In 2025, more people are embracing outdoor living, and above ground pool decks are a popular choice for enhancing backyard spaces affordably and stylishly. No matter your budget, yard slope, or design preferences, a carefully planned deck can transform your pool area into a luxurious retreat. This article will share creative and practical ideas for building a deck that suits your style, meets your needs, and complements your home. We’ll provide DIY tips, expert advice, and real homeowner stories to help you feel motivated and inspired, regardless of your space or budget.
Rectangle Design for Modern Functionality
If you have a rectangular pool, a simple deck can give it a modern and stylish vibe. You can add lounge chairs and a bar setup easily with the linear design. Designer Jamie Durie recommends using narrow slatted wood for a clean and contemporary feel that still gives a cozy touch. It’s also a great option for a DIY project.
Intex Pool Deck Built on a Budget
If you have an Intex pool, you might think that a nice deck is too expensive, but with some DIY skills, you can make it happen without breaking the bank. You can create a wrap-around platform using pallet wood that can provide seating, stairs, and towel hooks. Check out YouTube and Pinterest for ideas on how to stabilize Intex pools and make them look more integrated into your backyard.
Oval Deck with Wrap-Around Walkway
An oval above ground pool looks great with a deck that fits its shape perfectly. The deck wraps around the pool, making it easy to get in from any side and creating a smooth connection. If your pool is connected to your house, this design serves as a nice transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Better Homes & Gardens suggests that the curved lines of the deck make the yard feel more natural and less rigid.
Decking in a Small Backyard: A Perfect Solution
Have you ever considered adding a semi-surround deck to your small yard? It’s a great way to improve the look and function of your outdoor space without breaking the bank. By only covering half of the pool, you can save on materials while still creating a great entertainment area. I have a friend who added a corner deck with a pergola and bench to their 15-ft pool, and now it’s the perfect spot for summer hangouts. This deck design is budget-friendly and can be customized to fit tight spaces or uneven terrain.
Enjoy the Spacious Multi-Level Deck with Charming Gazebo
If you have room, a big deck can really make your pool stand out. You can create different areas like a bar, lounge, and shady spot, turning it into more than just a place to swim. It’s perfect for having friends over and is often found in fancy house designs. Bob Vila recommends splitting up the deck with small steps to keep wet and dry areas separate.
Sloped Yard Solution with Platform Tiers
If you have a sloped yard or are building on a hill, tiered platforms can help level out your deck space. By working with the slope, you not only create a more stable deck but also add visual interest. One person on Reddit shared their creative design that steps down from the house to the pool, using retaining walls and gravel for drainage. It may be a bit more challenging, but the results are definitely worth it for that custom, built-in look.
Create a cozy raised deck attached to your home by yourself!
Do-it-yourself decks are great for seamlessly connecting your house to your pool. A neighbor of mine used a pre-cut deck kit from Lowe’s and customized it to match their patio, which was a cost-effective way to increase their home’s value. It’s a classic design that makes your backyard feel unique without any major construction needed.
Cheap Rectangle Pool Lounge Extension
If you have a rectangular above ground pool, consider adding a side deck as a lounge extension for a high-end look that’s also affordable. Just use basic composite planks, throw in some reclining chairs and a rolling umbrella, and voila! You’ll have a luxurious space without breaking the bank. Check out TikTok tutorials for some creative ideas on how to set it all up.
Home Sweet Home: Linked to House with Cozy Dining Bar
Having a pool deck that’s connected to the house with a bar or dining ledge is a great way to enhance your outdoor entertaining experience. It’s perfect for families who enjoy hosting casual BBQs or game nights by the pool. By taking inspiration from Sunset Magazine’s backyard entertaining series and adding some stools and lighting, you can easily turn even a simple setup into a fun social gathering spot.
Cozy Oasis by the Round Pool
I love how round above ground pools look with a cool circular or fan-shaped deck around them – it’s perfect for adding a little cozy gazebo spot! You can have a comfy chair, towel rack, or even an outdoor shower in there for some chill time. I remember staying at a beach rental in Florida once that had a cute gazebo with curtains and a mini fridge – so small but so fancy!
Bringing Nature into Your Deck
Having a deck by your above ground pool with some garden beds around it can create a beautiful, natural feel. It’s great for oval or round pools and gives you a nice space to relax and enjoy nature. You can also plant lavender or lemongrass nearby for a pleasant scent.
Rustic Pallet Deck for Cottage Style
If you’re into that rustic or cottagecore vibe, consider building a deck using reclaimed wood or pallets for a charming and eco-friendly result. It’s a fun DIY project that you can tackle over a weekend with just a few tools and some creativity. Add some string lights and wildflowers to complement the relaxed aura of your pool area.
A cool trick to make your pool look like it’s built into the ground is to add a deck all the way around it. And the best part? You can sneak in some secret storage spots underneath for all your pool stuff. It’s a great way to keep things tidy and stylish, especially for big families.
Party Deck Lounge with Cocktail Bar
Imagine having a cozy little spot in your yard with a raised platform, a couple of comfy lounge chairs, and a sleek bar counter complete with a mini fridge for all your summer drinks. It’s like bringing a touch of luxury resort style to your own home, perfect for those with small yards.
Coastal Style Deck with Rope Railing
Imagine bringing the beach house vibes to your backyard with a coastal-style deck featuring whitewashed wood and rope railings. It creates a light and breezy atmosphere that pairs perfectly with a pool next to your house, even if you’re not by the coast. It’s like having a touch of Nantucket right in your own backyard.
Fun and Safe Play Deck for Kids
If you have young kids, consider building a deck with safety features like wide stairs, non-slip materials, and a gate. You don’t have to sacrifice safety for affordability when it comes to creating a fun play area for your family with a pool.
Tiled Deck Surface for Easy Cleaning
Have you thought about using tiles or composite decking for your pool area instead of wood? They’re great for wet areas and are easy to clean. Plus, they feel nice and cool on your feet during the summer. This is ideal if your pool is next to the house and you want to keep mud and grass out.
Stylish Pool Oasis with Boho Canopy
If you want a relaxed, boho vibe for your pool area, you can try adding a fabric canopy, cozy rugs, low furniture, and lanterns. It’s a great setup for chilling by a round or oval pool. And why not throw in some macramé and tropical plants to really make it pop for your Instagram pics?
Create a cozy L-shaped deck for your corner yard!
An L-shaped layout is great for tight or corner lots because it can wrap around two sides of the pool, giving you more room to enjoy. You can have a cozy seating area on one side and easy access stairs on the other for a stylish and practical setup.
Cozy Retreat: A Deck with a Pergola
Adding a pergola or slatted roof to your pool deck can provide some nice shade and structure. It’s great for those sunny hills where the sun can be intense and the elevation creates cool breezes.
DIY Deck with Gravel Border and Drainage
If your area tends to get wet or flooded, consider a gravel-edge deck for better drainage and less chance of rot. It’s a great option for homeowners who want to protect their investment without breaking the bank, while still keeping the design sleek and straightforward.
Fire Pit Deck: The Perfect Outdoor Hangout
Want to step up your pool game? Add a fire pit zone! Picture this: a fire pit in a lower area, surrounded by comfy Adirondack chairs. Trust me, it’s a unique touch that will wow your guests.
Thanks for checking out these above ground pool deck ideas! Which ones do you think would suit your space? Any ideas of your own to add? Feel free to share in the comments – we’re excited to hear from you!
