Designing the Perfect Backyard Around Your Pool
Once you’ve chosen the right pool, the real transformation begins. Here's how to design the backyard around it for beauty, comfort, and long-term enjoyment.
1. Start With How You’ll Actually Use the Space
Your pool design should be driven by the lifestyle you want outside, not just aesthetics. Before planning materials or layouts, define your goals:
- Relaxation: Ledges, cushioned seating, soft lighting, shaded spots.
- Family fun: Open swim zones, durable decking, wide steps.
- Entertaining: Multiple seating areas, dining zone, grill or outdoor kitchen.
- Fitness: Swim lanes, resistance jets, unobstructed movement paths.
2. Choose Decking That Fits Your Style and Climate
Decking is the largest visual surface around your pool. The right choice improves comfort, safety, and long-term durability.
Concrete (Broom, Textured, or Stamped)
- Cost-effective and durable
- Wide finish and color options
- Can warm up in full sun
Pavers
- Premium, timeless appearance
- Easy repairs — replace single pavers
- Great traction when wet
Natural Stone (Travertine, Bluestone, Sandstone)
- High-end look
- Cools quickly underfoot
- Extremely long-lasting
Composite Decking
- Works for compact yards or raised decks
- Slip-resistant when wet
- Provides warm, natural tones
3. Build Zones Instead of One Big Space
A well-designed pool area is divided into intentional sections that all feel connected. Consider creating:
- Lounge Zone: Chairs, daybeds, umbrellas, tanning shelves.
- Dining Zone: Table, pergola, grill island, or outdoor kitchen.
- Activity Zone: Fire pit, play area, cornhole zone.
- Water Zone: The pool and surrounding circulation paths.
4. Plan for Shade and Comfort
In the Carolina heat, shade isn’t optional. It extends your usable season and boosts comfort.
- Cantilever umbrellas (flexible & moveable)
- Pergolas or pavilions (permanent structure + style)
- Shade sails (modern, affordable coverage)
5. Lighting Creates the Nighttime Atmosphere
Lighting may be the highest ROI upgrade in any backyard. It brings depth, safety, and drama after dark.
- LED pool lights with color scenes
- Path and step lighting
- Uplighting for trees and landscaping
- String lights or sconces for gathering spots
6. Choose Landscaping That Supports the Pool
Landscaping softens hard surfaces and gives your space privacy and personality. Choose plants that thrive in Upstate SC and don’t shed heavily into the pool.
- Crape myrtle
- Hydrangeas
- Podocarpus
- Ornamental grasses
- Dwarf palms
7. Don’t Forget Storage and Safety
Two highly overlooked elements:
Storage
- Equipment enclosures
- Toy/float storage
- Integrated benches
Safety
- SC requires a 4-foot minimum barrier
- Self-latching, self-closing gates
- Optional: automatic covers and alarms
8. Bring It All Together With a Master Plan
The best backyards are designed with the pool — not after it. Coordinating layout, materials, lighting, shade, and landscaping as one integrated plan gives your yard a polished, resort-like feel.