Building a Pool Deck For Above Ground Pools

An above-ground pool is an investment. A quality, well-taken care above ground pool can last a family upwards or 25 years. So, of course, you want to beautify and elongate this investment. When it comes to building an above ground pool deck for family comfort and fun, there are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare, design, and build a deck.  

Preparation

When your yard can already accommodate an above ground swimming pool, there isn’t much you need to do for the ground around the pool when building a pool deck. However, there is still quite a bit of planning that goes into the process. Typically, the pool deck will be built onto one side or all-around an above ground swimming, giving your family somewhere to rest when they are not actively using the pool. An above-ground swimming pool deck should come right up to the edge of, but not connect to, the pool itself. It should be safe, secure, and stand on its own alongside the pool. Measure twice and cut once when you are deciding how much material you need to build a deck and keep in mind your pool’s size and the equipment around it necessary to keep the pool running. Make sure to plan for waterproof materials, and if you use wood in your design, keep in mind that the deck may need to be power-washed often.  

Choosing a Design

Fortunately, for choosy homeowners, there are plenty of design options and plans to apply to your above ground pool deck. While there are standards for the average above ground swimming pool deck design, the colors and designs that you use depend on your preference, when your pool is open (year-round or seasonal in the spring and summer months), and the design of your home or the pool itself. The materials used for above ground pool decks should coordinate with the materials and colors of the pool. If your pool matches the design of your home or yard, keep the pool deck along these lines. A consistent color scheme will help the pool deck look more cohesive rather than sticking out. The most popular building material used for above ground pool decks is wood, with redwood and cedar being quality choices, due to its durability and ease of use in DIY projects. However, the wood used for a pool deck should be correctly stained and sealed to prevent water damage. Other materials used for pool decks include composite or aluminum because these are tested and true waterproof materials that allow water to slide away, creating no hazardous puddle situations.  

Safety

After a beautiful and vibrant pool design comes to mind, put into terms of safety. Make sure there is enough room to safely walk, with 3 feet being the appropriate standard, to maintain that your above ground pool deck is secure enough for your family to use freely. Install safety railings around your pool deck, and these should typically be at least 36 inches, or three feet above grade. The balusters must be 4 inches or less apart, and the deck should have a lockable gate to keep children and pets safe. Designing a deck for your above ground swimming pool is a complicated process. From the initial design and choosing the best materials to maintain a safe deck for your family, there is plenty to consider from beginning to end.