"What are the budget friendly options?"

If it was me I would not change a thing about the deck- it would be too expensive for my taste. It's fine the way it is, it's just a bit boring.

What I would do is add about ten or twelve enormous planting containers- either the largest pots I could find or spring for super huge planter boxes to be built in place.

Then I would plant some small trees, conifers, and broadleaved evergreens that worked in the climate (which you have not told us so I cannot make specific suggestions) without too much leaf drop yet a bit of height. I'd use them to break up the fence lines, screen any undesirable views, and enhance privacy.

I would use smaller pots for flowering shrubs, perennials, and annuals to bring some color and interest in that way.

You could look into staining the pavers to change them up without spending much money. There are all sorts of color options available.

Plantings will make a huge difference , phony grass looks like phoney grass, a fence around the pool is in most areas up to code . Some nice brightly colored furniture would be a good look

Thanks everyone :)

I have the plans already for all the plants/furniture/fencing already, I was just stuck on what to do with the pavers. I'll have a look at our pre-settlement inspection how the pavers were installed (fingers crossed they were done correctly!)

Definitely pots and plants like others have said will liven things up, add some color, and give some life to your pool area. To give the pool itself some pizzaz you could consider a couple of scupper bowls poolside, but that will require some plumbing. They look great though and are relatively affordable. You can just place on the ground or on pedestals rather than having columns built.