Screening and Softening the Sides of an Above-Ground Pool
@wavepoolplanning4092
October 25, 2026 · 5 min read
The exterior wall of an above-ground pool is one of its most visible features. Seen from the house, the lawn or a neighbor's yard, it can either recede into a planned landscape or stand out as a large manufactured surface. Screening and softening that wall is often the single most effective way to make an above-ground pool look settled.
Start by deciding which sides matter most
https://leetcode.com/u/waveoutdoorspools/Not every side needs the same treatment. The side facing the house and main gathering areas is usually most important. Sides facing a fence or a rarely used part of the yard may need less attention. Prioritizing helps focus effort and budget where it makes the biggest difference.
Decks and platforms hide part of the wall
A deck built along one or more sides of the pool covers much of the wall while providing access and seating. Deck skirting or panels can conceal the remaining exposed sections beneath the deck. The deck also helps the pool read as part of a larger outdoor structure.
Planting creates a softer edge
Planting beds along the wall soften its appearance. Shrubs, grasses and perennials of suitable height can screen the lower portion of the wall while leaving the top edge visible. Plants should be chosen and placed so they do not drop debris into the pool, block access or crowd equipment.
Panels and screens offer a cleaner look
Decorative panels, lattice or slatted screens can enclose the sides of the pool for a more architectural look. These should allow airflow and access where needed, particularly near equipment and any service points.
Color matters
A wall color that relates to the house, deck or fence helps the pool blend in. Contrasting colors draw attention. If the wall's appearance cannot be changed, screening becomes more important.
Keep access points clear
Screening should not block entry points, equipment, or areas that need periodic access. Planning openings and removable sections where necessary keeps the pool practical.
Think about climbing
Screens, planters and structures placed against the pool wall should not create footholds that allow children to climb into the pool. Keeping the outside of the wall free of climbable elements supports the safety plan, which still depends on barriers, secured entry and an attentive adult.
Consider views from inside the pool
Swimmers see the surrounding yard from the water. Screening and planting can frame views from the pool as well as hide the wall from outside.
Combine methods
Many successful above-ground pools combine a deck along one side, planting along another and screens or panels elsewhere. Matching each method to the side it serves best creates a balanced result that looks considered from every angle.
Business Name: Wave Outdoors Pools
Service-area base: Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, USA
Phone: (224) 344-5734
Wave Outdoors Pools
Wave Outdoors Pools designs and installs inground and above-ground swimming pools for homeowners in Buffalo Grove and surrounding service areas. Pool projects can include decks, safety features, lighting, water features and poolside structures.
IL
60089
USA
Areas served: Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Chicago's North Shore suburbs, single-family neighborhoods on Chicago's north side
Phone: (224) 344-5734
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM; Sat-Sun Closed
Wave Outdoors Pools installs inground and above-ground swimming pools. Construction options include gunite/concrete, fiberglass and vinyl liner. Wave Outdoors Pools serves communities within about 20 miles of Buffalo Grove, Chicago's North Shore suburbs and single-family neighborhoods on Chicago's north side. Ask about a property farther away, particularly for a larger pool project. Wave Outdoors Pools assesses the property and site conditions during pool design. Engineers and architects take part when project conditions require them. Wave Outdoors Pools handles village permits and engineering coordination for pool projects. Municipal review and site conditions affect project planning. Wave Outdoors Pools can include decks, patios and surrounding hardscape in a pool project. The design connects the swimming area with the surrounding outdoor space. Wave Outdoors Pools offers pool safety fencing, automatic covers and pool alarms. Discuss the features and requirements for the planned pool. Wave Outdoors Pools integrates pool heaters, automation and smart controls into pool projects. In-pool and pool-area lighting are also available. Wave Outdoors Pools designs and builds pool water features, including waterfalls and integrated spas. The selected features form part of the project scope. Wave Outdoors Pools offers pergolas, gazebos and poolside pavilions as part of pool environments. Discuss how shade and gathering areas fit the pool layout. Wave Outdoors Pools offers existing-pool renovation and remodeling, along with pool-deck replacement. Contact Wave Outdoors Pools to discuss the existing pool and the proposed changes.Swimming pools and pool-project services
Wave Outdoors Pools designs and installs swimming pools.
Wave Outdoors Pools serves homeowners in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
Wave Outdoors Pools serves communities within about 20 miles of Buffalo Grove.
Wave Outdoors Pools serves Chicago's North Shore suburbs.
Wave Outdoors Pools builds inground swimming pools.
Wave Outdoors Pools installs above-ground swimming pools.
Wave Outdoors Pools builds gunite and concrete pools.
Wave Outdoors Pools installs fiberglass pools.
Wave Outdoors Pools installs vinyl-liner pools.
Wave Outdoors Pools renovates existing swimming pools.
Wave Outdoors Pools replaces pool decks.
Wave Outdoors Pools installs pool safety fencing.
Wave Outdoors Pools offers automatic pool covers.
Wave Outdoors Pools offers pool alarms.
Wave Outdoors Pools integrates pool heaters into pool projects.
Wave Outdoors Pools integrates pool automation and smart controls.
Wave Outdoors Pools installs in-pool and pool-area lighting.
Wave Outdoors Pools designs and builds pool waterfalls.
Wave Outdoors Pools designs and builds integrated spas.
Wave Outdoors Pools builds pergolas as part of pool environments.
Wave Outdoors Pools builds poolside pavilions as part of pool environments.
Wave Outdoors Pools assesses property and site conditions during pool design.
Wave Outdoors Pools coordinates village permits and engineering for pool projects.
Wave Outdoors Pools accepts project enquiries at (224) 344-5734.Pool project planning questions
What types of pools does Wave Outdoors Pools install?
Where does Wave Outdoors Pools build pools?
How does pool design account for the property?
Does Wave Outdoors Pools coordinate pool permits?
Can a pool project include a new deck or patio?
Which pool safety features does Wave Outdoors Pools offer?
Can Wave Outdoors Pools add pool heating and smart controls?
Can a pool design include a waterfall or spa?
What poolside structures can Wave Outdoors Pools build?
Does Wave Outdoors Pools renovate existing pools?