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First Things First: The Design Hacks That Make All the Difference

Before you grab a shovel or blow your budget at the garden center, let’s talk about the simple design rules pros use. They don’t just throw plants and pavers around—they have a plan. And here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a landscaper to use these tricks. They’ll take your “how to landscape around an Intex pool” project from “meh, it works” to “wow, did you hire someone?”

Think of Your Backyard as “Rooms” (That’s Zoning, By the Way)

something i wish i learned earlier: don’t see the pool area as one big messy space. split it into small “rooms” instead. each has a job. it’s called functional zoning. and it makes the space organized. no more tripping over pool noodles to get to your chair. no more towels draped everywhere.

The Splash Zone: this is right around the pool. water splashes most here. kids jump in and out. your dog shakes off after swimming. you need stuff that handles wet feet and chlorine—pavers, gravel, or a small deck. safety matters too. no slippery grass. i once had grass right by the pool edge. after rain, it turned into a mud slide. never again.

The Lounge Zone: a spot a little away from the splashing. you can lay a towel there. set up a couple chairs. or even a small outdoor cushion. sunbathe here. read a silly book. or just watch the kids. it’s your chill spot. mine has a folding chair i got at a yard sale. and a small side table for my iced coffee. perfect.

The Entry/Utility Zone: you need a clear path to the pool ladder. no tripping over toys or pool floats. and a hidden spot for that ugly pump and filter. nothing ruins the mood like a big noisy machine sitting out. humming while you try to relax. trust me, hiding it changes everything.

The Social Zone: a place to sit with friends. maybe a small dining set (i use a foldable one from walmart). or a fire pit (if you have space). throw down an outdoor rug here. suddenly it feels like a “real” space. not just part of the lawn. my friend did this with a $20 rug from target. it made her pool area look 10x nicer.

i swear, once i started thinking of my backyard this way, it didn’t feel like a jumble of pool gear and lawn chairs anymore. it’s like rearranging your living room—suddenly everything has a place. and you don’t feel like you’re living in chaos.

Mix Synthetic and Natural (Don’t Fight the Plastic!)

Your Intex pool is vinyl. It’s synthetic, and that’s fine.

I used to try to hide it. Like, I’d drape a sheet over the sides when guests came over. Spoiler— that just looked sad.

The key isn’t hiding it. It’s making it fit with the rest of your yard.

Think of it like a casual t-shirt with nice jeans. They’re different, but they work together.

Use materials that bridge the gap between the pool’s bright blue and your yard’s natural stuff. Try smooth river rocks next to a wooden deck, or cool grey pavers with lush green plants. Landscape architect Eleanor Vance said it best: “The goal isn’t to hide the pool, but to celebrate it. You do that by creating a setting so beautiful and cohesive that the pool feels like it truly belongs there. It becomes an integrated water feature, not just a plastic tub.”

I tested this with my own pool last summer: I added a wooden landing pad by the ladder (just some 2x4s I had leftover) and lined it with river rocks I found at a home improvement store for $15. Suddenly, that blue vinyl didn’t stick out like a sore thumb—it looked like it was supposed to be there. Like it was part of the plan, not an afterthought.

Plants That Pop (Without Ruining Your Pool Liner)

When it comes to the best plants for around an above ground pool, containers are your BFF. Why? Because plants with invasive roots can tear up your pool liner—and no one wants to deal with that. I had a neighbor who planted a rose bush too close to their pool, and six months later, the roots poked through the liner. They had to drain the pool, replace the liner, and move the bush. Total nightmare. Containers let you control everything: soil, water, and where the roots go.

The trick to making containers look pro? The “thriller, filler, spiller” method. Ever walked past a plant nursery and thought, “Why do their pots look so good, and mine look like a sad salad?” This is why. It’s like putting together an outfit: you need a statement piece (the thriller), some basics to fill it out (the filler), and a little something that flows (the spiller).

Thrillers: Tall, eye-catching plants that add height. Ornamental grasses (they sway in the wind—so nice!) or canna lilies (big, bold leaves) work perfectly. I have Fountain Grass in one pot—it’s tall, green, and moves with every breeze. So calming.

Fillers: Mid-sized plants that make the container look full. Think coleus (bright colors!), petunias, or ferns. They fill in the gaps so it doesn’t look sparse. I use Lantana—bright orange and pink, and it blooms all summer.

Spillers: Trailing plants that hang over the edge. Sweet potato vine (it’s vibrant green or purple!) or creeping jenny (bright yellow) soften the container’s edges and make it feel lush. My sweet potato vine is purple, and it trails over the side of the pot—looks so good.

Pro tip: Avoid plants that drop a ton of leaves or flowers. I made that mistake with geraniums—spent every morning fishing petals out of the pool. Not fun. Stick to low-litter plants, and you’ll thank yourself.

“Borrow” Scenery From Your Neighborhood (It’s Not Cheating!)

This is a Japanese garden trick called shakkei, or borrowed scenery. It means using stuff outside your immediate pool area—like a neighbor’s pretty hedge, a big tree down the street, or even the sky—to make your space feel bigger. And let’s be real: if you have a small backyard, every little bit helps.

Here’s how to do it: Frame the view. For example, put two tall planters on either side of your pool ladder. Suddenly, those planters act like a window, and you’re looking at that nice tree in your yard instead of just your fence. It’s like expanding your space without digging a single hole.

I did this with my pool last year—my neighbor has a huge rose bush that blooms pink flowers all summer. I positioned a small seating area so I can see it while I sit. Now my backyard feels twice as big, and I get to enjoy her roses without having to grow them myself (or deal with thorns!). Win-win.

The 8-Step Plan to Your Intex Pool Oasis (Budget-Friendly, Promise)

Ready to stop dreaming and start doing? This step-by-step guide breaks it down into small, manageable projects—no huge upfront costs, no overwhelming weekends where you’re exhausted by noon. These are budget-friendly above ground pool ideas that actually work. I’ve tested most of them myself, so I know they’re doable.

Step 1: Get the Foundation Right (No Lopsided Pools!)

A level, solid base isn’t optional—it’s non-negotiable. Let me tell you a horror story. Last year, I skipped this step. Thought, “Eh, the ground looks mostly level. Good enough.” Spoiler: It wasn’t. By the end of the week, my pool was tilting so much, water was spilling over the side. I had to drain it, move it, and start over. Total waste of time.

Why it matters: Uneven ground puts pressure on the pool’s liner and frame—think of it like standing on one foot all day. It’s going to wear out fast. A good base (sand or crushed stone) also drains water, so you don’t get a muddy mess under the pool.

How to do it (DIY style):

Mark the pool’s circle with spray paint, then add 1-2 feet all around (you need space for the base!).

Dig up the sod and 2-3 inches of topsoil—get rid of all that grass. I used a shovel and a rake; took about an hour.

Use a long 2x4 and a level to check for bumps. Scrape down high spots, fill in low spots with extra soil, and tamp it down hard. I rented a hand tamper for $20 a day—worth it to get it firm.

Add 1-2 inches of sand or paver base. Rake it smooth, then tamp it again until it’s perfectly level.

Cost breakdown:

DIY: Bags of sand ($8 each) or paver base ($10 each). Rent a hand tamper for $20 a day. Total: $50-$150.
Pro: A pre-made pool pad costs around $500 (depending on size). Only worth it if you hate digging more than anything.

Step 2: Build a Small Deck (Instant Upgrade)

A deck—even a tiny one—makes your pool look polished and gives you a safe, dry spot to step in and out. And the best part? A low “floating” deck (not attached to your house) usually doesn’t need a permit. My cousin built one last summer—8x8 feet, made of pressure-treated wood—and it transformed her pool. It went from “plastic tub in the grass” to “actual pool area.”

Why it works: A deck hides the pool’s metal frame, gives you a place for chairs, and makes getting in the pool way easier (no more stepping into grass or mud!). I used to have to step from the grass into the pool—now I step from the deck. So much cleaner.

How to do it (DIY):

Design a simple rectangle or L-shape with pressure-treated 2x6 lumber (it resists rot—important for outdoor stuff). You can find free plans online, or just wing it (that’s what I did).

Lay the frame on concrete deck blocks (no digging!) and make sure it’s level. Use a level tool—don’t guess.

Add joists every 16 inches (they hold the deck boards up). Make sure they’re secure—you don’t want the deck to wobble.

Attach deck boards, leaving a 1/4-inch gap for drainage (no standing water!). I used screws, not nails—they hold better.

Cost breakdown:

DIY: Pressure-treated wood for an 8x8 deck is around $700. Want to save? Use free heat-treated pallets (just make sure they’re clean—no chemicals!). My friend did this and spent only $40 on sealant.
Pro: A small pro-built deck costs $5,000+. Ouch—stick to DIY if you can.

Step 3: Use Hardscaping to Beat the Mud

Grass around a pool is a disaster. It gets muddy, tracks into the water, and dies from chlorine. I used to spend 10 minutes every morning scooping mud out of my pool. Once I added pea gravel around the edges? No more mud. It also looks way nicer than patchy grass.

Why it’s worth it: Hardscaping (gravel, pavers, etc.) is durable, easy to clean, and cheap. It stops dirt from being tracked into the pool, and it looks put-together.

How to do it (gravel patio DIY):

Lay landscape fabric (stops weeds!) over the area. Trust me, you don’t want weeds growing through the gravel.

Add a metal or flexible edge to keep the gravel in place. I used a plastic edge—cheap and easy to install.

Pour 3-4 inches of pea gravel or crushed granite, then spread it evenly with a rake.

Cost breakdown:

DIY: Pea gravel is one of the cheap landscaping ideas for round pools—$70 per cubic yard. A 10x10 area costs around $250 (including fabric and edging).
Pro: Pavers cost about $30 per square foot installed. Nice, but not necessary if you’re on a budget.

Step 4: Add Plants in Big Containers (No Liner Risk!)

Big planters add color and life without risking your pool liner. Group them in different sizes—tall ones for privacy, medium ones for color, small ones for accents. I have three big planters by my pool—if I get bored, I just rearrange them. So easy.

Why containers are better: No invasive roots, no chlorine damage to your lawn, and you can move them if you want. I once moved my planters to the other side of the pool just because I was tired of the view. Done in 10 minutes.

How to do it (DIY):

Pick big containers (18-24 inches wide)—the bigger, the better (they hold more soil, so plants stay happy longer). Make sure they have drainage holes! No one likes a drowned plant.

Fill the bottom third with empty plastic bottles or packing peanuts—saves soil and makes the pot lighter (trust me, moving a full pot is hard!). Cover with landscape fabric so soil doesn’t fall through.

Add high-quality potting mix (cheap soil = sad plants!). I made that mistake once—bought the cheapest soil, and my plants died in a month. Spend a little extra; it’s worth it.

Use the “thriller, filler, spiller” trick: Fountain Grass (thriller), Lantana (filler), Sweet Potato Vine (spiller) is my go-to combo. It looks great all summer.

Cost breakdown:

DIY: Plastic planters cost around $50 each. Look for end-of-season sales—last fall, I got three big ones for $30 total. Starting plants from seed is even cheaper (I grew my Lantana from seed—cost $2!). Total: $400.

Step 5: Add Privacy (No More Neighbor Watch!)

Privacy makes your pool feel like a secret oasis—not a fishbowl where every neighbor can see you in your swimsuit. You don’t need a big, expensive fence, either.

Why it matters: Nothing kills relaxation like feeling like your neighbor is watching you swim while they water their lawn. A simple screen fixes that—and adds a nice backdrop.

How to do it (DIY privacy screen):

For a lattice screen: Sink 4x4 posts into planters filled with concrete (no digging holes in the ground!). I used big plastic planters—cheap and heavy enough to hold the posts.

Screw lattice panels or 1x4 boards between the posts. Paint them the same color as your deck for a cohesive look.

Or, go simpler: Use rolled bamboo fencing attached to stakes. It’s cheap ($60 per roll) and looks great. I have this—takes 30 minutes to put up, and it hides my neighbor’s fence perfectly.

Cost breakdown:

DIY: An 8-foot lattice screen costs $150. Rolled bamboo is even cheaper—$60 per roll.
Pro: A vinyl fence is $60 per linear foot installed. Save that for later if you need it.

Step 6: Hide the Pump (That Noise Is Killing the Vibe!)

The pool pump is a necessity, but it’s ugly and loud. My pump used to be right next to my lounge chair—I could barely hear my music over it. Now it’s hidden, and the backyard feels so much calmer. A simple cover fixes both problems—just make sure it has ventilation (you don’t want the pump to overheat!).

Why it’s worth it: Hiding the pump doesn’t just make the space look better—it makes it quieter. No more hum while you’re trying to read or chat with friends.

How to do it (DIY pump cover):

Build a three-sided box with weather-resistant wood (cedar or pressure-treated plywood). Make it big enough for the pump with 6 inches of space on all sides (airflow!).

Add a hinged lid so you can get to the pump for maintenance. You don’t want to have to take the whole thing apart to clean the filter.

Drill big holes or add slats to the sides—ventilation is key! I drilled 1-inch holes in the sides of mine, and the pump stays cool.

Paint or stain it to match your deck or house. I stained mine to match my deck—looks like it’s part of the setup.

Cost breakdown:

DIY: Materials for a wooden box cost $100. I used leftover wood from my deck, so I spent even less.
Pro: Pre-made resin covers are $300. Easy, but not necessary.

Step 7: Add Lights (Swim After Dark!)

Lighting turns your pool from a daytime spot to an evening hangout. It’s cheap, easy, and adds magic. I used to stop swimming when the sun went down—now I keep going until 9 PM. String lights and solar path lights make the space feel cozy, not dark and scary.

Why it works: Lights make everything feel nicer. String lights are warm and inviting, solar path lights keep walkways safe, and floating lights in the pool add a fun touch. My kids love the floating LED orbs—they look like little lanterns in the water.

How to do it (DIY):

Drape outdoor string lights (commercial-grade—they hold up to weather!) from posts, your house, or a tree. I draped mine from two posts on either side of the pool—looks like a little canopy.

Put solar path lights along walkways or around the deck—no wires, no electricity bills. I got a pack of 10 for $50 at Walmart.

Add floating LED orbs to the pool—they’re battery-powered or solar, and they look like little lanterns in the water. Mine are solar, so I don’t have to change batteries.

Cost breakdown:

DIY: Solar path lights are $50, string lights are $80. Total: $130.

Step 8: Add Accessories (The Little Things That Make It Feel Like Home)

Accessories are like the finishing touches on a room—they make it feel personal. Think outdoor rugs, pillows, and towel hooks. These little things don’t cost much, but they make a huge difference.

Why they matter: An outdoor rug defines the lounge area (no more sitting on cold concrete!). Pillows add color and comfort. Towel hooks keep towels off the ground (and out of the mud).

How to do it (DIY):

Throw an outdoor rug in the social or lounge zone—look for one that’s waterproof (rain happens!). I got a $20 rug from Target last year; it’s still going strong.

Add weather-resistant pillows and throws to chairs—Target or Walmart has cheap ones. I have two pink pillows that add a pop of color.

Install a towel rack or hooks by the ladder—no more wet towels on the grass. I used a $30 towel rack from Home Depot; it’s mounted on a post.

Add small side tables for drinks or books—thrift stores often have cheap ones (just paint them!). I found a wooden table for $10 at a yard sale, painted it blue, and it’s perfect.

Cost breakdown:

DIY: Shop end-of-season sales! I got an outdoor rug for $20, pillows for $15 each, and a towel rack for $30. Total: $300.

The Modular Oasis: Flexible, Affordable, and Genius

Here’s the best thing about Intex pools: they’re not permanent. So why build a permanent structure around them? The “Modular Oasis” approach means using things you can move or take with you—gravel, floating decks, container plants. It’s perfect if you rent, if you like to rearrange, or if you’re not sure how long you’ll keep the pool.

Sustainable hardscaping specialist Marco Diaz said it perfectly: “Why build a thousand-dollar permanent structure around a three-hundred-dollar pool? The smart money is on high-impact, low-permanence solutions. Removable decks, gravel patios, and container gardens give you a million-dollar look without the long-term commitment or cost.”

I love this because my life changes—maybe next year I’ll want to move the pool to the other side of the yard. With modular stuff, I can do that without tearing everything down. And if I move? I can take the deck, planters, and lights with me. No wasted money, no regret.

Real-Life Example: The Johnson Family’s $650 Transformation

Let me tell you about the Johnsons—they’re neighbors of a friend of mine, and their backyard was exactly like mine used to be. 800 square feet, a 15-foot Intex pool sitting on sloped, patchy grass, the pump out in the open making this loud hum, and no place to sit except a folding chair that kept sinking into the mud. They wanted to fix it, but they didn’t have a ton of cash—who does, right? So they went modular, and the result? Insane.

Their plan: Create a 350-square-foot “pool zone” using modular ideas, total budget under $750.

What they did:

Foundation: Leveled the ground with $60 worth of sand. They borrowed a tamper from a friend, so no rental cost.

Hardscaping: Made a 10x10 lounge area with pea gravel ($180 for gravel, fabric, and edging). They did it themselves in an afternoon.

Deck: Built an 8x4 landing deck from free heat-treated pallets ($40 for sealant). They found the pallets at a local hardware store—just asked nicely!

Privacy/Plants: Three big planters for $90 (hid the neighbor’s view). They used plastic planters and bought plants on sale.

Pump cover & lights: DIY cover for $60 (used leftover wood from the deck), string lights for $60.

The result: Total cost? $650. Their backyard went from messy to amazing—defined zones, no mud, a place to sit. It looks like the pool was built in, not just plopped down. They even had a pool party last month, and everyone asked who did their landscaping. They just laughed and said, “Us!”

FAQs (The Questions I Get Asked All the Time)

These are the questions my friends, neighbors, and even random people on Facebook ask me all the time. I’ve been there, so I know these are the things that stress you out.

Q: How do I keep grass and dirt out of my Intex pool?

A: Make a “no grass” buffer zone—3-4 feet around the pool with gravel, pavers, or decking. It stops dirt from being tracked in. Also, put a foot-washing basin or outdoor mat by the ladder—my kids used to run from the grass to the pool, but now they rinse their feet first. Game-changer. I got a plastic basin for $5 at Walmart; fills it with water every morning.

Q: What plants won’t mess up my pool liner?

A: Look for non-invasive roots and low-litter. Ornamental grasses (Fountain Grass, Zebra Grass), succulents (Hens and Chicks), canna lilies, and hostas are all safe. Avoid bamboo (unless it’s clumping and in a strong pot!) or willow trees—their roots are crazy. I had a friend plant bamboo near her pool, and it grew through the liner. Not fun.

Q: Can I build a deck right next to the pool?

A: Don’t let it touch the vinyl liner! The pressure will wear it out. Leave a 1-2 inch gap—enough for the pool to move a little (it does when it’s full of water!) and no rubbing. I made this mistake at first—my deck was too close, and it started to rub the liner. Had to adjust it; easy fix, but annoying.

Q: How do I level the ground if my yard is sloped?

A: For small slopes (1-2 inches), dig down the high side and use that dirt to fill the low side—tamp it hard. For bigger slopes, dig out the high side to make a flat area (called “cutting” the slope). Don’t just pile dirt on the low side—it will settle, and your pool will tilt. I had a slope of about 3 inches; dug down the high side, filled the low side, and tamped it. Worked perfectly.

Q: What’s the cheapest way to make my Intex pool look better?

A: Dark mulch! A 4-foot ring around the pool costs about $100. It covers the grass, looks clean, and makes the blue pool pop. Add solar lights for $50, and you’re done—$150 total, huge difference. My sister did this, and her pool went from “meh” to “wow” in an hour.

Q: How do I get privacy without a permanent fence?

A: Big planters with tall grasses, lattice screens, or rolled bamboo fencing. I use bamboo—it’s cheap ($60 per roll), easy to put up, and I can take it down if I want. I put stakes in the ground, attach the bamboo, and done. Looks great, and it’s not permanent.

Q: Do I need a permit for this stuff?

A: It depends on where you live. The pool itself is usually temporary (no permit), but decks over 30 inches tall or big fences might need one. Call your local building department first—my friend built a deck without a permit and had to take it down. Not worth it. I called my local office; they told me my small deck didn’t need a permit. Took 5 minutes.

Q: How do I protect plants from chlorine?

A: Keep them 3-4 feet away from the pool—most chlorine evaporates before it hits them. If there’s a lot of splashing (like after a pool party), rinse the plants with a hose later. I do this after big parties, and my plants are fine. I had a fern too close once; it turned brown. Moved it, rinsed it, and it came back.

Your Turn to Build Your Oasis

That blue Intex pool in your yard isn’t just a pool—it’s a blank canvas. You don’t need a big budget or a green thumb. You don’t even need to be good at DIY (I’m not—trust me). Start small: fix the foundation, add a gravel border, or hang some string lights. Every little step adds up.

I remember staring at my messy pool last year, thinking it would never look nice. The grass was patchy, the pump was loud, and there was nowhere to sit. Now? It’s my favorite spot. I sit there with a book after work, watch my kids swim on weekends, and have friends over for pool nights. It’s not perfect—there are a few paint chips on the deck, and one of my planters is cracked—but it’s mine. And it feels like a little piece of paradise.

Go outside, look at your space, and ask: “What’s one thing I can do this weekend?” Maybe it’s leveling the ground. Maybe it’s buying a few planters. Maybe it’s just hanging some string lights. Whatever it is, start there. You don’t have to do it all at once. Take your time, have fun with it, and remember: this is your space. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to feel like you.

Your backyard oasis is closer than you think.

From Blue Blight to Backyard Bliss: The Ultimate Guide to Intex Pool Landscaping