How To Design Pool Decks

A pool deck definitely requires advanced planning. In fact, how and where one builds his decks can most certainly affect the way the ground is landscaped and terraced around the side of the pool. On rare occasions, it might even affect the design of the concrete apron that surrounds the pool.

If you desire to have a deck that is level with the concrete apron that borders a backyard pool, then the land will have to be lowered to a point that is about 1 foot or so below the side of the pool. Most owners will probably avoid this situation and build a deck that sits a little higher than the pool. Still, there are a lot options to consider such as shape, size, type of materials and elevation. Also, the shape of the pool and the border area will have some influence on how your final deck will look.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blueprint for your pool

How to Design a Pool Deck

1. Determine the height of the deck surface in relation to the pool. If you prefer to have the deck dead level with the concrete skirt that surrounds the pool, then you need to design a deck that occupies much vertical space. This might mean using 4-by-4s as your floor supports instead of larger 2-by-6 or 2-by-8 timbers. Having less height in the overall dimension of your deck will mean less of a distance between the concrete surface and the ground level.
   
   When planning your deck, remember that a 2-by-6 frame with 2-by-4 or 2-by-6 floorboards makes for a 7-inch step down off the deck surface to the concrete walkway that surrounds the edge of the pool. This is just the right dimension for a step. Thus, this option should always be given serious consideration, for it is possible that you may well want your lawn surface to be at the same level as the deck.

2. Determine the shape of your deck. If you have a rectangular-shaped pool, then chances are that you will want to go with a square or rectangular-shaped deck. However, a curved-shaped pool will present some interesting options. You can follow the shape of the concrete skirt, which will be more labor intensive, or you can adapt the conventional square shape to approximately fit on one side of the pool.
   
   Also, at this time you will want to consider just how much of the pool should be surrounded by deck and what places should be left open.
   
   Furthermore, if the pool is not located right next to the house, then you may consider building a walkway leading from the house to the pool. The walkway only needs to be 3 feet wide or it can become a larger deck space, especially if the pool is located close to the house.

3. Decide whether the deck will be all one level or if there will be decks at different heights. If the latter is the case, then again go with the 7-inch step rule. Your decks should be separated in height by a distance that is divisible by the number 7. That makes for one or more steps that are of standard height.

4. Choose the material for your deck. In a locale that is next to the pool, you will want a wood that is naturally rot resistant or pressure treated. Redwood is probably the most common choice for pool decks because of its natural resistance to rot and its structural strength. (The structural strength is about average, but combined with its water-resistant nature and sheer physical beauty, redwood is often the first choice for outdoor decks, although price may be prohibitive.)
   
   Redwood is also a very beautiful, but expensive, wood that will greatly enhance your pool area. Pressure-treated pine is cheapest, but it is full of chemicals. Cypress and cedar are also possible options.

Tips & Warnings

• Begin your designing with just basic shapes, and leave the math until the final stages of planning.
• If your pool has no concrete skirt, then keep the ground level flush with the side of the pool.