during intensely sunny days. Opt for easy, breezy shade sources that don't require much care or pruning to maintain their form and function.

Position small trees like crape myrtles, Japanese maples or fruit trees strategically to cast shade over seating areas or play spaces. Another unfussy option is installing wood or metal pergola structures draped in vines or growing screens.

Umbrellas and Sails Offer Flexible Shade

Freestanding umbrella shades with sturdy weighted bases can be moved around as needed for portable sun protection. For a modern twist, suspend triangular shade sails or floating canopies overhead to filter sunlight.

Let Plants Provide Shade

Allow existing trees, shrubs and vines around your above ground pool to grow out as much as possible to contribute natural shade. Plant fast-growing annual vines like morning glory and moonflower to quickly cover fences and screens for dappled shade.

Privacy Solutions that Require Little Work

You can create secluded spaces surrounding your above ground pool without expending much effort. Use trees, shrubs, partitions, or fencing to delineate relaxation nooks and block views from neighboring properties.

Let existing vegetation mature over time to form natural barriers. Add trellised panels mounted with fast-growing vines or climbing plants. Position permanent screens or barriers in key spots to prevent prying eyes.

Guide Views with Fencing and Plantings

Attractive wooden or composite fencing can provide privacy and security around backyard above ground pools. Plant tall grasses or cascading greenery along fences to further envelop the space in lush greenery.

Define Secluded Spaces with Plants

Cluster shrubs and bushes around sitting areas to seclude them from the rest of the yard. Position planters or pots densely to delineate intimate spaces. Allow vines and climbing plants to create "green walls" that shelter private nooks.

Water Features that Recirculate Water

The soothing sight and sound of moving water enhances any landscape. Fortunately, modern water features are designed for efficiency and easy care using recirculating pumps and filters.

Compact, self-contained waterfalls and fountains constantly recycle a small quantity of water very economically. Their tranquil presence near an above ground pool adds ambiance without maintenance woes.

Pondless Waterfalls Make a Statement

Pre-formed pondless waterfall kits are available to adorn above ground pool environments. Their simple, compact design includes a re-circulating pump system that operates efficiently. The sleek waterfall cascades down naturally shaped tiers into a concealed basin.

Fountains Offer Effortless Elegance

Solar-powered fountains eliminate wiring and simplify installation. Their graceful arcs of water provide serene movement and interest. Fountains come in all sizes and styles, from modern glass to classic tiered. Their self-contained design needs minimal care.

Ambient Pool Area Lighting

Lighting is essential for safe navigation and extending daytime use of your above ground pool into the evening. Solar-powered choices provide atmosphere without wiring or electrical work.

Groupings of small solar path lights along walkways are nearly invisible by day. Bright solar spotlights illuminate steps and gathering areas. String lights draped from trees or pergolas twinkle at night. Their low-voltage LED design requires no cables or junction boxes.

Solar Silhouettes and Lanterns

Silhouette ground lights edged in discrete colors like blue or green add flair. Flameless candle lanterns and old-fashioned string lights promote a relaxed, festive mood. All operate with integrated solar panels and batteries for carefree ambiance.

Pool Area Safety Lighting

Focus solar spotlights to illuminate potential hazards like steps, changes in elevation and pool access points. This improves visibility and safety at night. Stair railings and perimeters can also be lined with LED strip lighting powered by small solar panels.

Finishing Touches

The right accessories put the final polish on your low-maintenance landscape, making a space both functional and beautiful. Choose decorative enhancements that offer beauty without requiring work or upkeep from you.

Washable outdoor area rugs add softness and color to patios and porches. All-weather cushions and pillows lend movable comfort. Handmade ceramic planters or mosaic tables bring artistry. Quality constructed hardscape features become permanent fixtures.

Furnishings that Weather the Elements

Invest in durable, low-maintenance outdoor furniture made of all-weather wicker, teak wood or synthetic wicker. Washable cushions and fade-resistant fabrics resist mold and mildew. These pieces withstand sun, water and use without much care.

Personalize with Functional Art

Incorporate handmade ceramic or glass garden art, colorful pots and plaques, driftwood sculptures or unique hardscape designs like mosaic pavers or tile-lined fountains. These personalized touches make the space distinctive.

By combining a thoughtful mix of hardscape, planting, accessories and amenities, you can fashion a stunning yet straightforward landscape for your above ground pool. Focus on low-care native plants suited to poolside microclimates. Add hardscape for ultra-low maintenance zones. Select accessories made to weather the outdoors.

Your above ground pool can be a stunning backyard showpiece that matches your landscape design beautifully and requires very little work from you.