Intex Pool Landscaping and Setup Ideas - Plant Care Guide

An Intex pool is a fantastic way to bring summer fun to your backyard without the cost and permanence of an in-ground pool. These popular above ground pools are relatively affordable, easy to set up, and can provide hours of cooling relief. However, simply dropping a blue liner in your yard might not create the backyard oasis you’re dreaming of. With some clever Intex pool landscaping and setup ideas, you can transform your basic pool into a stylish and functional outdoor retreat!

This guide will walk you through essential Intex pool setup steps to ensure a stable foundation, followed by inspiring landscaping ideas to make your pool area pop. We'll cover everything from ground preparation and safety to privacy solutions, decking, and decorative touches. Get ready to elevate your Intex pool from a temporary water hole to a cherished backyard feature!

Crucial Intex Pool Setup Ideas (Before You Landscape!)

Proper Intex pool setup is the most important step. A good foundation ensures safety, extends the life of your pool, and makes future landscaping much easier. Do not skip these steps!

1. Choose the Right Location

Selecting the ideal spot for your Intex pool is critical.

• Sunlight: Pick a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This helps warm the water naturally, reducing heating costs and inhibiting algae growth.
• Level Ground: This is NON-NEGOTIABLE. The ground must be perfectly level. Even a slight slope can put enormous stress on the pool walls, leading to collapse, leaks, and voiding your warranty.
• Clearance: Ensure there's enough space around the pool for walking, sunbathing, and accessing equipment. Consider overhead obstacles like power lines or tree branches.
• Proximity to Utilities: Be near a water source for filling, and an outdoor electrical outlet for the pump and filter (ensure it's GFCI protected).
• Avoid Trees: While shade is nice, falling leaves and debris from trees will constantly dirty your pool, clog filters, and can stain the liner. Roots can also damage the pool base over time.

2. Prepare the Ground Properly

This is the most important step for any Intex pool setup.

• Clear the Area: Remove all grass, weeds, rocks, roots, sticks, and any sharp objects. Even small pebbles can cause big problems (punctures!) under the weight of water.
• Level the Surface: Use a long spirit level (4-6 feet) and a straight board, along with a tape measure, to check for levelness.
  • High Spots: Dig down high spots. Do NOT fill in low spots with loose dirt, as it will compact unevenly once the pool is filled, leading to an unleveled pool. If you have significant low spots, you'll need to excavate the entire area to the lowest point or build a retaining wall.
  • Compacting: Once level, compact the soil firmly using a hand tamper or a rented plate compactor.
• Add a Base Layer (Highly Recommended):
  • Paver Sand: A 1-2 inch layer of finely leveled and compacted paver sand provides a smooth, protective cushion for the pool liner. Ensure it's level.
  • Stone Dust/Screenings: Similar to sand, these fine crushed stone materials can also provide a compactable, level base.
• Ground Cover/Padding:
  • Ground Cloth: Always use the ground cloth that comes with your Intex pool, or purchase a heavier duty pool ground cloth.
  • Foam Board Insulation: For added protection, insulation, and comfort underfoot, lay sheets of rigid foam insulation board (e.g., XPS foam) over your leveled sand base. This is a popular upgrade.

3. Assemble and Fill the Pool Correctly

Follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely.

• Smooth Out Wrinkles: As you add the first few inches of water, carefully smooth out any wrinkles on the bottom of the liner from the inside.
• Frame Alignment: For frame pools, ensure all frame pieces are correctly seated and vertical as the pool fills.

Intex Pool Landscaping Ideas (Making it Pretty!)

Once your Intex pool is safely set up, it's time to make it look amazing and feel like a true backyard escape!

1. Creating a Deck or Platform

A deck is one of the most effective ways to integrate an Intex pool into your landscape, providing easy access and a defined lounging area.

• Partial Deck: Build a partial deck that wraps around one side of the pool where the ladder is, or half of the pool. This is often more budget-friendly than a full wrap-around.
• Full Wrap-Around Deck: For a seamless, built-in look, construct a deck that completely surrounds the pool. This creates a large, uniform surface.
• Materials:
  • Pressure-Treated Wood: An affordable and common choice. Remember to seal it regularly. You can find pressure-treated deck boards.
  • Composite Decking: More expensive initially, but very low-maintenance, splinter-free, and often non-slip. Look for composite deck boards.
• Considerations: Ensure the deck foundation is sturdy and separate from the pool structure itself. Leave a small gap between the pool wall and the deck boards to allow for pool flex and easy liner changes.

2. Patio or Paver Surround

If a full deck isn't in your budget or style, a patio made of pavers or concrete is a great alternative.

• Paver Patio: Lay patio pavers around the pool for a clean, stable, and non-slip surface. This is more permanent than just grass.
• Stamping/Staining Concrete: If you have an existing concrete pad, you can stamp or stain it to give it a more decorative look.
• Gravel/Pebble Border: For a simple and cheap solution, create a border of decorative pea gravel or river pebbles around the pool. Lay down landscape fabric first to prevent weeds.

3. Privacy Solutions

Create a secluded feel around your Intex pool.

• Tall Shrubs/Hedges: Plant fast-growing, dense shrubs or evergreens around the pool area to create a living privacy screen. Arborvitae, privet, or even clumping bamboo are good choices.
• Privacy Screens/Panels: Install decorative privacy screens made from wood lattice, corrugated metal, or repurposed materials.
• Pergola or Gazebo: A pergola or gazebo can offer both shade and a sense of enclosure around your pool area.

4. Smart Planting and Greenery

Add life and color around your Intex pool.

• Potted Plants: This is the easiest way to add greenery without risking leaves falling directly into the pool or roots damaging the liner. Use large, attractive outdoor planters with tropical plants (palms, cannas) or colorful annuals. Move them as needed.
• Raised Beds: Build raised garden beds a few feet away from the pool to keep soil and debris contained. Fill with drought-tolerant, low-shedding plants.
• Avoid Heavy Shedders: Do not plant trees or shrubs that shed a lot of leaves, flowers, or berries directly over or near the pool. This will make your pool perpetually dirty.
• Grass Alternatives: For areas immediately surrounding the pool where grass struggles due to splashing, consider synthetic turf or decorative rock beds.

5. Lighting for Ambiance and Safety

Extend your pool enjoyment into the evening hours.

• String Lights: Drape outdoor string lights (bistro lights) around your deck, pergola, or nearby trees.
• Solar Path Lights: Install solar path lights along pathways leading to the pool.
• Floating Pool Lights: Add fun floating LED pool lights to the water for a magical effect.
• Submersible Lights: Small, battery-operated submersible lights can be placed around the edge of the pool (ensure they are fully waterproof).

6. Seating and Relaxation Zones

Make your Intex pool area a comfortable hangout spot.

• Pool Loungers: Essential for sunbathing and relaxing. Look for outdoor pool loungers that are weather-resistant.
• Outdoor Furniture: A small bistro set or a few adirondack chairs can create a cozy seating area.
• Shade Structures: Add a large patio umbrella or a sail shade for much-needed relief from the sun.

7. Clever Storage Solutions

Keep your pool area tidy and organized.

• Deck Boxes: A weather-resistant deck box is perfect for storing pool toys, towels, and chemicals.
• Built-in Storage: If building a deck, consider incorporating storage benches or compartments.
• Hooks and Shelves: Install outdoor-rated hooks for towels and swimsuits, and small shelves for sunscreen and goggles.

Important Considerations for Your Intex Pool Project

Beyond the design, these practical points are vital for safety and enjoyment.

1. Safety First!

• Fencing: Check your local building codes for fencing requirements around pools, even temporary ones. Most areas require a fence with a self-latching gate for safety, especially if you have children or pets. A basic temporary pool fence can be purchased.
• Non-Slip Surfaces: Ensure any walking surfaces around the pool (deck, patio) are non-slip to prevent falls.
• Electrical Safety: All electrical outlets near the pool must be GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected. Use outdoor-rated extension cords if necessary, and keep electrical equipment away from splashing water.
• Supervision: Always supervise children around the pool.

2. Maintenance Access

• Pump and Filter: Ensure your pump, filter, and skimmer are easily accessible for cleaning and maintenance. Plan a discreet but accessible spot for them in your landscaping.
• Draining: Think about where the water will go when you need to drain your pool for the season or for maintenance. Plan drainage pathways away from your house foundation or sensitive garden beds.

3. Winterizing Your Intex Pool

• Draining and Cleaning: Intex pools are typically drained, cleaned, and stored indoors for the winter, especially in cold climates.
• Deck Protection: If you build a deck, ensure it's designed to withstand winter weather on its own.

By following these essential Intex pool setup ideas and incorporating thoughtful landscaping designs, you can create a beautiful, safe, and enjoyable backyard oasis that brings joy all summer long, year after year!