Pool Landscaping Ideas for Every Backyard: 41 Inspiring Designs for Above Ground and Inground Pools

A beautifully landscaped backyard turns an ordinary swimming area into a personal retreat. Whether you dream of a lush tropical escape, a simple country haven, or a stylish Australian-inspired layout, thoughtful design makes all the difference. From above ground to inground setups, pool landscaping enhances your outdoor ground while adding comfort and value. Below are ten unique design ideas for pools of every size — even a small backyard.

1. Tropical Paradise Around Your Pool

Bring island life home with a tropical design. Surround your swimming area with vibrant plants, palms, and bamboo to create an exotic atmosphere around your pool. Add rattan furniture and warm lighting for evening relaxation. Many Australian homeowners love this style for its breezy, resort-like feel that brings vacation vibes to everyday life.

2. Minimalist Zen for a Simple Escape

A simple minimalist design focuses on balance and tranquility. Use light stone tiles and clean lines around your inground pool for a calming atmosphere. Add a few sculptural plants or bonsai to complement the serenity. This approach, popular in Mediterranean and Japanese spaces, turns your backyard into a peaceful retreat where less truly feels like more.

3. Country Charm with Rustic Touches

A country pool design blends nostalgia and comfort. Think weathered wood decks, vintage lanterns, and wildflowers around the swimming area. Using a stock tank pool adds rural charm, especially in a small backyard. Rustic design ideas like these make outdoor living inviting and authentic, perfect for those who love cozy farmhouse aesthetics.

4. Mediterranean Elegance for Relaxed Luxury

Inspired by the Mediterranean coast, this design features terracotta tiles, stone walls, and olive plants. The look suits both above ground and inground pools. Add lavender for color and scent, creating a timeless, sun-kissed ambiance. Designers at Better Homes & Gardens highlight how this style merges rustic beauty with relaxed sophistication.

5. Desert Modern Oasis

A desert-themed design is perfect for dry regions. Use gravel ground, cacti, and succulents around your Intex or plunge pool for a bold, modern aesthetic. This low-maintenance look pairs well with Australian architecture and mid-century influences, offering both beauty and practicality under the sun.

6. Cozy Small Backyard Retreat

A small backyard doesn’t mean small style. Compact plunge or Intex pools framed by vertical plants or wooden privacy walls make the space inviting. Add soft lighting and light-colored paving to visually expand the area. These design ideas prove you can create serenity even in tight urban settings.

7. Classic Kidney-Shaped Pool Revival

The kidney shape is making a stylish comeback. This retro design brings smooth, natural curves around the backyard pool. Pair it with tropical plants, patterned tiles, or a fire pit for a vintage-meets-modern vibe. Designers from HGTV note its enduring charm for homeowners who love mid-century flair.

8. Round Above Ground Delight

A round above ground pool adds joy and function to any backyard. Use wooden decking around the pool and layers of plants for a natural transition to the landscape. Add colorful umbrellas for playful contrast. With thoughtful design above ground, this setup becomes as elegant as any traditional pool.

9. Elegant Inground Perfection

For timeless luxury, ideas inground pools are unbeatable. Combine sleek stone design with manicured hedges for a refined finish. Add LED lighting or a water feature to elevate nighttime elegance. Experts from Architectural Digest recommend neutral palettes for this polished look.

10. Backyard Above Ground Stock Tank Trend

The backyard above ground stock tank pool is a fun, affordable trend sweeping across America. Use gravel ground, potted plants, and string lights around it for a warm, country charm. This design blends simplicity and creativity — perfect for summer lounging without breaking the bank.

11. Modern Plunge Pool with Sleek Design

A plunge pool with a modern design is perfect for compact spaces. Use dark stone around the pool and minimalistic lighting for an elegant finish. Even in a small backyard, a sleek inground setup feels luxurious and intimate, ideal for cooling off after a long day.

12. Australian Coastal Retreat

Inspired by Australian coastal homes, this design combines sand-colored tiles, ocean-blue tones, and native plants. Add driftwood accents and a breezy pergola around your swimming area to recreate that seaside feel. It’s a fresh, airy approach that works beautifully for above ground pools too.

13. Elevated Deck Around an Above Ground Pool

Transform your above ground pool with a raised wooden deck. This design creates a resort-like vibe, blending the pool into the backyard landscape. Add steps, loungers, and decorative plants to complete the scene — one of the most practical design ideas for modern homes.

14. Lush Green Haven for Relaxation

Turn your pool into a green sanctuary. Layer tropical plants, hanging vines, and ground ferns around your swimming area. This natural design cools the air and creates privacy. It’s a favorite idea among those seeking calm, eco-friendly living in their backyard.

15. Family-Friendly Backyard Playground

If you have kids, think safety and fun first. Create a backyard with soft turf around your pool, add colorful accessories, and maybe even a shallow plunge section. This simple design invites play and relaxation — the perfect balance for a family space.

16. Desert Chic with Stone and Sand

Merge desert beauty and modern design with natural stone, sand, and drought-resistant plants. A small backyard inground pool surrounded by cacti and pebbles offers a timeless, low-water aesthetic. It’s simplicity redefined — warm, durable, and stylish.

17. Mediterranean Courtyard Escape

Imagine a private Mediterranean courtyard with arches, clay pots, and climbing vines around your pool. This classic design works well for both above ground and inground setups. Add a rustic fountain and wrought-iron chairs for that European villa charm.

18. Country Meadow Poolside

Combine a country garden feel with soft wildflowers and stone edging around your swimming area. Use a stock tank or round above ground pool to complete the rustic look. This design celebrates nature’s simplicity and countryside peace.

19. Modern Geometric Inground Pool

For a striking statement, try a geometric inground design. Sharp lines, square shapes, and polished concrete around the pool create a bold, modern aesthetic. Add LED lights for an evening glow — sleek and sophisticated.

20. Backyard Fire and Water Harmony

Combine fire and water for dramatic contrast. A fire pit around your pool adds warmth and ambiance, creating an unforgettable backyard design. Pair it with simple plants and natural stone for balance. This style merges elegance with elemental energy.

21. Hidden Garden Oasis

Turn your small backyard into a secluded paradise. Enclose your plunge or Intex pool with dense plants, bamboo screens, and natural decking. This design creates privacy and calm — a secret escape just steps from your door.

Conclusion

Pool landscaping combines creativity and personal style. From Mediterranean grace to simple country charm, there’s a design for every taste and backyard size. Share your favorite ideas in the comments below — we’d love to hear which plunge, tropical, or above ground look inspires your dream pool setup.