The era of the “sore thumb” above-ground pool is officially over. For years, these functional backyard additions were often seen as clunky metal eyesores that disrupted the flow of a beautiful landscape. However, with the right gardening and landscaping strategies, an above-ground pool can be transformed into a high-end oasis that rivals the most luxurious in-ground installations.
By focusing on texture, height, and high-quality materials, you can “ground” your pool, making it feel like a permanent, intentional feature of your property. Here are 15 gardening and landscaping ideas to make your above-ground pool look incredibly expensive.
1. Cedar Decking
One of the most effective ways to make an above-ground pool look expensive is to hide the exterior walls entirely. A custom cedar or composite wood deck that wraps around the perimeter creates a seamless transition from the yard to the water. Cedar, in particular, offers a rich, warm hue and a natural aroma that screams luxury. By building the deck level with the top rail of the pool, you create the illusion of an in-ground infinity pool. This approach provides ample space for high-end furniture, sun loungers, and potted plants, turning the pool area into a true outdoor living room.
2. Tropical Palms
Nothing says “luxury resort” quite like the swaying fronds of a palm tree. Depending on your climate, you can plant palms directly into the ground or use oversized, designer pots. For those in cooler climates, Windmill Palms are surprisingly hardy, while Potted Majesty Palms can be moved indoors during winter. The height of the palms helps to break up the vertical line of the pool wall, while the lush greenery provides a soft, organic contrast to the hard edges of the pool structure.
3. Stone Borders
Eliminating the “dead zone” of grass at the base of your pool is a key step in achieving a high-end look. A wide border of decorative stone—such as white marble chips, Mexican river pebbles, or crushed slate—provides a crisp, clean aesthetic. Stone borders serve a dual purpose: they prevent mud from splashing onto the pool walls during rain and provide excellent drainage. To keep the look expensive, use a heavy-duty landscape fabric underneath to prevent weeds and choose stones with a consistent color palette that complements your home’s exterior.
4. Retaining Walls
If your backyard has even a slight slope, a tiered retaining wall can be a game-changer. Using natural stack-stone or high-quality concrete blocks, you can create a built-in look for your pool. A retaining wall allows you to “nestle” the pool into the hillside, making it feel like a natural part of the topography. Incorporating planting pockets within the wall for trailing plants like Creeping Jenny or Lobelia adds a layer of softness and sophistication that looks professionally designed.
5. Ornamental Grasses
For a modern, “Hamptons-style” aesthetic, ornamental grasses are the gold standard. Species like Pink Muhly Grass, Blue Fescue, or Maiden Grass offer movement and texture that static shrubs cannot provide. These grasses are excellent for masking the lower half of a pool wall. When the wind blows, the rustling sound adds a sensory layer of relaxation to your swimming experience. They are also low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them a practical choice for busy homeowners who want a high-end look without the high-end chore list.
6. Privacy Trellis
Privacy is a hallmark of luxury. Instead of a standard chain-link or plastic fence, install a series of architectural trellis panels. When covered with fast-growing climbing plants like Clematis, Honeysuckle, or Star Jasmine, these panels become “living walls.” This not only hides the pool from the neighbors but also creates a secluded, intimate grotto feel. The scent of blooming jasmine on a warm summer evening next to the water is an experience usually reserved for five-star hotels.
7. LED Uplighting
Professional lighting is often the missing ingredient in “expensive-looking” landscapes. By installing low-voltage LED uplights around the base of your pool and underneath your specimen plants, you create a dramatic, high-end atmosphere after the sun goes down. Focus on highlighting the texture of tree trunks, the shimmer of ornamental grasses, and the architectural lines of your decking. Smart lighting systems that allow you to dim or change the color temperature from your phone can further elevate the sophistication of the space.
8. Lavender Hedges
For a touch of the French Riviera, plant a dense hedge of lavender around the sunny side of your pool. Lavender offers a structured, silvery-green foliage that looks tidy year-round, and the purple blooms provide a stunning pop of color. The scent is naturally calming and acts as a mild deterrent for certain pests. Planting them in a straight, formal line gives the garden a sense of intentionality and “estate-level” grooming that always looks expensive.
9. Architectural Planters
Scale is everything in high-end design. Instead of many small pots, opt for a few oversized, architectural planters. Choose materials like corten steel, cast concrete, or high-quality ceramic in neutral tones. Filling these with sculptural plants—like Agave, Yucca, or even a topiary Boxwood—creates a focal point that draws the eye. Grouping these in odd numbers (sets of three) at the entrance of your pool deck or at the corners of your stone border adds a rhythmic, designer touch.
10. Dark Mulch
Sometimes the simplest changes have the biggest impact. Replacing old, faded wood chips with premium dark chocolate or jet-black dyed mulch can instantly make your garden look more professional. The dark color makes the greens of your plants pop and provides a sophisticated “framed” look to your garden beds. It also helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring your pool landscape stays looking pristine with minimal effort.
11. Zen Gravel
If you prefer a minimalist, modern aesthetic, a Zen-inspired gravel garden is a high-impact choice. Use fine pea gravel or decomposed granite to create a clean, flat surface. Incorporate a few “hero” elements, such as a single Japanese Maple with its delicate lace-like leaves or a well-placed boulder. This style emphasizes space and tranquility, making the pool area feel like a curated art installation rather than just a place to swim.
12. Climbing Roses
To achieve a classic, “Old World” luxury feel, nothing beats climbing roses. Training roses to grow up a pergola or over a pool fence adds height and romantic charm. Choose varieties like ‘Eden’ or ‘New Dawn’ for their lush, full blooms and repeat-flowering nature. The combination of water and soft, cascading flowers creates a picturesque scene that looks like it belongs on the cover of a landscape architecture magazine.
13. Paver Paths
How you get to your pool is just as important as the pool itself. Replacing a worn grass trail with a formal paver path adds a sense of grandeur. Large-format pavers—like 24×24 inch slate or limestone squares—spaced evenly with grass or moss in between create a high-end “stepping stone” effect. This keeps feet clean and provides a structural element that ties the pool to the rest of the home’s architecture.
14. Canna Lilies
For instant height and high-octane color, Canna Lilies are unbeatable. Their massive, paddle-shaped leaves can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet, effectively hiding the tall walls of an above-ground pool in a single season. Many varieties feature variegated leaves in shades of burgundy, bronze, and yellow. Because they love water and sun, they thrive near a pool environment, creating a lush, jungle-like barrier that feels exclusive and private.
15. Columnar Trees
If you want to create a formal “estate” look, use columnar trees to define the space. Species like Italian Cypress, Sky Rocket Juniper, or Emerald Green Arborvitae grow tall and narrow, providing a “living fence” that doesn’t take up too much horizontal space. They act as a sophisticated green backdrop that highlights the blue of the water. Their architectural shape provides a sense of permanence and “old money” elegance that elevates the entire backyard.
