Creative Above-Ground Pool Deck Ideas for a Modern Backyard

Create the perfect backyard getaway with these above-ground pool decks. With these awesome ideas, every backyard can feel like a tropical resort.

An above-ground pool is more affordable than an inground swimming pool. In some cases, it may be the only way a homeowner can enjoy their private pool. Due to poor soil conditions, zoning requirements, or a lack of space, sometimes an inground pool just isn’t possible.

While an above-ground pool isn’t usually as attractive as traditional pools, a stylish pool deck can change that. A beautiful pool deck can transform your backyard into an oasis that rivals any inground swimming pool deck design.

Above-ground pool deck ideas must take into consideration the size of the decking area and its uses. There are many different materials and styles to choose from when creating your above-ground pool deck plans. Check out these photos of the most impressive above-ground pool decks for inspiration.

1. Stylish Wood Above-Ground Pool Deck Ideas

Wood decking is the most popular material for above-ground pool deck ideas. These structures can be nearly any kind of deck suitable for sunbathing, playing, and lounging. A wooden deck around an above-ground pool is no different from other freestanding wood deck ideas. It simply accommodates the shape of the pool wall.

Your above-ground pool deck may completely encircle your pool, or stand along only one side. While a partial wood pool deck may not be as visually stunning as a full deck, It is more affordable. A simple square pool deck design can be adjacent to your above-ground swimming pool instead of wrapping around it.

Wood deck pool surround ideas can transform an above-ground swimming pool into one that feels more like an inground pool. When built properly and enhanced with landscaping, it can be hard to tell an inground pool from an above-ground one. Purchase a pool kit with a liner that looks like mosaic tile for an even more convincing inground pool appearance.

2. Multilevel Decking

One way to make your above-ground pool area stunning is to craft a multilevel decking design. A terraced deck provides several levels and might be necessary if your yard is hilly. One level could be a sun deck, away from the splash zone. Another level could be for grilling out and dining.

The different levels of your pool deck could consist of other materials. For example, your ground level could consist of concrete, pea gravel, or paver stones. Your upper levels could be wood or a composite deck material that looks like wood. You can also use stone or brick masonry to build a wall around your above-ground pool. Using the same type of material for the decking gives the illusion of an inground pool.

While some multilevel swimming pool decks have functional purposes for each level, this isn’t required. Many homeowners choose multilevel decking simply because it opens up more design possibilities. Experiment with different above-ground pool design ideas until you find a multilevel combination that works for you.

3. Innovative Composite Decking Ideas

Composite materials are great for above-ground pool deck ideas because they are durable and water-resistant. Composite decking surfaces can resemble real wood or masonry. These materials are ideal for a pool deck because there is no risk of splinters or sharp stones injuring bare feet.

Even if you choose real stone or concrete for a patio surround, composite panels can be helpful. Use them to cover the ugly sides of your above-ground pool. Doing so transforms an ordinary above-ground pool kit into a beautiful garden feature.

To save money on decking, build an above-ground pool deck out of composite planks. Then use coordinating composite lattice panels to hide the bare pool sides. It’s a bonus if you can also find coordinating composite fencing to protect your backyard swimming pool.

4. Embrace the Charm of Wrap Around Decks

Wrapping your deck around the circumference of your above-ground pool makes for a refined backyard deck appearance. When a pool deck completely encloses an above-ground pool, it feels more like it’s inground. It literally elevates your backyard swimming experience to a higher level.

A wrap-around deck makes any size pool look as though it belongs there. It eliminates the need to climb a ladder to get into the above-ground pool, although there may be steps to climb to the deck surface.

A wrap-around above-ground pool deck doesn’t have to be huge to be functional. Even just a few feet around all sides of the pool is adequate. Having a full-circle deck allows you and your guests to jump in easily, or just sit and dangle your feet in the water.

5. Enhance Safety and Style

Railings aren’t always required around an above-ground pool, but in most cases, they’re a good idea. Besides providing a handrail on what could be a slippery surface, deck railings help protect your pool from unwanted visitors. If someone in your home is elderly or physically impaired, a handrail is essential for safety.

You can get creative with above-ground pool deck railings. They can coordinate with your backyard fence or take on a look all their own. Glass panels are an elegant railing choice that doesn’t obstruct your view of the pool. Glass panels supported by metal railing posts are popular deck railings behind minimalist or contemporary homes.

Any type of pool fencing combination can work well as decking railings. Use wooden posts with thin metal rods between them, or go for an all-wood traditional deck rail. Having rails around your pool deck also provides a place to hang your pool skimmer, hoses, or life preservers.

6. Blending Elegance and Functionality

As its name implies, a semi-inground pool is somewhere between an above-ground and an inground pool. You’ll find them behind homes built on a hill or slope. In fact, they may be the only pool choice available on lots with difficult terrain.

Even so, anyone can have a semi-inground pool. Simply dig down about half the depth you would need for an inground pool, then build up the decking as needed. Your deck can be the feature that gives the illusion of a level yard and a traditional inground pool.

Semi-inground pool decks work well with multilevel decks. Your main deck may be level with the backyard door on your home, with deck steps leading to higher and lower levels. The higher level may house a hot tub or covered dining area, while the lower level may be a poured concrete patio.

7. Maximizing Space

A small deck may be enough if you have a smaller above-ground pool and a limited backyard pool area. A small above-ground pool “deck” may consist of a wood platform and steps leading up to it.

A lap pool provides all the exercise of swimming laps but has an exceedingly small footprint. These rectangular pools create a current to swim against. They are a great choice for yards too small for a classic round pool set above ground.

If space is already tight in your backyard, a small deck may be your only option. Watch this video to see how one family with a small yard built a partial deck on one side of their above-ground pool:

8. Unleash Luxury

An infinity edge, or vanishing edge, swimming pool looks as though its edge blends into the horizon. Many people discover that there are infinity pool options for above-ground swimming pools. Like other infinity edge pools, water that spills over the edge flows into a catch basin before pumping back into the pool.

The infinity side of the pool will not have a deck, but a stylish pool deck will enhance the remainder. Some above-ground pools may have two infinity edges, in which case the other two are ideal zones for a ground pool deck.

Because an infinity-edge pool is more expensive than a regular above-ground pool, you may want to cut costs by limiting the size of your deck. Infinity swimming pools blend into the surroundings and are a lovely choice for an Asian-inspired garden. A deck in this setting must be simple enough to not distract from the Zen-like atmosphere.

9. Contemporary Design Ideas

Simple square above-ground pools fit well with modern, minimalist décor. The deck surrounding such a pool should be equally uncluttered. Simple concrete or masonry decking mimics the smooth, cool stone so common in modern deck design.

Clear glass panels are a better choice than vertical wooden deck railing. You can also surround your decking with modern, horizontal wood plank panels. If you choose wood for a modern above-ground pool deck, keep it sleek and stain it a rich, dark color. 

You can enhance your above-ground pool’s modern style by choosing a special pool liner. A dark pool liner provides the illusion of depth and enhances the reflection of foliage and clouds. It can also absorb more heat from the sun, resulting in warmer pool water.

10. Relaxation and Recreation

A patio is a concrete or paved slab that rests on the ground. You can add a patio area around the base of your above-ground swimming pool. Concrete will last longer than wood and it looks more interesting than having only wood in your pool area. By definition, a patio can also be wood or composite decking, if it sits directly on the ground.

You must build up the deck or the ground around an above-ground pool if you want the appearance of an inground pool’s patio. Or, you can take the semi-inground pool approach and create a multilevel pool surround. The lowest level can be your poured concrete slabs, while the upper levels are wood.

Above-Ground Pool Deck FAQs