In This Article Show
That pool pump sitting beside your above ground pool is loud and hard to ignore. I stared at mine for two summers before I built a cover, and it changed how the whole backyard felt.
These above ground pool pump cover ideas look good and still let the motor breathe. Every cover needs airflow, easy access, and safe electrical, so I have added notes on those along with three easy projects and product picks.
1. Faux Rock Cover
A faux rock pump cover is molded from lightweight resin and slips over the pump like a shell. It blends in with rock landscaping.
Choose one with vents or a raised base for airflow. Lift it off easily for maintenance, and check hollow plastic shells hold up in freezing weather.
Quick checklist: For a full step by step, see this guide on how to hide an above ground pool pump.
- Comes pre made in garden centers, no building skills needed
- Lightweight enough to lift off for maintenance
- Blends naturally if you already have rock landscaping nearby
- Can crack in extreme cold if it’s a hollow plastic shell, so check your climate before buying
- No building
- Lightweight
- Vented base
2. Bamboo Skirt Enclosure
If your backyard has a tropical or coastal feel, a bamboo skirt softens the mechanical look of the pump.
Synthetic bamboo fencing lasts longer than real bamboo outdoors. Leave gaps so air can move freely.
Quick checklist:
- Synthetic bamboo resists rot and lasts years longer than the real thing
- Easy to cut to custom height for different pump sizes
- Pairs well with tiki or beach themed patios
- Needs gaps or vents built in since bamboo doesn’t breathe much on its own
- Tropical feel
- Long lasting
- Leave gaps
3. Modern Wooden Cabinet
This one looks like outdoor furniture. Clean lines, a hinged lid, and slatted sides for airflow.
I built mine from cedar and it doubles as a side table. Seal it each year and never block the motor vents.
Quick checklist: If you are also hiding the frame, these above ground pool landscaping ideas help.
- Cedar and teak naturally resist moisture and bugs
- Add a flat top and it becomes extra patio seating or a drink station
- Slatted sides keep the motor from overheating
- Needs a yearly coat of sealant to keep the wood from graying too fast
- Furniture look
- Slatted sides
- Doubles as table
Project Card · 1 weekend · Moderate
Materials Needed
- Cedar boards and 2×2 frame pieces
- Exterior screws and drill
- Two outdoor hinges
- Spacer block for slat gaps
- Clear exterior sealer
How to Make It
- Measure the pump and add at least six inches on every side.
- Build a simple open bottom frame.
- Screw slats to the sides with even gaps for airflow.
- Hinge the lid so it lifts fully open.
- Seal the wood and set it over the pump with no contact to the motor.
4. Concrete Box Cover
For a modern look, a concrete box is blunt and elegant against greenery. It stays put in high wind.
Make it three sided or leave a removable front so you can reach the pump. Plan access before you pour.
Quick checklist:
- Extremely durable and weatherproof
- Works well in modern or minimalist landscaping
- Heavy, so it stays put even in high wind areas
- Harder to move once installed, so plan pump access carefully before pouring
- Durable
- Modern
- Open side
5. Railway Sleeper Style Cover
Timber beams stacked log cabin style make a rustic, sturdy box. New landscape timbers give the same look safely.
Avoid old railway sleepers treated with creosote, which is not meant for gardens, children, or pets.
Quick checklist:
- Reclaimed wood is often cheaper than new lumber
- Adds a rugged, lived in look that fits cottage or farmhouse yards
- Very sturdy once stacked and screwed together
- Check sleepers for old creosote treatment before placing near plants or pets
- Rustic
- Sturdy
- No creosote
6. Planter Box Integration
Build a frame around the pump with planters on top, and the whole thing reads as a garden feature.
Trailing plants soften the edges fast. Make sure drainage holes never drip onto the motor.
Quick checklist: For more planter styles, see these contemporary planter ideas.
- Hides the pump while adding actual greenery to your space
- Trailing plants like ivy or sweet potato vine soften the hard edges fastest
- Works as a privacy screen if placed near a fence line
- Make sure drainage holes don’t direct water onto the motor
- Garden feature
- Trailing plants
- Dry motor
7. Woven Rattan Basket Cover
A large woven basket slips over the pump and looks softer than plastic. Synthetic rattan handles sun and rain far better than natural fiber.
Set it on a raised base so air can flow underneath.
Quick checklist:
- Lightweight and easy to lift on and off
- Natural texture pairs well with boho or coastal patio styles
- Synthetic rattan holds up far better than natural fiber in direct sun and rain
- Needs a solid base or stand so it doesn’t sag over time
- Soft look
- Easy lift
- Raised base
8. White Metal Screen Panel
A powder coated metal screen with a decorative pattern gives a clean look. The cutouts let air flow freely.
It works especially well with white trim or railings.
Quick checklist: Need a taller screen? These compact outdoor privacy screens work well.
- Rust resistant coating holds up well outdoors
- Decorative patterns allow airflow without looking like a vent
- Matches white or light colored exteriors seamlessly
- Costs more upfront than wood or basic enclosures
- Clean
- Airflow
- Rust resistant
9. Pallet Wood Enclosure
Pallet wood is the budget option that still looks intentional. Sand it and add a light stain.
Only use pallets stamped HT for heat treated. Leave the back open for airflow.
Quick checklist:
- Extremely cheap, sometimes free if you source pallets locally
- Sanding and a light stain make it look far more polished than raw pallets
- Great weekend project for beginners
- Inspect wood for stamps confirming heat treatment, not chemical treatment, before using outdoors
- Budget
- HT stamp only
- Open back
Project Card · Half a day · Easy
Materials Needed
- Two or three HT stamped pallets
- Pry bar and hammer
- Sander and exterior stain
- Exterior screws and drill
- Gloves and safety glasses
How to Make It
- Check every pallet for the HT stamp and skip any without it.
- Pry the boards off and pull out old nails.
- Sand the boards smooth and stain them.
- Build a three sided box at least six inches larger than the pump on every side.
- Leave the back and bottom open and set it in place.
10. Stone Tile Clad Box
Cladding a simple frame with stone tiles creates a built in look that matches stone patios or fire pits.
Use outdoor rated tile adhesive and keep the top or front removable for service.
Quick checklist:
- Extremely durable once installed
- Matches existing stonework for a cohesive backyard
- Adds real property value compared to temporary covers
- Tile adhesive needs to be rated for outdoor and temperature swings
- Upscale
- Matches stone
- Removable front
11. Fabric Cover
A fitted fabric cover is the simplest option and needs no tools. It is great for renters.
Only cover the pump when it is switched off, since a running motor needs open air. Fabric fades in sun, so expect to replace it.
Quick checklist:
- Cheapest option by far
- No tools or building required
- Easy to remove completely during pool maintenance season
- Fabric breaks down faster in direct sun, so expect to replace it every couple years
- No tools
- Renter friendly
- Off season only
12. Living Wall Green Screen
A vertical planter frame with low maintenance plants or faux greenery turns the pump area into a feature.
Stand it a little in front of the pump so air can still circulate behind it.
Quick checklist:
- Ideal for small spaces where a box would feel bulky
- Faux greenery options mean zero watering or upkeep
- Doubles as a backdrop for patio photos
- Real plants need a watering plan if you go that route
- Small spaces
- Green
- Space behind
Project Card · 1 hour · Easy
Materials Needed
- Freestanding garden screen or trellis
- Vertical pocket planter
- Potting mix and plants
- Zip ties
How to Make It
- Stand the screen about two feet in front of the pump.
- Fix the pocket planter to the screen.
- Fill pockets with soil and plant.
- Water gently away from the pump.
- Check that you can still reach the pump from the side.
13. Painted Metal Ventilated Box
A sheet metal box with vent holes, powder coated to match your trim, looks designed rather than hidden.
This is best left to a metal fabricator. Metal gets hot in direct sun, so add plenty of vents.
Quick checklist:
- Highly durable and low maintenance
- Ventilation holes keep the motor cool without exposing it
- Can be powder coated in any color to match your exterior
- Best left to a metal fabricator unless you have welding experience
- Durable
- Many vents
- Pro build
14. Japandi Minimal Bench
A low, simple wood bench can hide the pump below while giving you somewhere to sit.
Use slatted sides for airflow and a hinged top or removable panel. Keep electrical connections dry inside a weatherproof outdoor outlet cover.
Quick checklist:
- Doubles as functional seating near the pool
- Clean lines fit minimalist or zen inspired backyards
- Light wood tones like ash or pine keep the look airy
- Needs a removable panel or hinge for easy pump access
- Seat and cover
- Slatted sides
- Dry connections
What to Check Before You Build or Buy
Ventilation matters more than looks. A sealed box can make the motor overheat and shut down.
Leave room for repairs with a lift off lid or removable panel, and keep the pump plugged into a GFCI protected outlet. Any new wiring near a pool should be done by a licensed electrician.
Crucial Factors to Consider Before Building or Buying
Before you commit to any of these, walk through a few practical points first.
- Ventilation matters more than looks. Pool pumps generate heat and need airflow, so any fully sealed box can cause the motor to overheat or shut down
- Check your local climate. Wood swells in humid areas, plastic can crack in freezing temperatures, and metal can get hot enough to matter in direct desert sun
- Know your pump’s noise level. If your pump runs loud, a fully enclosed wooden or concrete cover will dampen sound better than an open basket or fabric option
- Match your existing landscaping. A cover that clashes with your patio style will stand out just as much as the bare pump did
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to cover a pool pump?
Yes, if the cover has plenty of airflow and space around the motor. Never seal it in a closed box while running.
How much space should a pump cover leave?
Leave at least six inches on every side and an open bottom or vents so heat can escape.
What is the cheapest pool pump cover?
A pallet wood or reed screen enclosure, or a fabric cover when the pump is off.
Can I put plants on top of a pump cover?
Yes, as long as water never drips onto the motor or electrical connections.
Will a cover make my pump quieter?
Solid wood or concrete covers dampen some noise, but always keep the vents open.
Final Thoughts on Above Ground Pool Pump Cover Ideas
You do not have to live with a noisy pump in plain view. Whether you build a pallet box or a stone clad cover, the goal is the same: hide it without choking its airflow.
Pick the option that suits your budget and climate, start simple, and upgrade later once you know what works for your space. For more ways to finish the pool area, see these above ground pool deck ideas.
