Hi There! We are so glad you asked this question - there are so many different things you can do with your pool design. Here are a few resources that will give you some ideas on landscaping and other options:

http://blog.lathampool.com/easy-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-for-around-the-pool-that-look-good-all-year

http://blog.lathampool.com/swimming-pool-lighting-ideas-for-your-backyard-renovation

http://landing.lathampool.com/aquamarine-fiberglass-luxury-pools-dreambook-houston-texas

http://landing.lathampool.com/swimming-pool-design-on-a-dime

You’re on the right track, lighting, decor, plants and of course, seating. We’ve compiled some of our best tips for landscaping around your pool as well as ourportfolio of some of our favorite projects, but we have some specific ideas for your space!

As far as pots go, you can find pots that don’t have drainage to help prevent muddy leakage, but you can also add containers underneath pots that do have drainage to prevent water from running all over your deck. When you place your planters, try and arrange them in groups of 3 with varying heights like this:

Adding seating plus a fire pit near the pool could help soften the space, maybe in the area to the right of the pool between the hot tub and shallow end.

When you add lighting, make sure you light the pool but also the area around it. Add some ground lighting by the trees on the left of the picture to make them stand out even during a night time dip!

You have tons of potential here, and now that the hard part (installing the pool) is over, the fun part starts! Good luck!