12 Creative Above Ground Pool Ideas to Hide Your Pump and Filter Equipment

Idea #8: Soften the Area With Ornamental Grasses and Evergreen Shrubs

Why plants are such a strong camouflage tool

Using evergreen shrubs for pool equipment is one of the most natural-looking ways to hide the mechanical stuff.

Instead of building a barrier, you’re creating a layered landscape that just happens to block the view.

Best plant types to consider

I like boxwood, upright hollies, and in the right climate, even Skip Laurel hedge style screening for bigger spaces.

For movement and softness, ornamental grass around pool equipment can be beautiful, especially with clean stone edging.

Choose low-litter plants whenever possible.

Heavy flowering shrubs may look amazing for two weeks, then spend the rest of the season dropping petals, seed heads, and general nonsense near your pool filter cover zone.

Spacing and maintenance tips

Leave enough room for air circulation and service access.

Plants should soften the view, not trap moisture or force a repair tech to army crawl through branches.

Mulch lightly and avoid planting too close to the plumbing.

Roots and hoses are not best friends.

This option feels especially current because more homeowners are leaning into backyard pool design ideas that blend hardscape and landscaping together.

If you want the same soft look with a little more vertical drama, hit the next button below, because vines and trellises are up next.