Who says you need a fortune to enjoy a beautiful pool in your backyard? With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can create a stunning pool area without breaking the bank.
1. DIY Lap Pool for Exercise Enthusiasts

If you love swimming for exercise, consider a DIY lap pool. It’s a project that requires some effort, but the ability to swim at home is worth it.
A few relevant products:
- Inflatable Lap Pool Kit: Perfect for a quick setup lap pool, providing exercise without permanent installation.
- Pool Exercise Resistance Bands: Enhance swimming workouts with resistance bands specifically designed for aquatic exercise.
- DIY Deck Building Kit: Build a sturdy deck around your pool for accessible entry and relaxation.
2. Use Gravel for a Rustic Pool Surround

Gravel is an inexpensive way to create a rustic pool surround. I used it in my yard, and it’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
You might like:
- Decorative White Pebbles: Enhance your pool area with decorative pebbles for a clean and rustic look.
- Outdoor String Lights: Create a cozy ambiance around your pool with weatherproof outdoor string lights.
- Wooden Patio Chair: Add comfort and style with a wooden patio chair perfect for poolside relaxation.
3. Seating Areas with Upcycled Furniture

Use upcycled or thrifted furniture to create cozy seating areas around your pool. I found some charming pieces that added character and comfort to my space.
Possibly handy products:
- Reclaimed Wood Outdoor Sofa: Enhance your backyard with a rustic outdoor sofa made from reclaimed wood and durable cushions.
- Thrifted Style Outdoor Coffee Table: Add charm with a vintage-style outdoor coffee table, perfect for drinks or decorative items.
- Bohemian Outdoor Cushion Set: Create a cozy atmosphere with bohemian-style outdoor cushions, adding color and comfort.
4. Above-Ground Pools with Custom Decking

Build a deck around your above-ground pool to give it a custom, in-ground feel. It’s a project I undertook last summer, and the transformation was incredible.
A few things you might like:
- Wood Decking Boards for Pools: Durable wood decking boards to create a natural, inviting space around your above-ground pool.
- Solar-Powered Pool Lights: Eco-friendly solar lights that enhance pool ambiance and provide energy-efficient illumination at night.
- Outdoor Deck Stairs: Sturdy outdoor stairs to ensure safe and convenient access to your above-ground pool.
5. Semi-In-Ground Stock Tank for a Custom Look

Bury a stock tank partially to give it an in-ground appearance. I paired mine with a small deck for sunbathing, and it truly elevated the space.
You might give these a try:
- Galvanized Stock Tank: Durable tank perfect for creating a rustic and sturdy pool look.
- Wood Decking Tiles: Easy-to-install decking tiles for enhancing outdoor space around your stock tank.
- Solar Pool Cover: Energy-efficient cover keeping your stock tank pool warm and clean.
6. Turn Shipping Containers into Pools

A shipping container can be transformed into a modern pool, offering durability and style. I love how it creates an industrial-chic vibe in the backyard.
Try these:
- Pool Liner: Enhance pool durability and aesthetics with a reliable pool liner for shipping containers.
- Solar Pool Heater: Efficiently heat your shipping container pool naturally using an eco-friendly solar pool heater.
- LED Pool Lights: Create stunning night ambiance with versatile and energy-efficient LED pool lights.
7. Compact Plunge Pools for Small Spaces

Plunge pools are perfect for small yards and can be quite affordable. I’ve seen them work wonders in cozy backyards, providing a refreshing escape without taking up much space.
A few helpful options:
- Inflatable Plunge Pool: Easy-to-install inflatable pool, ideal for limited space and quick relaxation.
- Solar Pool Heater: Utilize solar energy to maintain comfortable water temperatures throughout the season.
- Floating LED Pool Lights: Enhance ambiance with vibrant, energy-efficient LED lights floating in your pool.
8. Minimalist Fencing for Privacy

Simple fencing or tall plants can offer privacy without breaking the bank. In my backyard, a row of bamboo did the trick beautifully.
Explore these options:
- Outdoor Bamboo Privacy Fence Panels: Enhance privacy with eco-friendly bamboo panels, easy to install and maintain.
- Tall Ornamental Grass Plants: Add natural privacy with tall grasses, perfect for border planting around pools.
- Expandable Garden Fence Screen: Flexible screen offers temporary privacy, adaptable to different spaces and styles.
9. Add Water Features for a Luxurious Touch

Simple water features like a small fountain can add a luxurious feel to any pool. I added one to my pool, and the sound of trickling water is so soothing.
Some handy options:
- Outdoor Fountain Kit: Transform your pool area with a soothing outdoor fountain, enhancing the tranquil ambiance.
- Solar-Powered Water Fountain: Eco-friendly solar-powered fountain adds elegance and the relaxing sound of water to your pool.
- Floating Pool Fountain: Enjoy a floating fountain for a dynamic water display; ideal for budget-friendly pool luxury.
10. DIY Concrete Pool for the Handy Homeowner

If you’re up for a challenge, a DIY concrete pool can be a rewarding project. It’s a bit labor-intensive, but the custom design options are endless.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Concrete Mixer: Efficient portable mixer for easy and quick concrete preparation, ideal for DIY projects.
- Rebar Cutter/Bender: Durable tool for cutting and bending rebar, essential for concrete pool reinforcement.
- Pool Skimmer Net: Effective skimmer net for maintaining a clean and clear pool surface effortlessly.
11. Create a Cozy Nook with a Pergola

A pergola over a section of your pool can create a cozy nook for shade and relaxation. I installed one last year, and it’s my favorite spot to unwind.
Items that may come in handy:
- Outdoor Pergola Kit: Creates shaded spaces by your pool for ultimate relaxation and enjoyment.
- Weatherproof Outdoor Cushions: Enhance comfort and aesthetics with plush, durable outdoor seating options.
- Vining Plants for Pergola: Adds natural beauty and shade to your pergola design, enhancing the cozy ambiance.
12. Repurpose with a Wood Pallet Pool Frame

Using wood pallets to frame your above-ground pool can give it a chic, rustic look. I’ve tried staining the pallets for a more polished finish, and it worked wonders!
Useful items to consider:
- Wood Stain for Outdoor Use: Enhance the look of your wood pallets with a weather-resistant, stylish wood stain finish.
- Heavy-Duty Pool Liner: Protect and insulate your pool with a durable, fitted pool liner. Easy to install.
- Waterproof Outdoor Lights: Create ambiance with waterproof lights. Perfect for illuminating your pool area at night.
13. Create Ambiance with Affordable Lighting

String lights or solar-powered lamps can easily create a warm ambiance around your pool. In my backyard, they transformed the space into a magical retreat at night.
Products that could assist:
- Outdoor String Lights: Durable string lights perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere around your pool area.
- Solar-Powered Garden Lamps: Eco-friendly lamps that add charm and warmth without increasing your electricity bill.
- LED Pathway Lighting: Illuminate your garden paths with energy-efficient LED pathway lights for added safety.
14. Incorporate Natural Stone Elements

Using natural stones around your pool can add an organic and sophisticated touch. I love how they blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
Give these a look:
- Natural Stone Pool Coping: Enhance pool edges with natural stone coping for a seamless, organic look.
- Flagstone Patio Pavers: Create beautiful pathways with flagstone pavers that blend with the natural landscape.
- River Rocks for Landscaping: Use river rocks for decorative accents and natural drainage around your pool area.
15. Tiny Oasis with a Stock Tank Pool

Stock tank pools are a great low-cost option that can still give you that refreshing dip. I’ve found that adding a simple pool liner and a few plants around it can make all the difference.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Stock Tank Pool Liner: Durable liner for stock tank pools to ensure water retention and easy cleaning.
- Outdoor Potted Plants: Enhance your backyard pool area with decorative and easy-to-maintain outdoor potted plants.
- Garden Pebbles and Stones: Natural pebbles for stylish landscaping around your stock tank pool in the backyard.
16. Natural Pool with a Floating Wetland

Create a self-sustaining pool by introducing a floating wetland that cleans the water naturally. It’s a unique, eco-friendly alternative that I’ve found reduces maintenance costs significantly.
Check these products out:
- Floating Wetland Plant Kit: Enhance water quality naturally with a floating wetland plant kit for your pool.
- Aquatic Pond Filter System: Maintain clear water with an eco-friendly pond filter system for natural pools.
- Pond Water Testing Kit: Easily test water quality to ensure a healthy environment in your eco-friendly pool.
17. Add Greenery with Poolside Planters

Incorporate greenery using planters around your pool to enhance the natural vibe. I love how the plants bring life and color to the setting.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Colorful Ceramic Outdoor Planters: Enhance your pool area with vibrant ceramic planters for a lively and inviting atmosphere.
- Weather-Resistant Large Planters: Durable and stylish planters perfect for withstanding outdoor elements, adding greenery effortlessly.
- Self-Watering Planters: Keep your plants thriving with minimal effort using efficient self-watering planter options.