Building and Designing Above Ground Pool Decks

GOOD FUNCTION OR GOOD DESIGN?

All above ground pool decks should have both good function and design.

So much of how you plan and build your deck depends on the site you have to work with.

First, the pool deck itself must offer easy access to as much of the pool as possible and be very strong and stable.

This is a key consideration for above ground pool decks because of the elevation above grade.

Second, the deck design should work well with the landscape, slopes, sun exposure and tie in nicely with the rest of the decking around the house.

Assessing Your Backyard

Flat Grade Affects Your Options

This deck was built on a flat area and so it had to be elevated well above the rest of the deck up against the side of the home.

The first floor of the house was much lower and so the other deck was on grade or just above it.

Sloped Grade Can Be Helpful

If the pool is set into a dug out area or you can take advantage of a natural slope in the land you could be in luck.

A slope will allow you to build around the above ground deck in a way that can look very natural. In fact, it can even come close to making the pool appear as if it were built in-ground.

Dave Mills's project

Work With The Landscape You Are Given

Joshua's project

Linking The Pool To The Home

In this particular build, the distance and elevation change between the house and the pool was so great, a walkway was built from the lower deck to the pool deck stairs.

Building one massive single level deck from the house to the above ground pool simply was not possible.

Many other sites are more favorable and allow you to build out over a pool that is set lower.

Transitioning From The House To Above Ground Pool Decks

Your backyard may be quite different than this particular home and may require different solutions to create the best deck possible.

Take note of how the hot tub area was incorporated into the overall scheme and how the deck transitions away from the house yet maintains a connection to the pool deck with the landscaped walkway.