Easy to assemble and great value for money, the frame pool is a popular type of above-ground pool. But let's be honest — with its visible liner and steel posts, it's not exactly a looker. The good news: with the right cladding, you can transform it into a genuinely attractive backyard feature.
Here are the best ideas for dressing up your frame pool and hiding the pump and filtration system.
Why Dress Up a Frame Pool?
Frame pools are fast to install, durable, and sold at an accessible price. But there's one clear downside: they're less attractive than in-ground pools — and the exposed PVC liner doesn't help. Beyond aesthetics, PVC is a plastic that doesn't hold up well against the elements. Sun and rain gradually degrade it, reducing its structural strength. Adding a cladding protects the pool, extends its lifespan, and makes the whole area look so much better.
Check out our guide on what to put your frame pool on before assembly — and get inspired by our cladding ideas below.
The Best Cladding Options for a Frame Pool
Since pool shapes and sizes vary (see our guide on how to choose your frame pool), there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Here are the main options:
- Raised deck,
- Synthetic fiber panels,
- Wooden panels,
- Wooden trellis,
- Privacy screen,
- Cinder blocks,
- Plants.
Wooden Cladding
Wood is the top choice for cladding a frame pool. It looks great, blends naturally into any backyard, and is easy to source — ready-to-install wooden panel kits are available for all pool shapes and sizes.
A wooden trellis is another popular option, creating a natural, garden-friendly look. Available as panels or fence sections, it does leave some gaps — add artificial ivy to fill them in for an even more lush, natural effect.
Wooden pallets offer a budget-friendly DIY alternative. Sand and treat them well for water resistance, paint them in your chosen color, and add artificial ivy for extra charm.
Synthetic Fiber Panels
A more affordable option, synthetic fiber panels come in a wide range of styles — some mimic wood, others imitate woven resin or concrete block walls. Nature lovers can even find panels designed to look like climbing plants. Easy to install via adhesive panels or glue, and simple to maintain.
Raised Deck
The most stylish and durable solution, a raised deck adds real charm to your backyard and creates a beautiful relaxation area right next to the pool. With a raised deck, the deck surface sits roughly at water level — giving the whole setup the feel of an in-ground or semi-buried pool. Professional installation is recommended, but the visual result is worth it.
Cinder Block Cladding
Cinder blocks are another adaptable option — easy to customize with paint, stone cladding, or ivy for decoration. Avoid planting directly against the liner as it can cause cracks. Always build in space for the filtration system, pipes, and liner access — and size the height to match your pool.
Vegetation
A budget-friendly option that adds a natural, lush feel. Plant tall species like bamboo, hedges, or flowering plants around the pool. Just make sure to leave enough space between the plants and the pool so they don't get soaked during swim sessions.
Privacy Screen
A balcony-style privacy screen is a simple and economical way to conceal the liner and posts. Usually available in natural-look finishes, it should be placed directly on the ground with a small gap between the screen and the pool wall to avoid damaging the liner.
Once your cladding is in place, add the finishing touches — pebbles around plants, solar lights for evening ambiance, flower pots, shrubs, and of course some fun inflatable floats for the perfect poolside setup.
Browse our inflatable pool floats to add some fun and color to your pool days:
FAQ: How to Dress a Tubular Pool
How can I hide the sides of a tubular pool?
Several solutions to dress a tubular pool: wood cladding (battens or outdoor boards around the frame), composite or PVC panels in wood effect, decorative pebbles or stones placed around the pool, bushes or bamboo planted to create a visual screen, or a wooden decking that surrounds and visually integrates the pool.
Can I build a terrace around a tubular pool?
Yes, it is one of the most attractive solutions. Build a wooden terrace on posts around the pool, level with the top edge of the basin. This terrace conceals the metal sides, creates a relaxation space, makes water access easier and protects feet. Leave a 2–3 cm gap between the terrace and the pool wall for expansion.
What wood should I use to dress a tubular pool?
To clad a tubular pool with wood, choose Class 3B or 4 treated timber (resistant to permanent moisture): pressure-treated Scots pine, black locust, Accoya, or wood-plastic composite. These materials resist splashing, UV rays and weather. Avoid untreated wood that rots within a single season.
Do I need permission to dress my tubular pool?
Simple decorative cladding (boarding, ground-level terrace under 20 m²) generally requires no declaration. If you build a raised terrace (over 60 cm) or add a covered structure, a prior work declaration may be required depending on your local plan. Check with your local council for your specific situation.
What budget should I plan to dress a tubular pool?
Budget varies by solution: DIY wood cladding (€50–200), simple wooden decking on posts (€500–2,000 depending on size), rocks and plants (€100–500), PVC or composite cladding (€300–800). Hiring a professional for the terrace generally doubles the cost. DIY cladding with materials from a DIY store is very accessible.
