20+ Above Ground Pool Ideas That You Can DIY and Make at Home

Summer comes crawling in and suddenly everyone wants water. Not just a sip, not just a shower—nope, we want a whole pool. But here’s the catch. In-ground pools? They cost a fortune, a headache of construction, and usually you gotta wait half a season before you even dip a toe. That’s where above ground pools step in like unsung heroes. Affordable, doable, and believe it or not—you can actually build or dress them up yourself.

The thing is, above ground pools can look kinda… plain. Almost like giant water buckets stuck in the yard. But with a little effort and a lot of imagination, you can make yours into something charming, even beautiful. Like a backyard getaway without booking flights.

Here’s 20+ above ground pool ideas you can DIY and not just make at home, but also brag about.

1. A Wooden Deck Wraparound

Imagine your pool floating in the yard, just sitting there. Now imagine a snug deck wrapping all the way around it, like a warm hug of wood. Suddenly the pool doesn’t look like a cheap store buy, it looks intentional.

Decking can be as simple as a small platform on one side or as fancy as a full circle. You don’t need a huge budget either—pressure-treated wood or even pallets (with sanding, please, for your feet’s sake) can work wonders. Once you slap on some chairs, a side table, maybe a big umbrella, your backyard looks straight out of a magazine.

And here’s the best part—no muddy feet stepping into the pool. That deck is not just pretty, it’s practical.

2. Stone or Brick Skirting

Plastic pool walls are fine, but they scream store-bought. Covering the outside with stone veneer, brick, or even faux panels instantly shifts the vibe. The pool turns from “oh hey neighbor” to “wow, backyard oasis.”

You don’t even need real stone masonry skills for this one. A lot of lightweight panels today are made for DIYers. Glue them, nail them, or screw them into a wooden frame around the pool. Done. It’s like dressing your pool in a tuxedo.

It’s heavier work, yeah, but the transformation feels worth it. You’ll stare at it twice as long as you swim in it.

3. Pool with a Pergola Top

Ever sit in a pool, squinting against the noon sun? Not fun. Build a pergola right next to, or even partly over, the pool. Shade when you want it, open sky when you don’t.

Pergolas can be simple—four posts and slats across the top. Or you can let vines grow on them, string fairy lights, or hang a swinging chair nearby. Suddenly, the pool is not just water, it’s a whole experience.

And yeah, friends will keep asking, “did you hire someone for this?” and you can sip your iced tea and say nope, did it myself.

4. Pallet Paradise Pool

Let’s get scrappy. Pallets are everywhere—sometimes free, sometimes dirt cheap. People have built whole houses from them, so yeah, you can build a pool wall too.

The idea is simple: create a circle (or square) with pallets, strap or bolt them together, line the inside with a heavy-duty pool liner, and fill. It’s rustic, raw, and surprisingly sturdy if you reinforce well. Add a few coats of waterproof seal and maybe a nice stain, and it stops looking like wood scraps.

This is the pool that makes guests say, “wait, you built this… out of what?”

5. Container Pool Conversion

Old shipping containers are having a design moment. People live in them, make cafes out of them, and yep—swim in them. A container pool is basically cutting the top, sealing it up inside, and dropping in a liner or waterproof coat.

It’s modern, industrial, and has a kind of sleek vibe you won’t get from store kits. Plus, these things are already strong steel boxes, so structurally, you’re golden.

The challenge is getting one to your house, but if you live anywhere semi-rural, it’s doable. Imagine saying, “yeah, that used to cross the ocean with cargo, now I swim in it.” That’s a story right there.

6. Semi-Buried Pool with Landscaping

One trick to make an above ground pool feel more natural is… well, hide it. Dig it down a bit, not fully, just enough that part of it sits in the earth. Then pile soil or stone around the sides and blend with landscaping.

Plant some shrubs, maybe toss in a rock border, and suddenly the pool feels like it grew there. It stops being “that thing we bought” and turns into “our backyard pond, except cleaner and chlorinated.”

Even partial burying makes getting in and out easier. No ladders wobbling around. You just step in like it was built for you (which, technically, it was).

7. Above Ground Pool with Raised Garden Beds

Here’s where practicality and pretty shake hands. Build garden beds around your pool, either flush with the walls or raised slightly above. Herbs, flowers, maybe even tomatoes if you’re cheeky.

Now, every time you step out of the water, you’re surrounded by green. It feels alive. It feels intentional. You could be in Tuscany or some fancy resort, except it’s just your backyard and some wood planks.

And the bonus—plants help soften the pool look. No more harsh metal or plastic sides glaring at you. Just lush greenery hugging the water.

8. Poolside Lounge Area

A pool without a lounging space is like a sandwich with no filling. Sure, the bread’s fine, but where’s the flavor? Dedicate one side of the pool to lounging. Build a mini platform, toss on a few outdoor cushions, maybe even a hammock.

DIY doesn’t have to mean complicated carpentry. Sometimes just arranging pallets into a sofa, covering them with fabric, and setting them beside the pool transforms the vibe.

Suddenly, you’re not just swimming—you’re lounging, sunbathing, napping. Basically, vacationing without boarding a plane.

9. Rustic Stock Tank Pool

This idea blew up on social media for a reason. Stock tanks, the round galvanized steel tubs used for farm animals, make amazing pools. Strong, durable, and surprisingly stylish in a farmhouse-chic way.

All you do is clean one out, add a pump and filter, fill with water. That’s it. You’ve got yourself a plunge pool that looks straight out of a lifestyle magazine.

Paint the outside, build a small deck around it, or just leave it raw metal—it looks good either way. And it’s cheap, compared to full kits.

10. Light it Up—DIY Pool Lighting

What good’s a pool if it disappears when the sun does? Lighting takes any above ground pool from “fun” to “magical.” And you don’t need to call an electrician either.

Solar-powered string lights draped around a pergola, waterproof LED strips tucked under a deck edge, even floating pool lights that bob around while you swim at night. It all adds a vibe.

The trick is not overdoing it. A few warm lights make the water glow like a lantern in the dark. Add a fire pit nearby, and you’ve got the ultimate evening hangout.

11. Floating Deck Around Pool

Think of it like a deck… but floating. Literally, you build a small platform that sits on top of water near the edge. It moves a little when you step, making your pool feel playful and fun.

You can make it from foam blocks under wooden planks. Add some waterproof cushions, maybe a small table, and you’ve got a bar floating on your backyard water. It’s whimsical, and people will ask, “is that safe?” You smile and say, “yep, DIY magic.”

12. Bamboo Privacy Fence

If your pool is in plain sight, a bamboo fence gives instant privacy and tropical vibes. Cheap, lightweight, and easy to DIY. Just tie panels or poles to stakes around the pool’s perimeter.

Bonus: the rustling of bamboo in the wind makes it feel like a mini resort. Plant a few flowers or climbers in front, and suddenly your pool is a secret garden.

13. Pool with a Slide Built from Scrap Wood

Slides scream “fun” and they can be DIY without being unsafe. You don’t need fancy metal or plastic—scrap wood, waterproof paint, and a little planning is enough.

Even a small incline makes kids (and adults, let’s be honest) giggle with delight. Anchor it well, smooth the edges, add a non-slip coating, and your backyard is basically a waterpark.

14. Inflatable Canopy Dome

Sick of leaves, sunburn, or random debris falling in? An inflatable canopy dome can cover your above ground pool. They’re easy to set up, portable, and give your pool a futuristic, cozy vibe.

Imagine swimming under a transparent dome on a rainy day. It’s like being inside a tiny greenhouse, but water-filled. Adds instant “wow factor” without heavy construction.

15. Mosaic Tile Pool Rim

Okay, this one takes a bit of patience but is stunning. Glue mosaic tiles along the top rim of your pool. It’s colorful, shiny, and completely customizable.

You can spell words, make patterns, or just go wild with abstract colors. The effect? Looks way more expensive than it actually is. And trust me, little hands dipping in the water love the sparkle.

16. Hanging Planters Above Pool

Vertical gardening isn’t just for tiny spaces. Hang planters from a pergola, trellis, or even DIY poles around your pool. Flowers, herbs, or trailing plants give you greenery without taking poolside space.

You lean back in the water, petals dangling above, water sparkling below. It’s immersive and kinda romantic in a lazy Sunday way. Plus, it’s surprisingly cheap and low-maintenance.

17. Pool with an Attached Hot Tub Corner

Why settle for just cool water when you can have warm too? Build a small, raised corner hot tub next to your above ground pool. You can DIY using wooden framing, a liner, and a heater system.

It’s perfect for evening dips. Kids get the pool, adults get the tub, everyone’s happy. Adds a luxury touch to a budget-friendly pool setup.

18. DIY Rope Ladder Entry

Instead of boring ladders, try a rope ladder. Hang it securely on a strong frame or from the pool rim. It’s playful, functional, and adds an adventure vibe.

This works especially well for older kids or teenagers. You can even swing off it like Tarzan if you’re feeling daring. The pool becomes a little jungle gym, not just a water pit.

19. Reflective Mirror Panels Around Pool

Weird? Maybe. Stunning? Absolutely. Attach reflective panels or mirrored sheets to the sides of your pool. Light bounces off, the pool seems bigger, and the whole backyard gets a glowy, airy feel.

DIY-wise, adhesive mirrors or acrylic sheets work. Just be careful about angles, sharp edges, and safety. The final effect feels modern and artsy, like a tiny installation in your backyard.

20. Rustic Wagon or Cart Pool Deck

Think old-timey wooden wagon wheels or repurposed carts. You can build a small deck platform that mimics a wagon attached around the pool edge.

It gives the pool a rustic, farmhouse charm. Add some old barrels as planters, and you’ve got a vibe that’s part water fun, part vintage fair. People will definitely snap pics for Instagram here.

Final Thoughts

So there you go. Ten above ground pool ideas that don’t require calling in a construction team or draining your bank account. Each one has its own flavor—rustic, modern, cozy, or creative. And they’re all doable if you’ve got a free weekend, some tools, and a bit of imagination.

The best part? None of these feel temporary. They don’t scream “cheap summer fix.” With the right tweaks, they feel like part of your home, part of your lifestyle. And that’s the sweet spot—making your backyard not just livable but lovable.

And let me just say this. The first time you dip into cool water on a blazing hot day, knowing you built or designed that spot yourself? That’s pride you can’t buy. And honestly, it makes the lemonade taste better too.