Above Ground Pool Decks

General Questions

I want to put the decking over the coping (trim) of the pool. Can I do this?

Yes, you can. But there are some draw backs to going over the coping of the pool: (1) The decking will need to overhang the frame above the pool coping. The maximum overhang we recommend for the decking is 8 inches for 2"x6" decking and 5 inches for 5/4"x6" composite decking. (2) The cut edge of the decking is exposed to the inside of the pool. This is fairly difficult to cut accurately. A circle will need to be scribed on the boards and cut with a jig saw. Preventing dust from entering the pool becomes difficult.. This also exposes the edge of the wood to bare feet. (3) Placing the decking over the coping makes it extremely difficult to replace the liner or winter cover.

Consider the advantages of putting the decking below the coping. The construction is less time consuming, and all of the cut ends of the boards are hidden under the coping. Overall, this creates a more finished look. This approach also allows for the coping to be removed if the liner needs be to replaced or if you need to attach a winter cover. With the decking at 1/2 inch below the coping, when the coping is stepped or jumped on, the lumber will support it.

Do you have plans for soft sided pools?

We don't have specific plans for soft sided pools. The plans can be modified to accommodate the unique shape of a soft sided pool. However, we do not have engineering specifications for the modifications for a soft sided pool.
For some tips and ideas on building a deck for a soft sided pool, take a look at Steven Mann's deck.

Can I put the pool on the deck?

No. Please don't try to put a pool on a floating deck. Above Ground Pools are significantly heavier than a hot tub or spa. Even the smaller soft sided pools are too large for virtually any deck system. A typical 12 ft. diameter pool weighs over 20,000 lbs.

The ground around the pool is uneven, what do I do?

A deck can be built around a pool even if the ground around the pool is uneven, sloped or has a retaining wall nearby. The first and second row of blocks can be placed at different levels, and the posts are braced to each other, as the following photograph illustrates. One of the main concerns is making sure that the blocks are firmly planted, tamped and upright.

Splash Pool Decks

What is the distance from the edge of the pool to the first Dek-Block® pier?

You don't want to position the Dek-Block® piers in reference to the pool's edge. You want to position the Dek-Block® piers in reference to the support frame as shown above. The frame should be placed 1-2 inches out from the pool's coping. The blocks should be approximately 6 inches from the end of the frame. This is typically about 12 inches from the pool. For detailed instructions on building around a pool Click Here.

My pool has more or less angles than the plans?

It is very common for pool manufacturers to build their pools with different numbers of angled sections to make up the pools outer edge. We have general plans that consist of mostly 18 or 24 sections depending on pool size. These plans will work for most pool designs even if the pool has more or less angles than the plan. We recommend you build the deck as the plans show, it is much simpler than trying to modify the plans to match the amount of sections your pool has. When it is all assembled no one will ever know the difference.

How do I cut around the Filter?

Every filter and pool system is a little different. This is one of the main reasons why we recommend building your Splash Deck next to the filter, so that your last piece (at the filter) can be custom fitted. You will first need to make a custom frame around the pool filter then once you add your decking, (again around the filter) you can create an access area and cover. The photographs below illustrate one method in which this can be accomplished.

Is it OK to build only a few sections of the Splash Deck instead of going all the way around my pool?

Yes. You can build a Splash deck a quarter, a half or two-thirds of the way around your pool. However, we recommend a minimum of four sections.

I want a larger Splash Deck larger than 3 feet, what do I do?

Currently, we only offer a 3 ft. plan. Extending the frame can be done, but there are a few issues to be aware of:

1. When extending the frame, the last support board (the board furthest from the pool) should not exceed 5 ft. in the length. The further the frame is extended, the larger this board becomes. If this board exceeds 5ft, you will need a larger number of narrower sections (instead of 18 sections, try 24 or 36 sections). When using 18 sections, the angle on both ends of the support board is 10 degrees. The angle for 24 sections is 7.5 degrees. The angle for 36 sections is 5 degrees.

2. The spacing between the support boards extending from the pool should not exceed 24 inches on center for 2"x6" decking. Or, 16 inches on center for 5/4"x6" decking as shown below. You may need to add additional supports.

3. The block spacing along the frame should not exceed 36 inches on center. Anything greater than 36" will require additional Dek-Block® Piers.

Side Pool Decks

How close to the pool do I put the blocks?

The blocks closest to the pool should be approximately 1 ft. away from the pool wall.

Where do I start the decking?

It is easiest to start the decking from the end of the deck that is furthest from the pool and work towards the pool. The last boards can be cut to fit the pool.

If you start near the pool, you are dealing with several pieces that are cut to fit. By the time your using long continuous boards, those boards may not line up correctly with the last rows of the fitted pieces you've just laid down.

How do I cross brace next to the pool?

Bracing the posts next the pool can be a little tricky. Because the Dek-Block® pier and 4"x4" posts are placed along the arc of the pool, you will need to "compound miter" the 2"x4" braces. This means that you should place a 2"x4" board next to each post, and scribe a line for each of the vertical angles where the board will meet the two posts. Next, you will need to "eye-ball" the compound angle cut so that each end of the board lies relatively flush against the posts. We suggest you experiment with a couple of scraps of wood first. This will let you get a feel for the process before actually cutting your 2"x4" boards. Also, don't worry if the braces don't meet right at the block and the top of the 4x4 post. In this case the the closest 'best fit' is good enough, - if it's close, it's fine.