Above Ground Pool Deck Design Guidelines
As you embark on your backyard deck, consider some of the issues I dealt with in this particular above ground pool deck design.
Every deck and backyard is different but each project should be approached with the same desire: create an outdoor living space that performs a function and but is designed to work with the home and landscape.
The Homeowner's Design Wishes
The homeowners had an above ground pool and a hot tub that they wanted to tie in to the the house with a backyard deck concept.
In addition the backyard faced north, reducing sun exposure and the lot sloped upwards in the back and on the east side to the neighbors.
Possible Solutions
The clients and I decided to locate the hot tub close to the house at main floor level and sunk into the deck with a board on board privacy fence rail to create intimacy and break the wind. I also used built-in-benches around the tub.
This design aspect required excavating so that the hot tub could be set at the correct elevation to finished decking surface.
The deck then moved to the transition zone further from the house where it would be exposed to the sun. I created a circular deck structure as a sun and sitting area with patio stones leading to the above ground pool deck.
The above ground pool deck was only four feet high not requiring extra bracing around the posts. However, you should consider this with your deck depending on the height.
Once complete the above ground pool deck design, basic in detail, worked well with the rest of the deck as it appeared to have a connection to the rest of the home.
Sometimes above ground pool decks can be set off from a home and therefore appear like an orphan. Try to avoid that as you come up with design ideas.