Composite Pool Decking for Inground & Above Ground Pools
The weather is getting warmer, which means the swimming season has arrived! A decent outdoor composite decking pool can make it easy to get through the hot summer months. Composite wood decking is one of the most popular pool decking materials. This is because they require less maintenance than other materials and are durable, lightweight, and won’t warp, rot, or splinter.
Composite decking not only adds a modern aesthetic to your backyard but also increases your home’s value. A pool may be a great addition to your home, but the surroundings can also impact the overall decor. Composite wood decking is available in a wide range of colors and styles that will both beautify your existing décor and provide you with additional options.
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Table of Contents
What Kind of Pool Deck Should I Build?
Before you start building a deck for your above-ground pool, you should choose the type of deck you want. The style of the pool deck depends on your pool (above ground or semi-inground), the features you want (hot tub, lounge chairs, etc.), your budget, and the type of deck material you want (composite, wood, aluminum?). Let’s take a look at your options and see which type of above-ground pool deck is best for your backyard:
- Full wrap-around deck
- Side deck
- Composite deck
- Semi-Inground Pool Decks
Full Wrap Around Decks
A full wrap-around deck, as the name suggests, wraps around the edge of your above-ground pool, hiding the walls. This type of deck is very large so you can add anything interesting. Such as a grill, hot tub, outdoor chairs, etc.
This type of deck extends to the top of the above-ground pool, making the pool look like a single unit. Full wrap-around decks are usually attached to the house, which makes it easy to reach, keeps everyone safe, and makes the house look neater. Wood, composite decking material, and PVC decking are all good choices for full wrap-around decks.
Pool Side Decks
Side decks aren’t as large as full wrap-around decks and are only laid on one side instead of wrapping around the outdoors. Side decks are perfect if you don’t have a lot of money or space, or want a small seating area for babysitting. For a high-end look, composite decking materials are the most popular choice. However, high-end wood, aluminum, and PVC materials are also great weather-resistant options.
Combination Decks
Want something a little more luxurious than a full wrap-around or side deck? Mix and match various styles to create your look. You can make as many combination decks as you want. Some ideas are to build more than one level of a stepped deck, or to connect large areas with a bridge!
Semi-Inground Pool Decks
Pools can be built in-ground, above ground, or partially underground. Semi-in-ground pools are perfect for sloping yards, and they can make your backyard look alive. You want to build a deck around your semi-inground pool. How do you choose?
The hillside of your backyard works in your favor because you can build a large deck that wraps around the perimeter or a cool-looking multi-level deck. You can also build a side deck, leave the walls bare, and plant your favorite plants around it.
What Are the Best Materials for an Above-ground or Semi-inground Pool Deck?
The type of decking material you choose for your above or semi-inground pool will affect the look and feel of your garden, as well as the cost of long-term maintenance. You’ve already learned about some of the types of decks. Next, let’s take a look at the different deck materials to help you choose the right pool deck for your backyard.
- Wooden decking
- Composite decking
- PVC decking
- Aluminum deck boards
Wood Decking
Solid wood decking is a classic, high-end option because it looks great, is durable, and has a rustic look. It has natural anti-slip properties, making it a great choice for around the pool. You can cut the wood to the size you need so you can make your design unique.
Due to the way it is manufactured, wood can warp, crack, or rot over time. However, if you use pressure-treated wood, or stain or paint the wood, these problems will be less noticeable.
Composite Decking
Want something that looks like solid wood but is easy to maintain? Composite decking is made of plastic and wood fibers. It has the strength of wood with the flexibility and long life of plastic. Composite wood decking is ideal for laying around swimming pools because it won’t shrink, crack, or attract insects.
PVC Decking
PVC decorative decking is another great option for durable decorative decking that won’t rot. The shape of plastic decorative boards makes them look like real wood, so you can have a beautiful deck with very little maintenance. Additionally, PVC decking won’t stain, attract bugs, or break easily, making it safer around the pool.
Aluminum Decks
If you haven’t heard of aluminum decking, it’s because it’s not common, but it’s the best choice for pool decking. Aluminum is strong, won’t crack, mold, or rust, and won’t attract bugs or other animals. It’s lighter than the other materials we mentioned above, but stronger and lasts longer. If you want an above-ground pool deck that is durable and doesn’t require much maintenance, an aluminum deck is a good choice.
Design Ideas for Above Ground Pools and Decks
You don’t want to build a deck for your pool? Want to make your patio look more natural and beautiful? Instead of a deck, you can improve the environment around your above-ground pool with a patio or landscaping. Patios and plantings around in-ground pools are different from decks because they are level with the ground and show off all the walls of the pool.
Rocks and Gravel
Grass should be kept away from above-ground pools because you will have to clear the edge of the pool with a weed whacker. This may harm the pool walls of the above-ground pool. Setting a gravel or rock border will avoid this problem. Most above-ground pools should have a dirt or rock ring around the outside. It doesn’t matter what kind of gravel or rock you choose. This allows you to be creative and find something that suits your garden.
Plants
Add plants to the dirt or rock ring to make it look more aesthetically pleasing. Make sure the plants you choose will survive in the pool. You can use hedges and bushes to cover the slate wall, but make sure they don’t grow too big. Otherwise, you’ll spend more time cleaning up your pool’s fallen leaves than having fun in the pool. Again, we recommend that you take great care when planting trees.
Stone or tile
An above-ground pool deck made of tile or stone looks both cool and natural. For the edge of the pool, you can choose large tiles (non-slip tiles or faux stone tiles work best) or flagstone. You can also lay some stepping stones and lay a path from the house to the pool. Take
Bricks
Want an antique look and feel? Red brick patios look great in the backyard and are a great place to relax by the pool because they are warm and rich. Want to hide the walls of an above-ground pool? Stack a few layers of bricks around the edge of the pool to hide the walls.
Concrete Pavers
If you want to hide the pool walls and make your backyard look nicer, concrete pavers are the best option for above-ground pool decks. Some companies now produce more unique outdoor pavers, such as porcelain pavers that look like wood. Choose large slab tiles for a more traditional look. Or, try a cobblestone pattern for a more rustic look.
Above-Ground Pool Deck and Landscaping Tips
Sketch out your ideas for your pool deck and ask family members for their input. Make a list of your favorite ideas to keep in mind when going to a house with an above-ground pool and deck.
- Always start by building the pool. Then install the deck around the pool, not the other way around.
- For safety reasons, make sure that you can see the pool and deck from the house.
- When picking a deck material, consider the amount of sunlight the pool deck will receive. Some materials insulate better than others.
- A pool deck should not be attached to the edge of an above-ground pool. Place the deck next to the pool with no more than ¾ inch between them.
- Building a small equipment and storage area close to the side of the pool is a better way to ensure that pool equipment and storage areas are not hidden under the deck.
- It’s not a good idea to put mulch too close to the pool. Termites will come to your above-ground pool because of the mulch. Instead, put a small circle of dirt or rocks around the pool and cover it with mulch.
Ready to Build a Above Ground Pool Deck?
Here’s what you need to know before you ask your builder to draw up a deck floor plan for you:
- Pool dimensions. To get the correct deck dimensions, you need to know how big and wide the pool is.
- Deck dimensions. The dimensions of the height, width, and area of each material need to be listed.
- Materials needed. Ask your builder which material you would like the deck to be made of, but be open to what they have to say. These experts can often give us answers we didn’t expect.
- Building specifications. Have a builder or laborer look at your plans to make sure they meet the rules.
After planning what kind of pool deck you want and hiring a builder to make it happen, it’s time to enjoy it. With an above-ground pool deck, you can relax, soak up the sun, and spend quality time with family and friends.
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