Easy DIY Oval Above Ground Pools That Look Custom Built and Beautifully Styled
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An above ground pool doesn’t have to look like an afterthought. With a few smart design choices and hands-on creativity, it’s possible to turn a basic oval above ground pool into a stunning backyard feature that looks professionally built. And the best part? You don’t need a massive budget or a team of contractors to make it happen.
More homeowners are turning to DIY solutions for outdoor upgrades, with above ground pool installations ranking among the top summer projects. According to a 2023 home trends report, interest in “affordable custom pool design” has surged by 42%, driven by rising costs of in-ground pools and a growing desire for aesthetic outdoor living.
Oval-shaped above ground pools are especially appealing—they’re more organic in shape than round pools, easier to fit into long or narrow yards, and offer better flow for swimming or floating. This guide explores practical, cost-effective ways to make your oval above ground pool look high-end and thoughtfully integrated into your backyard design.
From adding elegant decking and natural landscaping to choosing the right frame, lighting, and skirting options, you’ll find all the inspiration and step-by-step detail you need to create a personal outdoor escape that feels luxurious—without the luxury price tag.
Choose an Oval Pool Kit That Elevates Your Design from the Start
Your custom-built look begins with selecting the right above ground pool kit. Oval pools come in a variety of sizes and materials, and choosing wisely ensures both aesthetic and structural success. Key materials to consider include steel, resin, or a hybrid combination of the two.
Steel frames are strong and typically the most budget-friendly, but they may require maintenance over time to prevent rust—especially in humid or coastal climates. Resin frames offer excellent corrosion resistance and a sleek modern finish, while hybrid frames give you the strength of steel with the resilience of resin.
When choosing a pool kit, pay attention to:
- Frame structure and materials
- Liner quality (patterned liners can instantly enhance visual appeal)
- Ease of installation and available support resources
Comparing Pool Frame Options
| Frame Material | Benefits | Potential Drawbacks | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Affordable, strong | Can corrode without treatment | Budget-friendly projects |
| Resin | Corrosion-resistant, lightweight | Higher initial cost | Wet climates or long-term use |
| Hybrid | Balanced durability and looks | Moderate cost, fewer options | Modern style + durability |
Choosing an oval shape immediately gives your backyard a more organic, custom-built aesthetic, setting the tone for all the styling elements to follow.
Add a Wraparound Deck to Instantly Upgrade the Look
Few additions make as dramatic a difference to an above ground pool’s appearance as a wraparound deck. This single design feature can elevate a basic setup into a poolside sanctuary that looks like it belongs in a design magazine.
A deck serves both form and function—it makes entering and exiting the pool easier, creates areas for sunbathing and seating, and ties the pool into the rest of your outdoor space. For oval pools, decks can follow the curve of the pool or opt for straight-edge platforms that contrast beautifully with the rounded form.
Popular Decking Layouts
| Deck Style | Visual Effect | Budget Estimate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Wraparound | Seamless, built-in appearance | $1,500–$3,500 | Large backyards, long-term use |
| Partial Side Deck | Accessible and budget-friendly | $500–$1,000 | Compact spaces |
| Elevated Lounge Deck | Resort-like feel | $2,000–$4,000 | Multi-use entertainment areas |
Use pressure-treated lumber for a rustic look, or composite decking for a low-maintenance, modern vibe. Consider staining the wood in natural earth tones like driftwood grey, walnut brown, or desert beige to maintain the “built-in” feel. Add simple railings or bench seating to maximize utility and safety.
Decorative accents like outdoor rugs, planters, and LED strip lights under the deck’s edge can enhance the ambiance dramatically. If budget allows, integrate the deck with landscaping or a pergola for additional luxury.
Use Decorative Skirting to Hide the Pool Frame
No matter how beautiful your pool is, visible supports and metal frames can disrupt the flow of your backyard design. Skirting provides an easy, affordable solution by concealing the structural elements and completing the look with clean lines or textured finishes.
There are many DIY-friendly skirting options that can be tailored to match your backyard aesthetic—from horizontal slatted wood to faux-stone panels, or even upcycled corrugated metal for a rustic twist. Skirting also creates an opportunity to add storage underneath the deck for pool tools, floats, or garden supplies.
Top Skirting Materials for a Custom Look
| Skirting Type | Visual Impact | Durability | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Paneling | Warm, organic texture | Moderate–High | Moderate |
| Faux Stone Veneer | Upscale, textured finish | High | Moderate–High |
| Lattice Panels | Airy, semi-private look | Moderate | Low |
| Bamboo Screens | Relaxed, tropical vibe | Low–Moderate | Low |
When installing skirting, ensure proper airflow to prevent moisture buildup under the pool. Use treated materials or sealed finishes to extend the life of your skirting, especially if it’s close to sprinklers or rain exposure.
Surround the Pool with Gravel or Stone for a Professional Finish
Landscaping around your above ground pool instantly upgrades its appearance from “temporary setup” to polished backyard feature. A simple gravel bed, mulch border, or stone edging can define the pool zone and give it structure without overwhelming the yard.
Gravel is an excellent choice because it’s affordable, easy to install, and allows for proper drainage. Crushed granite or pea gravel works well and can be layered with landscape fabric underneath to keep weeds at bay. For added elegance, mix in flagstone or concrete pavers to create walkways or poolside pads for loungers.
Hardscaping Options and Features
| Material | Pros | Visual Style | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | Soft underfoot, neutral color | Natural, relaxed | $1–$2/sq. ft. |
| Crushed Granite | Sleek, modern look | Contemporary | $2–$4/sq. ft. |
| Flagstone Pavers | High-end, organic texture | Rustic, Mediterranean | $5–$10/sq. ft. |
| Concrete Blocks | Simple, functional edge | Clean, minimal | $2–$3/sq. ft. |
Border your stonework with flowering plants, low hedges, or LED garden lights to bring in softness and create contrast with the hardscape.
Install Subtle Lighting to Enhance the Evening Atmosphere
Lighting adds drama, mood, and visibility to any outdoor feature—especially your pool. With well-placed lighting, even a basic above ground setup can look like a designer resort by evening.
String lights draped along the deck railing, solar lights embedded in the gravel path, or waterproof LED strips under the coping edge of the pool can all contribute to a warm, inviting glow. You can even add floating solar lights for a magical nighttime swim experience.
Lighting Types for Poolside Style
| Lighting Type | Where to Use | Aesthetic Impact | Power Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| String Lights | Around deck rails or pergolas | Soft, romantic glow | Solar or plug-in |
| LED Strip Lighting | Under deck or pool edge | Modern and ambient | Plug-in/USB |
| Pathway Lights | Along gravel or garden border | Safe, directional light | Solar-powered |
| Floating Lights | Inside the pool | Whimsical and fun | Solar-powered |
Always choose waterproof, outdoor-rated lights and secure cords safely to avoid hazards. A mix of lighting sources adds dimension and function without overwhelming the design.
Blend Landscaping for a Seamless, Nature-Inspired Look
One of the secrets to making a DIY above ground pool look custom-built is designing the surrounding landscape to feel intentional and immersive. By integrating plants, textures, and organic forms, you can create the illusion that the pool has always been part of your outdoor environment.
Start with soft greenery—like ornamental grasses, lavender, rosemary, or creeping thyme—to edge the base of the deck or skirt. Layer taller shrubs like hydrangeas or boxwoods behind the pool to provide privacy and visual weight.
Use curved planting beds that echo the shape of the oval pool. Add a mix of textures—broad-leaf plants paired with feathery grasses—and choose blooms in calming colors like white, pale purple, or dusty pink to maintain a spa-like feel.
Landscaping Essentials for Pool Integration
| Element | Function | Design Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Perimeter Shrubs | Define space and add privacy | Trim neatly or shape for formality |
| Flowering Plants | Seasonal color and softness | Use repeat patterns for unity |
| Climbing Vines | Add vertical interest | Train on fences or pergolas |
| Mulch or Stone Ground | Weed suppression and polish | Choose tones that match deck or skirting |
Don’t forget sensory elements—fragrant herbs, rustling leaves, and soft ground covers make your poolside experience more immersive and calming.
Conclusion
DIY oval above ground pools offer the perfect combination of affordability, flexibility, and design potential. With thoughtful material choices, creative landscaping, and practical add-ons like decking, skirting, and lighting, it’s easy to achieve a refined, custom-built appearance without the complexity of an in-ground installation.
From choosing the right pool kit to surrounding it with texture-rich elements, every detail contributes to a cohesive look that transforms your backyard into a serene escape. Whether you lean rustic, modern, or somewhere in between, the oval pool layout gives you a graceful shape to build around—and endless design possibilities to explore.