Poolside Paradise: Above Ground Pool Decorating Ideas

If you are fortunate enough to have a swimming pool, you can make the most of your outdoor space by adding some decorative touches. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy spot for lounging or a functional area for cooking, these above ground pool decorating ideas will help you get started!

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Our Above Ground Pool Experience

Summer is one of my favorite seasons because I love the water. Whether it’s the beach, a lake, or a river, they all have a relaxing and inviting vibe. A swimming pool can provide a similar atmosphere if you add some comfort, decorations, and natural elements.

When we moved into our home, it already had a 27-foot round above-ground swimming pool with a raised deck. In my previous home, I had a smaller above-ground pool with a partial deck that extended halfway around it. This meant there was room for a surrounding landscape, where we added shrubs and perennials. 

Our first two above-ground swimming pools did not have pool lights. This newest version does, and we highly suggest you spend the extra to invest in a pool light if you are planning to use your swimming pool or outdoor living areas in the evenings. It gives a visual interest and aesthetic appeal to the whole living space, and the extra lighting makes swimming at night, well, just that much more fun.

After the winter weather ruined the 10-year-old pool at our current home, we decided to install a new above-ground pool that can withstand the harsh Maritimes winters. There is no such thing as mild winters where we live. We plan to update the furniture and decor in the surrounding areas to make the most of the pool during the summer.

This was our existing area before the pool collapsed. As we plan our above ground pool decorating ideas, we will be keeping some of the existing furniture and replacing others. 

Step by Step – Planning a Backyard Oasis

Although the following ideas were originally intended for decorating an aboveground pool, they can be easily adapted for inground pools or any backyard landscape design.

1. Financial Planning: Set an outdoor design budget

Setting a budget should be the first step when planning a home project. A budget helps you to stay on track and avoid overspending. Two options are available when deciding how much to allocate for your project.

Budgeting Option One

Option one is to set a budget based on your current financial situation. This means you’ll only use the money you have available right now to spend on your pool decorating project. This approach is ideal if you need immediate results and want to avoid taking on debt.

Setting a budget with this option allows you to prioritize the project’s most important tasks and allocate funds. This can help you avoid disappointment and stay on track with your financial goals.

Budgeting Option Two

Option two is to save up for your design plan and set your budget. This option gives you more flexibility regarding the materials or services you can invest in. Saving up for the pool decorating project can also give you time to research the best deals, which can help you make informed decisions about what to purchase.

Additionally, having a larger budget can allow you to make upgrades or changes to the project. You may not be able to do this with option one.

Both options have their benefits and drawbacks. Choosing the right one for you depends on your financial situation and the goals you have for your project. Regardless of which option you choose, setting a budget is the most important step that will help ensure the success of your project.

2. Get Inspired: Design inspiration

When creating your ideal outdoor pool space, starting with inspiration is always a great way to get started. My favorite source of inspiration is Pinterest. You can browse through various pins and get ideas for your outdoor oasis.

Think about the atmosphere you want to create, the available space, and the areas you want to decorate. Also, consider the color palette you want to bring into the area with your decor.

Once you have a general idea of what you want to achieve, you can start gathering inspiration for your space. For example, you may want to consider dividing your deck into different rooms. Each room can serve a specific purpose and add functionality to your space.

For instance, you may want to have a covered outdoor living area with a pergola or gazebo. This area can be a great place to enjoy some shade during the day.

You can also have an outdoor lounging area where you can dine during the day and relax around a fire pit in the evening. This area can be a great place to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the outdoors.

Finally, could you consider a cooking area near the entrance of your house? This area can be convenient. It lets you quickly transport food and supplies from your kitchen to the outside. You can install a grill and some storage space in this area to make it more functional.

3. Outdoor Area Assessment: Determine your needs

When you want to update your outdoor living space, take a step back and evaluate what you already have. This will help you determine what needs to be done to create your updated space. You can start by asking yourself questions to help you assess your current situation.

• Does the space need to be decluttered? This step is essential for creating a clean and functional living space. Consider getting rid of anything that is no longer useful or important to you.
• How do you want to organize and arrange your space? Pay attention to how you use the space and what you want to get out of it. This will help you determine a layout that is best for you.
• Does anything need deep cleaning or repair? This may include furniture, windows, decking, and other surfaces. Taking care of these tasks will help ensure your space is clean and comfortable.
• Does anything need to be remodeled or decorated? This step can be more involved and may require more time and resources. It will significantly impact your living space’s overall look and feel if you have to build a new deck, for example.

By asking yourself these questions and evaluating your current situation, you can determine what decorating ideas will need to be completed to create an above ground pool space you love.

3. Above-Ground Pool Design: Create a mood board

Creating a mood board for your outdoor space can help you visualize how you want the area to look and feel.

Canva is an excellent graphic design tool for this purpose. It is user-friendly and has a free version. You can create a mood board for your outdoor space or focus on a designated space or room. This will depend on your preferences and the size of your space.

Related Resource:

• Canva

Outdoor Living

This outdoor living mood board represents the inside and outside of our gazebo. I like the Adirondack chairs for people getting in and out of the pool. They will have a place to grab a towel, sit, and dry off before sitting in the shaded gazebo area.

Outdoor Living Resources

When creating your mood board, remember that it’s not about selecting specific products but capturing the mood or ambiance you want your outdoor area to have. Think about the colors, textures, and patterns you want to incorporate and how they will make you and your guests feel. Do you like the space to feel cozy and intimate or open and airy? Do you want to create a natural, organic look or a more structured and modern aesthetic?

Lounge & Relax

This area will have a large umbrella to cover the table and chairs. I would like to add a window box to our kitchen window.

We are looking at a propane-gas portable option because we don’t have space for a firepit. It was my husband’s idea, and I think it is ideal that we can bring it out in the evenings when we want to sit outside.

Lounge Area Resources

Remember that your mood board is just a starting point, and you can always make changes as you go along. For example, you may switch out a rug or add different throw pillows. The key is capturing the overall mood or feeling you want your outdoor space to have. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and inviting outdoor oasis.

Cook & Entertain

My final mood is our cooking area. It is just outside our kitchen and dining room, with access to the inside of house through a patio door . I wanted additional seating areas, and I think a bar table set is ideal for this small space.

In addition to cooking, I also like to have easy access to my herb garden. I keep it as close to the kitchen as possible, along with some vegetables in containers.

Cooking Area Resources

4. DIY Projects: An Affordable Option

In a lot of cases, you can easily try DIY projects in your outdoor space like replacing deck boards, staining and giving furniture new life with paint. These are the project ideas on our list that will help us finish our above ground pool decorating ideas within budget.

• Replacing deck boards that are rotten and staining new boards
• Adding another coat of white stain to cedar Adirondack chairs
• Refinishing old wood coffee table; changing color from white to black
• Replacing all railings
• Replacing lattice around outside of deck with framed lattice
• Building a window box
• Building outdoor planters

5. Room Dimensions: Take Measurements

If you’re looking for outdoor furniture, area rugs, or other outdoor decorations, it’s important to take a few extra steps to ensure your purchase fits into your space. The last thing you want is to deal with the hassle of returns or delays because you didn’t take the time to measure or plan.

Before making any purchases, it’s a good idea to measure the size of the area you will decorate. Consider the size of your patio, deck, or yard and any existing features like trees, shrubs, or outdoor fixtures you’ll need to work around. This will help you better understand the amount of space you have to work with and can guide your choices when selecting furniture or decor.

Taking the time to plan and measure before making any purchases may seem like a hassle, but it can save you a lot of frustration and headaches. With a little bit of preparation, you’ll be able to create an outdoor space that’s both functional and beautiful and that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Inspiration and Product Choices

I love to create a light and airy atmosphere by incorporating lighter colors with comfortable furniture and accessories. One of the best ways to do this is to use natural materials, such as wood, rattan, woven textiles, and lush greenery, to bring a natural look and a sense of warmth and coziness.

So, when brainstorming ideas for our above-ground pool decorating, I wanted my designs to blend traditional and coastal elements, creating a living space that is comfortable with a touch of elegance. 

In addition to the decor, try adding tropical plants, lots of containers with flowers and greenery. Planning well before the season will give you enough time to work on your to-do list. Then you can enjoy those hot summers and pool parties.

I hope these decorating ideas and resources were helpful with your above ground pool planning. We are excited to start the process and create a place we will enjoy all summer long!

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