20+ Ways to Style Above Ground Pools & HOW TO Create Your Own Backyard Oasis!
- Molly Ishmael
- Jun 4, 2022
- 6 min read
Years ago when we first met, my husband had a home with a beautiful in-ground pool overlooking a lake. We loved it. He used to take a quick dip on his lunch break. After work, we would relax with our feet in the water for hours, only going back inside to refill a cold beverage. Yes, we were living the life! But since then, we just haven't lived in the type of housing that would support a full-blown pool, not to mention we've moved a lot so we never invested in one since. As we think about our next place, however, and as the summer temps continue to climb, the crystal clear waters of a cool, refreshing pool look more and more tempting.
Could a quick solution be... an above ground pool?! A friend and I were chatting online the other day about the cost of in-ground pools (starting around 50k+ last time I checked in our previous neighborhood) and how many people are getting creative with above ground pools these days. They're becoming more chic by the day, if Instagram is any gauge! And considering they can be installed for a fraction of the price - as in, starting at a few hundred dollars - there is no end to the ways to make an above ground pool your own! Have your savings and style it too with these fashionable ideas!
Photo credit: Stock Tank Pools (Instagram account)
While we don't have immediate plans for a pool in the new house, I'm not ruling it out, either. Someday we may take the plunge (see what I did there?) and then we'll have to make the decision which way to go, above ground or in-ground. For those of you also considering above ground options, here are some pretty fantastic ways to style a budget-friendly pool. And if you already have one, you're already well on your way to an even more fabulous backyard!
Stylish reed fencing.
Photo credit: Amazon customer review of an above ground pool and how she styled hers.
Colorful pennant bunting is sure to spruce up any summer patio.
Above Ground Pool Options
Of course, there are multiple options for above ground pools. One lady on Amazon showed off her pool, which started as a typical above ground version, that she styled with with reed fencing, tropical flowers and colorful accessories to create an outdoor oasis in her tiny concrete back patio area (above).
DIY Pool Ideas:
There are no shortage of DIY pool ideas from stock tanks to feeder troughs; one man even repurposed a dumpster! Check out his creative story here:
Stock Tank Pool:
For a more turn-key option, consider a "Cowboy Pool" made out of a stock tank. You'll still need a filter and chlorine float, but the tank itself costs around $600 at Tractor Supply (more sizes available):
Standard Above Ground Pool:
For a more traditional option, try this attractive 12' version that includes a filter; currently priced at $266.
Photo Credit: Unknown / Google image
Whatever type of container you get, most pool owners agree, definitely add a filter system or those tantalizing crystal clear waters won't be clear for long. Filters are only a few hundred dollars, in most cases.
Set the mood right away with an outdoor welcome sign.
No matter which type you choose, thankfully, gone are the days where having an above ground pool means that your backyard has to LOOK like you saved money (even though you did)! Scroll down for 20 more ideas of how to build and style your very own backyard oasis!
1. Create Luxury with Natural Wood
Photo Credit: Decombo.com
I challenge anyone to call this above ground pool anything but fabulous! With beautiful custom decking and cozy lounge cushions everywhere you look, not to mention lush greenery in the background, this refreshing oasis definitely deserves to be called one of the most stylish we've seen.
Classic teak sling chairs.
2. Make a Splash with Color
Photo credit: Erin Barrett of "Sunwoven" Instagram account.
This is definitely my spirit patio. I can totally see myself and my mini-me lounging by this DIY stock tank pool in our vintage mumus and oversized sunglasses.
Outdoor wire chair set.
3. Set the Mood with Outdoor Lighting
Photo Credit: Decombo.com
Two different wood types and tasteful outdoor lighting create a real ambience of luxury for this affordable small above ground option. After all, pools don't have to be huge to be fun and refreshing.
Solar outdoor spotlights.
4. Go Boho with Lots of Plants & Pillows
Photo credit: Motherly via Pinterest
There's something comfortable about earthy elements, isn't there? Boho style pool decks can give the impression of cozy glamping in your own backyard, and I'm here for it!
Boho-style outdoor pillow covers.
5. Enjoy Old-World Charm with an Ivy Wall
Photo credit: ArchitectureArtsDesigns.com
And if you don't want to deal with live ivy, just buy these faux ivy panel and add a charming cottage vibe practically anywhere!
Faux boxwood wall panels.
6. Add Classic Pool Signage
Photo credit: Stocktankpool.net via Pinterest
Add to the vintage charm of the look above with a metal pool sign like this one available on Amazon:
A personalized sign makes a great gift for your pool-owner friends.
7. Keep Privacy in Mind
Photo credit: RandolphSunoco.com
Part of the trick to creating a luxurious feeling with an above ground pool is to style the surrounding area, the patio, landscaping, and even the view in the distance is important! If you don't have a great view, no worries - add a privacy wall with shrubbery just like in the photo above.
A planter & privacy screen all in one.
8. Add a Fun Float
Photo credit: HGTV
One of my favorite things in these photos are the big colorful floats. I can just imagine lounging in a flamingo inner tube with a chilled bevie in one hand and a bag of coconut chips in the other... Okay, maybe I'm just hungry for snacks!
Swan float.
9. Consider a Rectangular Shape
Photo credit: ThePoolCo.com.au
If you build a surround and cover it in tile, your above ground will look like it's in-ground, anyway - especially if you go with a rectangular shape versus the more typical round versions.
Rectangular Pool: various sizes available.
10. Use a Classic Umbrella
Photo credit: HGTV
This stock tank pool looks extra-sharp with a simple black finish against terra cotta-colored patio pavers. This look is complimented by any color umbrella or a classic black & white striped look.
Black & white stripe umbrella.
11. Go Small in Size (and Big on Style)
Photo credit: Stock Tank House
Having a tiny outdoor space doesn't have to preclude you from making a big splash! The sky's the limit for how you can style even the tiniest pools, including decorating the pool itself, building a backyard bar, or even something so simple as floating lotus candles.
No matter the pool type, these floating lotus candles will look amazing.
12. Wrap the Pool in Rolled Fencing
Photo credit: Shelterness
This homeowner styled their pool with white reed wrap. You can employ this attractive tactic for multiple types of above ground pools.
You could paint this reed fencing white or leave it natural.
13. Keep it Shady
Photo credit: The Spruce
Simple textiles can make a huge difference not only in the ambience of any space, but also in comfort. Curtains especially provide welcome relief on a hot, sunny day.
Outdoor curtains.
14. Take Advantage of Your Uneven Backyard
Photo credit: Cuckoo 4 Design
This DIY homeowner partially dug-in their above ground pool to work seamlessly with their hilly backyard. She wrote a really helpful blog post on exactly how they did it, if you're interested:
Bamboo decorative fencing.
15. Paint Your Pool for the Win
Photo credit: HGTV
Why choose one color theme when you can have them all? Using white as a canvas, this homeowner painted fun rainbow stripes on the sides of their stock tank pool and topped it off with a classic white umbrella.
White fringed umbrella.
16. Try a Geometric Stencil
Photo credit: Stock Tank Pool Authority via MyDomaine.com
I can't think of many more charming ways to upgrade a simple stock tank pool than stenciling the exterior with outdoor waterproof paint! Add a couple of potted plants and an outdoor rug and presto! You, my friend, have style.
Fashionable outdoor rug by Safavieh.
17. Remember the Winter Weather
Photo credit: Stock Tank Pool Authority
There are simple heater kits for sale or you could just buy a hot tub to begin with. Accessorized correctly, hot tubs can escape their 1980s cheesy reputation and make their way into 2020s current charm!
Cheerful metal bench available in 9 colors.
18. Build it Like a Barrel
Photo credit: Shelterness
This Scandinavian-style pool looks like a giant barrel and I'm loving it. Custom builds and thoughtful touches look so amazing even in the smallest of outdoor spaces!
Tiki torches set the mood - and repel pesky bugs.
19. Turn on the Tunes
Photo credit: H2O Tank Avenue (Instagram account)
Imagine relaxing in the pool above with a glass of something chilled and your favorite mellow jam in the background. I can hardly think of anything more relaxing!
Waterproof bluetooth speaker.
20. Jump in and Have a Ball!
Photo credit: H2O Tank Avenue (Instagram account)
Well, you've built your pool, accessorized it to the max, and now you're ready to par-tay! It looks like there's nothing left to do but toss in a few beach balls and have a blast.
Flamingo beach ball.
Well, it looks like I've pretty much convinced myself to try a creative above ground option sooner rather than later. What about you? Who already has a pool, whatever type, and how do you feel about these ideas? Can't wait to hear from you soon!
With Love,
Molly
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