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25 Pool Deck Ideas for Summer Lounging

Sunbathing season is finally upon us. While there are plenty of good ways to bask at the beach or in a park, the best quality vitamin D time is spent by a pool. All the better when that pool is surrounded by a well designed patio or deck. To get your outdoor space ready to make a big style splash during the warm months ahead, we're spotlighting 25 beautiful pool deck ideas from landscape designers and architects across the country. Take notes from these stylish hangout setups to find the right decking materials, patio lighting, and more so you can live your best outdoor life.

1

Maximize Green Space

Matthew Millman

A sleek swimming pool, manicured lawn, and native palm trees make this Hawaiian home designed by Catherine Kwong a modern oasis. Minimal landscaping accentuates the incredible views, but the best part of this pool area is all the lush greenery. If you love the tropical look, limit the patio and decking materials to the perimeter of the pool.

2

Embrace Existing Quirks

Leanne Ford Interiors

"I thought, I don’t want to fight this house; I want to go with it. It has storybook whimsy—the beautiful ivy on the brick, the magical old windows—that I couldn’t take away," says designer Leanne Ford of this LA home. Irregular stonework on the deck hugs an oblong-shaped pool that feels like a lagoon hidden in a majestic forest thanks to overflowing greenery.

3

Build a Transparent Enclosure

David A. Land

Danielle Fennoy of Revamp Interior Design worked with Morrel Landscape Associates to create this sleek pool deck for a contemporary home. A few pieces of modern furniture, clean polished concrete flooring, and barely-there glass enclosures let the geometry of the house's architecture take the spotlight.

4

Allow Materials to Set the Scene

ROGER DAVIES

Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, this Point Dunne Malibu swimming pool makes life feel like a permanent vacation. Lawrence Bullard and architect Robbin Hayne clad the home in reclaimed barn wood for a rustic feel that dresses down the luxe furnishings and sleek lap pool.

5

Don't Let Size Stop You

JESSIE PREZA

Designer Fitz Pullins's Jacksonville, Florida, home balances a modest backyard and even smaller pool with a dramatic tree and climbing vines. "Our neighbors are like, 'Oh, you guys are the ones with the small pool, right?' That's us," the designer laughs. While they couldn't fit a full0sized lap pool in their backyard, they were able to install a saltwater dipping pool!

6

Opt for a Fun Wood Stain

Tamsin Johnson Interiors

Designer Tamsin Johnson Interiors, gives classic cabana-striped lounge chairs a contemporary edge thanks to whimsical umbrellas, playful side tables, and a refreshingly modern light gray stain on the wood decking.

7

Make It Round

Ike Kligerman Barkley

Ike Kligerman Barkley designed this circular pool to play off the wave-like shingles of the pool house's show-stopping roof. The combination feels whimsical yet sophisticated and creates a softness in the landscape design that you don't get from rectangular swimming pools.

8

Match It to the Roof

Amy Neunsinger

While the pool and rippling terra cotta shingles draw us into this backyard by Nickey Kehoe, it's the climbing vines and canopy of trees that really make it pop. The symmetry between the brick patio and the clay tiles sets the foundation.

9

Find Clever Work Arounds

Douglas Friedman

In this breathtaking Sonoma property by architect George Bevin and designer Ken Fulk, a narrow water feature surrounds the outdoor areas and eliminates the need for view-obstructing railings. It hooks around the patio and continues around the bend, feeding into a larger pool behind the house.

10

Use Fun Tiles

Trevor Tondro

Designer Madeline Stuart gave the backyard of this SoCal home by architects Wallace Neff and John Byers plenty of personality, from the eclectic tiles lining the pool to the blooming bougainvillea and playful umbrella.

11

Set a Solid Foundation

Amir Khandwala

This backyard in a home by Amir Khandwala uses low hedges as a visual divider, sectioning off separate activity zones without disrupting the flow. A concrete slab under the pool loungers makes for easier maintenance and creates a sturdy foundation that matches the pool's surroundings.

12

Ease Transitions Between Zones

Brendon Goldacker

Design a pathway that visually draws the eye to the pool and also provides a clear way for people to approach it. Here, Janice Parker Landscape Architects opted for an offset stacked bond pattern of stepping stones that eases the transition between the stone tile patio, lawn, and pool area.

13

Optimize for Night Swims

Fantastic Frank

Get your pool deck ready for night swims with the appropriate mood lighting. Of course, pool lights are a game-changer, and if you look in the far left, you'll notice the garage skylight that gives you peek at the cars below and allows for shared light. Add a few spotlights and hurricane candles and voila.

14

Use Unexpected Materials

Nicole Franzen

An all-white plaster-effect material gives this pool deck a modern, bohemian edge. Just add simple white cushions for comfort and you've got yourself a relaxing oasis at home. A raffia roof hanging over the deck is a nice touch too.

15

Elevate It

Nicole Hollis Studio

Distinguish the sitting area from the pool deck with an elevated patio. It will look separate but also consistent when the pool design reflects style of the home's architecture. On this property designed by Nicole Hollis Studio, the modern, dark pool tiles and clean lines reflect the open-air structure beyond.

16

Strive for Durability

Elizabeth Cooper Design

This Sag Harbor pool deck by Elizabeth Cooper Design is the perfect blend of polished and laidback. The brick paving on the patio is durable (bonus: it's more affordable than wood decking or tile) and it also boasts a nice lived-in aesthetic.

17

Enhance Privacy With a Wall

Janice Design

This pool deck by Janice Parker Landscape Architects has it all, from the grassy hillside view to separate sitting and dining areas, and a sleek yet classic swimming pool. The stone wall helps separate the outdoor living area from home, enhancing privacy.

18

Make the Most of Your Space

Jenn Feldman Design

No room for lounge chairs? No problem. Interior designer Jenn Feldman improvised with two mediation lounge cushions and just placed them directly on the pool deck for a comfortable, easy-to-move, and stylish solution.

19

Encourage the Kids to Play

Studio Life/Style

A simple, contemporary swimming pool will age with the house as your kids grow up, but why not make it ultra fun while they're still little? Studio Life/Style built a water slide and play house structure in this Los Angeles backyard.

20

Make It Sultry

Night Palm Studio

It doesn't get any chicer than this backyard designed by Night Palm Studio. With black and white swirly side tables, curvy, wave-like daybeds, a sleek concrete foundation, and lighting built into the underside of the benches, it's the ultimate edgy pool deck. For extra point, stain your wood fence black.

21

Give It a Curve

Nicole Franzen

The soft edges of rounded swimming pools tend to fit in well with traditional architecture and design. This one in a GRT Architects-designed home also features natural stone, making it feel even more serene and relaxing.

22

Make it Minimalist

Charles Mayer Photography

Landscape designer and architect Ed Hollander opted for a sleek backyard design where the pool is flush with the lawn and patio. The light blue lounge chair cushions bring in a little pop of color without contrasting too much.

23

Add an Adjacent Fire Pit

Robert McKinley Studio

Here, Studio Robert McKinley used light wood decking materials and extended it up the facade of the house for a fresh, nature-inspired take. Just off to the side, you'll see the extra perk on the pool deck: a fire pit. The concrete flooring under the fire pit sitting area is durable, low-maintenance, and affordable.

24

Create Visual Intrigue

KAA Design

Instead of lining up some classic lounge chairs, customize your pool area with a modern daybed. Take a cue from this pool deck by KAA Design Group, where the attached day bed brings some geometric drama and sexier poolside lounging.

25

Invest In the Right Furniture

Jenn Feldman Design

Invest in patio furniture that can double as seating to sun on if you don't have the space for two separate hang out areas. It can still look elevated and comfortable with the right approach, as demonstrated in this space by Jenn Feldman Design.

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

26 Pool Deck Ideas Perfect for Lounging and Socializing

By

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson began her career at HGTV where she worked with designers to write about home design. Her work has appeared in HGTV, Insider Reviews, Travel Channel, and more.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Published on 05/09/22

Mindy Gayer

It's time to put away those winter coats and bring out your sandals and beach towels. With warmer summer months ahead, you can finally look forward to enjoying your backyard pool retreat. Whether you can't make that summer trip happen or you've vowed to take more staycations this year, your own backyard pool can be a great summer retreat with the right layout and look.

To help you make the most of your space, we dive into our favorite pool deck ideas, from traditional to modern styles, that will have you enjoying relaxing days as well as fun gatherings all season long.

Ideas for decorating a pool

Today it is difficult to find a mansion that does not have a pool. In countries with a cold climate, a closed option is more often chosen, allowing you to bask in invigorating water all year round. Happy residents of warm regions, as a rule, build open reservoirs. At the same time, you can use them long before the opening and much later than the closing of the swimming season, and, therefore, you can create the illusion of a long summer.

But no matter what type of pool is chosen, everyone tries to ennoble the area around it as much as possible, making it not only highly comfortable, but also incredibly beautiful, as if descended from the pages of Vokrug Sveta magazine. And the Beautiful Country House portal invites its readers not only to see such delightful projects, but also to dream about summer and vacations at luxurious resorts. nine0003

Platinum Poolcare Project

It should be noted that modern and popular trends in landscaping around the pool area can transform the yard of your house beyond recognition. Among them, it is necessary to mention the creation of amazing waterfalls, which are not inferior to their natural counterparts in scale and beauty.

Of course, one cannot fail to mention the arrangement of luxurious gardens, reminiscent of wild jungles, or well-groomed park alleys of elite hotels. And all this splendor is necessarily presented and emphasized by a well-organized intelligent lighting system. nine0003

One of the traditional trends of the current decade is the obligatory presence in any mansion of an open living room, smoothly turning into a courtyard area. Therefore, even sitting in a soft comfortable chair, you will not only contemplate the created beauty, but also feel like a part of it.

And, of course, the main advantage of such solutions can be called the possibility of maximum exposure to fresh air, which has a beneficial effect on the general well-being and mood of a person. nine0003

Luxurious waterfalls in the courtyard of the house are a reality

As noted above, designing decorative fountains and waterfalls in the surrounding area is a fashion trend. For designers, limiting their fantasies to just one pool is already considered not only boring, but also an indicator of an unprofessional approach to business.

And, of course, nothing can compare with originality, undeniable attraction and almost faithful reproduction of a natural miracle. The noise of falling water will undoubtedly attract your guests, and you will be able to unobtrusively demonstrate your impeccable taste and, of course, well-being. nine0003

Land & Water Design project

Land & Water Design project

But it's not prestige that makes owners create such projects. After all, the sonorous murmur and the view of a constantly flowing stream are incredibly attractive not only for adults, but also for children. And this attraction increases many times when there is an opportunity to swim among artificially created rocks in the immediate vicinity of a delightful waterfall.

Land & Water Design

Estate Pools & Landscapes project

Artistic Landscapes project

Fire as a magical addition to the power of water

As you know, fire accompanies a person almost from the moment of its appearance. This element not only warms, but also feeds. Therefore, it is difficult to imagine a backyard in which there would not be at least the most primitive hearth, for example, a barbecue grill or a shish kebab.

It must be said that the use of fire in The design of the site of the house is designed to balance the riot of lush greenery or the bliss of the water surface of the pools. And the device of an open fireplace by the pond is not only delightful, but also brilliant.

Existing innovative designs and modern materials allow you to create thousands of options for a harmonious union of opposites: fire and water. Architects usually try to design them in the same style to emphasize the importance and significance of both elements.

Project Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes

Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes project

Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes project

Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes project

courtyard lighting, for arranging the terrace, no less impressive torches or small urns with constantly maintained fire can be provided. Although, of course, nothing can compare with the grandeur, luxury, nobility and romance of fireplaces. nine0003

Project Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes

Project blurrdMEDIA Photographers

Custom tropical paradise

At the same time, the creation of the ornamental garden has become an almost integral part of any project, whether it is interior design or landscaping.

Undoubtedly, the second option is the most variable and does not impose any restrictions. After all, what could be better and more natural than luxurious plants and shrubs growing in the open air. And, of course, summer is the best time to transform your yard and turn it into a tropical paradise. nine0003

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design

In most cases, terraces near pools or other bodies of water undergo this change. And this is no coincidence, as unusual lush plants grow, as a rule, in close proximity to water. But even an existing garden can easily be turned into a safe haven and into an impenetrable jungle by adding a few new varieties of trees or flowers to it.

Your yard will look especially fabulous if it has already been equipped with a stunning waterfall with a rocky frame, and with the help of designers you were able to recreate an exact copy from the famous Blue Lagoon movie. nine0003

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design

But even if your budget is modest, a Hawaiian beach is just right for you: it will require a little sand and some palm trees or other tall plants, usually used to decorate offices or public buildings.

Fulcrum Structural Engineering Project

Fulcrum Structural Engineering Project

Fulcrum Structural Engineering Project

Elegant geometry and ingenious pool lighting

It's no secret that modern interior design looks harmonious and balanced when it obeys the law of symmetry and harmonious combination of textures. But the same rule works flawlessly in the case of working on the landscape.

Therefore, the choice of style for the design of the pool, terraces and the site as a whole, should, if possible, correspond to the external appearance of the mansion.

For example, if the configuration of the building is dominated by cubic shapes, clear lines, and its facades are distinguished by restraint and even modesty, then the pool should have a similar look. It will look not only harmonious, but also incredibly stylish. nine0003

Project Elad Gonen

One of the spectacular design techniques is the visual integration of spaces. So, the reservoir, as if being a continuation of the living space of the house, looks natural. But to achieve such a result is not so difficult: for rooms with direct access to water, it is enough to design glass walls and doors. Thus, the boundaries between the interior and exterior are blurred.

John McDonald Project

John McDonald Project

And, of course, lighting plays an important role in any project. After all, thanks to the competent placement of LED lamps, you can visually change the space, emphasizing the most spectacular places and hiding unsuccessful or intimate ones, creating an amazing play of light and shadow that attracts attention and fixes the eye.

Coleccion Alexandra project

Stradivarius Violin pool project

It should be noted that modern technologies make it possible to create energy-saving and, therefore, economical lighting systems, which are also controlled remotely or automatically. Therefore, even 24-hour pool lighting will not hit the family budget. And the effect of its creation, combined with interesting decor ideas the area around it can exceed even the wildest expectations.

Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Lewis Aquatech

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

Beringer Fine Homes Sunbathing Original

, many would answer: "By the pool." And, of course, this answer implies the traditional arrangement of furniture, on the terrace around the pond. nine0003

What would you say to the proposal to combine two processes (bathing and sunbathing) in one? You can implement it by installing deck chairs directly in the water. So, having cheered up from swimming, you do not need to go out under the hot scorching sun. After all, now you can relax, gain strength or even read your favorite book, no less comfortably than on land.

At the same time, there are absolutely no restrictions on organizing a favorite place: you can install umbrellas, awnings or even tables with refreshing drinks and delicious light snacks. Why isn't this a luxury resort? Only it was created on its own territory. nine0023

Site Requirements

Building Materials

Preparatory Work

Pouring Concrete

Building a Wooden Platform

To choose the right site, consider in advance how the pump and lighting equipment will be connected, and where the drain will be located. The requirements that we list must be observed, including for frame pools.

To recap. When choosing a site, it is important that it be level, cleared of all kinds of garbage and plants. It is desirable that the soil is compacted, household and residential buildings, wires, trees, roads are far away. It is better to build it in a sunny or half-shaded place that does not block the passage for people. nine0003

Instagram @ideiipodelkidliadachi

Instagram @dnevnikmaikla

Along the perimeter, the platform should be larger than the tank itself. So that the water that will splash out of it does not form puddles. We will tell you what you can make a platform or a podium for a pool in the country with your own hands.

The tank can be installed on the ground covered with foil or sand drainage (SGS). But such a basis will not be reliable. It would be better to strengthen it. Here's how you can do it. nine0003

In the photo - options for different sites.

Instagram @khayakdolf

Instagram @gvk2008

Instagram @vintovayasvaya

So, the place and materials have been chosen. Now you need to prepare the site.

Marking the territory

There are several ways to mark the territory. In any of the proposed options, add 0.15 meters or more to the size of the structure if you plan to equip a wide platform.

Instagram @fauxfarmhouseranch

Instagram @family_build

Clearing the area

If you are preparing an above ground site, remove the sod with a bayonet shovel inside the markings. Stick the shovel into the ground completely - by 30-40 cm. At the same time, experts do not recommend making a recess more than half a meter. Deeper pits are recommended to be filled with concrete and masonry around the perimeter. nine0003

The removed sod can be used to create lawns on the site. Remove the remaining roots, herbs, stones from the cleared area. Then treat it with preparations that slow down the growth of plants.

For a fixed excavated pool, dig a hole to a depth of 2.5 meters if you plan to jump into the water from the side and 1. 5-2 meters for structures with steps. Use a level to make the bottom of the pit slope 4 cm by 1 meter towards the drain.

Large frame tanks are always made in a small recess. So they will be more stable, and less water accumulates around them. Also, this installation option is suitable for loose soils. nine0003

Instagram @catdigger177

Instagram @fauxfarmhouseranch

Leveling and compacting

Make a 20-25 cm sand bed at the bottom of the excavation or on top of the soil. This will be an excellent shock absorber if there is a busy road nearby. Level and compact it with the help of building beacons, level, rules. Compaction can also be done with a vibrating plate or plain water. Water the future platform several times with water from a hose with a sprayer, and then level it. Sand can be replaced with PGS and cement. The ratio of components in such a mixture is 10:1. nine0003

For a small tank, this cushion is often sufficient. Geotextiles or a dense film are laid on it, and a bowl is placed on top. If it is more than 1-2 cubes, the prepared area is strengthened by one of the methods described below.

Instagram @rspools

Instagram @liudmilachurukevich

Making a foundation pit

We use frost- and water-resistant concrete grade M100 or M300 for work. If you prepare the mixture yourself, take coarse sand, crushed stone, cement, and additives to improve water resistance. The latter are sold ready-made. Conduct all communications first. nine0003

Check if the waterproofing is well done. Fill with water, mark its level and leave for two weeks. Taking into account natural evaporation, no more than 2 cm should go away. If everything is fine, you can start finishing. This is also additional waterproofing. Instead of roofing material, you can use geotextile fabric, dense film, polypropylene. nine0003

Instagram @ekskavatorpogruzchikizhevsk

Instagram @oazis_ul

Instagram @oazis_ul

Making a podium

It is recommended to use M100 or M300 concrete for work. Hydrophobic additives, cement, crushed stone and coarse sand are added to the mixture, made independently.

Instagram @_natashik_1804

Instagram @konakovokolodec

Instagram @svetlanaelshankina

Instagram @_natashik_1804

We create a recess

Large frame structures are placed halfway or slightly lower in such pits. They become more stable, more aesthetic and you do not need a ladder to climb inside. The approximate depth of the pit is one and a half meters. When calculating the width of the pit, consider the need for the construction of retaining walls. nine0003

Instagram @maxim_jcb8030

Instagram @sp.petuhov

In the video - another way to strengthen the frame structure.

If you decide to bury a small tank, you can do without a screed. In this case, the same pillow is made from ASG, and support posts for the frame are dug in along the perimeter to a depth of 50-60 cm. Crushed stone is poured into the holes with them, and the racks themselves are covered with liquid waterproofing or bitumen. A shalevka is nailed to them horizontally.

Instagram @zemelnye_raboty_zp_ukraine

Instagram @sp. petuhov

Small inflatable and frame pools are most often installed in the country house. It is convenient to mount them on supports made of larch or polymer decking. The height of the flooring depends on your tasks. The high platform is convenient because you can remove the pump and other equipment under it. But in this case, you will also need a ladder. A low platform is built faster, as steps are not needed. We will tell you how to make a podium for a pool in the country in its simplest version. nine0003

Procedure