What Material to Put Around an Above Ground Pool

Build a deck around your pool to improve its appearance and to make it more functional, according to Backyard-Landscaping-Idea.com.

A simple ladder hung on the side of your above ground pool will suffice for getting in and out of the water, but it will not make your pool a place you and the family really want to hang out and relax. Installing a pool of any kind isn't a cheap venture, so you should make the most of it by building a deck that is level with the rim of the pool. The deck will provide easier access to the water and will provide you a place to sit.

Even if your deck does not completely surround the pool, be sure the deck design includes enough room for lounge chairs and possibly an umbrella table where family and friends can have snacks in a shady spot during breaks from the water.

Place rock or mulch around the outside of the pool anywhere that a deck isn't present. According to Shadebuilder.com, you should lay plastic sheeting down first to prevent weed growth and then cover the plastic with decorative rocks or mulch for at least 3 feet out from the pool walls.

Lava rocks and mulches are available in various hues that will make for a nice accent or you can use anything that you feel matches the decor. Any plants within the first 3 feet of the pool's wall should be in containers to prevent rooting underneath the pool's floor.

Think of your pool as your own personal oasis and a place to get away from it all. Adding tropical plants to the landscape around the pool will help with this escape from the daily grind. Just keep them at least 3 feet away from the walls to prevent rooting problems.

Tropical plants are typically able to grow well in direct sunlight, and since there is not likely to be a lot of shade on your pool these types of plants will serve you well. Plants such as banana palms give an especially tropical feel to your pool area and will grow well in many parts of the country year round. In areas further north that have colder fall and winter temperatures dig up your plants before the first frost, wrap the roots in plastic garbage bags and store them in the crawlspace under your house or in the garage. They can be replanted each year and will usually grow quite large, although many climates will not allow them to actually produce fruit.