How to Building a Pool Deck Around an Above Ground Pool

Building a deck around an above-ground pool is a great way to enhance the look and functionality of your backyard. Not only does it provide a convenient place to enter and exit the pool. In addition, it also adds valuable outdoor living space for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the summer sun. While building a pool deck may seem like a daunting task, it can be accomplished with the right tools, materials, and a bit of planning.

As a more comfortable transition from the yard to the pool, composite decks provide a place to sit and relax along the poolside. When you build a deck around your pool, this adds value, appeal, and functionality to your entertainment investment. When you’re done building your new pool deck, you can dine or sunbathe poolside. This article will take you through information about pool decks and how to build a composite deck around your pool.

Things to Keep in Mind When Building Pool Decks

Before deciding whether to DIY install an above-ground pool deck yourself or hire a professional. You should also consider some of the following things:

Do I Need to Hire a Professional Deck Contractor?

You must first make the most important choice of whether to build your above-ground pool deck yourself or hire a professional. Consider how good you are at building, how long it will take to complete the job, and how much money you have.

If you have specialized skills and more than enough time, you can save more money by doing your own DIY installation. If you’re pressed for time or haven’t done a related project before, then hiring a professional contractor is a better option.

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Build the Pool First, then Build the Deck

Don’t build your pool deck first and then hope that the deck will fit the pool you picked. Most above-ground pools have wall heights of 48 inches, 52 inches, and 54 inches, but every pool will be a little different. Don’t build the deck first if you’re not sure if the pool deck will fit with your new pool in your backyard.

Beware of bare feet

Walking barefoot and potentially coming into contact with other exposed skin is one of the factors to consider when building a pool deck. For this reason, the surface of the pool deck needs to be protected from debris and protected from the hot sun. Avoid physical damage to people.

Composite deck boards are the ideal choice for pool decking. Because composite decking will not chip and can be secured with hidden fasteners. This prevents exposed screws from causing harm to people and also improves the aesthetics of the pool deck.

In addition, composite decking is available in a variety of colors. The lighter colors will stay cooler and not get hot due to sun exposure. Therefore, composite decking is beneficial to people playing or sunbathing on most pool decks.

Water and Moisture Resistant

Natural wood is usually the first choice for outdoor decks because it is affordable and easy to buy. But as a pool deck, traditional wood decking is not so suitable. In addition to the possibility of cracking the deck to cause harm to humans. Wood decking does not have good moisture resistance. Using wood decking as a pool deck not only takes a lot of time to maintain each year but also raises the cost of subsequent maintenance.

In contrast, composite decking has advantages that wood decking does not. It is especially useful for building pool decks. In addition to having the look and feel of natural wood, composite decking has the look and feel of natural wood. The excellent water and moisture resistance make it virtually maintenance-free. Not only does it allow you to spend time maintaining your deck and enjoying it. And it also reduces subsequent maintenance costs. What a worry-free composite deck!

Pool Fencing

As a safety measure, any yard with a pool will need to have a fence around it. Different states and cities have different regulations on the height of fences around pools. Before you begin construction, 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 or installing a pool and deck fence.

Place the Deck as Close to the Pool as Possible

When the deck of a pool is 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 won’t trip over any protruding parts, thus keeping the ground level.

Decking under the Pool Fence

After a long time, you may need to replace your pool liner. If you don’t plan your pool deck well, the installer may have to cut the deck to replace the liner. And this could ruin the pool that was built.

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’s easier to remove the pool fence if you have deck boards underneath it so you can 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 pool deck should be put together, how tall it should be, how much space there should be between the boards, etc. This will save him a lot of work when he replaces the pool cover in the future.

Build a Separate Structure to Store Pool Equipment

Many people choose to put their pumps and filters under the deck of their above-ground pools. This may look better and keep your tools out of the weather. However, it may be more difficult to keep your pool clean and working properly.

Instead, place your equipment on the side of the deck so it’s easy to reach and use. To keep your equipment out of sight, you can build a smaller structure to house your pump, filter, and other tools. You can use scrap wood left over from building the deck or composite deck boards to create a place to hide pool equipment.

Note that motors and pumps may need wind to keep them from getting too hot. Check the installation guidelines for all pool equipment to make sure the structure won’t void the warranty or prematurely damage the equipment.

Design Ideas for Above-Ground Pool Decks

Before you build your outdoor pool and pool deck, you need to decide early on how they will look. There are many different shapes of pool decks for you to choose from. Whether you have a round pool or a rectangular pool, they will allow you to enjoy a cool summer day.

Round Above-Ground Pool Decks

Most above-ground pool decks are centered around round or oval pools. You can access the pool deck via stairs, and then you can get into the pool or sit on the furniture at the water’s edge.

Oval Above-Ground Pool Decks

An oval above-ground pool deck is very beautiful for most pools. It complements the round shape of most above-ground pools. On the other hand, oval pool decks also have some disadvantages. They can be more difficult to build than square decks because they have more curves.

Rectangular Above-Ground Pool Decks

The biggest advantage of rectangular pool decks is that they are easy to build. Anyone who knows how to read and follow instructions and can do simple DIY projects should be able to complete this project. Of course, it is always best to hire a professional to build the pool and pool deck for better functionality and safety.

Kidney Shaped Pool Deck

If you want to have a uniquely designed pool, then building a kidney-shaped deck can greatly improve the look of your pool. However, kidney-shaped pool deck designs are four times more difficult to install than oval pool deck designs.

How to build a deck pool

Layout the deck

1. Measure the pool. The diameter and height of the pool need to be accurately recorded. We need these data to determine the size of the deck.
2. Determine the size of the deck. Plan enough width between the edge of the pool and the perimeter of the deck so that swimmers can walk comfortably.
3. Obtain building permits. Take your construction plans to your local building department and obtain the appropriate building permits.
4. Choose finishing materials. Pressure-treated wood is usually good, but we prefer composite materials.

Installing Posts and Piers

1. Install the precast concrete pier legs on top of the floor. To support your deck, purchase precast concrete piers with sockets that accept 4″ x 4″ wood posts. Check both sides of the pier with a level. Keep adjusting the floor until the foundation is level in both directions.
2. Set a 4″ x 4″ post in the opening at the top of the concrete piers. Place a 4′ level on top of the pool cover and use the level to mark a line on each 4″ x 4″ post.
3. Remove the posts from the dock. Below the line, you just drew a measure and draw another line. The distance between the two lines should be equal to the width of the pool cover plus 1-1/2″ of the 2″ x 6″ deck.

To install the deck frame

1. Install the 2″ x 6″ treated deck brackets around the perimeter of the pool. The deck brackets should be screwed into the side of each interior dock facing the pool.
2. Screw the brackets to the interior piers using 2-1/2″ deck screws. Use a level to ensure the supports are level. Also, use a square at the corners to ensure the supports are square.
3. Install another set of 2″ x 6″ deck braces to mark the outer perimeter of the deck. Use 2-1/2″ deck screws to screw the brackets to the outside of the outer piers. Verify that the brackets are level and square and adjust as needed.
4. Use 3-1/2 inch galvanized nails to hold the toenail joist hangers perpendicular to the inside of the bracket. Hang a joist hanger every 16 inches on the inside of both deck supports so that the joists are perpendicular to the support. The midpoint of each joist hanger should be 16″ in the center. Which means that the middle of the 2″ x 6″ joist plate is on the 16″ mark.
5. Place the 2″ x 6″ treated wood deck floor joists into the joist hangers. Nail the hangers to the joists using galvanized nails.
6. If the deck height exceeds 30″, install 2″ x 4″ diagonal bracing between the piers. Bracing should extend between piers from inside to outside and parallel to the sides of the pool.

Laying the deck

1. Install 2″ x 6″ decking from the exterior supports of the pool. Decking should be approximately 1/2″ from the edge of the pool to allow for expansion. Use spacers between the trim boards to allow for drainage and expansion. 1/4″ or 3/8″ spacers are common, but you can use 1/2″ spacers if more expansion is needed.
2. Look at the area where the deck meets the outer edge of the perimeter support. Use a circular saw to trim any spots where the trim board protrudes from the supports.

Install the guardrail

1. Install the 4″ x 4″ pre-cut railing posts around the perimeter of the deck. Pre-cut posts should have a notch at the bottom to fit around the edge of the deck and they may have a decorative top.
2. Secure the posts to the brackets using 3/8″ x 4-1/2″ square head screws. Posts should be installed at each point where the joists meet the supports. Make sure to leave an opening for the stairs.
3. Slide the 2″ x 6″ plate between the posts. the top of the 2″ x 6″ should be flush with the bottom of the decorative element. Pre-drill a pilot hole at the desired angle and attach the board with 2-1/2″ deck screws. You can attach the 2″ x 6″ joist hangers first to make the boards easier to install.
4. Cut 2″ x 4″ to the length of the board you just installed between the posts. Place the wide edge of the 2″ x 4″ over the 2″ x 6″ and screw it onto the 2″ x 6″ using the deck screws. 2″ x 4″ serves as the cover for the railing.
5. Install the 2″ x 2″ railing with the 45-degree beveled base to enclose the guardrail. Use a level to measure each railing. The rails should hang parallel to the posts and should be placed at 4″ intervals. Bevels should face outward at the bottom.
6. Screw the balusters into the 2″ x 6″ balusters at the top and the floor joists at the bottom.

Build the stairs

1. Set the bottom edge of the 2 pre-cut left and right stair runners on top of the concrete patio blocks. These blocks will prevent the beams from absorbing water from the ground.
2. Check the beams to make sure they are level.
3. Screw the top ends of the longitudinal beams to the floor joists on the deck.
4. Add internal longitudinal beams to support your stair treads. You will need 1 stringer for every 2 feet of a stair tread. Unless your stairs are more than 4 feet wide, you will only need 2 exterior longitudinals and 1 intermediate longitudinal beam.
5. Screw the 2″ x 12″ plate to the stringer to complete the stairs.
6. Build a door. If young children have access to the pool area, build a door to prevent them from falling in. If children will be playing unsupervised near the pool, install a lock.

Start with Above Ground Pool Deck Plans

A nice deck can make relaxing and having fun by the pool much more pleasant. But when planning your pool deck, keep an open mind and don’t feel tied down by the high price of a certain style or material.

Consider your situation and choose the pool deck that’s right for you. Make your home a place you and your family will enjoy for years to come.