How to Building a Pool Deck Around an Above Ground Pool

As a more comfortable transition from the yard to the pool, composite decks provide a place to sit and relax along the poolside. When you build a deck around your pool, this adds value, appeal, and functionality to your entertainment investment.

When you’re done building your new pool deck, you can dine or sunbathe poolside. This article will take you through information about pool decks and how to build a composite deck around your pool.

Things to keep in mind when building pool decks

Beware of bare feet

Walking barefoot and potentially coming into contact with other exposed skin is one of the factors to consider when building a pool deck. For this reason, the surface of the pool deck needs to be protected from debris and protected from the hot sun. Avoid physical damage to people.

Composite deck boards are the ideal choice for pool decking. Because composite decking will not chip and can be secured with hidden fasteners. This prevents exposed screws from causing harm to people and also improves the aesthetics of the pool deck.

In addition, composite decking is available in a variety of colors. The lighter colors will stay cooler and not get hot due to sun exposure. Therefore, composite decking is beneficial to people playing or sunbathing on most pool decks.

Water and Moisture Resistant

Natural wood is usually the first choice for outdoor decks because it is affordable and easy to buy. But as a pool deck, traditional wood decking is not so suitable. In addition to the possibility of cracking the deck to cause harm to humans. Wood decking does not have good moisture resistance. Using wood decking as a pool deck not only takes a lot of time to maintain each year but also raises the cost of subsequent maintenance.

In contrast, composite decking has advantages that wood decking does not. It is especially useful for building pool decks. In addition to having the look and feel of natural wood, composite decking has the look and feel of natural wood. The excellent water and moisture resistance make it virtually maintenance-free. Not only does it allow you to spend the time maintaining your deck enjoying it. And it also reduces subsequent maintenance costs. What a worry-free composite deck!

Safety and Security

As a patio pool deck, it usually adds some height. But if there are children or pets in the house, a certain height may be a safety hazard. Therefore, we may need to add deck fencing to improve security. To prevent children from playing privately, we may also need to build a gate.

How to build a deck pool

Layout the deck

1. Measure the pool. The diameter and height of the pool need to be accurately recorded. We need these data to determine the size of the deck.

2. Determine the size of the deck. Plan enough width between the edge of the pool and the perimeter of the deck so that swimmers can walk comfortably.

3. Obtain building permits. Take your construction plans to your local building department and obtain the appropriate building permits.

4. Choose finishing materials. Pressure-treated wood is usually good, but we prefer composite materials.

Installing Posts and Piers

1. Install the precast concrete pier legs on top of the floor. To support your deck, purchase precast concrete piers with sockets that accept 4″ x 4″ wood posts. Check both sides of the pier with a level. Keep adjusting the floor until the foundation is level in both directions.

2. Set a 4″ x 4″ post in the opening at the top of the concrete piers. Place a 4′ level on top of the pool cover and use the level to mark a line on each 4″ x 4″ post.

3. Remove the posts from the dock. Below the line, you just drew a measure and draw another line. The distance between the two lines should be equal to the width of the pool cover plus 1-1/2″ of the 2″ x 6″ deck.

To install the deck frame

1. Install the 2″ x 6″ treated deck brackets around the perimeter of the pool. The deck brackets should be screwed into the side of each interior dock facing the pool.

Screw the brackets to the interior piers using 2-1/2″ deck screws. Use a level to ensure the supports are level. Also, use a square at the corners to ensure the supports are square.

2. Install another set of 2″ x 6″ deck braces to mark the outer perimeter of the deck. Use 2-1/2″ deck screws to screw the brackets to the outside of the outer piers. Verify that the brackets are level and square and adjust as needed.

3. Use 3-1/2 inch galvanized nails to hold the toenail joist hangers perpendicular to the inside of the bracket. Hang a joist hanger every 16 inches on the inside of both deck supports so that the joists are perpendicular to the support. The midpoint of each joist hanger should be at 16″ on center. Which means that the middle of the 2″ x 6″ joist plate is on the 16″ mark.

4. Place the 2″ x 6″ treated wood deck floor joists into the joist hangers. Nail the hangers to the joists using galvanized nails.

5. If the deck height exceeds 30″, install 2″ x 4″ diagonal bracing between the piers. Bracing should extend between piers from inside to outside and parallel to the sides of the pool.

Laying the deck

1. Install 2″ x 6″ decking from the exterior supports of the pool. Decking should be approximately 1/2″ from the edge of the pool to allow for expansion.

Use spacers between the trim boards to allow for drainage and expansion. 1/4″ or 3/8″ spacers are common, but you can use 1/2″ spacers if more expansion is needed.

2. Look at the area where the deck meets the outer edge of the perimeter support. Use a circular saw to trim any spots where the trim board protrudes from the supports.

Install the guardrail

1. Install the 4″ x 4″ pre-cut railing posts around the perimeter of the deck. Pre-cut posts should have a notch at the bottom to fit around the edge of the deck and they may have a decorative top.

Secure the posts to the brackets using 3/8″ x 4-1/2″ square head screws. Posts should be installed at each point where the joists meet the supports. Make sure to leave an opening for the stairs.

2. Slide the 2″ x 6″ plate between the posts. the top of the 2″ x 6″ should be flush with the bottom of the decorative element. Pre-drill a pilot hole at the desired angle and attach the board with 2-1/2″ deck screws.

You can attach the 2″ x 6″ joist hangers first to make the boards easier to install.

3. Cut 2″ x 4″ to the length of the board you just installed between the posts. Place the wide edge of the 2″ x 4″ over the 2″ x 6″ and screw it onto the 2″ x 6″ using the deck screws. 2″ x 4″ serves as the cover for the railing.

4. Install the 2″ x 2″ railing with the 45-degree beveled base to enclose the guardrail.

Use a level to measure each railing. The rails should hang parallel to the posts and should be placed at 4″ intervals. Bevels should face outward at the bottom.

Screw the balusters into the 2″ x 6″ balusters at the top and the floor joists at the bottom.

Build the stairs

1. Set the bottom edge of the 2 pre-cut left and right stair runners on top of the concrete patio blocks. These blocks will prevent the beams from absorbing water from the ground.

2. Check the beams to make sure they are level.

3. Screw the top ends of the longitudinal beams to the floor joists on the deck.

4. Add internal longitudinal beams to support your stair treads. You will need 1 stringer for every 2 feet of a stair tread. Unless your stairs are more than 4 feet wide, you will only need 2 exterior longitudinals and 1 intermediate longitudinal beam.

5. Screw the 2″ x 12″ plate to the stringer to complete the stairs.

6. Build a door. If young children have access to the pool area, build a door to prevent them from falling in. If children will be playing unsupervised near the pool, install a lock.