Above ground pool deck ideas offer an affordable and easier-to-install alternative to an in-ground swimming pool. Adding a deck not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space but also provides a functional area for lounging and relaxation.
Whether you choose to build the deck yourself or hire a professional, here are 37 inspiring ideas for above-ground pools with decks that will transform your backyard into a private oasis.
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1. Modern Fence and Deck:
This above-ground pool features a sleek deck and fence, creating a modern look while ensuring privacy. Comfortable pool loungers and large potted plants enhance the poolside ambiance.
2. Scrap Wood Deck:
This charming pool, intended as a baby pool, becomes a favorite spot for everyone during warm weather. The small deck, constructed from scrap wood, provides easy access to the pool.
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3. Dreamy Deck:
Imagine this dreamy setup: a deck with stairs for convenient pool access. A tutorial is available to guide you through building your own stock pool deck.
4. Partial Deck and Edging:
A partial deck like this offers a practical space for entering and exiting the pool, lounging, or storing items. The addition of pavers and rock edging elevates the overall look.
5. Large Pool Deck for Parties:
This unique storage container pool is surrounded by ample seating and shade, perfect for hosting gatherings. Rocks beside the pool and party lights overhead complete the festive atmosphere.
6. Hexagonal Above-Ground Pool:
This hexagonal above-ground pool by Ann Living adds modern geometry to the outdoor space, featuring a matching deck and staircase for access from the gravel patio area below.
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7. Implement Seating and Safety:
This multi-tiered deck features a built-in bench and sitting ledge, providing ample seating for parents to watch their children play in the pool. To enhance safety, large planters, a gated entry, and a lattice wall at the far end of the deck prevent unsupervised access by little ones.
8. Outstanding Outdoor Living Area:
Create an inviting space on your deck with a custom poolside pergola. This design features a striking geometric roof and a well-appointed lounge area, complete with a pillow-clad love seat, a printed area rug, and two woven armchairs. Enhance your above-ground pool deck with a similar pergola, outfitted with outdoor lounge furniture or an alfresco dining table for snacks and refreshments between swims.
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9. Add a Little Lushness:
DIY-friendly and visually appealing, lush garden landscaping is a top choice for enhancing the look of an above-ground pool. To achieve this professional look, start by edging your flower bed, then plant easy-to-maintain greenery such as shrubs or tall grasses. Finish with a layer of mulch for a clean appearance and to support plant health. Remember to spray regularly for ants and termites to keep your garden thriving!
10. Enjoy the Views With Barely-There Balusters:
Traditional wooden deck balusters are charming, but they can obstruct your pool views. Opt for contemporary balusters in black or charcoal that blend seamlessly into the landscape, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views while swimming.
11. Upgrade Your Umbrella:
Add style and shade to your pool area with an eye-catching umbrella, like this tassel-trimmed beauty. Position the chic white umbrella between the deck stairs and the pool to provide shade for guests lounging on the platform and those in the pool. Choose from fringe-trimmed, scallop-edged, or classic cabana-striped umbrellas for a practical yet stylish setup.
12. Fence Yourself In:
Enhance privacy around your above-ground pool deck with a matching fence, as seen in this design by Erica Van Slyke. Stain both the deck and the fence in the same finish for a seamless, sophisticated look. Manicured boxwoods in modern planters add a touch of natural color to soften the wooden fence.
13. Paint Your Privacy Screen:
Add a splash of color to your pool privacy screen or fence with a few coats of paint. This vibrant, cactus-clad mural from H2O Tank Avenue transforms the pool area into a stunning focal point. Use geography as your muse or add your own twist with hand-painted summer phrases, patterns, or geometric designs.
14. Turn Up the Texture With Tile:
Take inspiration from Living Garden Landscape Design and wrap your above-ground pool deck with a custom tile motif. This contemporary design pairs a caramel wood platform with ivory zigzag tile for a fresh look. Use accent tiles in a contrasting color to your deck stain for a striking effect, and consider adding a succulent border garden for extra charm.
15. Landscape the Perimeter:
Surround your above-ground pool with ornamental grasses for a tropical vibe, as demonstrated by these homeowners. Cinderblock stairs lead to a shaded wood deck, creating a perfect spot to relax during summer days.
16. Think Outside the Box:
Architect/designer Stefan Beese transformed a garbage dumpster into a stylish pool, decking all four sides to conceal its former life. This creative solution provides an affordable and unique swimming pool option for the entire family.
17. Start Spiraling:
Make a bold statement with a spiral staircase leading to your above-ground pool deck. These inviting, curved stairs create an elegant transition to a cozy wood deck and hot tub for two. The cascading steps complement the round pool’s shape and can be adjusted to suit decks of various sizes.
18. Pool Deck With Gated Access:
Enhance safety by adding a gate or fence between the pool and the deck to prevent kids or pets from wandering into the pool area. Choose a wood that matches your deck or deck railing to maintain a seamless aesthetic.
19. Added Stairs and Railing:
This deck, already connected to the above-ground pool, has been upgraded with added stairs and railing. The space now accommodates a few loungers and a table, enhancing its functionality and convenience for poolside relaxation.
20. Plunge Pool Deck:
A stunning plunge pool is integrated with a large, clean, and modern deck that connects to the house. The expansive deck offers ample space for lounging, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and entertainment.
21. Sophisticated Deck:
This elegant deck, built around an above-ground pool, feels like an extension of the home rather than a separate outdoor area. The design includes plenty of comfortable seating and shaded areas for ultimate relaxation.
22. Matching Deck and Fence:
A small backyard can be transformed into a serene oasis with thoughtful design. This townhome’s backyard features a small round pool tiled in Cuban Blend Ceramics, complemented by a cedar deck and matching fence, creating a clean, contemporary look.
23. Use Every Corner:
A deck is tucked into the corner of this yard between the outer walls and the wood-clad pool. A triangular shade sail covers the deck while a bubbly fountain adds effervescence and elegance.
24. Embrace the Environment:
Designer Margie Grace replaces traditional wood decking with a cedar-wrapped above-ground pool set on a bed of texture-rich pea gravel. This rustic-style pool fits neatly into a hand-laid stone retaining wall and sun deck. Achieve a similar countryside charm by using weather-resistant teak or cedar planks for the pool exterior and creating a DIY stone platform and retaining wall.
25. Celebrate Summer With a Swim-Up Bar:
Bring resort-style festivities to your backyard with a poolside tiki bar. Set up an umbrella and bar table against your above-ground pool exterior to enjoy refreshing drinks while lounging by the pool. Complete your swim-up bar with all-weather stools for enjoying snacks throughout the day.
26. Frame the Pool With Flowers:
Enhance your above-ground pool deck with a vibrant flower border. The HGTV Dream Home 2022 features a pool surrounded by lavender and fuchsia blooms, textural grasses, and evergreen shrubs. An espresso-stained deck ramp provides a subtle entry to the pool, letting the garden bed shine as the focal point of the landscape design.
27. Create Symmetry With Double Stairs:
This calming above-ground pool setup from H2O Tank Avenue poses the question: Why build one set of deck stairs when you can build two? Re-create this serene environment with an L-shaped pool deck featuring twin staircases leading to the sun platform from each side.
28. Keep the Surroundings Low Maintenance:
For a blend of above-ground and in-ground pool aesthetics, consider a stone-clad pool and spa at the top of a sloped yard. Surround it with boulders, rocks, and drought-tolerant plants for a low-maintenance landscape, allowing more time to relax by the pool.
29. Make It High-End:
Above-ground pools have evolved significantly in style and design. House of Harvee showcases an above-ground pool surrounded by beautiful tiles that harmonize with the white wall and bamboo accent wall. A half glass wall provides safety without sacrificing style, and a nearby lounge bed offers the perfect spot for a sunny nap after a refreshing swim.
30. Add a Gazebo:
Transform your above-ground pool into a gathering hub with a spacious deck and gazebo. This setup provides ample room for sunbathing and an outdoor kitchen within the gazebo, making it ideal for summer cookouts and entertaining friends and family.
31. Weatherproof Deck:
A weatherproof deck is perfect for drying off after a swim or dipping your toes in the water. A nearby sitting area offers a place to watch the kids play or relax with a glass of wine after a day of swimming.
32. Modular Pool Design:
For those with space for a lap pool, a modular pool is a stylish and budget-friendly option. This 20-foot pool by Tangle Pools features a deck that spans the entire length, providing ample room for lounge chairs and outdoor furniture.
33. Easily Accessible:
For those who use swimming as a low-impact exercise, easy access to the pool is essential. This custom deck by T.B. Construction Inc. features ramps, ensuring effortless entry and exit from the pool.
34. Pool Deck With Backrest:
This above-ground pool from Herzen Stimme includes wood decking with a built-in backrest made of matching wood, creating a comfortable seating area for sunbathing with your feet in the pool.
35. Easy DIY Deck:
Creating a custom pool deck doesn’t require advanced skills. This DIY project features a stock tank pool set flush against a wood slat deck and privacy wall, made using 2x4s or wood pallets. The seating area is perfect for reading or sunbathing.
36. Small Seating Area:
Modern above-ground pools allow for customized decks that enhance your backyard space. This small deck leads up to the pool and includes a comfortable bench, making entry easy and providing a relaxing spot for lounging.
37. The Bigger, The Better:
This split-level deck offers dual functionality: the upper level provides easy access to the pool, while the lower level accommodates patio furniture, an outdoor grill, and space for backyard games, making it a versatile outdoor living area.
Final Thoughts:
Transforming your backyard with an above-ground pool and deck can create a personal oasis perfect for relaxation, entertainment, and family fun. From modern designs to rustic charm, these inspiring ideas provide a variety of options to suit any style and budget. Whether you opt for a DIY project or hire professionals, the addition of a deck will enhance the functionality and aesthetic of your above-ground pool, offering endless enjoyment throughout the warmer months.
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