Above-ground pools are an affordable and fun option for homeowners who love to swim. However, they can be challenging to get in and out of and may lack the visual appeal of in-ground pools.
To try to get the best of both worlds, building a deck around your above-ground pool can be a great option. This guide will walk you through the process of planning, designing, and constructing a deck for your above-ground pool, helping you create a more enjoyable and easily accessible outdoor space.
Benefits of Adding a Deck to Your Above-Ground Pool
Adding a deck to your above-ground pool offers a ton of advantages that can significantly improve your swimming experience. A well-designed deck provides easier access to the pool, eliminating the need for a ladder and making it simpler for swimmers of all ages to enter and exit the water.
A deck also creates more space for lounging, sunbathing, and entertaining around the pool. It offers a clean, dry area for placing furniture, grills, and other outdoor amenities, transforming your pool area into a more versatile outdoor living space. A deck even keeps your pool cleaner by providing a barrier between the surrounding landscape and the pool water, reducing the amount of dirt and debris that can drift into the pool.
Planning Your Pool Deck Project
Before starting construction, it’s important to carefully plan your pool deck project. This planning phase involves assessing your space and needs, as well as understanding local building codes and permit requirements.
Assessing Your Space and Needs
Start by evaluating the area around your above-ground pool. Consider factors such as the size and shape of your yard, the pool’s location, and any existing landscaping or structures. Think about how you want to use the deck: Will it be primarily for pool access, or do you envision it as an extended outdoor living area? Determine the size and shape of the deck that will best suit your needs and complement your pool.
Start With a Wish List: Before sketching any plans, take inventory on paper. Consider everything you want and need from the space—pool access, an outdoor eating area, a spot for grilling, play areas for kids, or a secluded lounge zone. Clip photos from magazines, search for images online, and take snapshots of features in friends’ yards that appeal to you. Pin them up and look for recurring themes; those will be the features that matter most to you. Also check with your town’s building department early on to learn about restrictions on fence heights, setbacks, and the installation of permanent structures such as decks and swimming pools.
Design Insight: Bill Bolton, owner of Deck Creations in Santa Barbara, California, advises homeowners to think beyond basic shapes: “The days of the deck that’s just a plain, impersonal square are gone. People want the space to be their own. They’re thinking in terms of outdoor rooms.” The same variety of spaces you have inside your house—a breakfast nook, a quiet reading area—can be reproduced on your pool deck with thoughtful planning.
Understanding Local Building Codes and Permits
Building a deck around your above-ground pool often means you need to adhere to specific local building codes, and may need to get permits. While above-ground pools themselves typically don’t require permits due to their non-permanent nature, adding a deck changes the equation. Local regulations can dictate aspects such as deck height, railing requirements, and structural specifications. You should always research and comply with these regulations to be sure your deck is safe and legal and won’t cause issues in the future.
Railing Requirements to Know: Most building codes require railings to be at least 36 inches high for decks built more than 30 inches off the ground, with no gaps between balusters or beneath the handrail through which a 4-inch sphere could pass. Some local codes also prohibit railings with horizontal members that children could climb like a ladder—an especially important consideration for a pool deck where child safety is paramount. Popular railing material options beyond wood include taut steel cable, metal mesh, tubular piping, resin posts and balusters, and tempered glass panels.
Choosing the Right Materials for Your Pool Deck
Selecting the appropriate materials for your pool deck is critical for its longevity, appearance, and maintenance requirements. Two popular options for pool deck construction are wood and composite materials, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.
Wood Options for Pool Decks
Wood remains a popular choice for pool decks due to its natural beauty and versatility. Common wood options include pressure-treated pine, cedar, and redwood. These materials offer a classic look and can be customized with various stains and finishes. However, wood requires regular upkeep, including sealing and staining every few years to protect it from moisture and UV damage.
On a recent This Old House project, the crew presented homeowners with several decking options. As TOH host Andy explained, they considered composite and two hardwood choices — ipe and garapa. The homeowners opted for garapa, a lesser-known South American hardwood that’s “resistant to rot and resistant to bugs, so it’s gonna last a long time,” Andy noted, while coming in at a lower price point than premium ipe. It’s the kind of real-world trade-off worth weighing when planning your own pool deck build.
Beyond the Basics: If your budget allows, consider tropical hardwoods like ipe or garapa for your pool deck. As covered in This Old House Magazine’s guide to hardwood decking, ipe is three and a half times as hard as teak, and its natural oils deter pests, rot, and decay so effectively that it can last up to a century above ground. For a more budget-friendly tropical option, garapa comes from the same South American docks as ipe — it’s resistant to rot and resistant to bugs, making it an excellent long-lasting choice for a pool surround.
Composite Decking Materials
Composite decking has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to wood. Composite materials are made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics, and offer excellent durability and low maintenance requirements. They resist fading, staining, and mold growth, making them well-suited for pool environments. While typically more expensive upfront, composite decking can offer long-term cost savings due to its minimal maintenance needs.
All composites lighten slightly after the first two or three months of sun exposure, then the fading stabilizes — unlike natural wood, which inexorably turns gray if left untreated. Most manufacturers offer either a 25-year or limited-lifetime warranty on structural integrity, and some warranties are even transferable from one homeowner to another. Keep in mind, however, that fading, scratches, and stains usually aren’t covered, so choosing a board with a textured grain can help hide poolside scuffs.
Composites contain about 50 percent wood dust from sawmills, in addition to recycled and virgin high-density polyethylene (HDPE). According to TOH’s guide to composite decking, the wood-fiber content improves the plastic’s stiffness, reduces its tendency to expand and contract with temperature changes, and roughens the surface texture for improved skid resistance — an especially important quality around a pool. Composites also come in lengths up to 20 feet, which means fewer end joints across your pool deck.
Designing Your Pool Deck
Designing your pool deck involves more than just selecting materials. You’ll need to consider the size and shape of the deck and all the necessary safety features, and then decide on any additional amenities or extras you’d like.
Deck Size and Shape Considerations
The size and shape of your pool deck should complement your above-ground pool and fit well within your available space. Consider extending the deck beyond the pool’s edge to create areas for lounging and entertaining. Popular shapes include full-circle decks that surround the entire pool, partial decks that cover one side or corner, and connecting decks that link the pool to your home or patio. Read this before you build your deck to ensure you’ve considered all aspects of the design process.
Incorporating Safety Features
Safety should be a top priority when designing your pool deck. Include sturdy railings around the deck’s perimeter, especially on elevated sections. Make sure stairs are wide enough for comfortable access and include handrails. Consider adding non-slip surfaces or textures to prevent slips and falls, particularly in areas that are likely to get wet.
Adding Amenities and Extras
Elevate your pool deck’s functionality and appearance by adding extra features. Consider built-in seating or storage benches, a designated area for outdoor furniture, or space for a grill or outdoor kitchen. You may also want to include shade structures like pergolas or umbrellas to provide relief from the sun. Learn how to design the deck of your dreams to create a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle and preferences.
Built-In Seating: Benches built along the perimeter of the deck provide comfortable seating, especially when accented with cushions and pillows. If the bench back is high enough—36 inches in some areas—it may even substitute for a railing. For added functionality, construct benches with lids instead of fixed seats to integrate hidden storage into the design. Planters can punctuate or terminate a long bench run, accent sets of steps, or mark corners where two sections of railing meet—fill them with colorful annuals or evergreen shrubs to create a year-round privacy shield.
Cost Factors for Building a Pool Deck
The cost of building a deck around your above-ground pool can vary significantly based on several factors. Understanding these cost components can help you budget effectively for your project.
Material Costs
Material costs typically represent a significant portion of the overall project expense. According to Angi.com, pressure-treated wood decking materials generally range from $2–$5 per square foot, while composite decking costs between $12–$22 per square foot. Remember to factor in the price of additional materials such as fasteners, railings, and any treatments or finishes.
If you’re opting for pressure-treated lumber — still the most popular choice for pool deck framing — be aware that not all treatments are equal. As TOH landscape contractor Roger Cook explains, modern pressure-treated wood uses a copper-based preservative (known as ACQ) rather than the old arsenic-based formula. The depth of treatment varies: some boards are only treated at the edges, while others are infused all the way to the center. For a pool deck, look for lumber rated for ground contact or marine use, which indicates the preservative has fully penetrated the wood — critical for any structure exposed to constant moisture and splashing.
Pro Tip: Tom Silva, TOH general contractor, notes that material choice has long-term cost implications beyond the sticker price. On Western red cedar, he cautions: “You gotta seal it if you wanna” keep it from going gray, adding ongoing maintenance costs. For a pool deck that sees heavy use, he points to mahogany as a premium but lasting option: “It’s hard, it’s durable, it takes a finish, if you want to finish it, beautifully.” As TOH host Steve Thomas puts it: “You only buy it once. This’ll last forever.”
Labor Expenses
If you’re hiring a professional to build your deck, labor costs will be a substantial part of your budget. Labor expenses can vary widely depending on your location, the complexity of the project, and the contractor’s experience. On average, you can expect labor costs to range from $15–$35 per square foot.
Additional Features and Their Impact on Price
Extra features and amenities will increase the overall cost of your project, including built-in seating, storage spaces, lighting, and shade structures. While these features will enhance your deck’s functionality and appeal, prioritize them based on your budget and needs.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Deciding whether to build your pool deck yourself or hire a professional is an important consideration that depends on your skills, available time, and the complexity of the project.
Skills Required for DIY Deck Building
Building a deck requires a range of carpentry skills, including the ability to read and follow plans, measure and cut materials accurately, and use power tools safely. You’ll also need to understand structural principles to ensure your deck is stable and secure. If you’re confident in your abilities and have experience with similar projects, a DIY approach can save you money on labor costs.
Benefits of Professional Installation
Hiring a professional contractor has several advantages. Experienced deck builders bring expertise in design, construction techniques, and local building codes. They can often complete the project more quickly and efficiently than a DIY approach. Professional installation also typically comes with warranties and guarantees, which provide peace of mind. For complex designs, or if you’re unsure about tackling the project yourself, professional installation is often the best choice.
Step-by-Step Guide To Building a Pool Deck
If you decide to build your pool deck yourself, follow these general steps to ensure a successful project.
Prepare the Ground
Start by clearing and leveling the area around your pool. Remove any grass or debris, and make sure the ground is properly graded to allow for drainage away from the pool and deck. Install a weed barrier to prevent vegetation growth under the deck.
Install the Support Structure
Begin by setting posts in concrete pier blocks to create a sturdy foundation. Attach beams and joists to the posts, ensuring everything is level and properly spaced according to your deck plans and local building codes.
Lay the Decking
Install the decking boards perpendicular to the joists, starting from the outer edge of the deck and working your way in. Use appropriate fasteners and maintain consistent spacing between boards for drainage and expansion.
Add Railings and Stairs
Install railings around the perimeter of the deck, checking that they meet height and spacing requirements for safety. Build and attach stairs, making sure they’re secure and include proper handrails.
Maintaining Your Above-Ground Pool Deck
Clean your deck regularly to remove dirt, debris, and any mold or mildew growth. Inspect the deck annually for signs of wear, damage, or loose fasteners, addressing any issues quickly to prevent more significant problems.
Sealing and Weatherproofing
For wood decks, apply a water-resistant sealant every two to three years to protect against moisture damage and UV rays. Composite decks typically don’t require sealing but may benefit from occasional cleaning with specialized products.
Repairs and Replacements
Address any damaged boards, loose railings, or other issues as soon as you notice them. Prompt repairs can prevent more extensive damage and maintain the safety of your deck.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Building a Pool Deck
Building a pool deck can enhance your outdoor space, but avoid these common mistakes for the best results. First, plan thoroughly to avoid underestimating the project. Know the size, design, and costs involved to prevent unexpected expenses and incomplete work.
Second, obtain all necessary permits before starting. Skipping this step can lead to fines or having to remove your deck. Check with local authorities to ensure compliance with building codes.
Third, use proper materials and construction techniques. Choose weather-resistant materials and ensure proper drainage to prevent damage and unsafe conditions.
Finally, consider future maintenance. Plan for regular cleaning, sealing, and inspections to keep your deck in good condition. By avoiding these mistakes, you can build a durable, safe, and attractive pool deck.
Our Conclusion
Building a deck around your above-ground pool can boost your outdoor living space, providing easier access to the pool and an inviting area for relaxation and entertainment. Whether you choose to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional, careful planning and consideration of materials, design, and safety features are key for a successful outcome. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can create a beautiful, functional, and safe pool deck that will provide years of enjoyment for you and your family.
