Above Ground Pool Deck: Yes or No?

When you’re planning for your backyard pool, one question you might be mulling over is whether you should include an above ground pool deck in your plans. With a Doughboy® pool, you can’t go wrong whether you choose to add a deck around your pool or not. It really comes down to your budget, your style, and how you want to use your backyard pool area. 

There are a couple of pros and cons to installing an above ground pool deck you should keep in mind before you decide to get one.

Pros of Installing an Above-Ground Pool Deck

If you’re thinking of installing an above ground pool deck, the main reason is probably that you like the aesthetic! Depending on the style and size you go for, a deck fully or partially around your pool can transform the look of your backyard. The same is true for the functionality of your backyard.

Aesthetic Appeal

A Doughboy swimming pool in your backyard is beautiful as-is. But adding a deck may help you enhance your pool area. When it comes to building your deck, you have a ton of design and style options. For instance, for a pool area that invites friends and family to come and relax, you might opt for a deck that adds lots of seating and lounge spaces and fill it with comfy outdoor furniture. 

On the other hand, you might just want a smaller, more simple deck off of your backdoor that connects your home and pool. 

Whatever your style and goals, you can design a deck that brings your pool deck vision to life.

Greater Functionality

Adding an above ground pool deck adds more space poolside, plus you can customize it for your family’s needs. If you choose to add a deck around your pool, spend some time thinking about how you’d like to use the space before you get started. 

For instance, do you imagine serving dinner poolside on warm summer evenings? Add space on one or more of the sides of your pool deck for an outdoor dining table and chairs.

You’ll love the convenience it provides, as well as the relaxing atmosphere. Your dining nook will be the perfect space to spread out snacks when your kids and their friends are swimming. And when it’s dinner time, you’ll appreciate the ease (and the beautiful scenery!) of serving supper poolside. 

Or maybe what you really want is a deck that attaches to your home, makes entering your pool even easier, and has a little bit of seating so you can read poolside while your kids play.  

Have something larger in mind? A deck that wraps around your entire pool might fit the bill perfectly. You could have zones for eating and lounging, and create extra room for people to gather at all your pool parties.

The takeaway: Incorporate your lifestyle and wishes into your above ground pool deck if you opt to build one.

Cons of an Above Ground Pool Deck

If you love the look of an above ground pool deck and would like to get one, there are two cons you should know about: cost and maintenance. 

Cost

Building a pool around your above ground pool can be a sizable investment. Not only does the initial cost of purchasing the necessary materials come into play, but the labor cost for the installation can also be significant, especially if you hire a professional contractor to do the job. Your costs will vary depending on the size, materials, and complexity of the design.

Maintenance

Besides the initial cost, owning an above ground pool deck can require an investment in time and money for maintenance each year depending on the materials you use. You’ll need to plan for a cleaning, staining or painting, and occasional repairs due to wear and tear for a wooden deck. Or, you can consider low-maintenance composite decking which does not need staining or sanding to cut down on yearly maintenance.

When it comes to your backyard paradise, deciding whether to add an above ground pool deck comes down to whether the look and functionality outweigh the cost of the investment. Keep in mind that you can always add an above ground pool deck later. If you’re shopping for a pool now and think you might build a deck someday, keep that in mind as you choose your pool shape, size, and location. 

Not sure of the best place to install your pool? Your local authorized Doughboy dealer is the first person you should ask for advice! Our dealers are experienced in all things Doughboy pools and many of them (but not all) install pools too. 

Click here to find your closest Doughboy dealer and get started on season after season of swimming fun!