Are you interested in an above ground swimming pool as a temporary diversion, or are you looking for more of a permanent feature? If it’s the former, you have permission to skip this article. But if it’s the latter, read on to learn why you should strongly consider adding a deck to your pool.
A deck makes an above ground pool easier to climb into, gives you a place to lounge by the water, and with the right design, vastly improves its appearance. Simply put, if you’re not planning to get rid of your pool any time soon, it makes a whole lot of sense to invest in a deck.
Once you’re on board with the idea of getting a deck, it’s time to plan… and plan… and plan some more. Unfortunately, there’s no shortcut to finding the right deck design – you just have to dive in and explore the options. To get you started, here’s a collection of bite-sized above ground pool deck ideas to roll around in your head:
Ideas For Choosing a Deck Design
An above ground pool deck can be anything from a simple platform with steps, to a complex multi-level setup. It can be wraparound or attached to one side, connected to the house or standalone, large or small. But one thing the best pool decks have in common is that they’re tailored to the pool they connect to and the yard they inhabit. Here are some tips to help you settle on the right design:
1. Go large if you can
A spacious pool deck isn’t for everyone, particularly if you don’t have the space or the budget for it. That said, if you have the option to get a bigger deck, you probably won’t regret it. An expanded deck means more room for sunbathing, grilling, dining, hosting parties, and everything else that enhances your enjoyment of the pool.
2. Plan for shade
You know how it is with decks – they can be miserable on hot, sunny days. Even when you’re spending most of your time swimming, it’s nice to have a place to retreat from the heat. If there aren’t trees around to throw shade on the deck, you might want to consider incorporating a shelter of some sort where people can get a break from the sun.
3. Keep safety in mind
A deck makes it easier to slip into the water, which is a great thing unless you’re talking about unsupervised children and pets. Even if you have a fence around your backyard, you might want to consider a latching gate just to be extra safe.
4. Leave room for storage
One great advantage of an above ground pool deck is that it offers a place to hide unsightly pool equipment and other junk that tends to accumulate around a pool. You can make the most of this by planning ahead for built-in storage spots.
5. Look for pictures to inspire you
The best way to come up with ideas is to look at what other people have done. For example, Pinterest is great place to find and save pictures of pool decks that inspire you. Here’s a board we created for above ground pools with decks:
Follow AG Pool Reviews’s board Decked Out Pools on Pinterest.
Ideas For Choosing the Best Deck Materials
When it comes to deck materials, there are more options than ever. However, a particular concern with pool decks is the amount of chemically treated water they are exposed to. Here are some thoughts on choosing materials:
1. Choose pressure-treated wood for looks
It’s a matter of taste, but most people agree that a wood deck is the top choice based on appearance alone. Of course, that only applies if you maintain it properly – and with a wood deck, there’s lots of maintenance.
2. Choose resin, composite, or aluminum for lower maintenance
The alternatives to wood all offer different looks and come with their own pros and cons. However, they’re all easier to maintain than wood, so if you’re looking for something that will hold up over time with minimal effort, check out these options.
3. Think about how it blends with the surroundings
Select materials and colors that work with the pool’s surroundings. If it’s off near a clump of trees, that might mean going with a rustic wood deck. If it’s attached to the house, or close by, it might make more sense to choose materials that complement your home’s exterior.
Ideas For Getting Your Deck Built
Planning the design is important, but if you don’t tend to the practical details of the deck’s construction, it could all be for naught. Here are three tips:
1. If doing it yourself, consider using a deck plan or kit
Building an above ground pool deck on your own is a big project, so make sure you’ve considered all the tools that could make it easier. For example, there are free and paid pool deck plans that you might want to work from. You can also find kits that include everything you need to assemble your deck.
2. If hiring a contractor, do your homework
There are likely plenty of patio and deck contractors in your area. One of the best ways to choose is to simply ask around and find out who your friends and neighbors recommend. But don’t neglect to also do some more formal research, including checking the contractor’s listing with the Better Business Bureau.
3. Don’t forget the paperwork
Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a contractor, you should be familiar with the legal requirements for building a deck in your area. That includes specifications for the construction and any permits that are required for building. If you’ve hired an experienced deck contractor, you can lean on them to handle the details – but it never hurts to be informed.
As you can see, building a deck for your above ground pool can actually be more complicated than building the pool itself. We hope these ideas have helped to sort things out for you, at least a little.
