Had a dream you could afford an above ground pool for your yard? No need to pinch yourself.
Get inspired to dive into your own creation with the world’s most inventive and stunning above ground pool ideas.
Whether the task is designing a deck or choosing a pool bar, these ideas will help you transform your backyard in fun and dynamic ways.
1. Kid-Friendly Fun Zone
Design a Safe and Fun Pool Area for Kids
If you have kids, then you might want to design your above ground pool to be child-friendly, include a little mini-slip, add floating devices, accessories, and kids’ toys.
Install a safety gate and non-slip flooring to ensure a safe environment.
With bright colours and playful decor, space encourages toddlers to have fun there.
2. Tropical Paradise Theme
Create an Oasis with Tropical Landscaping
Encircle your pool with a lush array of foliage, colourful flowers and exotic plants
Imagine palm trees, ferns, and brightly coloured flowering plants that turn your above ground pool into a tropical paradise.
Add tiki torches, bamboo fencing, and a thatched umbrella for an authentic island feel.
3. Rustic Stone Surround
Add Natural Beauty with Stone Accents
The most elegant above ground pool design is to leave your pool uncovered with natural stone.
This rustic design integrates seamlessly with your landscape and offers a timeless, classic look.
Use a travertine, slate or cobblestone paver to make your water feature look stunning by contrasting it with the water.
4. Modern Minimalist Design
Sleek and Simple Above Ground Pool Decor
For a more modern feel, choose a contemporary minimalist design.
Distinctive, clean lines, muted colours and minimal decor let your pool be the centre of attention and the only real eye-catcher at your backyard.
A few strategically placed lounge chairs and simple landscaping complete the look.
Use materials like metal, concrete, and glass to keep the design sleek and stylish.
5. Poolside Bar and Lounge
Entertain in Style with a Poolside Bar
Why not combine swimming with drinks? (just don’t use the pool if it’s peemergency 🫠👀)
You can transform your space with a pool bar idea into the coolest party spot with an above ground pool. Put a small bar right next to the edge of your poul with bar stools.
You can set up the bar from materials such as wood and metal. And if you want to make the place more comfortable for your guests, you can put up a canopy or umbrella for shade.
Filled with your favourite drinks and snacks, you’re ready to throw the town the best pool parties.
6. Privacy Fence and Pergola
Ensure Comfort and Privacy
A privacy fence and pergola add a bit more privacy and comfort to your above ground pool as an escape from the world.
A wooden or vinyl fence can foil prying gazes; a pergola adds shade and style.
A pergola with climbing plants such as ivy or roses adds natural charm and a little extra privacy.
7. Infinity Edge Pool Look
Create a Stunning Visual Effect
How to give your above ground pool the appearance of an infinity edge?
This design mimics the look of an infinite horizon where the water appears to spill over the edge.
Have it stand out as the focal aspect of your outside oasis by using top-of-the-line materials and workmanship.
8. Elegant Raised Deck Surround
Surround Your Pool with a Stylish Raised Deck
Close your eyes and imagine opening your back door into an opulent raised deck around your above ground pool.
This suggestion adds beauty and utility, serving as a wonderful space for sitting, sunbathing, or entertaining guests.
A deck that’s higher off the ground leaves ample room between it and your house, with plenty of space for chairs, tables and even a grill.
9. Nighttime Pool Lighting
Enhance Ambiance with Creative Lighting
Take your pool time from day to night with your decor ideas. String lights, underwater LED lights, or garden lamps can all help to illuminate your pool space.
Choose colors that match your theme or switch them according to the occasion.
Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, good lighting can make swimming at night safer.
10. Cozy Poolside Seating Area
Create a Comfortable Seating Arrangement
Creating a poolside lounge with comfortable furniture will enhance your time outdoors. Opt for cushioned chairs, loungers, even a hammock.
Add side tables for beverages and snacks, and use outdoor rugs and pillows to enhance comfort and style.
This cozy nook is perfect for relaxation and socializing.
11. Multi-Level Deck with Built-in Seating
Maximize Space with a Multi-Level Deck
Extend your above ground pool area with a multilevel deck. Maybe one level for lounging, another for dining, and another for sunbathing.
Incorporate built-in seating with storage below to keep pool toys and accessories organized.
Apart from helping you utilise every inch of space for interior activities, this design helps allocate specific zones for outdoor activities as well.
12. Poolside Cabana
Add Luxury with a Poolside Cabana
Fancy a seaside sensation? Why not supply a poolside hut where people can shade themselves from the sun? They can sit together on comfortable couches, sink into plump cushions, and perhaps swing some curtains.
Use it as a quiet and cool break from the sun or the perfect perch from which to take in poolside vistas.
Choose weather-resistant materials to ensure longevity and style.
13. Waterfall Feature
Enhance Ambiance with a Waterfall
Add a touch of tranquility to your above ground pool with a waterfall feature.
The sound of a running water can foster a serene environment and lift up the beauty of your pool backyard.
You can choose a modern, rigged water wall or a natural rock waterfall, depending on your design taste. The feature also gives your outdoor space an air of luxury.
14. Sporty Pool Upgrade
Turn Your Pool into a Sports Center
If you tend towards the more active side and can’t spend a whole day in the pool standing still without moving., use your above ground pool as your sports centre by adding a volley ball net, basketball hoop, or lap lanes.
This makes your pool area a hub for family fun and fitness.
Pool Bars Ideas
Having a pool bar in your garden near your above ground pool can be a real luxury and add convenience to your backyard cocktail parties.
Take a look at our suggestions on this subject of how to incorporate a pool bar into your underwater paradise without spending too much.
Built-in Pool Bars
Swim-Up Bar
A bar counter should be fitted at the poolside allowing guests to ‘swim up’ and sip cocktails without having to leave the water. The counter should be made of stone or similar waterproof materials to ensure easy maintenance.
Here is where you may want to consider built-in stools set in to the water. These could be made from marine-grade stainless steel or some form of durable, non-corrosive plastic anchored to the pool floor to prevent toppling over.
Deck-Integrated Bar:
Pull the bar into the pool deck by running the decking material up under it so that it appears to be an extension of the pool. When choosing a material, mirror the colour of the pool base or bring in timber to match or complement the theme of the space.
Go for a multilevel deck where one level is dedicated to the bar area with built-ins, counters and seating.
Wet Bar with Overhang:
Build a bar and overhang or a pergola for some shade and respite from the elements to keep your drinks cool and your guests comfy.
Portable Pool Bars
Those seeking more flexibility or an economical alternative may wish for portable pool bars.
Mobile Carts
A mobile bar cart on wheels, that you can roll to any desired spot around your pool area could be a wise investment. They generally come with shelves, cubbyholes and ice buckets, suitable for your drinks and food items.
Look for carts made from weather-resistant materials, with wheels that can be locked while in use so unwanted movement is not an issue.
DIY Pool Bars
Install your own pool bar with pallets, water proof paint, and imitation counter tops; Pinterest and YouTube have endless DIY tutorials to help you visualize and execute the project.
Go for folding or collapsible models if you have space issues or would prefer to store it off-season.
Bar Seating
You need comfortable and fashionable seatings to make your pool bar look attractive and useful.
Submerged Stools
Make sure to anchor them securely to the bottom of the pool so that they can stay in place permanently at the correct height for the bar counter. These can be custom-built or purchased from pool supply stores.
For a touch of luxury, consider adding padded seat covers made from waterproof materials.
Adjacent Lounges
Set up outdoor patio or lounge chairs, hammocks, or sectional sofas around the pool bar area. This will allow your guests to socialise unobtrusively while enjoying some dry comfort.
Finish off the area with seating made of weather-resistant materials and comfy cushions that stand up to pool water and the sun.
Drink Stations
Set up convenient drink stations so you can stock your pool bar with ease.
Mini-Fridges
Under the bar counter, install a small fridge (weather proofed so it can go outside) to keep glassware and beverages within arm’s reach. Models built for outdoor use are best.
Think about dual-zone fridges that let you stockhold a few beers at their ale temperatures in the same device as wines at their proper serving temperatures.
Ice Buckets and Chillers
However, a simple built-in ice bucket or wine chiller in the bar rail is very convenient: stainless-steel buckets for ice are fine, or you can go all out and fit a full integrated wine chiller with drains.
Then you can also use insulated coolers or ice boxes that can be built-in to the bar design to store ice.
Drink Dispensers
Installing dispenser for juices, cocktails or infused water will add elegance and convenience for a party.
To further reduce the need for a refill, look for large-capacity containers that use taps that are easy to operate.
