How Are Building Codes Different For An Above Ground Pool Deck Vs An Inground Swimming Pool Deck
If you plan to DIY your above ground pool deck, make sure to study your local building code requirements carefully. Unless you are an experienced builder, its probably wise to hire a contractor to bring your above ground pool deck ideas to fruition. Keeping to all the building codes requires a high level of expertise.
Regulations may include rules for the decks slope, slip resistance, and even the width of the gap between boards. In most cases, the maximum gap between the edge of the pool and the edge of the deck is ¾ inch. There will also be rules to follow for pool fence structures, self-closing gates, and other safety features.
Above Ground Pool With Terraced Deck
Are you beginning to see a pattern here? Sinking an above ground pool into a wooden deck or partially submerging it in the ground changes the entire look and feel of an above ground pool. Adding contrasting stampcrete and grass around the perimeter adds other visual elements and really makes this pool pop.
This location had a septic field running across the backyard, making an inground pool installation impossible. This 15×30 pool used the lagoon step as the pool entry, which also functions as a seating area. And with the installed jets, this setup provides spa-like hydrotherapy for sore DIY pool builders.
Setting Piers And Posts
The floor-joist frames are supported by a series of 4 x 4 posts set in the concrete pier blocks. Begin by setting the first pair of blocks directly onto the ground beside the pool. You don’t have to remove the grass, but if the ground is uneven, use a shovel to level it out. Position the first pier block so its center is 12 in. from the pool wall. Place the second pier farther away from the pool, with its center 18 in. from the center of the first.
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Round Above Ground Pool With Composite Deck
For an inground pool to work at this location, you would need 9 trucks of fill dirt to level the sloping backyard, an engineers study, and a grading plan. Unfortunately, all of these costs added up to nearly $10K before you really even get started. The homeowner decided to use a 21 ft. round above ground pool, and used some of the savings to install a beautiful composite wood deck around half of the pool.
One unique feature of this above ground pool is the walk-in steps, which add elegance and a real inground pool feel. Another bonus of installing an above ground pool on this job site? The homeowner was able to save substantially on pool fencing and landscaping costs.
Multilevel Above Ground Pool Deck Ideas
One way to make your above ground pool area stunning is to craft a multilevel decking design. A terraced deck provides several levels and might be necessary if your yard is hilly. One level could be a sun deck, away from the splash zone. Another level could be for grilling out and dining.
The different levels of your pool deck could consist of different materials. For example, your ground level could consist of concrete, pea gravel, or paver stones. Your upper levels could be wood or a composite deck material that looks like wood. You can also use stone or brick masonry to build a wall around your above ground pool. Using the same type of material for the decking gives the illusion of an inground pool.
While some multilevel swimming pool decks have functional purposes for each level, this isnt required. Many homeowners choose multilevel decking simply because it opens up more design possibilities. Experiment with different above ground pool design ideas until you find a multilevel combination that works for you.
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Above Ground Pool With Ipa Wood Deck
When you have a view like this, the pool has to be special. Hunter Pools of Australia perched this pool just perfectly, and then wrapped it with fine hardwoods like Ipa wood, which has outstanding resistance to rot and weather.
Another safety feature is the railing. This is required for suspended decks to keep your guests and pets safe. A complete deck like this also allows pool owners to install a safety pool cover for off-season use.
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Wood Deck Ideas For Above Ground Pools
Wood decking is the most popular material for above ground pool deck ideas. These structures can be nearly any kind of deck suitable for sunbathing, playing, and lounging. A wooden deck around an above ground pool is no different from other freestanding wood deck ideas. It simply accommodates the shape of the pool wall.
Your above ground pool deck may completely encircle your pool, or stand along only one side. While a partial wood pool deck may not be as visually stunning as a full deck, It is more affordable. A simple square pool deck design can be adjacent to your above ground swimming pool instead of wrapping around it.
Wood deck pool surround ideas can transform an above ground swimming pool into one that feels more like an inground pool. When built properly and enhanced with landscaping, it can be hard to tell an inground pool from an above ground one. Purchase a pool kit with a liner that looks like mosaic tile for an even more convincing inground pool appearance.
How To Build An Above
New building codes addressing decks around pools should also be considered. The maximum gap between the decking and the pool coping is generally 3/4 inch. Slip resistance, gaps between boards and slope of the deck may also be regulated depending on the local codes. These design requirements should also be considered for any deck adjacent swimming pools or hot tubs, whether in or above ground.
Ideally, the pool deck should be built directly under the lip of the pool edge. It is best to set a series of segmented beams and footings about 2′ from the edge of the pool to support around the curved sides. It is a good practice to install joist tape over the top of joists to protect from standing water. Installing a self-closing gate may be required to prevent access for unsupervised children. Installing extra blocking will reinforce the frame because of the added activity and variety of uses on pool decks.
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What Other Things Can I Add To My Above Ground Pool Area To Make My Backyard More Fun Year
An above ground pool deck can be large enough to include other outdoor activities. Install a hot tub to relax in year-round. Add a fire pit or chiminea for summer marshmallow roasting or for keeping warm on chilly nights. With a hot tub and fire pit, you can enjoy your outdoor space in seasons other than summer.
Building a pergola or a partial deck covering allows you to relax in the shade, or take cover in the rain. Keeping your pool area furniture under a covered zone also helps protect it from sun and weather damage.
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Small Above Ground Pool Deck Ideas
A small deck may be enough if you have a smaller above ground pool and a limited backyard pool area. A small above ground pool deck may just consist of a wood platform and steps leading up to it.
A lap pool provides all the exercise of swimming laps but has an exceedingly small footprint. These rectangular pools create a current to swim against. They are a great choice for yards too small for a classic round pool set above ground.
If space is already tight in your backyard, a small deck may be your only option. Watch this video to see how one family with a small yard built a partial deck on one side of their above ground pool:
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How Much Pool Deck Do You Want
A common size for a pool deck is a three-section fan deck that covers enough room for several people to use. On a round pool, it would follow the contour of your pools top rails for as many rails as you want to cover.
Another question to ask yourself is: how will you use a pool deck around your pool? Plan out what you want to do on the deck. Will you be using it just to get in and out of the pool? Or will you want to add lounges or a table and chair set? What about large planters, speakers, or maybe an outdoor fire pit?
Our above ground pool deck kits are prefab resin kits with everything you need to add steps to walk up to the deck and into the pool. We have deck kits in 5 ft x 5 ft square and a 5 ft x 10 ft. Another choice is the 5 x 13.5, 2 section pool deck kit.
Pool Wrapped In Wood And Stone
This pool is a great example of how you can wrap an above ground pool with stone and wood to create a pool that blends into the surroundings. Something like this setup can also add value to the property with an aesthetically pleasing pool. Heres another great example of how to fit above ground pool into a sloping backyard. These homeowners used the 4 ft. height of the pool wall to their advantage, and this 15×30 ft. Grecian pool has a look of an inground pool. Also, the raised wall on one side adds an element of safety by providing an effective barrier to half of the pool perimeter.
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Above Ground Pool With Automatic Cover
An above ground pool with an automatic cover? Yes! It can be done with a wooden deck built around the pool. A cover reel sits in the box at the end of the pool, and pull ropes run through the aluminum tracks that run down the side of the pool. Automatic covers offer unparalleled safety for any pool type, keep the pool clean, and save big bucks on pool heating costs.
The raised pool deck surrounding the pool keeps excessive leaves from blowing into the pool. Recessed lights illuminate the raised transition during evening hours. This 18×36 ft. above ground pool is built fully above ground, but the pool deck gives the illusion of an inground pool.
Above Ground Infinity Pool Deck Ideas
An infinity edge, or vanishing edge, swimming pool looks as though its edge blends into the horizon. Many people discover that there are infinity pool options for above ground swimming pools. Like other infinity edge pools, water that spills over the edge flows into a catch basin before pumping back into the pool.
The infinity side of the pool will not have a deck, but a stylish pool deck will enhance the remainder. Some above ground pools may have two infinity edges, in which case the other two are ideal zones for a ground pool deck.
Because an infinity-edge pool is more expensive than a regular above ground pool, you may want to cut costs by limiting the size of your deck. Infinity swimming pools blend into the surroundings and are a lovely choice for an Asian-inspired garden. A deck in this setting must be simple enough to not distract from the Zen-like atmosphere.
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Semi Inground Pool Deck Ideas
As its name implies, a semi inground pool is somewhere between an above ground and an inground pool. Youll find them behind homes built on a hill or slope. In fact, they may be the only pool choice available on lots with difficult terrain.
Even so, anyone can have a semi-inground pool. Simply dig down about half the depth you would need for an inground pool, then build up the decking as needed. Your deck can be the feature that gives the illusion of a level yard and a traditional inground pool.
Semi inground pool decks work well with multilevel decks. Your main deck may be level with the backyard door on your home, with leading to higher and lower levels. The higher level may house a hot tub or covered dining area, while the lower level may be a poured concrete patio.
Half Submerged Pool With Composite Deck
Here we have another 15×30 ft. oval above ground pool with a composite wood deck. This one is built on-ground, with the pool deck covering about half of the pool wall. This type of pool deck gives this above ground pool a unique, integrated look. And again, the elevation provides a marginal element of safety for small children and pets. It also helps to keep the pool clean by blocking autumn leaves that blow around the pool.
Evergreen cypress trees block the perimeter fence and also add some privacy to the pool. You could add extra potted plants in rectangle planter boxes if you wanted to hide the raised pool wall. But I think it looks kind of nice, dont you?
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Cost Of Above Ground Pool Deck Kits
There are many kits available for the average homeowner who wants to build a deck at a reasonable price. For around $2500 you can get an aluminum pool deck kit from Kayak. Although these are aluminum deck kits, you can also find wood deck kits.
Need help installing your deck kit? Have a deck builder build it for you. Building a pool deck from an above ground pool deck kit can be a great investment.
Perks of Pool Deck Kits
Above Ground Pool Deck Kits can be built in a variety of different styles. You can find many different colors in aluminum or you can easily add a coat of deck stain to wooden pool decks to make it your own. Pool deck kits come in all different colors and designs that will give you and your family, neighbors, or guests a place to be social. You can even add accessories to your pool deck like privacy walls or fencing to help keep people from seeing into your deck or keeping small children out when unsupervised.
Types Of Above Ground Pool Deck Kits
One of the most popular types of pool deck kits is the kit because its easy to buy and install. You can purchase most of the materials at home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and you dont have to have a prior pool or deck building experience.
Just follow a few simple steps, some youll likely have never learned, and youre ready to work with some simple tools and materials to put together your home deck.
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Semi Buried Pool With Composite Wrap And Walkway
Now heres a unique above ground pool design. The pool deck is at ground level, and the pool walls and top rails are wrapped in wood with extra wide planks. This pool sits on the ground, which is one of the great advantages of above ground pools no excavation.
Not having to dig into the ground not only saves money, but can save nearby trees, and avoids the problem of what to do with all the excess fill dirt.
Above Ground Pool With Partial Platform
From Brothers 3 Pools, this custom pool deck looks safe and sturdy. Its built to meet codes while providing space for relaxing and entertaining. Pool Decks like this also hide the pool equipment underneath.
Contrasting colors and neutral tones blend with other outdoor elements and push a pleasing palette. Composite materials used here will last longer and reduce demand for natural products. Called a Quarter-Deck, this style is popular for its cost to benefit ratio.
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Get Started With Above
Having a gorgeous deck can enhance the enjoyment factor, giving you space to lounge poolside and make the most of your new swimming pool. However, keep an open mind when planning, and dont feel tied to a specific design or material if its not within your budget. A knowledgeable, trustworthy builder can help guide you in the right direction and help you strike the right balance that you, your family, and guests will enjoy for years to come.
Check out our free pool deck plans to get started. You can also find a or shop for materials.
Composite Above Ground Pool Deck Ideas
Composite materials are great for pool deck ideas because they are durable and water-resistant. Composite decking surfaces can resemble real wood or masonry. These materials are ideal for a pool deck because there is no risk of splinters or sharp stones injuring bare feet.
Even if you choose real stone or concrete for a patio surround, composite panels can be helpful. Use them to cover the ugly sides of your above ground pool. Doing so transforms an ordinary above ground pool kit into a beautiful garden feature.
To save money on decking, build an above ground pool deck out of composite planks. Then use coordinating composite lattice panels to hide the bare pool sides. Its a bonus if you can also find coordinating composite fencing to protect your backyard swimming pool.
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