Pool landscaping doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. With the right ideas and smart choices, you can give your backyard a fresh, styled look that feels inviting and well-planned — all without blowing your budget. Whether your pool is new or you’re updating an existing space, these affordable pool landscaping ideas will help you create a backyard that’s functional, low-maintenance and great to look at.
Focus on Plants That Thrive Near Pools
Plants bring life and colour to a pool area, but the wrong ones can create mess or need too much water. Pick plants that:
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Handle full sun and heat
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Don’t drop a lot of leaves or flowers
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Can tolerate splashes from chlorinated water
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Don’t have invasive root systems
Low-cost, pool-friendly plant options:
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Agaves and succulents
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Birds of paradise
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Lomandra
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Foxtail palms
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Native grasses
These are easy to grow, widely available, and look great all year round.
Use Mulch and Gravel Instead of Turf
Maintaining grass around your pool can be a hassle. Watering, mowing and edging all take time — and the clippings often end up in the pool.
Instead, try:
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Pine bark mulch or woodchips: Cheap, natural and low-maintenance
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Decorative pebbles: Modern, weed-resistant and long-lasting
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Crushed granite or gravel paths: Adds contrast and drainage
Combine these with stepping stones or pavers to create clean walkways that won’t get muddy or messy.
Add a Budget-Friendly Garden Bed Border
Edging garden beds clearly defines the space and adds a finished look. Instead of poured concrete or expensive bricks, use:
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Timber sleepers
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Recycled bricks
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Metal garden edging from hardware stores
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Large rocks or boulders (ask a local landscaper for off-cuts)
These create strong lines that help plants stand out and make your whole pool area look more polished.
Repurpose Old Materials
Landscaping can cost less when you reuse what you already have. Look around for:
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Leftover pavers or tiles from past renovations
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Timber decking offcuts
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Bricks from an old garden wall
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Spare outdoor pots and planters
With a little paint, sanding or arrangement, these can become pathways, planter boxes, seating or edging — saving you hundreds.
Install Shade with Style
Shade doesn’t need to mean a full gazebo or expensive pergola. Try one of these affordable ideas:
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Shade sails (triangular ones are cheap and easy to mount)
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Market umbrellas
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DIY timber frames with outdoor fabric
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Bamboo screening or lattice with climbers
These options give you relief from the sun and can be moved or changed as your backyard grows.
Include Lighting That Works After Dark
Good lighting helps you use your pool at night — and adds a high-end feel without a big spend. Stick to:
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Solar garden spike lights
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LED string or festoon lights
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In-ground solar disk lights
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Up-lights for feature trees or walls
Place lighting along paths, around garden beds, or under benches for atmosphere and safety.
Keep the Pool Area Clear and Clean
Sometimes the best landscaping is about what you remove. A cluttered pool area looks messy no matter how much you spend.
Simple things that make a big difference:
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Tidy up garden edges
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Remove or relocate unused pots or tools
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Store pool toys out of sight
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Trim overhanging plants that drop leaves into the pool
Once the area is clean, you’ll find that even basic landscaping additions make a stronger impact.
Add Outdoor Furniture That Blends with the Garden
You don’t need a full outdoor lounge set. Even a couple of low chairs or a bench can complete the look — especially when paired with plants and ground cover.
Choose neutral tones, timber or rattan textures, and style with:
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Outdoor cushions
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Potted herbs or palms nearby
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A side table made from an old stool or crate
Let the landscaping be the focus and use furniture as accents.
Paint or Refresh Old Surfaces
If your retaining wall, pool fence or outdoor furniture looks tired, a quick coat of paint can work wonders.
Use:
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Outdoor masonry paint for concrete walls
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Timber stain for fences or decking
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Spray paint for old metal chairs or tables
Pick colours that match your plant choices and hard surfaces. A fresh wall or fence colour can frame your pool and tie all the landscaping together.
Maintain the Look with the Right Tools
A great-looking pool area still needs upkeep. Having the right tools and cleaning gear will help you keep the landscaping tidy and your pool inviting.
You can browse our full range of pool products to find the equipment that keeps your pool clean, your gear stored, and your backyard ready for guests year-round. Clean water and a clutter-free space always enhance the landscaping you’ve built.
Conclusion
You don’t need to spend thousands to create a backyard that looks smart and stylish. With the right plants, creative use of space, and a few repurposed materials, you can transform your poolside landscaping in a weekend. Focus on clean lines, low-maintenance choices and simple textures — and let your plants, lighting and layout do the work.
Need gear to support your backyard upgrade? Explore our trusted pool products to keep your pool looking as good as your landscaping.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest landscaping options include using mulch, gravel or bark as ground cover, choosing hardy low-maintenance plants, repurposing materials like bricks or timber, and limiting turf to small sections. You can save by doing the work yourself over a few weekends.
Choose plants that are drought-tolerant, non-invasive, and resistant to chlorine splash. Great options include agave, lomandra, birds of paradise, foxtail palms, and native grasses. Avoid anything that sheds too many leaves or has strong roots that could damage pool areas.
Yes, mulch is a cost-effective and attractive ground cover. Use pine bark or hardwood mulch, which stays in place better and breaks down slower. Avoid fine mulch that can blow into the pool or clog filters.
Mulch, gravel, stone, or pavers are better long-term options. These materials don’t need mowing, don’t carry grass clippings into the pool, and reduce mud and mess. They also create a modern, low-maintenance look.
Use clean lines, natural textures, neutral colours, and consistent plant groupings. Add ambient lighting, keep surfaces tidy, and hide clutter. Even budget-friendly landscaping looks premium when done with intention and regular care.
Yes, DIY pool landscaping is very achievable. Start with one section at a time, use basic materials, and plan a layout that works with your existing pool shape and space. Online inspiration and local garden centres are great sources of help.
Gravel works well as a low-cost, low-maintenance ground cover. Use medium-sized decorative pebbles or crushed stone. Avoid very sharp or loose gravel that could hurt bare feet or end up in the water.
Solar garden lights, LED uplights, and string lights all work well. Place them around paths, seating areas, or trees. Choose waterproof models rated for outdoor use, and use warm light for a calm, resort-style feel.
Use screen panels, tall potted plants, or small garden sheds. Bamboo screening, vertical gardens, or painted timber enclosures also help blend equipment into the landscape while keeping it accessible for maintenance.
You can find reliable cleaning tools, storage options, and essential equipment in our range of [pool products](https://www.pumpandpoolpeople.com.au/). Keeping your pool area clean helps your landscaping shine year-round.