How to Build a Deck for an Above-Ground Swimming Pool

Above-ground pools are great for smaller yards, but they don't come with a deck. Most have an A-frame ladder that is used to get in and out of the pool. Unlike an in-ground pool, an above-ground pool does not have decking where you can sun yourself or relax poolside. Building a deck for an above-ground swimming pool is a project the average homeowner can undertake, as it does not take any special tools.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4-by 4-inch boards, pressure treated 2-by 4-inch boards, decking or pressure treated 2-by-6-inch boards, decking or pressure treated Cement Stain or paint

1. Measure the length of the pool for the deck. If you have a "round" pool (which is usually an octagon or hexagon), measure one side, then multiply that number by the number of sides you wish to deck to wrap. Purchase enough materials to cover the size of the deck you want to build. You will need three 4-by-4-inch posts if you want to cover two sides of the octagon, four if you want to cover three sides, and so on.

2. Measure the height of the wall of the pool. Add 2 feet to that measurement. Cut the 4-by-4-inch posts to that height. At each corner of the pool (or every 8 feet for an oblong or rectangular pool) and 2 to 4 inches away from the wall of the pool, dig a 2-foot, 2-inch deep hole. Set a 4-by-4-inch post in each hole and make sure the top of the post is 2 inches below the top of the pool side. Put another post in a direct line with the post that is next to the pool. If you want a 10-foot deck, put the post 10 feet out from the post next to the pool.
   
   Have a friend hold the post straight up in the hole (use a level to be sure it is straight), and line the bottom of the hole with stone to support the pole. You can also use half a cinder block and stick the post into the cinder-block hole. Fill the cinder-block hole with gravel. Once the pole will stand up on its own, pour cement into the hole. Allow the cement to cure for 48 hours or as otherwise directed on the package.

3. Measure for the top frame and support for the deck. Measure from the first pole near the pool to the outside post that is in a direct line with the first post. Measure the rest of the posts the same way. Write down all measurements. Measure from the first post to the second post that is against the pool, then from the second to the third, and so on. Write down these measurements. Finally, measure the outside posts. Start with the first outside post and measure the distance to the second outside post, and so on. Write down these measurements.

4. Cut the 2-by-6-inch boards to make the outside frame. The boards will be screwed on the outsides of the posts. The 2-by-6-inch boards will start at the very outside of the first post and should end at the center of the next post. Adjust the measurement by 2 inches. The second post-to-post 2-by-6-inch board will start in the center of the second post and go to the center of the next post--or if the post is the last post, to the end of the last post. Adjust the measurement to reflect the 2 inches. Screw the boards to the posts so that the 2-inch side is level with the top of the posts and the 6-inch side runs down the posts. Attach them with thick wood screws. Stagger the wood screws from the top to the bottom, using five to six screws.

5. Use 2-by-6-inch boards for the floor joists. Starting on the second post in, run a board from the inside post to the corresponding outside post. On the same set of posts, run another board on the opposite side. There should be 4 inches between the two boards. Screw the boards onto the posts with heavy-duty wood screws. Do the same for the rest of the center posts.

6. Build steps or purchase premade steps to access the decking. Attach the steps to the decking frame.

7. Use 2-by-4-inch boards for the decking. Arrange the boards on the top of the frame, starting from the outside post closest to the pool and working your way out to the outside posts. Cut the proper angles where the boards meet at the framework on the second set of posts, the third set of posts, and so on. When all of the boards are cut to the right length with the right angle (the angles should touch each other, so as to make a continuous board), screw the boards into the framework.

8. Build a rail for the outside of the deck. Attach 2-by-4-inch boards to the 4-by-4-inch posts with heavy-duty wood screws. The rail posts should run from the ground up to 4 feet over the floor of the deck, depending on how high you want the railing. Screw 2-by-4-inch boards along the rail supports all the way around, except in front of the steps. There should be at least two rails---a lower railing and the top railing.

9. Paint or stain the deck according to your color preference. Allow the stain or paint to dry and add additional coats as needed. If you are using stain, you may need three or four coats, as the wood will soak up the stain.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the original pool ladder on the inside of the pool. Make sure the feet of the ladder are in good condition so they do not tear the liner.
• Do allow the deck to overhang the edge of the pool, as you will need to take the deck partially apart to change the liner.