• Swimming pool decks are a fun way to create an outdoor living space.Deck de madeira image by CarlosNeto from Fotolia.com
  
  Adding a deck to an above-ground pool is a fun way to create additional outdoor living space. Pool decks can include arbors, built-in benches, planters, lighting and other features. They can be built of wood, vinyl or composite materials. Because pool decks usually are built with the standing surface at approximately the same height as the top of the pool, above-ground pool decks are often 4 feet to 6 feet above the ground. For safety reasons, pool owners should consider adding a railing or other barrier to guard against falls. Pool owners should check local regulations requiring access to pools, as a lockable fence that bars children and unauthorized persons from entering might be required.
  
  

Full Surround Deck

• One option for decking an above-ground pool is to build a deck that goes all the way around the perimeter of the pool. These decks are usually circular or oval to mimic the shape of the pool and they effectively hide the walls of the pool, which some people prefer. It provides the opportunity to view and enter the pool from many points. The owner also might opt to install multiple sets of steps from the ground to the deck. A full-surround deck likely will be more expensive than a side deck because the shapes of these decks do not take advantage of maximum material yield and also might require more supports than a traditional deck, even if the overall square footage is the same.
  
  

Side Deck

• A side deck adjoins an above-ground pool but does not surround it. Homeowners might choose to build a crescent-shaped deck that wraps around part of the pool or build a square, round or octagonal deck that abuts the side of the pool to provide a place to anchor a pool ladder. These types of decks usually provide only one point of entry to the pool and one set of stairs to the ground. Side decks are less expensive and easier to build than full-surround decks, so owners can plan a large area of decking for chairs, umbrellas, storage boxes and possibly even a grill.
  
  

Combination Decks

• Some owners choose to build a deck that completely surrounds the pool as well as side deck that abuts to the full-surround deck. This offers the best of both worlds. The pool still can be viewed and accessed from multiple points, and the pool walls are hidden while a large adjacent area offers room for outdoor furniture, a grill and other equipment. Combination decks are frequently designed to be true outdoor living areas and can extend from a back porch or deck, creating direct access to the pool from the homeowner's back door.