Transforming an above ground pool from a functional backyard addition into a breathtaking focal point requires more than just water and a ladder. The secret lies in the landscaping. While these pools offer a cost-effective way to cool off during the summer, their exposed walls can sometimes look industrial or out of place. By strategically selecting plants, you can soften the hard edges, create natural privacy, and turn your pool area into a true tropical escape. From the wispy movement of ornamental grasses to the bold architectural lines of tropical palms, the right greenery acts as a bridge between the water and the rest of your yard.
1. Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are the unsung heroes of poolside landscaping. Varieties like Fountain Grass, Maiden Grass, or the striking Pink Muhly offer vertical interest and constant motion. Because they are highly wind-resistant and shed very little, they won’t clutter your pool filter with debris. Their fine texture contrasts beautifully against the solid structure of the pool walls, creating a soft, blurred boundary that makes the area feel more integrated into the landscape.
2. Tropical Palms
Nothing says “vacation” quite like a palm tree. For those in warmer climates, planting palms like the Windmill or Mediterranean Fan palm directly into the ground provides a permanent tropical vibe. If you live in a cooler region, large potted palms can be moved poolside for the summer. They offer height without taking up much lateral space, and their root systems are generally non-invasive, making them safe to plant near pool structures.
3. Flowering Shrubs
Flowering shrubs provide a “wall of color” that can effectively hide the metal or resin siding of an above ground pool. Hydrangeas are a popular choice for their massive, long-lasting blooms, while Azaleas offer a burst of color in the spring. These shrubs create a thick, mid-level layer of greenery that grounds the pool and makes it feel like a sunken architectural feature rather than a temporary structure.
4. Potted Topiaries
For a more formal and structured look, potted topiaries are an excellent choice. Using Boxwood or Privet trimmed into spheres or spirals adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. Placing them at the base of the pool stairs or along the perimeter of the deck creates a sense of order and intentionality. The portability of pots also allows you to rearrange the look whenever you desire a change.
5. Privacy Hedges
Privacy is often a top priority for pool owners. Instead of a wooden fence, consider a living “green wall.” Arborvitae, Privet, or Boxwood can be grown into dense hedges that block the view from neighbors while also acting as a windbreak. This creates a cozy, secluded “room” in your backyard where you can relax without feeling exposed.
6. Stone Borders
Integrating stone into your planting beds adds a rugged, naturalistic element. A wide border of river rock or lava rock around the base of the pool serves two purposes: it prevents mud from splashing onto the pool walls and provides a high-contrast backdrop for your plants. It also helps with drainage, ensuring that any splashed water doesn’t pool around the roots of your more sensitive greenery.
7. Creeping Groundcover
To fill in the gaps between larger plants and stones, use creeping groundcovers. Plants like Creeping Jenny, Sedum, or Blue Star Creeper create a “living carpet” that suppresses weeds and keeps the soil cool. Their low profile ensures they don’t block the view of the pool, while their tendency to spill over edges softens the transition between the garden bed and the pool’s perimeter.
8. Climbing Vines
If your above ground pool features a deck or a nearby fence, climbing vines can add vertical beauty. Star Jasmine, Clematis, or Trumpet Vine can be trained to climb structures, providing both fragrance and visual interest at eye level. These vines help to “lift” the garden, drawing the eye upward and making the pool area feel like a lush, multi-dimensional space.
9. Cacti and Succulents
For a low-maintenance, modern aesthetic, consider a succulent garden. Agave, Echeveria, and various cacti provide striking geometric shapes and require very little water. Because they thrive in heat and don’t shed leaves, they are the ultimate “set it and forget it” poolside plants. They work particularly well in sunny spots and can withstand the heat reflected off the pool’s surface.
10. Hibiscus Blooms
Hibiscus is the quintessential tropical flower. With their dinner-plate-sized blooms and glossy leaves, they bring an instant pop of exotic color to any pool area. They love the sun and can handle the humidity generated by the pool. Planting a row of Hibiscus provides a medium-height screen that is constantly changing as new buds open throughout the summer.
11. Banana Trees
For dramatic impact, few plants beat the Banana Tree. Their massive, paddle-shaped leaves create a jungle atmosphere and provide excellent shade. Even in non-tropical zones, many varieties grow rapidly during the summer months, providing an instant transformation. They are great for creating a focal point or filling a large corner of the pool landscape.
12. Bamboo Screens
Bamboo is perfect for creating a sleek, contemporary privacy screen. Its verticality is unmatched, and the rustling sound of its leaves in the wind adds a therapeutic auditory element to the pool area. When planting bamboo, it is essential to use clumping varieties or keep them in planters to prevent them from spreading uncontrollably throughout the yard.
13. Fern Gully
If your pool has a shaded area, ferns are the perfect solution. Ostrich ferns or Boston ferns thrive in the damp, shaded microclimate often found near large pool structures. Their delicate, feathery fronds offer a soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the hard surfaces of the pool and deck, creating a cool, refreshing oasis.
14. Lavender Edging
Lavender is a fantastic choice for the periphery of a pool area. Not only does it provide a beautiful pop of purple, but its scent is naturally relaxing. Additionally, lavender is known to deter many common pests, which is a bonus for those evening swims. Its silver-green foliage remains attractive even when the plant is not in full bloom, providing year-round interest.
15. Perennial Borders
Creating a perennial border ensures that your pool landscaping gets better with age. By mixing different heights and bloom times, you can have a garden that evolves from spring through fall. Plants like Coneflowers (Echinacea) and Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) are hardy, heat-tolerant, and attract pollinators, adding life and movement to your backyard retreat.
16. Rock Gardens
A rock garden is an excellent way to navigate slopes or uneven ground around an above ground pool. By combining large boulders with smaller gravel and hardy alpine plants, you can create a rugged, permanent landscape feature. This style of planting requires very little water and provides a stable, erosion-resistant foundation for the area surrounding the pool.
17. Tiered Planters
If you have a deck surrounding your above ground pool, tiered planters allow you to bring the garden right up to the water’s edge. By using different levels, you can create a “waterfall” effect with trailing plants like Sweet Potato Vine or Wave Petunias. This maximizes space and allows you to grow a variety of plants even if you have a limited ground-level footprint.
