You’ve finally made up your mind to build a new above-ground pool. This is a very wise decision. If you’re building a new pool in your backyard, you’ll probably want a nice new deck to go with your new pool. However, building a deck for an above-ground pool is a little different than building a deck on the side of your house or on your porch.

If you want to use your above-ground pool to cool off this summer, a pool deck can help you maximize the use of your pool. We’ll show you how to plan, select materials, build, furnish, and maintain a pool deck. This will give you years of enjoyment in your own garden.

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1. Why Do You Need a Pool Deck?

You can enjoy adding a deck to your above-ground pool year after year. Here are the advantages that come with a pool deck:

• It makes your above-ground pool look like it is built-in
• A deck makes getting in and out of the pool easier
• It also keeps mud, grass, leaves, and other things out of the pool
• It prevents the area around the pool from getting muddy
• It gives you a better view of the people playing in the pool
• Provides a great place to lie down, sit, and relax

2. Things to Consider When Building a Deck for an Above-Ground Pool

There are a number of things you should consider before proceeding with the design and construction of your pool deck:

2.1 Do I Need to Hire a Professional to Build My Deck?

You must first make the most important choice: is it better to build the above-ground pool deck yourself or hire a professional? Consider how good of a builder you are and how long it will take to complete the job. In addition, you need to consider how much of a budget you have.

If you have a tight schedule, then it is recommended that you hire a professional contractor. If you have more time and a limited budget, then installing a pool deck on your own is a good option.

2.2 Build the Pool First, Then Build the Deck

Don’t build the deck first and then hope that the deck will fit the pool you picked. Above ground pools come in three common wall heights: 48 inches, 52 inches, and 54 inches.

However, each pool will be a little different. Don’t build a deck without making sure it matches the pool in your backyard first.

2.3 Build a Fence Around Your Pool

As a safety measure, we need to put a fence around a yard with a pool. Different areas have different regulations on the height of fences around pools.

Before you start building, make sure your fence meets the building regulations for your area. If you don’t already have a fence, make sure you set aside a portion of your budget for building the pool and deck to build or install a fence.

2.4 Place the Deck as Close to the Pool as Possible

When a pool deck is perfectly aligned with the edge of the pool, it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also very safe. This way, people entering and exiting the pool will not trip over any protruding parts.

2.5 Place the Deck Under the Pool Railing

After the pool has been in use for many years, you may need to replace the pool liner. If you don’t plan your deck well, you may need to cut it when replacing the pool liner. And this may ruin the well-built deck.

Keep in mind that most above ground pools have a top fence that screws or snaps to the pool frame. This will help your deck last a long time. It is easier to remove the pool railing if you put deck boards underneath it. This will allow you to replace the liner without having to cut into the deck.

The best thing to do is to talk to the person who installed your pool. Ask him how the deck should be installed, how high it should be, and how much clearance there should be between the boards. This will save him a lot of work when he replaces the pool liner in the future.

3. Make Plans for the Pool Deck

Building a pool deck for an above ground pool is a major undertaking. You will need to know a lot about DIY projects and have a lot of tools to build the deck. This job can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks, depending on the difficulty of the structure and the amount of time you can spend each day.

Be sure to plan accordingly. Of course, you will need to do some preparation and even purchase some supplies before you begin.

3.1 Getting a Building Permit

Talk to your area homeowners association (HOA) and building department to find out what permits, inspections and other things are required to build a pool deck. For example, your homeowners’ association may need to accept plans.

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In addition, you may need building permits and inspections, all of which can slow down your progress. There are rules you may need to follow regarding stairs, posts, and footings for the deck, fencing around the pool, and other areas.

3.2 Determine the Pool Location

Before digging or installing a pool, call 811 to mark any in-ground features. The location of the pool deck depends on the location of the swim-up pool.

3.3 Planning the Pool Deck

Consider the size, style, and shape of the deck. Make sure there is enough room for everyone as you walk around the pool and get in and out of the water. Make sure there is enough room for outdoor chairs, decorations, potted plants, and other items.

A gate is often required around the pool, so make sure your deck plan takes this into account. Keep in mind that it is easier to build a deck around a rectangular pool than a round or oval pool.

3.4 Determine Deck Materials

Pick the materials that will be used to build your deck. Choose the right deck material based on your budget, preferences, and how things are going. Different deck materials will offer you different pros and cons. Common ones are pressure-treated wood, composite decking, and PVC decking.

3.5 Prioritize Building an Above Ground Pool

Plan the location of the pool before you start building the deck. To determine the correct height of the deck and set the posts, you will need to have the pool in place first.

If the deck will surround or partially surround a round or oval pool, you will need to see the pool first to make sure the deck planks are cut properly. Finally, make sure the pump and filter are in place so that deck maintenance is not compromised.

4. Deck Material Selection

Most people opt for decks made of pressure-treated wood or composite materials. Composite decking is a man-made material made from wood fibers and plastic. Both of these materials can fulfill your pool decking requirements. However, composite decks are usually superior to wood decks.

4.1 Advantages of Pressure Treated Wood Pool Decks

• Presents the natural beauty of wood
• Cost is usually lower than composite decking
• Can be stained or painted to match the color of the house and yard
• Cooler than composite decks in full sunlight

4.2 Advantages of Composite Pool Decking

• Available in many different colors, lighter decks are cooler than darker ones
• No sealing or staining required
• Looks neat with hidden fasteners
• Won’t break or bend
• Has excellent stain resistance
• Is lower maintenance and less time-consuming than pressure-treated wood
• In most cases, it lasts longer than pressure-treated wood

However, even with composite decking, the deck’s framing will still be made of pressure-treated lumber. Whichever material you decide to use, you’ll need to use screws that are specific to that material.

If cedar and redwood are available where you live, both of these woods can also be used for decking. These woods are naturally resistant to insects and rot. But they still require regular care and maintenance.

5. Pool Deck Building Tips

Here are some things to consider when building a pool deck:

Align the edge of the deck with the edge of the pool. Make sure the deck is just below the pool’s retaining wall or top rail. You should plan the height of the deck and the size of the posts to match the thickness of the pool retaining walls and deck boards. If you plan ahead now, it will be much easier to replace or repair the pool liner in the future.

Find out information from your local building regulations about what’s involved between the deck and pool coping. Things like how much space they need, how steep the slope should be, what kind of railings and gates can be used, how much extra framing support is needed, and other details.

Depending on the regulations in your area, you may have to secure the deck posts in concrete. Or attach them to brackets secured in a concrete base. You may be able to use deck blocks instead, which will make the job easier.

If you have a round or oval pool, you can trim the ends of the deck boards to fit the shape of the pool. For a more sophisticated look, you can cut them at an angle along their length so that they will unfold from the pool in a spiral fashion.

You can lay steps for deck stairs in several different ways. You can pour a concrete pad or make concrete footings to hold the stairs in place.

6. Staining, Sealing or Painting

If you use composite decking for your pool deck, you don’t have to paint and seal the deck boards. You must, of course, paint and seal the wood framing.

If you are using wood decking, you will need to paint and seal the entire deck. Make sure that the wood treated with pressure is dry. At first, they will be too wet to paint and seal. You will need to wait a few weeks to a few months for the wood to dry.

6.1 Staining

When selecting stains and sealers, there are several things to keep in mind:

• Surface stains that form a film are more likely to flake off than stains that soak into the wood and leave a mark.
• Solid or semi-solid stains block UV rays from sunlight better than clear stains. But they wear off faster and are more slippery when wet.
• Many stains come with a sealer. If your stain does not come with a sealer, you will need to seal it after coloring to prevent water damage from occurring.
• Sealers and items that stain and seal in one can keep wood safe. However, they can also make the surface of the wood more slippery.
• You may need to use waterproof, non-slip tape around the edges of your pool, especially where people enter and exit the pool.

Dyes come in many different shades and colors, though. On a hot summer day, lighter-colored dyes will be more comfortable than darker ones.

6.2 Painting

Just like with staining, you should take these things into consideration before painting your deck:

• To prevent people from slipping, use a good primer and look for paint that is less likely to slip on the deck.
• Light-colored paint feels cooler than darker paint, just like stain.
• You may want to use exterior paint on the deck fence. This will prevent the paint from being worn down by people walking on it. Additionally, the deck will have a unique look, as well as being safer.

One thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t matter if you use a stain and sealer or paint. You should first cover the pool and then seal it so that the finished product does not get into the water.

7. Maintenance and Upkeep

It’s important to maintain your pool deck so that it stays safe and beautiful. It is important to cover the pool before cleaning or finishing.

Composite decks require the least amount of maintenance. With this type of deck, all you need to do is sweep it frequently. Remove leaves, grass, and other things that can cause slips and falls from your deck, and scrub it with soap and water as needed.

On the other hand, you should sweep your wood deck frequently to remove dirt. Sometimes all you need to clean it is soap, water, and a deck brush. But sometimes a deck cleaner and a power washer are needed. Keep this in mind if you want to clean paint rather than stains.

Also, every three to five years, you should sand, repaint, and reseal your wood deck. This will keep it looking great and protect the wood.

Regardless of the type of deck you have, you should inspect it regularly for damage. Repairing and replacing damaged decks in a timely manner will keep you and your family safe.

8. Start Building a Pool Deck

Having a pool deck can add to the fun and make resting after swimming more comfortable. Before building an above-ground pool deck, fully consider the various considerations. This can make your outdoor project go more smoothly.

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