Budget constraints, topographical issues, and lack of space making it impossible for you to install an inground pool in your backyard?
Don’t rule out the possibility of having an aesthetically appealing yard. An above-ground pool can look equally elegant and stunning, especially when it’s teamed with the perfect lighting, landscape, and accents.
However, designers often fail to take this factor into consideration. And that’s why we’ve come forth with this in-depth guide, providing some of the best above ground pool ideas to help you achieve the poolside vibe you desire.
To create a better understanding, we’ve divided the article into three sections dealing with the best above ground pool ideas, lighting, and fencing ideas.
So, without further ado, let’s get going.
Best Above Ground Pool Ideas
1. The Inground Feel
You can easily achieve an inground pool feel without having to install one by incorporating an above ground pool into your raised deck. It can be done with any pool style, and in turn, you get plenty of space to sit back and relax.
2. Decking Details
Building a deck around your pool is a great way to create a space to lounge in while it naturally blends into the surrounding landscape. You can also complete the aesthetic appearance of the entertainment spot with the help of lighting and poolside patios.
3. Best Of Both Worlds
Installing a pool close to your deck helps provide an inground pool feel without the installation costs. And with proper plants and greenery on your deck and yard, you’ll get the perfect place to rest and relax.
4. Brick Walkways
Don’t leave the area around your pool vacant; instead, incorporate an above ground pool into the yard design with elegant brick walkways having ample room for lounging. You can also add bright flowers and a few oversized planters to complete the look.
5. The Hillside Advantage
Take advantage of the landscape of the area for your above ground pool. Utilizing the view of the hillside is an innovative technique if you plan on putting foresight into your landscape design.
6. Nature Inspired
Designing a raised pool to resemble a natural pond is a trend lately, but this does come with a hefty price tag. However, natural stones, neutral colours, and fountains can do the trick for you by enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the poolside.
7. Outdoor Living
Believe it or not, you can have your very own country club in your backyard! All you need to do is utilize the extension of your living space, converting it into a relaxation spot for your family and friends. Simply incorporate a pool into your deck.
8. Reflecting Pools
We’ll now introduce you to yet another nature-inspired design - “Reflecting Pools.” To bring this above ground pool idea to life, you’ll need to use the pool for more than one function while it blends with the landscape of the area to become a part of the design.
9. Get Your Swim On
Lap pools can be fun to incorporate into your home gym, but their long rectangular shape fails to blend in with the overall decor of the space. Instead, you can decide to make it a part of your outdoor entertainment area for friends and family.
10. Rustic Resources
Have you ever tried blending existing natural hues and tone with your pool design? Well, you should definitely try this technique if you wish to create a rustic look. Private pools such as these appear as if they’ve risen from the surrounding landscape to provide summer relief.
11. Privacy Walls
If you’re convinced that incorporating a lap pool is the way to go, then try making it a part of your backyard boundary as an extension of your privacy wall. The concrete design will create a continuation of the property line while providing a personal space for you to relax and workout.
12. Welcoming Walkway
No one likes having to clean out dirt and debris from their pool. And a deck fails to provide adequate protection for that matter, but stone walkways can help tackle this problem once and for all. They can protect the pool and your wet feet from picking up debris while walking to and fro the water.
13. Backyard Decking
Don’t give up on the idea of having a deck off your house just because you lack the proper design for a doorway. What you can do is create a free-floating deck within your backyard to install a pool.
14. Desert Oasis
A body of cool, clear blue water in a hot and dry desert landscape is like a match made in heaven. That said, adding Plexi wall retaining glass boundaries to the pool will help provide a better view of the surrounding desert colours.
15. Backyard Relief
The hot climate in the summers demands a cool body of clear water. And above ground pools can easily become a part of the patio walkout with welcoming cool waters and easy accessibility.
16. Villa-Esque
Create a Mediterranean aesthetic appeal in your backyard by surrounding the body of clear blue water with clean lines of white stucco, natural hues of rocky cliffs, and red-tiled roofs.
17. Ocean View
You can add more depth to the infinite water-filled horizon by installing a raised pool along the oceanfront. This will help you enjoy a salt-free, cool experience with the dynamic view of the ocean.
18. Cityscape
Opt for a rooftop lap pool installation with a simple waterfall design overlooking the city for a modern take on a rustic retreat. There’s no need to have acreage to take advantage of a pool, irrespective of its size.
19. Modern Laps
Using sleek tiles and LED lighting to help make it a part of the overall architectural design is another modern take on a lap pool. This helps you add more interesting details to the landscape.
20. Personal Touches
Did you know that a small urban backyard can be designed to appear bigger with proper architectural choices? Well, you can complete the look of your private oasis by introducing tall columns to mimic the length of trees and pool siding to draw the attention of viewers upwards.
21. Modern Marble
Utilize a hillside to provide your pool and visiting area with a dramatic waterfall backdrop. With contrasting colours and materials, rest assured that the traditional patio area will make a bold statement.
22. Natural Contrasts
The lack of colour in an architectural design can be used for a good reason, provided shadows are cast against a rich and vibrant, existing background. In fact, pools available in various shapes and sizes can add the pop of colour needed to complete the overall aesthetic appeal of the outdoor living area.
23. Small Spaces
It’s a common misconception that having a small outdoor area limits your design options. You can take advantage of the area, utilizing every section of the available space. For instance, a lap pool serves as the perfect option for a long and narrow backyard.
24. Sloping Gardens
Next up, we have yet another design that will blend perfectly with nature’s landscape. Here, the pool is surrounded by a wide rock patio wall while planters help in continuing the greenery of the yard.
25. Serious Slopes
In our opinion, gardens with slopes are every above ground pool’s best friend. With this design, you’ll get the best of both worlds, thanks to its fun pool siding materials, easy access, and of course the refreshingly cool water.
26. Countryside Seascape
The use of stone and the placement symmetry of your above ground pool helps in making it a part of a rustic rural setting. Curving patios to mimic the pool curvature provide the perfect relaxation spot after a long hectic day at work.
27. Lounging Bliss
Incorporating a deck with your pool design doesn’t necessarily mean enclosing it. You can opt for a partial deck to ensure complete lounging privacy as well as easy pool access for both swimming and maintenance.
28. Backyard Advantage
Strive to use smaller backyard spaces to your advantage, claiming them for cooling and relaxing without compromising on the appearance. Mixing materials and lighting can help provide a fun ambience for you to enjoy at any time of the day.
29. Dual Design
We’ll now focus on the dual-purpose design that serves as a pool by the day and a stunning landscaping fountain at night. To create this look, make sure you use the perfect materials and accents for lighting purposes so that the light reflects to create a contemporary look.
30. Contrasting Coordinates
Ever thought of installing a pool with red tiles? Well, it’s time you considered contrasting the vibrant red against the black and white of the surrounding architectural design. You may try incorporating this contrasting design against a forested background to create a visually appealing place to relax with family and friends.
31. Hot Tub Hideaway
If you have a small backyard, opt for rectangular hot tub designs as they tend to take up less space against an angular wall. This design will use the wall of your yard as a way of doubling it as a disappearing waterfall.
32. Outdoor Living
Embrace narrow yards instead of treating them as a limitation to your creativity as a designer. Introduce an open patio and a narrow pool to the space for all-year-around enjoyment and relaxation. You can also decorate your backyard and poolside to complete the simple landscape with a contemporary look while utilizing the entire space.
33. Tri-Level Story
Use the different flooring heights of your tri-level home to your full advantage. These houses come with a spacious walkout deck, having sufficient room for a relaxing poolscape along with indoor and outdoor lounging areas.
Best Above Ground Pool Fencing Ideas
1. Pool Protection
You can opt for lattice and fencing if you wish to have a protective barrier for your pool, offering a degree of both privacy and elegance.
2. Partial Perfection
You can add an area beside your pool to lounge without burning a hole in your pocket by introducing a fence and partial deck. This serves as the perfect private place to sit and talk with friends and family while basking in the sun.
3. Flower Bed Landscaping
A raised pool can introduce varying designs to your landscape, and to bring these details together, you need to mix and match colours and textures. We’ll suggest balancing the wooden lines of your deck with graceful draping tree canopies and flower bed borders.
Best Above Ground Pool Lighting Ideas
1. Nighttime Ambience
Lighting is undoubtedly a must if you wish to create an enjoyable visual experience for those swimming in the pool. Utilize the surrounding outdoor living areas to your advantage while setting up lights for the perfect night-time ambience.
2. Lighting Elegance
If you’re interested in a contemporary look, utilize long lines and right angles. And at night you may highlight the details of your architectural plan, enjoying them under an entirely different light.
3. Light It Up
Your pool is a part of your natural landscape, so make sure you design it, keeping in mind how it’s viewed both during the day and night. That said, match your home lighting with your poolside pathway to create the perfect blend between the two areas.
Final Words
There is a wide range of above ground pool options that serve as perfect alternatives to inground pools. All you have to do is use the available elements, including the ones provided by nature itself, to create an aesthetically appealing lounge area for your family and friends.
On that note, we have come to the end of this comprehensive guide. Here’s hoping we were able to help you gain the required insight on the topic.
With this, we’ll take your leave. Till next time!
