How to Decorate a Backyard With a Pool

Create a solid foundation of green around the pool. Plant and maintain a healthy lawn in another part of the yard if there is room, or plant trees, ferns and shrubs. The green plants provide the background and contrast for other decorating elements.

Plant a row of high trees, or build a high fence around the outside of the yard to provide you and your family with privacy while using your pool.

Plant some flowers or plants that provide some color that suits your personal taste around the pool area. You can plant flowers in flower beds or in pots, depending on how your yard is set up. Choose any colors you like, but select plants that don't lose their leaves so you don't end up with plant matter blowing into the pool. Zinnias are a good example of this type of plant.

Substitute gravel for mulch anytime that you can when decorating around your pool area. Loose mulch has a tendency to blow into the pool and create more cleaning problems.

Add electric or solar-powered lighting around your pool and yard. Simple solar-powered lamp lights serve the purpose of providing enough light for safety. If a budget isn't a concern, you can opt for complex and stylish lighting, such as lights recessed into the surface of your pool deck.

Add some seating around the pool either on the pool deck or on a separate patio or deck if you have one. Keep seating far enough back from the pool so that people sitting down aren't in danger of getting splashed. A couple of chaise lounges and some chairs are good options for pool seating. Choose brightly colored furniture to keep the area looking light and bright.