I’ll admit it—I’m the laziest above ground pool owner I know. Give me a floatie and a sunny day, sure, but ask me to spend hours weeding around my pool? Nope, not happening. That’s why I’m obsessed with above ground pool landscaping that’s cheap and doesn’t need babysitting. My first pool looked like a lonely island in a sea of dirt until I figured out low-maintenance above ground pool landscaping—now it’s my pride and joy, and I barely lift a finger.
Stick with me, and I’ll share my no-sweat secrets—how I keep above ground pool landscaping projects low-budget, low-fuss, and still looking sharp. We’re talking hacks that won’t drain your wallet, ideas that don’t demand constant TLC, and a few “why didn’t I do this sooner” wins I’ve stumbled into. Whether you’re broke, busy, or both (hi, me!), I’ve got your back. Let’s make your pool a chill zone you love—without the work. Ready to kick back and landscape smart?
Summary: Your Lazy Guide to Above Ground Pool Landscaping Perfection
Hey, fellow pool slackers! I’m all about landscaping around above ground pools without the hassle or high costs—my yard’s proof you can keep it cheap and easy. This guide’s my stash of low maintenance landscaping around above ground pools—think $50 fixes that last. Cheap above ground pool landscaping and above ground pool landscaping ideas on a budget are my game, from gravel to succulents. I’ve ditched the sweat for smart hacks, and I’m spilling it all so you can too. Let’s make your pool a low-fuss stunner—ready to chill?
Looking for inspiration to design your pool area? Check out these Above Ground Pool Ideas.
Comparison Table Lazy Landscaping Hacks: My Quick Rundown
I’ve tossed around a bunch of ideas, so here’s a table to pin ‘em down—straight from my no-sweat playbook. These are my cheap above ground pool landscaping and low maintenance landscaping around above ground pool faves, sized up by cost and effort. Pick what fits your vibe!
| Idea | Cost | Effort Level | Why I Dig It | Catch |
| Succulents | $10-$20 | Low | Tough, cute, zero care | Slow to spread—be patient |
| Gravel Strip | $15-$25 | Low | Clean look, no weeds | Thin layer—don’t skimp |
| Artificial Turf | $20-$40 | Low | Green forever, no mowing | Fades eventually—cheap fix |
| Perennial Herbs | $5-$15 | Low | Smells great, bug-proof | Takes a season to fill in |
| Stepping Stones | Free-$20 | Medium | Simple path, mud-free | Scrounging takes time |
My Pick: Succulents and gravel—$35 and done. Low cash, low work, big win. What’s your lazy fave?
Table of Contents
The Low-Fuss Mindset on Above Ground Pool Landscaping
I’ve got a confession: I’d rather nap by my pool than slave over it. That’s why low-maintenance landscaping around above-ground pools is my gospel. I want it to look good, sure, but I’m not about to turn my backyard into a second job. My early pool days were a disaster—overgrown grass, endless trimming, and zero relaxation. Then I had a lightbulb moment: cheap above-ground pool landscaping doesn’t have to mean high effort. It’s all about working smarter, not harder, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
The Secret? A Low-Maintenance Mindset
The trick is to pick plants and materials that thrive on neglect—think “set it and forget it.” My buddy once blew $50 on delicate flowers that died in a month. Me? I spent $10 on creeping thyme, and it’s been chilling ever since. Low-budget, low-fuss poolscaping lets me enjoy my yard, not battle it. Trust me, once you go easy, you won’t go back.
A well-maintained pool is key to enjoying your landscaping. Learn more in our Above Ground Pool Maintenance Guide.
Cheap Above-Ground Pool Landscaping: My Go-To Hacks
I’m all about landscaping on a budget that doesn’t leave me broke or busy. After trial and error (mostly error), I’ve locked down these foolproof hacks for keeping my pool area looking sharp without much effort. No mulch overload—just fresh ideas that work.
1. Groundcover Plants (Effort: Minimal | Cost: $8-$15)
✅ Creeping thyme spreads slow, stays low, and covers dirt like a champ.
✅ It’s drought-resistant and needs next to no upkeep.
2. Gravel Borders (Effort: One-Time Setup | Cost: $15-$25)
✅ A simple gravel ring around the pool stops weeds and gives a clean, modern look.
✅ It’s weed-proof, low-cost, and lasts forever.
3. DIY Walkways (Effort: Easy | Cost: Free to $10)
✅ Scored old patio tiles from my neighbor’s trash and created a sleek walkway.
✅ If you don’t want to buy stones, use wood slices or stepping pavers.
4. Fake Plants That Fool Everyone (Effort: None | Cost: $5-$10)
✅ Dollar store trick: $5 for artificial flowers in pots—stick them in the ground, and boom, instant decor.
✅ They never wilt, fade, or demand watering.
All these hacks cost me under $30 total—proof that cheap above-ground pool landscaping can still impress. What’s your budget-friendly trick?
Landscaping Around Above-Ground Pools: Simple Looks I Dig
Landscaping around above-ground pools doesn’t have to be overcomplicated. The first time I tried? Total disaster—too many ideas, zero execution. Now, I focus on simple designs that make a big impact without a ton of effort.
1. Gravel Strip with Stepping Stones
💰 Cost: $20 for pea gravel + free stones I had lying around.
✅ Creates a clean path, no mud, and looks intentional.
2. Ornamental Grasses for Framing
💰 Cost: $12 for a single pot (split into three).
✅ Low-maintenance, adds a natural, stylish vibe, and grows back every year.
3. Rope Fence for a Rustic Look
💰 Cost: $10 for thick rope + wooden stakes.
✅ Zero maintenance, budget-friendly, and keeps the space defined.
The key? Small, simple upgrades that make your pool look polished. Landscaping doesn’t have to be exhausting—it’s about little wins that feel big.
Low-Maintenance Landscaping: My Set-It-and-Forget-It Picks
I’m a sucker for low-maintenance landscaping because, let’s be real—I’d rather float than fight weeds. After years of high-maintenance failures (RIP, my sad rose bush), I finally figured out which plants and materials won’t waste my time.
1. Succulents (Effort: Zero | Cost: $10-$20)
✅ Tough as nails. No water, no fuss.
✅ Planted once, still thriving years later.
2. Artificial Turf (Effort: One-Time Setup | Cost: $20-$40)
✅ Looks green year-round, no mowing required.
✅ Laid a 6-foot strip and never looked back.
3. Perennial Herbs (Effort: Minimal | Cost: $5-$10 per pot)
✅ Lavender smells amazing, repels bugs, and keeps growing.
✅ No watering, no pruning—just plant and let it do its thing.
If it needs me daily, I don’t want it. This setup lets me kick back while my yard stays sharp.
Cost Breakdown & Tricks to Stay Cheap and Easy
I’m all about keeping my pool area looking great without spending a fortune. Over the years, I’ve figured out which landscaping tricks give me the most bang for my buck.
💰 Succulents: $10-$20 for a starter pack—plant once, forget about them.
💰 Gravel: $15-$25 per bag—stops weeds, lasts forever.
💰 Artificial Turf: $20-$40 for a small roll—no mowing, ever.
💰 Lavender & Perennial Herbs: $5-$10—bonus bug repellent.
Tricks I Swear By:
✔️ Scavenge first. I scored free stepping stones from a buddy’s yard.
✔️ Buy small. Tiny plants grow fast—why pay extra?
✔️ Check clearance sections. Found $2 turf scraps that worked perfectly.
✔️ Skip the watering can. Pick plants that thrive on neglect.
With all these tricks, I keep my landscaping costs under $50-$100 total. Cheap, easy, and my pool’s still the star.
What’s your best budget landscaping hack?
Final Thoughts: The Lazy Genius Approach to Pool Landscaping
The secret to effortless pool landscaping? Pick the right plants and materials, lay them down once, and let them do the work. No fancy upkeep, no constant watering, just a backyard that stays beautiful while you relax.
If you’ve been burned by expensive, high-maintenance landscaping before—trust me, I’ve been there. But with these budget-friendly tricks, you’ll have a poolside paradise without the headache.
Now tell me—what’s your pool’s blank canvas begging for?
Wrapping It Up: Your Chill Pool Paradise
So, that’s my whole lazy-genius guide to low-budget, low-fuss landscaping for above ground pools—everything I’ve learned from dodging yard work and still loving my pool setup. Landscaping around above ground pools doesn’t need to be a grind; my cheap above ground pool landscaping hacks—like gravel and succulents—prove it. Low maintenance landscaping around above ground pools is my jam too—turf and lavender keep it sharp with zero effort. I’m grinning every time I see my no-sweat oasis.
Here’s my push: start easy. Grab a $10 plant or a bag of gravel—above ground pool landscaping ideas on a budget don’t get simpler. I’m sticking with my $50 combo—succulents, a turf strip, and a few herbs—because it’s cheap, it’s chill, and it works. You don’t need much to make your pool shine; a little goes a long way when it’s low-fuss. Now it’s your shot—hit the store, raid your shed, or just sip lemonade and plan it out. I’m betting once you try this, you’ll be floating in peace all summer. What’s your first lazy landscaping win?
If you’re considering a pool, start with our Above Ground Pools Guide.
Conclusion: Your Pool, Your Easy Way
That’s my full lazy-man’s guide to landscaping around above ground pools—cheap above ground pool landscaping and low maintenance landscaping around above ground pools, all in one. I’ve swapped hours of yard work for above ground pool landscaping ideas on a budget that let me float instead—succulents, turf, a little gravel, and I’m set for under $100. My pool’s a chill paradise now, and I’m loving every low-effort second of it.
Your move! Snag some $5 herbs or a $20 turf roll—start small, keep it simple. I’m kicking back, smug as ever, and I want you there too. Low-fuss, low-cost, and all yours—what’s your pool getting first?
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Author Disclaimer:
Rudy James Stankowitz here, a pool industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in pool operations, safety, and water quality. As the editor and author for pool-related content on poolaura, I aim to provide reliable, practical advice for pool design, maintenance, and cleaning. Please note, this content is for general guidance only—consult a professional for personalized solutions. For more, visit our Contact Us page.
