I agree that one option is as wuff stated. Another option, that is possibly too expensive for you, but that would look really good, is the use of lattice. If you purchase lattice that has the edging to it and erect it so that the height remains the same as the fence on the RHS, this could work. I would not recommend painting it as this would lead to regular maintenance. There are various sorts of lattice that you could consider. Don't put a climber on it unless you want the maintenance. If you wanted this extra care, you could espalier a climber like Star jasmine which is evergreen, or Boston Ivy which is deciduous.

Breaking up the great solid block of colour a little bit helps to hide it. Next is the choice of what to plant. I'm leaning towards: ficus pumila, climbing fig, which can be pruned to hug the fence tightly, Himalyan blue bamboo, (but might sprout on other side of fence as well, so should have a 60cm deep root guard or be planted in pots) or waterhousia floribunda, weeping lilypilly, which can be pruned to a narrow, non-climbable hedge but 30cm might be about as narrow as possible. I'm just a bit scared the bamboo will move into the neighbours yard too...You also have to be careful to not plant anything with massive roots that could eventually crack your pool, and it has to be tough enough to cope with a bit of chlorine... Then, put in a dip line so you don't have to water such a narrow spot. Good luck, and let us know what you decide.

Both suggestions above are good. One house we did had an outdoor deck area which led to a pool and we put timber decking on the deck with a perpendicular timber-decked walkway leading to the pool. We then put lights in the walkway which created a 'catwalk', continuing along the deck. It looked great at night lit up with the pool lights on too! Love the stepping stones and gravel idea too.

Timber Decking near pools does look great! We do get lots of enquiries for replacing rusted timber connectors in decking areas near pools (usually replacing with our Stainless Steel Timber Connectors), that's not to say don't do decking, just make sure its done right! You might be interested in this article... http://vuetrade.com/blog/timber-decking-around-your-pool-are-you-planning-a-saltwater-pool/