Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

Landscape edging around an above ground pool gives you a clean, finished border between the pool deck, the grass and the mulch beds, and it keeps soil and turf from creeping into the work area. In this guide you will plan the layout, choose a material that suits the pool’s footprint, and install edging that stays level and tight through seasons of mowing, rain and pool maintenance. Most homeowners can complete a basic install over a weekend with a few hand tools.

Why Edge Around an Above Ground Pool

An above ground pool sits on a ring of ground that is often disturbed during setup. The soil around the base settles unevenly, and grass grows right up to the pool wall, where a string trimmer can nick the liner or the bottom rail. A defined edge solves several problems at once. It creates a barrier that keeps grass roots and mulch out of the pool area, it makes trimming safer, and it gives the yard a tidy look that matches the pool itself. If you are still deciding on a general approach, the overview in Landscape Edging and Borders: 6 Steps to Clean, Lasting Lines covers the basic principles that apply here too.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Easyflex No Dig Landscape Edging Kit Options for Clean Lines (2026).

Plan the Layout Before You Dig

Good edging starts with measurement. Walk the perimeter of the pool and decide where the edge will run. Most installations place the edging at least 18 to 24 inches from the outside wall of the pool, which leaves room for a string trimmer to pass without striking the frame. If you plan a deck, a gravel pad, or a mulch bed, set the edge at the outer boundary of that feature instead.

Check these points before you buy materials:

  • Measure the total run in linear feet. For a round 24-foot pool, a ring at 2 feet out from the wall is roughly 100 feet of edging.
  • Mark the path with marking paint or spray flour, then step back and look at it from the house and from the yard edge.
  • Locate sprinkler lines, low-voltage lights and electrical conduit with a call to 811 before you dig.
  • Note slopes. Water pools on the low side of a ring, so plan drainage gaps or a slight outward pitch.

Choose the Right Edging Material

The material you pick determines how the edge looks, how much maintenance it needs, and how it handles the constant mowing and trimming near the pool. The table below compares common options for this application.

Material Best For Installation Effort Notes
Steel or aluminum strip Clean, low-profile lines Moderate Needs stakes and a level bed; resists string trimmer damage well
Landscape timber Rustic or natural looks Moderate to high Can rot over time; use treated lumber rated for ground contact
Stone or paver Formal, durable borders High Requires a compacted base and careful leveling
Plastic or rubber strip Budget-friendly borders Low Flexes well around curves but can heave in freeze-thaw cycles

For a round pool, flexible aluminum or steel strips usually give the cleanest curve. Straight-sided pool decks pair well with stone or timber. If you want an example of how a metal strip is installed step by step, see Stainless Steel Edging Landscape: A Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Borders.

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Set the Line

Drive stakes at 12 to 18 inch intervals along your marked path and run a string line between them. On curves, use a garden hose laid on the ground as a template, then mark the outline with paint. Keep the pool wall as the reference point so the ring stays concentric.

Step 2: Dig the Trench

Excavate a trench along the marked line. For most strip edgings, a depth of 4 to 6 inches and a width matching the edging’s height is sufficient. Dig slightly deeper than the strip so the top sits just above grade. Remove grass, roots and rocks, and keep the trench bottom level rather than sloped toward the pool.

Step 3: Prepare the Base

Add 1 to 2 inches of compacted gravel or crushed stone to the trench bottom. Tamp it with a hand tamper in lifts so the base does not settle later. A firm base keeps the edging from sinking into soft soil around the pool, which is a common problem in fresh installs.

Step 4: Set the Edging

Place the edging in the trench, checking that the top runs at the height you want. Use a 4-foot level along the run and adjust the base as needed. For metal strips, drive the anchor stakes through the pre-drilled holes at 12 to 18 inch intervals, keeping the stake heads below the top edge so they do not catch the mower. For stone or timber, set each piece tight to the last and check the joints.

Step 5: Backfill and Finish

Backfill the outer side of the edging with soil, tamping lightly as you go. Keep the soil line about half an inch below the top of the edge so mulch and grass sit neatly against it. Water the area lightly to settle the backfill, then recheck the level after a day.

Step 6: Plan for Pool Access and Drainage

Leave a gap of at least 2 to 3 feet at ladder and entry points so people can reach the pool without stepping over the edge. If rain collects against the pool side, cut small drainage gaps every 6 to 8 feet or set the edging with a slight outward slope.

Tools and Materials Checklist

  1. Marking paint or spray flour
  2. Stakes and string line
  3. Flat-blade shovel and garden spade
  4. Hand tamper
  5. 4-foot level
  6. Crushed stone or gravel base material
  7. Edging strips, stakes or stone pieces
  8. Rubber mallet and cordless drill (for pre-drilled metal)
  9. Utility knife and work gloves

Common Mistakes

  • Setting the edge too close to the pool wall. A trimmer will strike the frame. Keep at least 18 inches of clearance.
  • Skipping the base. Edging set directly on soil heaves and sinks within a season.
  • Leaving stakes proud. Exposed stake heads catch the mower deck and cut turf.
  • Ignoring slope. Water pooling against the pool side can undermine the edge and the ring.
  • Forgetting access points. A solid ring with no gap makes ladder and pump access awkward.

Tips for Long-Lasting Results

  • Check the level once after the first heavy rain and adjust any settled sections.
  • Trim grass along the edge two or three times each season to keep the line crisp.
  • Use a stone or mulch layer on the outer side to reduce weeds growing through the seam.
  • Inspect metal or plastic edging each spring for lifted stakes or cracks.

A cordless drill makes quick work of pre-drilled metal stakes, and a stout hand tamper keeps the gravel base firm. For clean trimming along the finished edge, a string trimmer with a metal guard helps protect both the edging and the pool frame. Look for these by searching for a cordless drill driver, a hand tamper for compacting soil, and a string trimmer with a metal guard on View on Amazon, View on Amazon and View on Amazon.

FAQ

How far from an above ground pool should landscape edging be placed?

Most installations place the edging 18 to 24 inches from the outside pool wall. This clearance keeps a string trimmer from striking the frame or liner.

Do I need a gravel base under landscape edging?

For most materials, yes. A 1 to 2 inch compacted gravel base prevents settling and heaving, especially in soft soil around a new pool.

What is the easiest edging material for a round pool?

Flexible aluminum or steel strip edging bends easily to a consistent curve and is simple to install with stakes.

Should I call before digging around a pool?

Yes. Call 811 before digging to locate buried utilities, sprinkler lines and low-voltage wiring.

How often should edging be checked?

Check it after the first heavy rain and then once each spring. Re-level any sections that have settled or heaved.

Can I install edging myself or should I hire a professional?

Most homeowners can install a basic strip edging themselves. If the job involves electrical lines, a slope that needs regrading, or a stone border, consult a licensed landscape contractor.

Does edging affect pool drainage?

It can. A closed ring can trap water against the pool. Cut small drainage gaps or set the edge with a slight outward pitch.

Conclusion

A well-planned edge around an above ground pool keeps grass and mulch in their place, protects the pool from trimmer damage, and gives the yard a clean finish. Measure carefully, prepare a firm base, and leave room for access and drainage. With those steps done, the edge will hold its line for many seasons.

Ready to choose one?

Caleb Morgan

About Caleb Morgan

Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our lawn edging & trimming guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.