21 Gorgeous Pool Deck Ideas and Designs [With Pictures]

Many people dream of having a magnificent pool in their backyard. The idea of being just steps away from a cool dip is just too much to ignore.

But what about the space around your pool? Are their pool deck ideas that can make that space usable and enjoyable? Will the right ground level deck enhance curb appeal and pool accessibility?

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to elevate your swimming area. By using an amazing pool deck design, you can create additional living space and enhance your poolside experience. Here are some inspiring deck ideas that might work for you.

Pool Deck Ideas and Designs

1. Above Ground Pool Deck with Conversation Nook

This curved pool deck offers ample seating space along with an above ground pool. Along with a lounging area, there’s a conversation nook tucked off to the side. Even with all of that seating, there’s still plenty of room to walk around.

For this build, pressure-treated wood was the material of choice. It adds natural beauty while ensuring the surface will stand up to the elements. However, you could also achieve a similar result with composite decking, or even PVC deck boards.

2. Pool Deck for Small Above Ground Pool

If you’re above ground pool is on the smaller side, this could be the right pool deck idea for you. The pool ends up completely surrounded by decking. Along with creating a great spot to attach a pool ladder, this also makes entering and exiting the pool for any point easier and safer.

Additionally, the deck itself is ample. On the top-level, there’s a nook that could be used as a conversation space or a designated grilling area. The lower level offers plenty of lounging space, as well as room for outdoor dining tables.

3. Deck for Custom Shaped Pool

This cedar deck was designed to not just work around a custom-shaped pool, but to essentially frame it. The boards were adjusted to follow the angle of the pool’s sides, causing the pool to visually stand out more than it did already due to the refined appearance.

On the far side of the deck, there’s a pergola, creating a spot that could serve as a conversation or barbecue nook. However, the deck’s size also ensures it can support additional seating and lounging, all while keeping walkways open.

4. Angled Pool Deck

With this ground level deck, you get a few unique features. First, instead of being a traditional rectangle, it features some unusual angles. With that approach, the deck offers enough seating while ensuring the yard can maintain a reasonable amount of green space.

Second, the deck surface is practically white. This helps keep it from absorbing heat from the sun, keeping it comfortable for bare feet. Plus, it gives it a bright appearance, while also coordinating with the home’s upper floor siding.

5. Minimalist Two-Toned Pool Deck

While this ground-level deck design is fairly simple, the use of two color tones elevates it. The darker hue frames the pool itself and highlights the seating area on one end. Additionally, since the bulk of the walking area is a light color, the surface remains cooler when in direct sunlight.

Overall, the size of the deck is relatively modest, making it a good choice for smaller yards. It also integrates a set of stairs that lead into the pool, while also making it easier to enter and exit the pool from the sides.

6. Traditional Free-Standing Pool Deck

If you have an above ground pool that isn’t next to your home, this free-standing pool deck could be an ideal option. It provides ample seating and lounging space, making it very gathering-friendly. Additionally, it makes reaching the pool ladder a breeze, ensuring entering and exiting the pool is as easy as possible.

Another bonus is that this pool deck idea can accommodate an uneven yard. Since it’s raised, you can create a level surface by choosing different support heights in each area.

7. Pool Access Deck

This deck doesn’t surround the above ground pool. Instead, it creates an easy point of access and supporting spot for a ladder by lining up with just one end of the pool.

Since the deck doesn’t go all of the way around the pool, the approach is ideal for smaller yards. It could also make repairing or replacing the above ground pool easier. The deck isn’t in the way of most of the pool’s sides, simplifying maintenance, removal, and new installations.

8. Octagon Pool Deck

If you want to encircle your above ground pool, the octagon pool deck is a great option. It is simpler to construct than around deck but still works well with round pools.

The two-tiered design is also beneficial. Along with adding visual interest, it creates a clear entry and exit side, while also supporting a ladder. There’s even a reasonable amount of seating space, making the deck more usable.

9. Small Yard Pool Deck

Another pool deck idea that is great for a smaller year is this option. The deck doesn’t fully surround the pool, making it less bulky overall. Instead, it goes around about half of the pool, creating a solid entry and exit options.

However, this design is a little light on the seating space. While you may be able to fit a chair or two into each corner, that’s about as far as you could push it.

10. Multi-Level Pool Deck

With its water-adjacent location, this pool deck had to pull double-duty. Along with surrounding the pool and creating several entry and exit options, it also had to create opportunities for enjoying the scenery.

The design allows either the pool or the landscape to be the focus, making it incredibly versatile. On the side of the pool, there’s space for a series of lounge chairs. The end, with its slightly elevated positioning, acts as a conversation or dining nook, a spot that would likely be enjoyed year-round.

11. Pool Deck with Pergola

This mid-sized deck backs a lot of features into a fairly modest space. Along with surrounding the pool, creating an easy entry and exit options, it also has a built-in pergola. The pergola shades the back door, while also covering a small seating area.

Just beyond the pergola, one either side, are two nooks. One is ideal for holding a dining table while the other is home to a barbecue. Along the edge of the deck, railing is a built-in bench, creating ample seating without taking up too much floor space.

12. Above Ground-Level Pool and Hot Tub Deck

Unlike many of the other decks on this list, this is situated at ground-level even though the pool is above-ground. However, a built-in staircase makes using the pool’s ladder a breeze, ensuring proper accessibility.

Additionally, the design features a designated hot tub space. Plus, it’s fairly substantial overall, making it easy to incorporate seating areas.

Finally, this deck is built around two trees. The approach ensures the trees can grow and thrive without having to reduce the deck area dramatically.

13. Simple Pool Access Deck

This deck design is more about creating a pool access platform than offering much else. There’s a small lower area that leads people toward the pool. Then, the staircase reaches an upper level, making it the ideal spot for a ladder.

Overall, the design is simple, favoring function over form. However, if you have a small yard, it could be the perfect solution.

14. Small Poolside Deck

Another highly functional design, this small poolside deck is all about creating easy access to the above ground pool. It serves as a spot for the ladder to attach and a little room to move around. However, beyond potentially a small chair or café set, it doesn’t have space for much else.

There is a lower deck in the backyard that supports an outdoor dining set, but it isn’t directly attached to the poolside deck. The separate design does have perks, as people can use the yard in different ways without encroaching on one another.

15. Large Deck with Designated Pool Area

For many homeowners, keeping the pool area secured is a priority. With this deck design, the section that contains the pool is surrounded by fencing. This approach can be ideal for homes with small children or pets, as it keeps them from getting to the water unsupervised.

Additionally, the full deck is quite large, making it a great choice if you have a substantial yard. There’s plenty of seating space both in the pool area and outside it.

16. Contemporary Wood Deck

The minimalist nature of this pool deck idea makes it feel particularly contemporary. The deck and surrounding fence feature clean lines, adding to the modern look. Plus, the landscaping surrounding the pool is fairly subdued, also enhancing the minimalist vibe.

However, since the wood hue is warmer, resembling either cedar or red oak, it keeps the space from feeling sterile or cold. Plus, the reddish tone creates excellent contrast with the blue pool, upping the overall visual interest.

17. Streamlined Composite Deck

A ground-level deck with a minimalist style, this composite deck could be a great choice for mid-sized yards with in-ground pools. The clean lines accentuate the pool’s rectangular shape and the fence pattern. Plus, it helps the stone tile surround stand out just a tad, enhancing the aesthetic.

The supporting landscaping also creates a contemporary vibe. Everything feels uniform and intentional thanks to the dark planters, manicured plants, and complete lack of clutter.

18. Curved Pool Deck

This two-tiered deck design is a great solution for round above ground pools. The upper area serves as seating space, ensuring views of the surrounding landscape are unobstructed. On the lower level, the pool is the star.

Additionally, the poolside deck supports a ladder, making the pool highly accessible. The curved far end of the deck mimics the pool’s shape, ensuring the deck doesn’t unreasonably encroach on the yard while serving as a point of visual interest.

19. Modern Pool Deck

This pool deck has a modern feel thanks to the clean lines and material choices. The darker, warm color of the wood contrasts nicely with the cooler and lighter-hued stone pool surround. The railing is simple, featuring wooden supports and steel cabling.

With this modern pool deck, you also get a ton of space. There’s plenty of room to move about and seating, making it great for lounging or gatherings.

Since the deck itself is incredibly streamlined, it feels contemporary on its own. Add the sparse décor, and it’s an ideal choice for minimalists.

20. Pool Deck with Fire Pit Area

With this deck, you get a cooler hue than you do with many other designs. The wood resembles driftwood or a gray wash in color, making it a versatile look that could work with modern or traditional homes.

Additionally, it’s highly functional. The end near the hot tub is slightly extended, creating a nice seating area, complete with fire pit. Plus, it ensures people can lounge without impeding traffic in and out of the pool, all without taking up a ton of yard space.

21. Simple Cedar Deck

If you’re looking for a straightforward design, this cedar pool deck could be it. The deck itself is a simple rectangle, with traditional deck railing running along three sides. The pool takes center stage, indicating that it is the most important aspect of the design.

With this deck, there is some seating space, mainly closer to the house. However, you can fit a pair of chairs in each far corner, essentially creating conversation spaces.

Conclusion

If you were looking for outstanding pool deck ideas, you should now have more exciting options that you could ever need. Take a look at each of the pool deck designs above and see if any of them work best for your yard.

I hope you enjoyed exploring all of the poolside and ground-level decks in this list. If you know about any other designs or what to share your thoughts on the ones featured here, head down to the comment section. Also, if you know someone looking for a great pool deck, share this list. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.