Dreaming of a pool that feels like your own private resort? The secret is all in the landscaping. This year’s most-loved poolside ideas blend style, function, and just enough “wow” to make every swim a little more special. Here’s what’s making waves for 2025—easy upgrades and clever touches you’ll want for your own backyard.
1. Lush Green Borders
The days of plain concrete edges are gone. Homeowners are adding life around their pools with lush planting beds—think ornamental grasses, flowering shrubs, and even bold tropicals. These borders create a soft frame for your pool and add privacy, color, and a true getaway feel.
2. Natural Stone Accents
Natural stone never goes out of style. Whether it’s flagstone decking, a stacked stone wall, or pebbled pathways, stone brings earthy elegance to any pool. It’s durable, slip-resistant, and blends beautifully with plants and water.
3. Shade Structures That Wow
From sleek pergolas to breezy cabanas, shade is a must. The latest trend? Custom wooden pergolas with retractable canopies, letting you chase (or hide from) the sun as you please. Even a simple shade sail stretched over a corner gives you a cool spot to escape midday heat.
4. Built-In Seating
No more dragging lawn chairs around. Sunken benches, built-in loungers, and raised seating walls are all over design boards for 2025. These features offer a place to relax—whether you’re drying off after a swim or just want to dangle your feet in the water.
5. Fire and Water Combos
Pairing fire features with a pool is pure magic. Fire bowls, linear fire pits, or even a fireplace by the pool instantly upgrade your evening hangouts. The contrast of flickering flames and shimmering water makes every night memorable.
6. Eco-Friendly Lighting
LED pool lights that change color, solar path lights, and low-voltage uplights in your landscaping add sparkle after dark—without running up your power bill. You can even set some on timers or smart controls, so your backyard feels inviting day or night.
7. Poolside Planters
Movable, oversized planters filled with palms, ferns, or succulents let you switch up the look anytime. Use matching pots for a modern touch, or mix up vintage containers for a boho feel. Planters also let you experiment without committing to permanent beds.
8. Outdoor Showers
Rinsing off under the sky just feels good. Freestanding outdoor showers with simple wood screens, or even a rustic stone enclosure, are both practical and stylish. Kids love them, guests appreciate them, and they help keep your pool cleaner, too.
9. Minimalist Fencing
Safety doesn’t have to spoil the vibe. Sleek, frameless glass fences, dark metal railings, or horizontal wood slats are popular choices. They keep the pool area secure but let you enjoy every view—no more feeling fenced in.
10. Private Nooks
Don’t forget the power of a little privacy. Tuck a daybed, hammock, or hanging chair into a quiet corner, surrounded by tall plants or a decorative screen. It’s the perfect spot for a nap, a book, or just a break from the splash zone.
If you’re ready to make your pool the place everyone wants to be, these pool landscaping ideas are the perfect starting point. Each one is simple enough for a weekend project, but big enough to transform your space for years to come.
