Building an above-ground deck may seem daunting, but it offers a desirable space for relaxation, sunbathing, and quality time with friends. A pool deck serves as a functional platform for your above-ground pool, providing safety for children, seniors, and pets.
It also protects your feet from heat and peeling, thanks to its waterproof nature. The deck’s porous surface helps keep dust away from the pool water, facilitating easy cleaning. Additionally, the deck’s colors can complement the pool and enhance its overall ambiance.
Well-designed pool decks not only add value to your home but also enhance aesthetics. Choose from these 14 deck tips to elevate your above-ground pool ideas.
1. Timer Deck
Timber decking offers an elegant and cost-effective solution for adding contrast, color, and texture to your deck. However, it’s important to select high-quality, durable wood that can withstand water damage and requires minimal maintenance.
Pressure-treated pine is a popular choice for outdoor above-ground pool decks due to its affordability, versatility, and low maintenance requirements. Balau and redwood are also durable options that offer resistance to shrinking, cracking, and decay thanks to their natural oils. Teak wood is a natural insect repellent and can be another viable choice.
Each wood type is available in various shades and stains, allowing you to customize the look to suit your above-ground pool ideas. Consider factors such as strength, durability, appearance, and grain structure when making your selection.
2. Landscape Buffers
While chemically treated pool water can be harmful to some plants, incorporating low-maintenance plant varieties like Aloe, Honeysuckle, and Trumpet vine on the deck, and perennial plants around the pool can create a captivating atmosphere. Working with a landscape architect can help you create a lush jungle sanctuary around your pool area. However, it’s important to avoid planting deciduous trees or trees that produce pine cones and seeds, as they can introduce impurities into the pool.
Keep in mind that water reflects light and can generate heat. To counteract passive heating, consider incorporating greenery on your pool deck. Opt for sun and heat-loving plants like Zebra grass, which not only add a sense of tranquility but also provide shade. These plants can also serve as a natural cover to hide pumps and ladders, creating a harmonious balance of color and functionality.
3. Add Terraced Decks
Transforming the look of an above-ground pool can be achieved by incorporating scalloping and cascading steps, either partially or fully submerged. This design alteration completely changes the pool’s appearance. Enhance the steps with features like Stamp Crete patterns, grasses, and other landscaping elements to further accentuate the pool area.
These steps can serve multiple purposes, providing seating spaces and acting as spill-overs for water flow. By installing jets, the pool can also offer hydrotherapy benefits, making it accessible to individuals with specific needs. For corner pools, deck terraces can be created on two sides, while the other two sides may require a retaining wall to provide necessary support and stability.
4. The Versatility of Composite Materials
Composite decking surfaces offer durability and water resistance, making them a great alternative to wood. With their smooth texture, they minimize the risk of splinters or stepping on stones barefoot. Opting for a 360-degree capped composite deck provides additional benefits such as pest resistance, UV protection, and moisture resistance.
While the initial cost may be higher, composite decking proves to be a cost-effective choice in the long run, as it requires less maintenance and replacement. It also remains cooler to the touch compared to PVC alternatives. Additionally, composite decking resists rot, mildew, and fungi, making it an ideal choice for your above-ground pool area.
5. Contemporary Design Advancements
Modern design principles embrace the concept of minimalism, focusing on simplicity and functionality. Minimalist pool deck ideas align with this philosophy by emphasizing uncluttered deck spaces. A plain concrete or decking finish enhances the contemporary feel and exudes a sense of elegance.
In line with the priority of functionality, railings for assisting the elderly are commonly incorporated into the deck design. For a modern aesthetic, clear glass panels are preferred over wooden railings. If timber is chosen, it should be installed in slender sections and treated with a dark stain to achieve a sleek appearance.
To enhance the overall ambiance, opting for dark pool liners can create intriguing depths and captivating reflections. This adds another layer of sophistication to the modern pool deck design.
6. Enhance with a Stylish Fence!
If ensuring the safety of your lively family, especially small children and pets, is your top priority, installing a secure fence is crucial. Opting for a tall fence that complements your existing deck design while also being visually appealing is essential. Bar, panel, or plank fences are suitable options for this purpose.
While rustic fence designs using materials like steel, vinyl, aluminum, or iron can be considered, primary wood or vinyl posts are commonly chosen. To enhance safety, it is recommended to install fences around stairs and include a gate to keep the deck securely locked when not in use.
There is a wide range of materials available for fencing, catering to different budget preferences. Wooden fences typically range from $10 to $30 per linear foot, while vinyl fences can range from $25. Simple chain link fences are more budget-friendly, starting from around $8 per linear foot.
7. Design Your Own Sun Deck
If you have a spacious backyard, creating a dedicated sunbathing deck for your pool is a fantastic idea. Arrange sunbathing seats in a linear fashion along the larger side of the deck, creating a space designed for pure relaxation. This setup allows you to unwind and destress after enjoying a refreshing swim.
A generously sized deck can evoke a luxurious resort-like atmosphere, especially when lined with comfortable chaise lounges. Transforming your pool area into a sunbathing oasis adds a touch of indulgence and provides an ideal spot for soaking up the sun’s rays in style.
8. Stylish Platform Decks
Rectangular platform decks are a straightforward and practical option for large yards. They are relatively easy to construct compared to other shapes and can be seamlessly integrated with an above-ground pool, giving it a sunken appearance while providing access from all sides. This type of deck increases the usable area of your outdoor space and allows for future expansion if desired.
While a platform deck may have a higher upfront cost, it offers several advantages. It includes access panels that facilitate pool maintenance and equipment upkeep, ensuring convenience and functionality. Additionally, a platform deck provides ample space to accommodate various outdoor elements, such as patio chairs, sunbathing loungers, and even spas. Engaging the expertise of a skilled builder with knowledge of deck load capacities is recommended to ensure the safe construction of your platform deck.
9. Enhancing Your Pool Deck
Above-ground pools offer a range of possibilities to enhance the pool area and make it more versatile. The raised edge of the pool can be utilized in creative ways, such as incorporating a small bookshelf for book enthusiasts who like to read while sunbathing. Additionally, the space underneath the raised edge can be utilized for potted plants, adding a touch of landscaping to the pool area. It can also serve as additional storage space for miscellaneous items.
As summer approaches, poolside gatherings become popular, and the deck can be transformed into a convenient minibar. With some weather-friendly chairs facing the poolside, you can create a fun and inviting setup for socializing with friends while enjoying a refreshing drink. This simple and quirky addition can make your poolside experience even more enjoyable and entertaining.
10. Embrace Futuristic Designs
Embrace a futuristic aesthetic for your above-ground pool by designing a deck that incorporates unique shapes, contours, and geometric elements. To achieve this, paint the outer wall of the deck in a sleek black color, giving it a modern and futuristic appearance. Enhance the design further by using wooden privacy screens and incorporating stone steps for added visual interest.
To create a captivating ambiance, consider incorporating outdoor strip lights along the borders of the deck. These decorative lights will provide a clean and polished look, adding to the modern vibe of the pool area. Additionally, for the exterior of the pool decks, consider installing motion sensor lights that are powered by solar energy. These lights will not only illuminate the area but also provide a sustainable lighting solution. By incorporating these elements, you can create a visually striking and futuristic pool deck design that stands out.
11. Embrace a Bohemian-Inspired Side Deck
Create a captivating bohemian-style pool deck by combining contrasting furniture pieces to form a cohesive structure. Embrace the cozy ambiance by incorporating rugs into the design. As art plays a vital role in the Bohemian style, make sure to invest in vibrant cushions, curtains, and collaborate with local artisans to incorporate unique artwork.
To enhance the boho atmosphere, strategically place metal lanterns and lights amidst real flowers. Bohemian pool decks don’t have to be overly elaborate or expensive, but they do require careful planning. Fuse earthy decor and furniture to create a tranquil yet vibrant deck that exudes the boho spirit. Let your creativity shine as you bring together a harmonious blend of colors, textures, and artistic elements for a truly captivating bohemian-style pool deck.
12. Embrace the Sleekness
For a linear plot and an elongated pool, a wooden deck with narrow stone walls offers both stability and aesthetic appeal. Consider painting the top edge of the deck in a crisp white color and adding potted grasses to introduce a touch of green to complement the pool’s blue hue.
Another option is to transform your above-ground pool deck into comfortable seating areas by installing weather-resistant furniture that can withstand different climatic conditions. Utilize the long steps as cushioned seating, creating a cozy spot where you can relax, have conversations, and enjoy a cup of coffee in a comfortable setting.
13. Build a Deck Cabana Retreat
If you feel that your pool deck lacks character and doesn’t stand out, consider adding a touch of elegance by securing the deck with wood and constructing a frame to create a charming cabana. Planting creeping plants around the structure will further enhance its appeal.
A trailing bougainvillea climbing up the cabana can add a resort-like ambiance while also providing shade and privacy. Cabanas not only offer shelter but also protect your outdoor furniture from the elements. They can cleverly conceal fence lines, equipment, and unwanted views. Additionally, larger cabana roofs can be equipped with solar panels, making your pool deck energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
14. Enhance with River Rock Edging
Enhance the aesthetics of your pool deck with a cost-effective and traditional approach by using river rock as edging. This versatile option complements pool decks of all shapes and sizes. To add a touch of seaside charm, consider incorporating mosaic pebble patterns into the design.
This edging serves to define the pool area, seamlessly blending with your overall landscaping while also preventing water spillage. Whether you choose a minimalist, modern, or bohemian pool deck, river rock edging will beautifully accentuate your above-ground pool and complete the look you desire.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 14 inspiring above-ground pool deck design ideas offer a range of possibilities to transform your pool area into a stunning and functional space. Whether you prefer a minimalist, modern, bohemian, or traditional style, there are options to suit every taste and budget.
From incorporating multi-level decks, sunbathing areas, and cabanas to using composite decking, creating a jungle sanctuary, or adding unique edging, these design ideas provide endless inspiration. With careful planning and the right materials, you can elevate your above-ground pool into a captivating oasis that enhances relaxation, entertainment, and enjoyment for years to come. Let your imagination soar and turn your pool deck into a remarkable outdoor retreat.
