A backyard pool is so much more than a place to swim — it's a hub for relaxation and good times. And the area around it deserves just as much attention. To make the most of this outdoor space and create a truly inviting atmosphere, it's worth taking the time to thoughtfully landscape the area around your pool.
Here are all our best tips for planning and decorating this family-friendly space.
Why Landscape Around Your Pool?
Great landscaping adds personality and character to your pool — and it's a trend that's only growing. Beyond looks, a well-designed pool surround creates a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
Thoughtful décor can completely transform your pool area — from shaded trees and stylish furniture to ambient lighting, a water feature, or a beautiful poolside floor. The right touches brighten up the whole space and make it feel like a true backyard retreat.
The options are endless — it all comes down to the style and vibe you want to create.
Before we get into the best landscaping ideas, make sure you're up to speed on pool maintenance essentials — a well-functioning pool is the foundation of a great pool area.
The Best Ideas for Decorating and Landscaping Around Your Pool
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to pool landscaping. The key is to work with your home's architecture, your outdoor space, and your pool type — and most importantly, to keep your family's needs in mind. Great pool design is personal — beauty and atmosphere mean something different to everyone.
Once you've considered those factors, here are the key elements to work with.
The Pool Deck
The pool deck refers to the paved or decked area surrounding your pool — the space where swimmers walk, relax, and hang out. It can serve as:
- A simple walkway
- A relaxation zone
- A play area for the kids
- A full outdoor lounge, etc.
To get it right, plan your pool deck during construction and choose a surface material that complements your pool's design and liner color. Width matters too — a narrow deck works for circulation, but a generous deck is essential for creating a true living space. There are several great styles to choose from. Here's a quick overview.
Pool Deck Styles and Materials
A great pool deck needs to be attractive, safe, durable, and comfortable — it takes a lot of foot traffic during the swim season. Here are the main styles:
- Stone decks: a classic choice, especially for traditional inground pools. Options include natural cut stone or reconstituted stone pavers.
- Wood decks: a perennial favorite that blends beautifully into almost any backyard setting. Pine, larch, and composite wood are all solid choices.
- Natural/green decks: built around green spaces — grass, lawn, turf, pebbles, or plant beds — these work especially well with natural pools. Just be mindful of potential organic debris in the water.
- Submerged decks: a sleek, modern style that gently slopes into the water. Typically built with cement and natural stone powder, sometimes combined with polymer-based materials.
- Concrete decks: a modern architectural choice that delivers clean lines, simplicity, and a contemporary aesthetic.
- Resin decks: a combination of natural stone aggregates and polyurethane resin. Easy to install and maintain, and highly resistant to foot traffic, moisture, and weather.
Pool Furniture and Outdoor Lounge Seating
No pool area is complete without the right furniture. The key is matching your setup to the space and the vibe you want to create.
For a laid-back, sun-soaking atmosphere, go for colorful lounge chairs and folding chairs. For a more elevated outdoor lounge feel, sofas and synthetic rattan armchairs — in bold, cheerful colors — set the scene perfectly.
Pool Floats and Inflatable Accessories
Every great pool needs a few fun inflatable accessories. Pool floats bring joy to kids and adults alike — and when they come in unique, eye-catching designs, they add a seriously fun decorative element to the whole pool area.
Beyond giant pool floats, you can deck out your pool area with flamingo and pineapple inflatables, inflatable castles, pool loungers, hammocks, and water games for the ultimate backyard setup.
How to Landscape Your Outdoor Space and Make Your Pool Shine
Here are a few more creative ideas to help you transform your pool area into the ultimate backyard retreat.
Plants and Greenery
Nothing transforms a pool area quite like lush greenery. Whether you're going for a zen, tropical, or Mediterranean look, the right plants create an incredible atmosphere. Great poolside plant choices include agave, palm trees, and banana trees.
In warmer climates, consider oleander, lavender, or ornamental grasses. For a more rustic, cottage feel, Mexican orange blossom or hydrangeas are stunning choices.
The Pool House
The ultimate pool upgrade, a pool house is a versatile, practical, and stylish addition to any backyard. It can house your pool's equipment room, provide storage, serve as a changing room or restroom — and even double as a summer kitchen, spa, or outdoor lounge.
Lighting
Great outdoor lighting is a décor element in itself — and it can completely change the feel of your pool after dark. Options include glowing sphere lights, solar-powered lanterns, or tiki torches. Pool lights can be placed along the pool's edge or directly on the water's surface. For a festive, party-ready atmosphere, string bistro lights across a pergola for a magical effect.
We hope these ideas inspire you to create the backyard pool area of your dreams!
FAQ: Pool Decoration Ideas
How do I decorate my pool for summer?
To decorate a pool in summer, focus on: colourful and themed inflatable floats and mattresses (unicorns, flamingos, cactuses), solar string lights around the pool, flower pots and tropical plants nearby, matching textiles (sun lounger, parasol), and underwater LED lighting for evenings. Decoration should be water-resistant and UV-resistant.
What lighting should I choose to showcase my pool at night?
Underwater LED lights (RGB projectors fitted into return jets) create a colourful atmosphere. Solar fairy lights around the pool and solar torches on stakes add to the ambiance. IP68 (waterproof) LED spotlights cost €30–150 per light point. Avoid any electrical cable not designed for water in the immediate pool area.
What plants should I put around a pool?
Choose plants resistant to chlorine splashes and UV rays: ornamental banana trees, non-invasive bamboo, palm trees, agapanthus, ornamental grasses, lavender and rosemary. Avoid plants that shed lots of leaves (willows, ashes, plane trees) which clog the skimmer. Mediterranean plants (olive trees, agave) are ideal as they tolerate drought and heat.
How do I create a holiday atmosphere around my pool?
For a holiday feel: choose teak or wicker resin garden furniture, add waterproof cushions in bright colours, install a parasol or shade sail, add bamboo or palm trees in planters, include a designer solar shower and a garden bar with a fridge. The ground surface (tiles, composite wood, pebbles) strongly contributes to the overall atmosphere.
Do I need permission to landscape around a pool?
Landscaping around a pool (earthworks, planting, ground-level terrace under 20 m²) generally requires no permit. However, building a covered pergola (over 5 m² and over 1.80 m high) may require a prior work declaration. For enclosed outbuildings (pool house), a building permit is often required above 20 m².
