You don’t need a total makeover to turn your pool area into your own private escape. With a few carefully selected elements, you can design a space that feels both upscale and welcoming.

1. Add Shrubs That Love Deserts

Desert-friendly shrubs providing a picturesque and exotic ambiance.
Desert-friendly shrubs providing a picturesque and exotic ambiance.

Plant shrubs that do well in deserts to make a pretty poolside. They’re great for hot weather and bring a bit of the exotic.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Fake Desert Bush: Add simple-care greenery to your poolside with realistic desert bushes that last all year.
  • Plant Kit for Dry Weather: Grow a lively desert escape by planting shrubs that resist dry weather around your pool space.
  • Succulent and Cactus Set: Improve your landscaping with simple-care succulents and cacti great for dry climates.

2. Add Floating Pool Decor

Whimsical floating decor adding elegance to the pool atmosphere.
Whimsical floating decor adding elegance to the pool atmosphere.

Add decor that floats like candles or plant setups. These accents add fun and class, great for special times.

You might give these a try:

  • Floating LED Lights: Brighten your pool with floating LED lights for a magical and calm feel.
  • Floating Flower Displays: Improve your pool’s elegance with floating flower displays, great for special events.
  • Inflatable Pool Lights: Add charm to your pool with inflatable lights that gently float on the water.

3. Make a Tropical Feel

Lush tropical plants creating an exotic, vacation-like poolside.
Lush tropical plants creating an exotic, vacation-like poolside.

Surround your pool with tropical plants for a rich, exotic feel. I love how these plants can take you to a vacation setting.

Consider these options:

  • Fake Palm Tree: Improve your poolside with simple-care fake palm trees for a lasting tropical vibe.
  • Bamboo Torches: Add a warm glow with bamboo torches, great for making an exotic, beach-like feel.
  • Outdoor Rattan Chairs: Chill in style with comfy rattan chairs, bringing a peaceful tropical retreat.

4. Make Useful Paths

Functional pathways enhancing both aesthetics and practicality.
Functional pathways enhancing both aesthetics and practicality.

Put down flat stones or simple paths leading to the pool. Not only do they look great, but they also make getting around the pool easier.

A few things you might like:

  • Solid Stepping Stones: Improve your poolside with strong stepping stones for easy and stylish movement.
  • Garden Path Lights: Light your steps with solar path lights, making a charming evening feel around the pool.
  • Garden Border Set: Outline your paths with flexible garden borders for a tidy, refined look.

5. Mix Materials for Fun

A unique mix of materials adding depth and interest to the pool area.
A unique mix of materials adding depth and interest to the pool area.

Mix natural and man-made stuff for a unique look. I think this mix adds depth and interest, making the pool area really pop.

Possibly handy products:

  • Composite Decking Boards: Improve your poolside with strong composite decking for a smooth, modern outdoor space.
  • Decorative River Stones: Add natural charm with decorative river stones, perfect for bright poolside landscaping.
  • LED Outdoor Wall Lights: Brighten your pool area elegantly with efficient LED outdoor wall lights.

6. Add a Water Feature

A tranquil water feature adding elegance to the pool area.
A tranquil water feature adding elegance to the pool area.

Think about adding a simple water feature like a fountain. In my designs, these things add a focal point and a sense of peace.

Give these a look:

  • Outdoor Garden Spring: Improve your poolside with an elegant spring, adding peaceful water sounds to your escape.
  • Solar-Powered Water Feature: Set up a solar water feature for an eco-friendly and calm poolside setting.
  • Multi-Level Water Spring: Add charm and class with a multi-level spring, making a stunning focal point.

7. Use Small Gravel for Texture

Pea gravel adding texture and rustic charm to the poolside.
Pea gravel adding texture and rustic charm to the poolside.

Spread small gravel around the pool for a textured, simple surface. It’s a good choice instead of grass and adds a country charm.

A few relevant products:

  • Decorative Small Gravel: Improve your pool area with decorative small gravel for a charming, country look.
  • Fabric for Landscaping: Stop weeds from growing under gravel by using strong landscape fabric for simple care.
  • Garden Edge Border: Set up garden edge borders to keep small gravel neatly in place around the pool.

8. Create Chill-Out Spots

A comfortable and inviting chill-out area by the pool.
A comfortable and inviting chill-out area by the pool.

Make comfortable spots with relaxing chairs or outside furniture for the ultimate chill-out. From my projects, I’ve noticed how these areas can turn into a beloved spot for families.

A few helpful options:

  • Outdoor Lounger Chair: Improve your pool relaxation with a fashionable lounger, great for soaking up the sun and resting.
  • Poolside Sun Protector: Add shade to your chill-out zone with a sturdy poolside sun protector, perfect for bright days.
  • Outdoor Sleeper Sofa: Make a cozy retreat with a deluxe outdoor sleeper sofa, ideal for lounging by the pool.

9. Boost Privacy with Greenery

Tall greenery providing privacy and improving the pool vibe.
Tall greenery providing privacy and improving the pool vibe.

Use bushes or high plants to give privacy without losing beauty. Privacy is key for a personal retreat, and tall greens do the job perfectly.

May just do the trick:

  • Fake Bush Sections: Create quick privacy and richness with simple, lasting fake bush sections.
  • High Garden Containers: Raise your privacy game with chic, high garden containers ideal for growing rich greens.
  • Outdoor Privacy Panels: Add beauty and seclusion to your pool space with elegant outdoor privacy panels.

10. Go Minimalist

A minimalist poolside design highlighting simplicity and sophistication.
A minimalist poolside design highlighting simplicity and sophistication.

Go for simple shapes and a tidy space surrounding your pool to create a polished look. In my experience, keeping things uncomplicated often radiates sophistication and simplifies upkeep.

These products might help:

  • Outdoor Simple Reclining Seats: Elevate your relaxation game with streamlined reclining seats. They effortlessly enhance your poolside elegance.
  • Sleek Outdoor Shade: Provide shade with a stylish shade solution. It’s perfect for creating a fashionable and cozy pool zone.
  • Modernistic Planters: Outline your space with chic planters. They bring together beauty and practicality around your pool.

11. Bring in Modern Style

A chic retreat with sleek, modern aesthetics by the pool.
A chic retreat with sleek, modern aesthetics by the pool.

Go for up-to-date designs with smooth finishes around your pool. I’ve noticed that modern looks can dramatically change an area into a trendy escape.

Some handy options:

  • Outdoor Lounger Set: Boost comfort and style by the pool with smooth, adjustable loungers ideal for relaxing.
  • LED Path Lights: Light up your pool space with efficient LED lights for a chic, modern vibe.
  • Modern Planters: Add greens with elegant planters that match your modern pool design perfectly.

12. Add a Poolside Pergola

A stylish pergola offering shade and comfort by the pool.
A stylish pergola offering shade and comfort by the pool.

Set up a pergola for shade and style. From what I’ve seen, these structures can change your pool space into a comfy escape.

Try these:

  • Outdoor Pergola Set: Improve your pool area with a stylish pergola set, adding shade and elegance to your space.
  • Pergola Cover for All Weather: Protect and make your pergola last longer with a strong all-weather cover.
  • Climbing Plants for Pergolas: Make a rich, inviting feel with climbing plants perfect for decorating your pergola.

13. Set Up Creative Lighting

Creative lighting transforming the pool area into a magical space at night.
Creative lighting transforming the pool area into a magical space at night.

Add outdoor lights to brighten the pool area at night. I’ve noticed how lighting can change an area, making it magical when it gets dark.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Solar Lamps: Improve your poolside feel with eco-friendly solar lamps for a warm, welcoming glow.
  • String Lights for Outdoors: Change your pool area with flexible string lights, making a magical evening feel.
  • LED Spotlights for Landscaping: Show off great features in your garden with adjustable LED spotlights for amazing night effects.

14. Add Natural Touches

A harmonious blend of greenery improving the poolside atmosphere.
A harmonious blend of greenery improving the poolside atmosphere.

Bring your pool space to life by adding natural touches like bushes and smaller trees. These organic elements create a balanced feel with your outdoor area, something I always find so peaceful.

Check these products out:

  • Real Evergreen Bush Plants: Boost your pool’s vibe with full shrubs, making a calm and attractive setting.
  • Outdoor Container Trees: Add class to your pool zone with potted trees, offering a fresh, natural appearance.
  • Garden Decorative Stones: Match greenery with decorative stones, presenting a stylish and natural accent by your pool.

15. Add Stone and Tile Touches

Stone and tile touches adding polish to the poolside area.
Stone and tile touches adding polish to the poolside area.

Use stone or tiling for a refined pool surround. In my designs, these materials add texture and class easily.

A few suggestions:

  • Natural Stone Pool Edging: Improve your pool’s style with natural stone edging for a smooth and strong finish.
  • Detailed Pool Tiles: Add a hint of luxury to your pool with vibrant detailed tiles, making stunning visual appeal.
  • Stone Deck Blocks: Make a sophisticated poolside with stone deck blocks for a stylish and non-slip surface.

16. Add a Fire Pit

A cozy fire pit enhancing warmth and social interactions by the pool.
A cozy fire pit enhancing warmth and social interactions by the pool.

Put a fire pit near the pool for warmth and vibe. It’s a great spot to gather that I’ve seen improves social times.

Products that could assist:

  • Round Outdoor Fire Table: Change your poolside into a cozy retreat with this amazing fire table.
  • Patio Seats for Any Weather: Improve comfort and style around your fire pit with these strong patio seats.
  • String Lights for Decor: Make a magical vibe around the pool area with charming decorative string lights.

17. Add Open Lawn Spaces

Open grassy spaces offering versatility and enjoyment.
Open grassy spaces offering versatility and enjoyment.

Add open grassy areas next to the pool for flexibility. These spots are great for activities or just soaking up the sun, something I strongly suggest for lively outdoor living.

A few choices to try:

  • Outdoor Resting Seats: Chill by the pool with comfy resting seats made for outdoor strength and style.
  • Patio Covers: Improve your poolside vibe with stylish covers giving shade and UV safety.
  • Portable Wireless Speakers: Boost poolside fun with portable speakers giving great sound and wireless ease.

18. Use Plants That Need Little Care

Low-maintenance succulents adding unique visual interest.
Low-maintenance succulents adding unique visual interest.

Pick plants that can handle dry conditions like succulents for simple care. I love how they add unique visual interest without needing constant attention.

You might like:

  • Succulent Plant Mix Pack: Add bright, simple-care succulents to your landscape for year-round beauty without constant work.
  • Cactus and Succulent Soil Blend: Make sure your succulents grow healthy with this special soil blend for best drainage.
  • Outdoor Garden Stones and Rocks: Improve your pool landscape with decorative stones, adding texture and visual interest to your garden.
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Author Anna White