Adding planters around your pool is one of the easiest and most stylish ways to enhance outdoor living. Whether your vibe is tropical retreat, modern resort, or cozy garden nook, thoughtfully chosen planters can transform the entire poolside atmosphere. Start with tall tropical planters filled with palms or banana trees to bring lush greenery and natural privacy. For a sleek, drought-friendly option, opt for shallow succulent bowl planters filled with echeveria or aloe that thrive in the sun. If you’re planning a larger renovation, built-in planter boxes around the pool edge allow for permanent greenery like hibiscus, lavender, or dwarf citrus trees. Mobile rolling planters are perfect for herbs and small flowers, letting you adjust with the seasons or your seating layout.
Embrace a contemporary look with geometric planters in black or concrete, filled with structured plants like agave or ferns. For vertical interest, hanging basket planters with trailing blooms like ivy or petunias add softness and color overhead. Combine function with flair using tiki torch planters that light up warm evenings with tropical vibes. Tiered planters tucked into pool corners make use of vertical space and add vibrant layers. For tranquility, water feature planters combine soothing sound with leafy green plants. And when the sun goes down, LED-lit planters provide ambiance and safety with a soft glow, perfect for nighttime gatherings. Mixing and matching these ideas creates a dynamic, stylish, and refreshing poolside space that invites relaxation, entertaining, and garden creativity all summer long.
1. Tall Tropical Planters
Transform your poolside into a lush tropical escape with tall ceramic planters overflowing with banana trees, palms, and bird of paradise. These towering beauties not only offer vibrant foliage but also double as natural privacy screens, creating a serene retreat in your backyard. Perfect for framing lounge chairs or lining a fence, tropical planters bring vacation vibes home. Choose bold, colorful pots or sleek neutrals to match your outdoor décor and enjoy the relaxing ambiance they bring year-round.
Supplies
- Large ceramic or fiberglass planters (24″+ height)
- Potting mix for tropical plants
- Plants: Banana tree, palm, bird of paradise
- Drainage stones or pebbles
- Optional: Decorative mulch or moss
2. Succulent Bowl Planters
Succulent bowl planters are a beautiful, low-maintenance solution for sunny pool areas. Wide, shallow pots filled with jade, aloe, echeveria, and colorful sedum create a modern desert vibe that thrives in the heat. Place them on stone borders or beside loungers for sculptural beauty and texture. These drought-tolerant plants need little water and provide eye-catching greenery all summer long. For a chic touch, choose concrete or terracotta bowls and group them in clusters to add dimension around your poolside retreat.
Supplies
- Shallow concrete or terracotta bowls
- Cactus/succulent potting soil
- Succulents: Echeveria, jade plant, aloe, sedum
- Decorative pebbles or gravel
- Gardening gloves & small spade
3. Built-In Poolside Planter Boxes
Elevate your pool design with built-in planter boxes that blend seamlessly into your deck or patio. These raised beds are perfect for adding structure, color, and softness to the pool’s hardscape. Fill with ornamental grasses, hibiscus, lavender, or even small citrus trees for a vibrant, fragrant edge. Built-in planters define the space while making your garden part of the pool experience. Customize the box material—wood, stone, or concrete—for a cohesive outdoor look that feels like a designer dream.
Supplies
- Pressure-treated wood, concrete blocks, or stone veneer
- Landscape fabric
- Garden soil + compost mix
- Plants: Hibiscus, dwarf citrus, lavender, ornamental grasses
- Outdoor sealant or waterproof lining
4. Rolling Planters with Wheels
Add style and flexibility to your poolside setup with rolling planters. These mobile containers are perfect for sun-loving herbs like basil and mint or bright seasonal flowers. Easily reposition them for optimal sunlight or to refresh your outdoor layout. Great for renters or changing seasons, rolling planters let you adjust your greenery with ease. Choose modern fiberglass or rustic wooden styles, and place them near seating areas, grills, or dining spots for instant charm and functional greenery wherever you need it.
Supplies
- Mobile planter boxes with lockable wheels
- Potting mix
- Herbs: Basil, mint, rosemary, thyme
- Watering can
- Fertilizer for edibles
5. Modern Geometric Planters
Make a bold style statement with sleek, geometric planters around your pool. Choose black, white, or concrete finishes and fill with structured plants like agave, snake plant, or ferns for a modern minimalist look. These sculptural accents enhance contemporary outdoor spaces and add symmetry and height to patios or walkways. Group in sets of two or three for visual balance and frame key areas like steps, loungers, or water features. Clean lines and dramatic foliage make these a standout poolside feature.
Supplies
- Resin or concrete planters in angular designs
- Drainage mesh and stones
- Plants: Agave, yucca, snake plant, ferns
- Black or white decorative sand
- Ruler for symmetrical placement
6. Hanging Basket Planters
Add vertical beauty to your pool area with hanging basket planters. Suspend trailing blooms like petunias, ivy, or ferns from pergolas, trellises, or hooks for a whimsical, garden-inspired feel. These floating bursts of color bring texture and life to overhead space, framing the pool with softness and movement. Perfect for small patios or sunny decks, hanging baskets let you layer greenery without taking up ground space. Mix flower colors and foliage types to match your vibe—romantic, rustic, or tropical.
Supplies
- Hanging baskets with liners (coconut coir or moss)
- Potting soil
- Trailing flowers: Petunias, ivy, lobelia, ferns
- Metal or wood hooks / pergola
- Slow-release flower fertilizer
7. Tiki Torch Planters
Double up on style and function with tiki torch planters around your pool. These creative containers combine tropical plants like crotons and cordylines with the warm glow of torches, creating an inviting space for evening swims or summer parties. Line them along pathways or set them in corners for both mood lighting and greenery. As the sun sets, your garden transforms into a cozy retreat with flickering flames, lush foliage, and a relaxing atmosphere that feels like a private resort.
Supplies
- Planters with integrated tiki torch poles
- Torch fuel (citronella recommended)
- Plants: Croton, cordyline, coleus
- Fire-safe placement tools
- Decorative stones or sand
8. Corner Tiered Planters
Maximize poolside space with tiered planters tucked into corners or along fences. These vertical gardens are ideal for flowers, herbs, or cascading vines, giving you a layered burst of greenery that draws the eye. Wood, metal, or terra cotta stands offer charm and variety, while the tiered levels provide easy access for watering and changing plants. Mix textures and heights for visual interest and seasonal flexibility. It’s a clever way to add big color and life without crowding your pool area.
Supplies
- 3-tier wooden or metal planter stand
- Mixed potting soil
- Plants: Marigolds, creeping jenny, mini ferns
- Watering can with narrow spout
- Outdoor-safe paint/stain (optional for wood)
9. Water Feature Planters
Blend the calming sounds of water with lush greenery using planters that include small fountains or bubbling features. These unique pieces offer a double dose of serenity and style, perfect for creating a spa-like poolside retreat. Fill with water-loving plants like ferns or peace lilies and set beside loungers or patios. The gentle flow adds soothing ambiance, while the planter brings natural charm. Ideal for modern and Zen-inspired designs, these water feature planters are both functional and elegant.
Supplies
- Planter with built-in water pump/fountain
- Water-resistant soil base (or pond planting mix)
- Plants: Peace lilies, ferns, water hyacinth (if applicable)
- Extension cord for pump
- Decorative rocks or glass pebbles
10. LED-Lit Planters
Light up your poolside evenings with LED-lit planters that glow softly as the sun sets. These modern planters combine design and lighting in one stunning package. Fill with sculptural greenery or decorative stones and place around steps, corners, or paths for ambiance and safety. Available in multiple colors and sizes, they add a chic, high-end resort touch to your backyard. Whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet night swim, LED planters transform your space into a glowing garden escape.
Supplies
- Planters with built-in LED lights (solar or plug-in)
- Lightweight soil mix
- Plants: Small topiary, ornamental grass, succulents
- Outdoor extension cord (if needed)
- White stones, bark chips, or light-diffusing filler
