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Above Ground Pool Deck Plans

What could a backyard transformation do for your home? For Mike's home outside Austin, Texas, he wanted a convenient space to swim, relax more, and have a showplace in his backyard. With those goals in mind, Mike turned to Endless Pools to create his dream pool.

Mike drafted above-ground pool deck plans to extend of his existing backyard deck. He selected an Endless Pools Performance model to abut the deck for easy access and an integrated look. He shared these detailed photos of how he brought his above-ground pool deck plans to life.

These before and after photos show the amazing transformation at Mike's home. He now uses his Performance pool to swim in place with the Endless Pools current. He also uses the pool to relax on a floatie and even sets up a television on the porch to watch soccer from the water!

Choosing an Above-ground Deck Pool

Mike initially wanted a traditional in-ground pool with an Endless Pools Fastlane® Pro current to swim in place. That plan ran into some problems. "I had a soil test done," he recalls, "and unfortunately, about 13-feet down, it's the equivalent of Jell-o. It was cost-prohibitive to put in an inground pool."

He wanted to swim because, "I used to be a long-distance runner, and I got burnt out. I decided that swimming would be my next obsession."

March 11: It's an exciting day when the crates arrive from Endless Pools! Mike's porch was then simple, efficient, and about to get expanded for fun, fitness, relaxation, and swimming. He used images from the Endless Pools Photo Gallery as inspiration to sketch out his above-ground pool deck plans.

Laying the Groundwork for the Above-ground Deck Pool

As soon as Mike ordered his pool, he contacted one of Endless Pools' independent field installers. In retrospect, he's glad he got the ball rolling, even though delivery was six months out due to pandemic-related delays.

"Right away, I asked who my local installer would be. That's one of the better things I've done." Mike and his pool installer had plenty of time "to scope it out [and] then start envisioning what I wanted to do. My installer is so busy, so I started that relationship and kept telling them what the latest update was, so I was on their list."

The strategy worked. "As soon as the delivery happened, they were here in the next 24 to 48 hours. They were able to get someone to pour concrete within a week."

March 13-16: Goodbye, deck steps! The concrete slab gets poured to support the Performance pool, while the deck begins to get built out on the other side.

Planning something simpler and quicker? Get inspired by these 6 aboveground backyard pools.

March 17-25: The pool's steel-panel framing is assembled. Mike then installs the Automatic Pool Cover that he opted for, as well as the Endless Pools current system, the internal components that make it possible to swim in place. As the pool begins to fill with water, the deck build-out continues.

March 27: The pool's wood skirting integrates it into the deck for a rustic, seamless look. The Performance pool's core components can fit within the cabinet, so Mike designed two access points for routine pool maintenance.

Keep the reins on your budget with these 5 sure-fire cost-control tips.

April 5: When the weather warms and Austin, Texas, enjoys a sunny spell, Mike lays down sod to complete the backyard. "Couldn’t be any happier with how my Endless Pools install and deck expansion turned out!!" Mike said.

Spark your imagination with these 8 amazing pool decks!

Another before-and-after look: You can see by where the rug ends that the deck has considerably more space. Besides adding the Performance pool and the new lawn, Mike refreshed the deck furniture with bright new cushions. The pool is 14 feet by 8 feet with a 42-inch depth. The deck is 15 feet by 38 feet.

Tips for Future Pool Owners

"I love my pool," Mike declares. With hindsight though, he might've done things differently. He customized his Original Series pool to 14 feet by 8 feet. Now, he says, "two feet wider would've been nice and might as well go another foot or two longer; but again, that's coming from the mindset of someone who wanted an inground pool to begin with." At the current size, he laughs, "My girlfriend calls it a cocktail pool!"

He also recommends the Endless Pools Fit@Home® app. "I'm glad I got it. I like the fact that you can preprogram different workouts and go from one pace to another. It's fantastic! It saves me tons of time."

He's also glad that he chose our Automatic Pool Cover, which resides below the pool deck and closes with the turn of a key. "Everything's great about it! I love the fact that it's clean. To be able to lock it and bring the key inside – that's fantastic. I have a lot of trees so being able to cover it up" helps keep debris out of the water.

June 10: Mike notices that grass around the pool isn't as lush as he'd like. It's shaded by the pool and it's getting walked on more than the rest of the lawn. So, he surrounds the pool skirting with stone pavers to stop grass erosion and mud pits. "As much as my lovely girlfriend doesn’t believe me, I really am done with all heavy lifting landscaping projects until cooler temperatures return," Mike insists.

Published on: November 8th, 2021

20 Genius Above Ground Pool Deck Ideas on a Budget

Are you looking for above ground pool deck ideas on a budget? Among other types, the above-ground one is never getting old and is suitable for any style of home decor.

Nowadays, you can easily find so many types of above-ground pools. Most of them are using stones, bricks, wood, and many more. 

For your reference, here is a little bit of insight for you before installing the above-ground pool in your backyard without breaking the bank.

Table of Contents

Determining the Size of Your Above-ground Pool Deck

Having a ground pool has some considerations. Initially, you should consider before having it is the size. It will affect how many decks that you need.

Before measuring the size, consider the shape of your pool. If you want to install a circle pool, you have to measure the diameter.

You have to measure the length and width by measuring the diameter straight across from the inside wall to another one. 

For the height, it is preferable to measure it from the outside pool. Just measure it from the very bottom to the very top of the pool wall.

Mostly, the above-ground pool has a height of around 4 ft, 4.3 ft, or 4.5 ft. So, it is important to measure it.

Moreover, you have to consider the size of your ground pool and the pool deck at the same time. After having the size of the pool, you should measure the length of the deck.

You select either big or small pool deck. The larger your ground pool, the bigger the cost that you need to install the pool. 

In this case, you can calculate how much you will spend on your pool deck.

DIY Above Ground Pool Deck Ideas on A Budget

The most spending for installing the pool along with the deck is hiring a professional. It will save your time, but you have to spend more on it.

You may hire a professional as on your budget. However, it still costs much more than if you install it by yourself.

If you like to do DIY and want to save the budget, installing the ground pool deck by yourself is the solution. 

Check how Stefan Beese transform a dumpster into a stunning abouve ground pool!

Do not forget to have above-ground pool deck kits if you want to install them by yourself.

Are you looking for above ground pool deck ideas on a budget? Among other types, the above-ground one is never getting old and is suitable for any style of home decor.

Nowadays, you can easily find so many types of above-ground pools. Most of them are using stones, bricks, wood, and many more. 

For your reference, here is a little bit of insight for you before installing the above-ground pool in your backyard without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking at a property with added extras such as a pool or jacuzzi, always ask your Estate Agents about the running costs associated with these features. Estate Agents are experts in their field and will be able to give you advice on what to expect in terms of ongoing costs for features like pools. Remember, an Estate Agent’s job is to help you find your perfect property, so don’t be afraid to ask for their help and expertise! Sheldon Bosley Knight Estate Agents (Kenilworth) are happy to help with any queries you may have.  

Before preparing all the equipment, you should come up with some ideas first. What kind and how the pool is your favorite. Here are above ground pool deck ideas on a budget for you!

Pool Wrapped in Stone and Wood

Mostly the ground pool has wood material. Otherwise, combining it with stones or paver deck is also possible. These two materials have different points but will match well to wrap your ground pool.

It will give more advantages if you want the DIY above-ground pool deck with wood and stone. You can choose the stone and wood for certain needs which will save your budget.

Besides the cost, your pool will look more aesthetic. You can raise the wall on one side and wrap the pool with stones around it. 

In this way, it will be more effective to barrier half of your pool perimeter. On the other side, use the woods as a deck. 

This combination will be perfectly warm and strong. 

Round above-ground pool deck

Getting a round above-ground pool is very space-saving. It gives more free space but still enough to swim around.

As mentioned previously, you need to take the right measurement to get the right space. The deck can be a combination of woods with composite or stones.

Around the pool, set some pool seats and a bench. You can also place any items that you like to take while swimming. 

If you have children, you can also install a ball hoop or a slider.

Pool with terraced steps

There is another way to get a ground pool to look neater. You can install the ground pool with the terraced steps. 

For this concept, you need to install a wall higher than your ground. You have to measure in which there will be two to three steps there.

If you like the pool brought to the corner, then install the deck with steps on one side only. In contrast, you can apply the deck with steps around the pool if you like the pool in the middle part.

The steps will not only have a function as a pool driveway, but you can use them as a comfortable seating area with games coffe table around. Save money and save space, right?

Half-Buried Pool with Composite Deck

Half buried pool with a composite deck is also the best recommended one. It has a unique and integrated look.

You do not need to equalize the surface of your pool, but just make it higher than the ground around 15 to 20 cm.

At the same time, you can also use the wood deck and wrap the outside wall with stone. To make it more beautiful, spread around small rocks on the side of the higher part.

Above-ground pool with wooden deck

Wood has its taste. It evokes a vintage look but strong at the same time. That is why most people prefer having a wooden deck for their backyard.

Moreover, the wooden deck is recommended for you who are looking for a small deck for an above-ground pool. 

This concept looks like a bathtub that looks more comfortable. You can build up the pool by wrapping around the outside wall with wood. 

Also, install a small bridge and set up a stair to enter the pool. For homeowners who want a vintage style, this is a perfect concept.

Small deck for above ground pool

This is one of the best above ground pool deck ideas on a budget that you can pick for a narrow space. 

Located in the corner of the deck, you will still have much space to put some pieces of furniture to enjoy the breeze.

Do it yourself round above ground pool deck plans

Having a deck for above-ground pool looks greater. However, you have to know some considerations when installing it to suit your budget. 

Some considerations for above ground pool deck ideas on a budget are as follow for your reference.

Initially, decide whether you hire a professional or make it by yourself. It will save more cost if you choose a DIY project. You can find a ready to assemble pool deck kits around your location.

However, it is better to hire a professional if you think that you are not that good enough to do DIY.

Then, you have to install the pool before having the deck. Although the above-ground pool already has standardized wall heights, it is still possible that your pool will be slightly different. 

So, you have to take the right measurement for the deck after the pool is well installed.

For a satisfactory result, you have to make sure that the deck is built as close as possible to the pool. It will be safe and offer a good look in design. 

It can help to minimize your falls or trips over the jut-out pieces since it will keep the ground level for the in and out things from the pools.

The costs are the important thing for those who have a strict budget. So, you have to make sure that the materials that you need are not over your budget. 

There are some options for deck materials, which are composite, plastic, and wood. These materials will highly impact your cost. 

Tips to Spruce up Your Above-ground Pool Deck

Having above ground pool deck ideas on a budget does not always mean that you have to minimize all the things.  

You are possible to get a gorgeous pool without breaking your bank. Try these tips below to spruce up this attraction like magic.

Add Lighting Around

Some of you may tend to swim at night. After having a long day, swimming at night can be so relaxing. In that way, you need better lighting. 

It will help your pool look more romantic and dramatic at night.

There are some options for adding the lighting around your pool. If you do nighttime swimming regularly, it is highly necessary to install permanent lighting or even hardwired lights. 

It is also highly recommended to install mini spotlights outside the pool to keep you safe.

On the other hand, you can just set some floating pool lights if you do not do nighttime swimming regularly. It is perfect if you want to host a barbecue party. 

There are also some types of floating lights like solar-powered or battery lights. Moreover, you can get the lights with color changing or shading shape option.

Get the Decorative Floating

You may already get the above ground pool deck ideas on a budget but still need more. The materials might be enough, but you can add some decoration for your pool.

The simplest and quickest way to make your pool look more beautiful is by adding decorative floating things to your pool.

These floating things are perfect for you who want a fun and loving vibe. It is also iconic and upload-worthy which can be a new spot to take your moment.

The most important thing is you do not need to add more cost to it. Just buy the simple and inexpensive but look good ones.

Hide the Pool

There will be some things that are not related to the pool and cannot help as a decoration. It can be pipes and many more.

The thing you can do is hide the pool. It is preferable to have a higher wall so that it will hide the things around. 

You can also install the wood planks and seal them with flexible bamboo screening or polyurethane. For the beachy vibe, you can also install a reed fence as the frame.

For another option, you can also use brick panels or faux stones to frame around the pool. The panels will work easier than installing real brick or stone.

If you like something outstanding, a small bar is an answer. You can build a mini bar around the outside edge of your pool. 

Just add some barstools to make it accessible from the outside or you can even swim up to the bar from inside the pool.

All of these will help to conceal the things that should be hidden around the pool.

Landscaping the Above-Ground Pool

To make your above-ground pool look warm and tropical, you can add some plants or tropical flower like orchid around. However, do not plant whatever plant that you found.

You have to choose the plants that will not grow taller than the wall of the pool. It is considerable since it will let you work harder to clean the floor grout on the deck. 

The plants that will grow taller than the wall of the pool will drop their flower petals or leaves into the pool.

Moreover, you have also avoided climbing plants since it will cause some problems if they start to grow inside the pool.

Thus, the recommended plants for landscaping your above-ground pool are evergreen shrubs directly next to your pool. 

It will not grow taller and even if you add some flowering perennials or even annuals.

On the other hand, you can hang the hanging planter or planter boxes from the top of your pool. By adding these plants, your pool will look fresh but there will be no further problem with your pool. 

All in all, the most important thing you can do for installing the above-ground pool is knowing the measurement and have the concept that you want.  

After having these points, you will find it easier to get the budget right.

Above all, check on some other above ground pool deck ideas on a budget so that you can get this home attraction without adding unnecessary cost. 

requirements for site preparation and installation

Almost everyone can afford a swimming pool in a country house or country house. However, their service life and the quality of active games and recreation in the water directly depend on the correct installation of the tank. It is not necessary to invite professionals to arrange a site for a pool. Given the general requirements and a number of nuances, you can handle the creation of the structure yourself.

When a pool deck is needed

All pools used in their own homes are divided into three groups, these are:

Stationary tanks are usually installed by specialists. In order for such a pool to work correctly, it is necessary to prepare a pit, bring all communications, install a bowl according to standards.

Inflatable pools are not very large. Special preparation before their installation is not required, it is enough to clear the ground of stones, sticks, sharp objects and, if possible, cover it with pool litter.

A fixed base is required when choosing a frame pool area. Incorrect installation of such a tank leads to a skew on one of the sides, to discomfort during bathing and can become one of the reasons for the destruction of the structure.

Pool site preparation requirements

Basic design requirements must be reviewed before laying the pool deck. Their full observance will help to properly equip the site, which will greatly increase the life of the bath and prevent emergency situations.

First of all, you should determine where the pool will be located on the site:

After selecting a site for site development, it is necessary: ​​

Preparatory work, compacting the earth and laying the substrate are given as much attention as possible. Compliance with all requirements will allow you to create a base on which the pool will stand exactly without distortions and deformations.

Platform options

The base for the pool can be of two types:

Pools with a capacity of up to 5 thousand liters are usually removed for the winter period, so a flat area will not interfere with movement around the site. Reservoirs with a volume of up to 50 thousand liters can be left for the winter, in which case the semi-buried version of their fixing is considered optimal. Baths with a heating function when they are deepened into the ground can also be used in the autumn months. In addition, an in-depth pool is easier to operate, since it will not need to attach special ladders for immersion in water.

Site preparation and foundation steps

After choosing a place for the bath, you need to make markings on the ground. Pegs, ropes, tape measure, special spray paint (for grass) will help in this. The boundaries of the base for the pool bowl should be approximately 50-70 cm larger than its dimensions. The cord should be 50-70 cm larger than the radius of the bowl. A spray can of paint is attached to its end. After that, the rope is stretched, moves in a circle, and at the same time the borders are applied with paint.

  • If the tank is in the form of a dome, then it is necessary to first outline two circles and then connect their protruding points with a cord;
  • For rectangular and square pools, pegs are driven in at the corners, between which a cord is pulled.

    • After marking the territory inside it, the sod is removed to the depth of a bayonet shovel. This allows you to make the base even, and so that the plants no longer grow, the ground can be treated with biological products. When choosing a semi-recessed version of the platform for the pool, you need to go deep by ¾ of the height of the pool to be installed.

    The next stage of work is the formation of a rigid cushion of sand and gravel:

    After preparing the site in compliance with all requirements, you can install the pool and connect all the necessary communications.

    Podium as an option for a platform for a pool

    For small frame pools or inflatable baths, you can make a rigid base - a podium on your own site.

    Such a structure is made of boards or concrete, but the first option is much easier to make:

    Wooden flooring under the pool is quite a convenient design, the main advantages of which are:

    However, wooden decks are dangerous for small children. On wet boards, kids slip and fall easily, so you need to constantly monitor them.

    A well-equipped pool area is a guarantee of a long service life of the bath and comfort for vacationers. Therefore, the creation of a quality base for the bowl should never be ignored.

    How to prepare a site for a swimming pool? – read the blog Aquapolis.ru

    How to prepare a site for a pool? – read the Aquapolis. ru blog

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    Before installing an above-ground pool, it is necessary to choose the right place and prepare it.

    General requirements for a pool site

    Types of pools and features of their installation

    Types of pools and features of their installation

    Depending on the type of construction, above-ground pools can be divided into:

    they are easy to install and assemble, unpretentious in maintenance, they are easy to transport and store.

    Inflatable pools are made of dense, multilayer PVC material 0.4-0.8 mm thick, resistant to stress and wear. Despite the strength of the material, the bowl is prone to damage, so the preparation of the site for installation requires special attention.

    Site preparation:

    The tubular frame pool is installed on a level, prepared area. Installation does not require the preparation of pits and concreting.

    If the area is flat, has no depressions and pits, is cleared of objects dangerous for the structure (branches, stones, glass, driftwood), then it is enough to pave it with a substrate. It is also recommended to remove the grass layer, because. plants will rot under the bowl.

    If the area is uneven:

    When placing inflatable and frame structures, a PE/PVC pool pad will help. It is resistant to moisture, UV, wear and mechanical stress:

    The most durable option is the prefabricated pool, which has a frost-resistant design and can be outdoors all year round. Due to the weight and dimensions, it requires a flat, stable platform. Site preparation is the same as for wireframe models, with the exception that partial (or complete) penetration into the ground is possible.

    Installing the prefabricated pool in the ground:

    As a rule, SPA pools are installed indoors on the floor, like regular large corner baths. Outdoor installations require site preparation and the supply of water and electricity required to operate the hot tub.

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