How to Build a Deck Around an Above Ground Pool

Having a deck around your above-ground pool not only beautifies your yard, but also keeps the pool cleaner due to less dirt being tracked in. Building a deck around an above-ground pool is not as hard as it seems. The height is almost predetermined since you want to set the deck at the same level as the top of the pool. Also, the basic design is laid out since you will follow the shape of the pool. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• 2-by-4 inch boards 2-by-6 inch boards 4-by-4 inch posts 2-by-6 inch joists Concrete 2-inch screws 2 1/2-inch screws Lag bolts Pre-made stair stringers 5-by-6 inch deck boards

Instructions

1. Lay out the area where the stairs will contact the ground. Use this area as a reference point. Buying pre-made stringers for the stairs will make the project go even faster. With a little luck, you will buy a set that are the correct height of the pool.

2. Build the under frame of the deck with pressure-treated lumber. Build it at the height of the pool, but slightly lower than the pool since you will have to add the extra due to the thickness of the deck boards.

3. Use 4-by-4 inch posts sunk in concrete at least 2 feet deep around the deck as main supports. Use 2-by-4 inch posts attached in an "X" as a cross brace. Attach these with with lad screws and bolts. Use 2-by-6 inch boards as the joists to attach the deck boards to lay them out around the perimeter of the pool.

4. Attach uprights of 2-by-2 or 2-by-4 as posts for the railing of the stairs and the main deck area around the perimeter of the deck.

5. Attach the deck boards on the stair runners and on the front of the risers with stainless steel or coated screws long enough to go through the deck board and into the stairs. Attach the decking to the top of the 2-by-6 joists using the same screws as the stairs. Trim the decking to fit the shape of the pool.

6. Attach a top post on the hand rails, and attach rail pickets at no more than 3 inches apart so a child's head cannot protrude through the pickets. After you complete the deck, decide if you want to enclose the bottom of the deck or leave it open. If you want to enclose it, there are many options like pre-made fence panels cut to fit the size, shape and height of the pool deck.

7. Attach a top post on the handrails and attach rail pickets at no more than 3 inches apart so a child's head can't fit through the pickets.

Tips & Warnings

• Use lattice as siding panels. All item amounts will depend on the size of your pool and the size of the deck you want.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in UK English