These pool deck plans are not easy to work with but they are essential to having a comfortable pool experience. Pool decks are usually the area around our pool, also known as the pool patio, where you can keep chairs, tables, and other pool furniture. Some pool decks are small, and can only take a few people on them, while others are large, comfortable, and can take a lot of people on them at the same time.
Here today, you’re going to learn in a few simple ways how to make a pool deck by yourself at home, with ease. Some of the guides below may be expensive and some inexpensive, it all depends on what you are looking out for.
So, let’s begin. Constructing a pool deck by yourself is not a day’s work, perhaps it’s a hard but possible project that increases the value and functionality of your pool if you’re able to complete it nicely.
Table of Contents
Before You Build – What You Need To Know
DIY or Hire A Pro?
The main question is whether it would be wiser to employ a professional or try to install an above-ground pool deck yourself. Your choice may be influenced by your level of construction expertise, the amount of time you have available, and your financial constraints. Regardless of which you choose, there are a lot of guides in this article to help you build one yourself without having to spend much on contractors.
Location
Before you begin construction on your pool deck, check for council building limitations. As a general rule, you cannot install an above-ground pool deck closer than 1 meter from any side boundary fence, and a deck needs at least 2 meters of depth to be functional.
Build The Pool First Before Deck
Don’t first construct an above-ground pool deck and then hope it will fit around the pool of your choice. Although the wall heights of above-ground pools are uniform (48″, 52″, and 54″), each pool will have a little variation. Avoid taking a chance by constructing a deck that won’t complement the new aquatic focal point of your garden.
Build Fencing
Any yard with a pool needs to be fenced in. Building and safety codes require pool owners to have a fence as a safety measure, albeit the height requirements for these fences vary between states and municipalities. Make absolutely sure your fence adheres to local building codes before you start construction. And if you don’t already have one, make sure you’ve budgeted for creating one as part of the pool and deck project.
DIY Pool Deck Resurfacing
Your pool deck is an important part of your pool and can be an area that you don’t pay enough attention to. Your pool deck is subjected to all types of weather year-round, from freeze-thaw cycles during winter, to intense sun and heat during summer. All this exposure can cause your pool deck to wear out over time. If you are thinking of updating or resurfacing your pool deck here is a useful list of resurfacing ideas that you can use for your pool.
1. How To Paint A Pool Deck
Level | Hard |
Material | Texcoat |
Cost | $500-$1000 |
This video is a tutorial on how to repair a particularly cool deck. If you have a concrete stamp or another type of surface, then it’s a different process entirely. This pool deck transformation can be done in seven long steps. However, ensure the weather is nice before embarking on this long project. The first step is to remove the old plaster and replace the new one. Use a chisel and hammer to gently scrape the old plaster off the pool deck.
2. How To Repair Old Concrete On Pool Deck
Level | Hard |
Material | Texture |
Cost | $2000 |
Here is how to repair old concrete on a pool deck. After observing the whole deck thoroughly, use masking tape to cover all the places you don’t want the texture to touch and little pum-pums to cover the openings of pipes and others. Then, get different textured polymers, mix them with cement and you’re good to go. The textured pool deck is a lot (30%) cooler than concrete and requires minimal preparation before applying. The texture is very easy to work with and it’s 100% UV stable.
3. Painting Pool Deck Tutorial
Level | Hard |
Material | Behr solid concrete stain |
Cost | $575 |
This pool deck is not a very easy project but it’s possible and it requires lots of work and patience. This tutorial will make the approach easier. Instead of a semi-transparent stained concrete view, the concrete stain appeared as a solid-looking painted surface. The first step to take is to pressure wash the patio – this is the only way to get rid of oil, dirt, and grime from the deck texture. After washing, clean the deck with TSP and water ( Trisodium Phosphate). See the link above for the mixture techniques.
4. Pool Deck Remodel
Level | Hard |
Material | Plastic bag |
Cost | $500-$2000 |
If a pool deck is not done properly, you can watch this video and learn how you can remodel the whole pool deck. It might be a whole lot of work but believe me, the outcome will be worth it. Before the remodeling in this video, they use clean plastic bags to seal the pool fences and masking tape for other specific places. After every necessary place has been sealed, the next step is to add a special primer (as mentioned in the video) and then coat everything with an underlay system.
DIY Small Pool Deck
A small pool deck doesn’t require as many materials and tools as a large pool deck. Most of the small pool decks were made from lumber and concrete pier blocks. The most common materials used in small pool decks are concrete and wood. In addition, some people also use stone or tile for their pool decking. Below you would find some plans to get started with especially if you have a small pool and are looking to build a deck.
5. How To Build A Pool Deck
Level | Intermediate |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $400-$500 |
If you’re building a pool deck from scratch, especially if it’s for an outdoor pool, then this great pool deck made from wood and a little bit of concrete is right for you. The first step is to determine which side you’re building the pool deck on. Then using wood, frame a square around the perimeter. Dig holes 24″ deep at every corner of the perimeter and four more holes at the center. Cement the post in and let them dry overnight. Now level and hang the frame below the top of the pool surface to allow the arrangement of the top boards.
6. Pool Deck For Small Pool
Level | Intermediate |
Material | Concrete pier blocks |
Cost | $400-$1200 |
Are you making a pool deck for your kids’ pool or a small stock tank pool? Watch this video and learn how to put one together from scratch. Get some concrete pier blocks and arrange them by the poolsides. Then, cut and post on the blocks as shown in this video. After that, cut and arrange joists for the posts. Then add railings and finally the deck. It is not very easy to go out together in a day but if you have a support system, you might get done quickly.
DIY Above-Ground Pool Deck
Above-ground pool decks are great deck options because you don’t have to dig out the deck anytime you want to move it. Check out the ideas below and start doing something. Most above-ground pool decks are made out of wood. Some people even use concrete to create a solid base for their deck. The first step is to decide how big you want your deck to be. Next, sketch out your ideas on paper and make sure they meet local building codes before you start construction. See these tutorials below for some inspiration.
7. Above-Ground Pool Deck Plans
Level | Intermediate |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $45-$60 |
This stock tank pool deck is amazing and it is very easy to move because it is above the ground. The first step is to get some concrete pier blocks and set them around the perimeter of the deck. Ensure the blocks are leveled. Then, cut some 4×4 posts and set them vertically on the blocks. Cut some 2×6 to pieces for the framing and attach them to the post using timberlok screws. If you’re working alone, you need some clamps to hold the framing to the post while you screw them together.
8. 27 Foot Above Ground Pool Plans
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $500-$3000 |
Here is a great design to inspire your above-the-ground pool deck. It is made from wood pieces and it is 27 feet above ground level. The deck railing is made from 4×4 posts and the railing sections are made from 2×4″ pieces, and 2×2″ pieces, starting by sketching the dimension of the pool and that of the deck. After that, determine the dimension for all the deck features; footings, railings, beams, and joists.
9. DIY Pool Deck Plans
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $500-$1500 |
For this guide, all you need is a fair woodworking skill, good lumber wood, and the basic woodworking tools to kick start this project. The size of the deck will be determined by the size of your pool at home, and once you are done with that measurement, you can proceed to get the necessary materials and start building this pool deck with the plans the creator has prepared for you.
10. DIY Outdoor Floating Swimming Pool Deck
Level | Intermediate |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $500-$1000 |
This is a super easy pool deck to build, it’s so straightforward and can be done by just one person if you know what you’re doing. The creator started by laying the wood post around the pool, in a square format. Then, he proceeded to lay the wood deck over and on top of the frame, then added small stairs that would aid an easy walk-in.
11. How To Build A Pool Deck
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $500-$1500 |
If you have an outdoor patio that is attached to your house and also close to the pool, then it makes the pool deck easier to build. You can easily attach the deck to the patio sides and the pool, making it more sturdy and durable. The creator and his wife started by digging holes to fit in the wood plank to have a firm base frame before mounting any further wood and then the deck itself. The space on the deck is quite small but comfortable enough.
12. Pool Deck Plans
Level | Intermediate |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $300-$1200 |
This 20′ x 34′ deck wraps a quarter way round a 24′ wide and 52″ high above-ground pool. This article contains a downloadable deck plan and resources that will help you put the pool deck together with ease. The guide includes a planning guide – a Comprehensive deck construction guide with details for all the pool deck features, materials breakdown- a list of materials broken down by deck section specific to this plan, and a materials order list – a list of materials for ordering specific to this plan.
13. How To Build A Backyard Deck For Above Ground Pool
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $1000-$3000 |
This pool deck project is pretty easy and it is made from wood. On the work area, move five feet away from the fence and drive in two stakes on both sides, and attach a string line over both stakes to define the outside perimeter of the pool deck. Then, attach another strong line 18″ away from the first, and there will be where beans will be installed. Dig holes along the line, however, you need to check with your local building professionals to know how deep the holes can be.
14. Above Ground Pool Deck With Trex Enhance
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $500-$1000 |
This is a great pool deck plan that will transform your pool from just a pool to high class. If your deck design includes angles, angle cuts on the beams may be necessary. If your deck design does not include angles, your beams will be cut at a 90-degree angle to the face of the beam. After the beam installation, place the joist on top of the beam and close to the pool. Do not fix the joist tightly against the pool, since the pool can shift causing it to push the beam which can damage the beam.
15. How To Build A Pool Deck
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $500-$1500 |
Here is another amazing guide on how to build a pool deck. The first step is to frame out and square the perimeter of your deck, then dig holes 24 inches deep at every point you wish to mount the frame legs. Then, you will cement your post in and let it dry overnight. Then when you come back in the morning as it’s all dried up, you can complete the rest of the steps and they are pretty easy to follow.
16. How To Build A Deck For An Above-Ground Pool
Level | Intermediate |
Material | Titan Deck foot anchor |
Cost | $500 |
This quarter-round pool deck plan is based on 24′ diameters. The plan features stair access from both sides and several size and shape options. If you want to use another diameter aside from 24′, simply adjust the framing and arc to match the diameter you choose. Use either traditional concrete footings or follow this layout using the Titan Deck Foot Anchor. Make the most of your above-ground pool and surround it with a well-built stylish deck.
17. How To Build An Above Ground Pool Deck
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $1000-$1500 |
Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to build this above-ground pool deck effortlessly. First, you need a deck design, you can create one yourself, check online or use the one in this guide. Then, you start preparations to frame the floor, setting piers and posts, laying the deck, building the guardrails, and stairs leading to the deck. It’s quite an easy process.
18. DIY Pool Deck Plans
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $300-$1200 |
Here is a comprehensive deck construction guide with details for footings, ledger board, support, deck beam and joist, post, stairs, and guard rails. The guide also includes materials breakdown – a list of materials broken down by deck section specific to this plan, materials order lists – a list of materials for ordering specific to this plan, and a plan spec – a list of specs specific to the plan.
19. How To Build A Pool Deck
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $1000-$2000 |
This is a complete packaged pool deck idea, you not only get to build a great pool deck but a pool deck with storage and a lockable gate. It’s a multi-level above-ground pool deck, and it’s quite easy and simple to build. All you have to do is follow the creator’s instructions on the video guide and you’ll be good to go. This is the kind of pool deck you need if you want privacy and you just want it to be you and your family.
20. Building Deck Around Above Ground Pool
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $1000-$3000 |
Start building this above-the-ground pool deck by diggin three holes for the beams. All the areas in between the three beans will be the upper deck, and the joist will be attached across the deck vertically. From the last hoke, install s lower support and the lower driving can come out from there. This above-the-ground pool is a little too complex, but if you pay attention to the details given in this video, you’ll find it easy.
21. DIY Pool Deck
Level | Intermediate |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $300-$700 |
The pool deck that was made for this outdoor pool didn’t go round it, the creator just took a part of it that was facing the house and built a simple but sturdy deck there. The pool deck must not surround the pool all the time, it could just be one side of the pool and with this guide, you can build it effortlessly.
22. Wooden Pool Deck
Level | Expert |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $500-$1500 |
This project is super tasking and cannot be done by just one person. It’s a big pool deck, therefore you need to have a sketch or design that will help you build the deck with ease. After the design plans are ready, the next step the creator took was to frame the floor, then set the piers and post. Setting the piers and post is another technical part of this project and must be done carefully to have a stable deck. The rest of the steps are easy as you follow them properly.
23. Above Ground Pool Deck DIY
Level | Hard |
Material | Concrete pier blocks |
Cost | $500-$2000 |
When you add a pool deck around an above-the-ground pool, you instantly increase the value, attractiveness, and functionality. The first step is to lay out the pool; first, measure the pool and decide on the dimension of the deck. Obtain necessary permits if needed. Then, choose the type of deck you want and the materials required. Once you’re done with all these, start by arranging the concrete block piers and installing the posts on them.
DIY Concrete Pool Deck
You may have heard of having a concrete pool deck installed, and you’re interested. But you don’t want to spend $10,000 on a concrete pool deck, so you’re considering making one yourself. You’re excited that you’ll save money on the expense, but you’re concerned about building it yourself and becoming frustrated or wasting time trying to build one yourself.
Building a concrete pool is not as frustrating as it seems especially with the right tutorials to guide you on what to do. See these projects below for some inspiration.
24. Pool Deck Resurfacing DIY
Level | Hard |
Material | Concrete |
Cost | $500-$1500 |
Are you looking at the possibility of restructuring or resurfacing your pool deck? Here is a great step-by-step tutorial that will help you achieve what you want in time. The pool deck that was worked on here is 2,000 square feet and they work on it for three days. This video answers all your questions about pool decks. You may be wondering if you can paint the drain, or the plastic drain, as explained in this video.
25. Pool Deck Transformation Using Concrete
Level | Hard |
Material | Cement |
Cost | $1000 |
To transform this pool deck fast and easily, the creator used a compound tool called cement all. This tool is used for underlayment, it gets rid of patches and grooves. It ensures the cement is spread evenly around the surface in a very fast manner. All you have to do is to add the mixed cement in batches and in a consistent manner, then let the tool move in the same pattern as well. There are different ways of filling grooves, patches, and lines such that they won’t crack or break out in no time.
26. How To Make A Concrete Pool Deck
Level | Hard |
Material | Concrete |
Cost | $500-$1500 |
This is a cement concrete deck, it’s durable and super easy to build. All you need is the necessary materials and tools at your disposal and you’re good to go. First, measure the deck area, then lay the frame, and pour the sand and concrete and let it dry, probably overnight. After that, the rest of the steps are easy to scale through.
27. DIY Concrete Pool Deck
Level | Hard |
Material | Concrete |
Cost | $500-$1500 |
If you have a pool as unique and amazing as this, you might have a hard time getting the right pool deck to build and install for your pool but this pool deck plan is all about using concrete to make the pool deck, this is more permanent and durable. If you are looking for a permanent pool deck, you should consider using this guide.
DIY Free Standing Pool Deck
Most Free-standing pool decks allow you to attach and detach the deck anytime you like. Most of these pool decks can be designed or bought from stores. Where all you have to do is to set them up or install them. There are many benefits of having a free-standing pool deck. It is easy to install and maintain, as well as durable. You can also customize it to fit your needs, making it the perfect option for any homeowner.
28. How To Build A 12 x 12 Pool Deck
Level | Hard |
Material | Treated posts |
Cost | $500-$2000 |
Here is a tutorial on how to build a 13×22″ double-level pool deck using treated 4×4″ posts and 2×8″ joists. The deck is framed to accept the composite decking, railings, and lattice from trex. Most of the materials used in this tutorial are maintenance-free composite materials from trex; the railings will be white composite and black aluminum balusters. The lattice is capitalized by trex latticework. The decking uses pebble gray and all the joist beams are covered with trex to protect the tape.
29. How To Build A Pool Deck
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $1000-$1500 |
This is a complete pool deck, one of the best on my list. It looks great, but not so easy to build. First, before you start building this pool deck you need to consider the style of deck, location, and materials that you’ll use. Once you have gotten that sorted out, you can now process to see the plans the creator of this guide had in mind and build the deck from his ideas on this guide.
30. Building A Pool Deck
Level | Intermediate |
Material | Natural wood |
Cost | $500-$1200 |
A composite deck provides the best place to sit and relax along the poolside. Here are some things to take note of when building a composite decking for your above-ground pool; ensure to protect your decking from debris and harmful materials in case your skin might come in contact with anything. The best wood for composite decking is natural wood because they’re very easy to buy and cheap. For pool decking, composite deck boards are the best because they will not chip and can be secured with hidden fasteners.
31. How To Build A Deck Around A Pool
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $500-$1500 |
For this video guide, the creator started by digging the ground near the pool he intended to put a deck. After digging, he poured some Quickeret concrete cement inside to hold the wooden post firm as he built and mounts the deck later. The making process will be easier with a companion to assist you, in the heavy lifting, but it’s quite an easy task.
32. DIY Pool Deck Build
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $1000-$3000 |
This is one of the high-class po decks you can see out there. It has the feel of a sunken living room with beautiful visuals. It is not very easy yet not very hard especially if you have a helping hand or are good with construction work. Start by building the permanent and semi-permanent structures for the deck and create a small construction site. Prepare the site and arrange the ribs for the deck. Click the link above for more details about the pool deck.
33. DIY Pool Deck
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $1000-$1500 |
This pool deck was just built for one side of the pool, it’s an above-ground pool deck and it has stairs that lead up to the deck, where you have chairs and tables and other stuff to make your swimming time amazing. This pool deck is small and simple to build with a simple design, so you should not have any trouble building it with ease.
34. Pool Deck Building DIY
Level | Hard |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $1000-$2000 |
Thi video tutorial guide started with the creator setting the wood beams into the ground and installing the wood beams on the ones on the ground with deck screws. The making process is super easy and simple to follow, but you might need to have fair woodworking knowledge to be able to complete the process from here. It requires a few calculations, measurements, and cuts to the right dimensions that only an expert woodworker can do without blinking. This last pool deck idea gives the coolest decking experience ever.
35. Pool Deck Build
Level | Intermediate |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $100-$500 |
This amazing wooden pool deck is made from blah deck boards, and H3 and H4 CCA-treated substructure. Start by choosing the type of deck you want to build, then choose the materials required. After that, cut and assemble the beams for the deck. After that, attach the joist using wood screws, a drill, and some wood glue. Once you’re done with the attachment of the joist, attach the decks and you’re good to go.
36. DIY Quick Pool Deck
Level | Intermediate |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $500-$1500 |
If you want to make a quick pool deck right away, you can use these video guide plans. It’s super easy and the crater made everything from scratch, though he had some materials that were already ready-made. The making process is quite simple, but the durability is under probability.
37. Freestanding Pool Deck
Level | Easy |
Material | AC2 treated wood |
Cost | $500-$1000 |
Check out this free-standing deck pool design. It is attachable and very easy to set up. From the link above you can design the decking you want or buy one. Each decking includes lumber, hardware, footings, decking, and rails. The overall width and depth of the pool deck are 16 feet and 10 feet respectively. The joist size is 2×8 and the railing is made from AC2-treated wood and pressure-treated pine.
38. DIY Simple Above Ground Pool Deck with Stairs
Level | Intermediate |
Material | Wood |
Cost | $19.99 |
Watch out for the PDF plan and guide to this simple above-the-ground pool deck with a gate and stairs. The design is great and very easy to move around. The pool deck is built around a 24′ diameter and 52″ tall above-ground pool. The guide contains the following, 8’x8′ deck plans, stair plans, gate plans, tools list, materials list, and assemble instructions. The proposed cost of the plan is $19.99.
Conclusion
These are amazing designs and ideas that will inspire a nice pool deck. The ideas are high-class pool deck designs that will instantly increase the value and functionality of your pool. Most of the ideas include downloadable plans to help you out with the construction. The pool deck is the fun part of a pool. If you want something standard, It’s way better and more fun to build a pool deck by yourself or with friends and family than buying one. I hope this list of DIY pool deck ideas has given you an idea suitable for your pool needs.
After a few hours of research there are no better ways to build a pool deck than the guides you have above, so follow anyone you choose carefully, and step-by-step and you won’t regret that you have given it a try. Have a wonderful decking experience. Thank you for your time, and hope you visit again soon, bye for now.