Having a pool in your backyard is a wonderful luxury that most people only dream of during those long, hot summer days. Tempers are higher, the kids are crankier from being cooped up, and sometimes it’s just too much work to load everyone into the car and head to a crowded community pool. Unfortunately, having a nice in-ground pool is not the most budget-friendly solution and an above ground pool can be a huge eyesore in your yard.
Luckily, Elite Outdoor Expressions has the perfect solution—building an above ground pool deck! There are a ton of benefits to building a deck around your above ground pool: it’s cost efficient, easier to set up, has size flexibility, and requires less maintenance. We also know that there are so many options when it comes to designing a deck around your pool, and we will happily consult with you to figure out what works best for you. To help out with the process, we’ve put together a few things to consider when you’re starting your project that you may not have thought of right away.
What is the Best Material to Use Around a Pool?
While there are many types of materials you can use around a traditional in-ground pool (stone, concrete, etc.), building a deck around your above ground pool can be more limiting. Whether it’s due to size or budget constraints, working with wood, wood composites, or vinyl will likely be your best option.
At Elite Outdoor Expressions, we recommend using vinyl decking for several reasons:
- Extremely Durable with a Long Life
- Low Maintenance
- Mold Resistant
- Stain Resistant
- Scratch Resistant
- Easy to Clean
While wood or wood composites may seem like a better option to some, we know that over time, these products will warp, scratch, collect mold, and require annual cleaning/maintenance. When you’re building a deck around a damp environment like a pool, you’re going to want to stick with PVC vinyl to ensure you get the most for your money.
Now that you’ve decided on vinyl, what other considerations do you need to consider before tackling your deck project?
Consider the Heat on Your Feet
No matter the material you use, decking that sits under full sun all day can get pretty toasty on your toes. It’s important to remember that the darker the color of your deck is, the more heat it’s going to absorb. If you live in a cooler climate, you may want to keep the darker colors to keep your deck warmer, but brighter colors tend to reflect heat and be less hot. No matter what you choose, always be sure to check the surface before walking out on it barefoot.
Consider Shade
The point of your new above ground pool is to escape from the heat, but on some of the hottest days, baking out in the sun may need some welcome shaded relief. If you have any trees in your yard, make sure you take note of their location when placing your pool or deck. Trees or other natural shading can put more debris in your pool, so if you’re looking to avoid that, we can also work with you to design a pergola as another shading option.
What Color Theme Are You Going for?
If the area your deck will be in is more shaded and you don’t have to worry about darker colors, you may have trouble deciding on a color theme for your pool area. If you are using a lighter vinyl, consider using darker colors to accent and contrast your pool area to make it pop. Deciding on your decking color is an important decision, so take the time to think about what you want the final product to look like.
Keep It Slip-Resistant
Safety, especially with little ones, is a big concern when it comes to having an open pool area. Our PVC decking products are slip-resistant so you don’t have to worry about accidents when little feet go running back and forth around the pool. It’s important to practice safety regardless, but Elite Outdoor Expressions is here to help remove worry as much as possible.
Other Considerations for Your Pool Deck
While the design portion of your pool deck project may be the fun part, it’s important to take some of the more technical stuff into consideration too. Here are a few other things to consider when designing a deck for your above ground pool.
Drainage
For above ground pools, it’s typically imperative to keep the water level at least half way full to keep their structure intact. At the same time though, it’s also important to remember which way the water is going to flow if it rains or if you drain your pool completely. When designing, make sure water will flow downhill and away from your home to avoid any trouble down the line.
Prepare Wiring and Water Lines First
You may think installing lighting, wiring, and pool plumbing lines is something you do last, but that’s not the case. Thinking about placement for all of these things before you start building can keep you from having to go back and take things apart to redo everything properly. Save yourself the extra work!
How Long Do You Plan to Live with It?
Finally, ask yourself how permanent you want your pool area to be. Do you plan on moving in the next few years or will this structure stay around even after the kids move out? Asking yourself these questions will not only help you in the design process, but also in planning for the future.
No matter the size of your project, Elite Outdoor Expressions will be with you every step of the way. With over 15 years of experience in building custom decks and railings, we pride ourselves in being one of the best vinyl products and services in southeastern PA. Contact us today for a price quote on your above ground pool deck design and we’ll be happy to help.