5+ Stylish Ideas for Around Above Ground Pools

By Sarah Anderson | Published on May 27, 2025

Creating a charming environment around your above-ground pool can turn it into the centerpiece of your backyard. Let’s dive into some creative ideas that will help you achieve that perfect poolside ambiance.

1. Use Faux Stone Panels

Faux stone panels offer an affordable yet stylish poolside look.

Apply faux stone panels to your pool for a sophisticated stone look without the cost. I was amazed at how it transformed our pool’s appearance.

A few relevant products:

Faux Stone Paneling Kit: Transform your pool area with easy-to-install faux stone panels. Achieve a luxury look effortlessly.
Weatherproof Adhesive for Stone Panels: Ensure your panels stay in place with reliable adhesive designed for outdoor conditions.
Stone Finish Sealant Spray: Protect your faux stone panels with a sealant spray for enhanced durability and weather resistance.

2. Install Pea Gravel Paths

Pea gravel paths provide a practical and attractive solution for poolside walkways.

Create charming pea gravel paths around your pool for easy walking and a tidy look. The soft crunch underfoot is a delightful sensory experience.

A few things you might like:

Decorative Garden Edging Stones: Define your pea gravel path with stylish garden edging for a polished and organized look.
Pea Gravel for Landscaping: Enhance your poolside paths with durable and attractive pea gravel for a soothing underfoot feel.
Landscape Fabric for Weed Control: Prevent weeds and maintain clean gravel paths with reliable landscape fabric under your gravel.

3. Add Solar Lighting

Solar lighting adds an eco-friendly and atmospheric glow to your pool area.

Enhance your pool’s eco-friendliness with solar lighting for an enchanting glow. I’ve found it’s a great way to light up the night without increasing the electric bill.

Check if these fit your needs:

Solar String Lights: Transform your poolside into a magical escape with charming solar string lights.
Solar Pathway Lights: Illuminate your backyard path effortlessly with chic and energy-saving solar pathway lights.
Solar Spotlights: Highlight distinctive garden features with adjustable, eco-friendly solar spotlights.

4. Use Stone or Gravel Borders

Stone and gravel borders offer both practicality and style.

Incorporate stone or gravel around the pool for a sleek, modern look that also aids in drainage. I found that river stones provide a timeless elegance to my pool area.

Consider these options:

Decorative River Stones: Enhance your pool area with elegant, smooth river stones for a stylish, natural touch.
Pea Gravel: Ensure proper drainage and add charm with versatile pea gravel around your pool.
Landscape Fabric: Prevent weeds while maintaining drainage beneath your stones with durable landscape fabric.

5. Incorporate Artificial Grass

Artificial grass provides a vibrant, low-maintenance alternative to real grass.

Artificial grass offers a maintenance-free and lush look around the pool. I found it to be the perfect solution for keeping my pool area green without the upkeep.

Useful items to consider:

Artificial Grass Turf Roll: Elevate your poolside area with durable, realistic synthetic turf requiring minimal maintenance.
Interlocking Grass Tiles: Create a seamless, lush look with easy-to-install interlocking artificial grass tiles.
Outdoor Landscape Grass Carpet: Enhance your outdoor decor with a soft, realistic landscape grass carpet for poolside areas.