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Are you dreaming of a brand new backyard this summer where you can swim and hang out? Installing an in-ground pool costs a lot and takes several months, but above ground pools are a less costly alternative.
You can give your above ground pool a more customized look by combining it with a new deck.
There’s no simple way to tell how much an above ground pool with deck might cost because there are just so many options out there.
To answer the question of how much is an above ground pool deck, let’s take a closer look at what goes into building one.
The cost of an above ground pool
The first and most obvious element is the above ground pool itself. The average above ground pool costs between $2,500 and $7,500 depending on the quality and size.
Installation is an additional cost if you choose to hire a pro. The ground will need to be leveled either way, which may be another extra cost.
Keep in mind that an above ground pool will not increase your home value — but the addition of a deck might.
The cost of a deck
The biggest factor in how much a deck for an above ground pool will cost is the material used to build the deck. There are a few options to consider:
Composite decking
Composite wood is a mixture of a variety of materials, including wood pulp, plastic, and straw. These materials are combined and bound together using a strong adhesive then covered with veneer to make them look more uniform.
When building an above ground swimming pool deck, you can either use composite wood for the entire thing or frame the flooring with another material and use composite tiles for the surface.
One of the best things about composite wood is that it’s weather-resistant when painted or sealed. This is obviously a great reason to use composite for a pool deck.
Some great composite decking materials are:
AsterOutdoor Interlocking Deck Tile
- The grooves on the top surface of these outdoor patio tiles between each slat increase friction and help keep you from slipping when the tiles are wet. The underside of the outdoor tiles for patio have an open grid design that allows water to drain and for airflow to protect against mildew damage.
PANDAHOME Wood Plastic Composite Patio Deck Tiles
- PANDAHOME offers quality composite products to enhance your living experience. Genuine wood-plastic composite finish, greater for indoor & outdoor application than natural wood.
PVC or Polymer Decking
Polymer or PVC decking was designed for minimal maintenance and to prevent the problems that occur with wooden decks.
Because PVC and polymer decking are made of plastic, it can be made to look like just about anything. It’s available in any color and can even closely mimic wood.
The best thing about this material is that it’s super easy to clean. You can even pressure wash it without worrying about damage or splinters.
There are a lot of great options of there for PVC or polymer decking, including:
Sunnygalde Wood Plastic Interlocking Flooring Tiles
- These deck flooring tiles have an interlocking design base for easy do-it-yourself installation and no tools required for installation.No messy glue, no nails, perfect match and precision spacing between every tile.
Acacia Hardwood Deck and Patio Interlocking Flooring Tiles
- Made of plantation grown acacia hardwood having inherent oils similar to teak, giving it many, many years of weather resisting properties even if not oiled. Factory oiled in a Golden Teak finish with our own eco-friendly and food safe ZERO % VOC Hardwax oil.
Wood Decking
Wood decking has been the go-to material for swimming pool decks for a long time. It’s natural, gorgeous, and overall a great option for decking.
While it doesn’t absorb as much heat as plastic, know that it can warp and fade over time in direct sunlight.
Real wood also requires a lot of upkeep. To make sure a wooden deck lasts as long as possible, you should invest in a pressure washer and do a deep clean every year.
Then, seal the wood to protect it from the changing weather it faces after summer is over.
Wooden decks can be constructed out of lumber or framed with lumber and then covered in wooden tiles. There are a lot of great options available, including:
Walnut Lumber
- Perfectly Kiln Dried. This lumber is Sanded 2 faces. Extra Value.
Black Walnut Lumber Wood
- Beautiful Grain. Two sides sanded to 3/4 thickness. Perfectly Kiln Dried.
Types of Decks
Platform Decks
Platform decks are one of the simplest designs. They’re generally small and are set at the level of the swimming pool so that people have a place to stand when getting in and out of the pool.
One-Sided Decks
As the name suggests, a one-sided deck wraps around one side of the pool. These are a step up from a platform deck because you have a little more room to move around but are mostly used in smaller spaces.
That said, you can extend the deck out from the pool as far as you want to create a bigger space.
360-Degree Deck
This is one of the most expensive options. As you may have guessed, this type of deck wraps all the way around the pool.
Price varies drastically depending on the design, though, as the deck can extend from the pool in all directions.
What about extra costs?
Depending on where you live and the size of your deck design, you may need to pay for a building permit.
Contractors vary drastically in cost as does the equipment that is required due to the deck design, building materials, and any excavating that needs to be done before the job can begin.
Landscaping around the pool and deck aren’t required but always make the area look a lot better.
Not to mention, your yard will likely be a little torn up after the work is done so you may need to replant some grass or flowers. You may also want a paved or stone path leading to or from your new deck.
One of the biggest unexpected costs is leveling the land. If you already have an above ground swimming pool, you probably already have an idea of how much work this is going to be.
If you’re having your pool installed at the same time as your deck, you may be surprised at the amount of leveling required before work can begin.
Other things to consider
If you already have an above ground pool in your backyard, it’s a good idea to inspect it before you have a deck built.
This way, if issues need to be addressed, you can deal with them while you still have easy access to the entire pool.
You should also consider safety when designing your deck, especially if you have children. Consider a gate with a lock at a minimum.
The overall cost
To have an above ground pool deck professionally installed can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the material you choose and the deck design.
As you can see, that’s a wide range but there are so many factors involved, it’s hard to narrow down a more accurate price.
Is there any way to save money?
If budget is a primary concern, there are definitely ways to save money on your above ground pool and deck project. You can save money by sourcing your own materials, even if you’ll be hiring a contractor.
You should also make sure you get quotes from multiple professionals but don’t just focus on the one that offers you the lowest price. There may be a reason for this.
Make sure any contractor you hire is fully licensed and insured. Ask for references and check out their social media pages to read reviews from past customers.
Ready to install an above ground pool?
Now that we’ve answered the question “How much is an above ground pool with deck?”, are you ready to invest in your own backyard project? Check out our picks for the best above ground pools to buy right now.
Then, after your above ground pool is installed, make sure to fit it with the best above ground pool lights to make swimming at night safe, and/or solar-powered pool heaters to make winter swims possible.
Read more about above ground pools
Be sure to do all the necessary research before investing in an above ground pool.
If you’re looking to learn how much to fill an above ground pool or how to install an above ground pool liner, we have everything you need to know.
Maybe you’re wondering if above ground pools can have different depths or if above ground pools can be converted to saltwater.
And once winter rolls around, learn how to winterize an above ground pool and how to heat an above ground pool so you can swim all year round.
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