37 Best Above-Ground Pool Deck Ideas on a Budget

Above-ground pools are a budget-friendly alternative to more permanent in-ground options, but the cost can start to tick up when it comes to pool decking. Many of these pool decks are meant to integrate the above-ground pool into the landscaping, giving it a more seamless look, but with some of the more elaborate designs, you’ll easily start to approach in-ground costs.

But there are above-ground pool decks that will save you significant money and DIY time, without sacrificing style or accepting that the pool will never look like part of the yard. From pea gravel to artificial turf grass, wood to vinyl, here are some of the best above-ground pool deck ideas on a budget to inspire your outdoor space.

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Build Just Enough Decking

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This stylish backyard tank pool utilizes sleek black decking just around the back side, which saved major dollars and DIY effort. Plus, by leaving one side open, they left room for the cheeky "No Diving" sign.
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Put Down Pea Gravel

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This above ground pool embraces the architectural lines of the pool's supports and, rather than build a deck, they filled in the yard around it with drainage-friendly pea gravel. This lends itself to the modern outdoor furniture that sits by the pool.
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Frame the Pool With Tile

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This inflatable above ground pool sits above a mosaic of sea-blue tiles, echoing the blue of the pool. It's a small but mighty look that is affordable when kept to smaller sizes.
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Combine Stone and Wood

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This shallow above ground pool has a modern look with both pea gravel and wood platforms for lounging. It seems like it has sprung up from the landscape with its low profile.

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Go With a Classic Wood Deck

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Wood decks are less expensive to install than their vinyl and composite decking counterparts if you have the time and inclination to keep them in good working order. It will take refinishing and staining, but it's not a difficult DIY for those up for the job.
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Match the Partial Platform to the Deck

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A full platform can run up your costs, but a partial one looks intentional when it's done in the same finish as the deck and pool surround. It's a cohesive, monochromatic look that doesn't look like the budget-friendly choice it is.
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Integrate the Deck Into Your Existing Deck

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One way to save on a pool deck project is to pull the pool right up to your existing deck. You'll save yourself from building a new structure, and it will give you an infinity pool look.
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Stay Small

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You can use high-end finishes and still stay on an affordable budget when you keep the scale small. This pool feels luxurious but, thanks to its size, it's not going to break the bank.

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Put the Pool on a Platform

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A pool that sits upon a simple wood platform in the middle of the landscape feels otherworldly in a delightful way, like it simply popped up out of nowhere. Plus, it's less expensive to build than a full deck that's attached to your existing outdoor space.
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Try Poured Concrete

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Concrete is one of the most cost-effective materials for pool decking and, while this above-ground pool may have had a higher budget, it utilizes budget-friendly materials. Its expense all comes down to the design.
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Keep It Simple

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While this example is anything but demure, it shows off one of the best tips to keep costs down: keep it simple. Don't mix materials, don't get fancy, just keep it incredibly simple and you'll stay in the affordable realm.
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Look at Rubberized Tile

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Non-slip interlocking pool tiles are a practical and budget-friendly choice for pool decking. Plus, they allow water to drain, which keeps your space in working order and translates into lower maintenance costs

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Choose a Classic, Simple Wood

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A camp-inspired look is perfectly nostalgic, and it's also one of the least expensive ways to outfit your pool deck. This one is build around the above ground pool, making it blend into the landscape.
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Splurge on a Small Area

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Tile is an easy way to make a pool look luxurious, but it comes at a cost. You can still get the same look without splurging on a large tile area. With just the immediate surround tiled, this pool looks magazine-worthy. But, the rest of the deck is budget-friendly in wood.
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Build Into The Deck

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You can give an above-ground pool a built-in look by cutting out an area of your deck to perfectly match it and dropping the pool in. It gives an in-ground look without the price tag.
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Create a Fenced-in Deck

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A fenced-in deck above your pool creates a relaxing spot to feel a world away from the stresses of everyday life. It also creates a separation from the pool itself that lets you turn the decking area into an adult's retreat while the children play. Vinyl plank will cost you more upfront but the maintenance is more budget-friendly than wood, which will need to be treated and refinished every few years.

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Add Benches

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Adding in store-bought benches is an easy way to get a custom pool deck feel without dropping custom prices. These hexagonal benches fit right in, adding extra seating and a place to stash bags and snacks off the ground.
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Go All in On Grass

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The easiest way to create a pool deck on a budget? Skip it entirely. There's nothing that says summer more than green grass, and around the pool is no exception.
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Embrace a Higher Level

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If you have a multi-level yard, that's a great opportunity to create a pool deck without needing to break ground or DIY a thing. Use the existing landscape as a platform above your pool.
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Opt for Artificial Turf Grass

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The chlorine from a pool can do a number on grass, but if you opt for artificial turf grass for the area around your watering hole, you won't have to worry about replanting season-after-season.

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Try a Stone Surround

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A sleek stone surround creates beautiful division between the pool and the grass. There are also tons of different types of stones you can choose from, making this a highly customizable option.
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Pave With Bricks

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A paved brick deck is a timeless design choice for an above-ground pool deck. Not only do bricks look sophisticated, they are also low maintenance. Plus, there are tons of different variety of bricks and colors, making it a versatile choice.
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Line With Flowers

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Make your above-ground pool deck feel like an oasis by lining it with flowers. Choose various blooms in different hues and heights to add extra visual interest. Stick with grass for the rest of your pool deck to keep it budget-friendly.
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Stick With the Same Colors

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Create a cohesive look to your above-ground pool deck by sticking with the same materials and colors of the surrounding area. Here, the same deck materials are used for the stairs.

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Add a Small Wooden Deck

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Build a small wooden deck to make relaxing by the pool a breeze. Protect yourself and the deck itself from the sun by adding a large umbrella. If you need to add stairs, make sure to install a railing for extra safety.
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Add Steps

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To create a cohesive look, add steps to your above ground pool in the same material as your deck. Here, wood is used to add both function and style to this outdoor space.
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Work With Your Backyard

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Keep the focus
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Install a Small Concrete Patio

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Sometimes, less really is more. Here, a small concrete slab functions as a patio. Wooden patio chairs and an umbrella designate this as a lounging area.

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Try Colorful Pavers

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Using pavers as your pool deck adds both style and function. There are various types of paver materials you can choose from, meaning you can make your pool deck totally customized. Here, the deck's paver stones alternate between gray and red, creating beautiful contrast.
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Mix Various Tiles

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Make an eclectic deck by combining various colors and types of small tiles for your pool deck. Complement the more rustic look by adding string lights and neutral-toned patio furniture.
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Contrast Gravel With Bricks

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Pairing gravel with bricks creates visual interest because of the contrast. Here, brick pavers in various hues add a pop of color while the gravel tones down the intensity of the red bricks.
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Use Turf Grass

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Turf grass is a low-maintenance option for a pool deck that adds both style and comfort. Turf grass is both slip-resistant and cooler than concrete. It's also a softer option as opposed to other materials like concrete or stone.

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Use Pea Gravel and Greenery

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Pea gravel is a drainage-friendly material that looks beautiful. This makes it a great option if you want to have a garden in the surrounding area. Pea gravel is also low-maintenance. It is soft on the feet too, making it a good choice if you have little kids or pets.
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Try Stone Pavers, Gravel, and Greenery

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Stone pavers, greenery, and gravel make a great trio when it comes to creating an above-ground pool deck. This is an affordable option and customizable to your style and space.
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Contrast Concrete With Wood

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Create a statement with contrasting materials, such as a concrete surround on top of a wooden deck, as shown here. The cool-toned concrete against the red-toned wood is visually interesting and stylish.
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Keep it Classic With Wooden Slats

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A slatted wooden pool deck is classic and timeless. You can stain the wood any color you're like too! For more contrast, build a stone surround to the pool.

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Go With a Rustic Wood

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If you want your above-ground pool to feel like the ultimate oasis, opt for a rustic wooden deck. Make sure you have plenty of wildflowers to surround the pool for even more botanical bliss.

Tips for Choosing an Above-Ground Pool Deck

When it comes to designing an above-ground pool deck, the most important considerations are safety, materials, and style. Below are some tips to make your above-ground pool safe, functional, and stylish.

Install railings: This adds extra safety and can help prevent falls.
Add gates: If you have kids, make the latches child-proof for added safety precautions.
Check local building codes: This includes railing height and spacing requirements, approved materials, and other safety features. Keeping everything up-to-code will help guide your design.
Use the right materials: Use non-slip flooring that is resistant to chemicals, mold, and mildew, and is also heat-reflective.
Consider the sun when picking the deck surface: Some materials fare better under a lot of sun than others. Keep this in mind, especially if you have a deck that will receive lots of sunlight.

FAQ

What is the cheapest type of above-ground pool deck to build?

The cheapest type of above-ground pool deck to build is pressure-treated wood. However, keep in mind that this type of deck could become more costly over time due to maintenance requirements.
How much does a deck for an above-ground pool cost?

It will vary depending on the size of deck you want to build, the materials you choose, and any added features you wanted to add.
What material is best for an above-ground pool deck?

The best materials for above-ground pool decks include wood, stone, or composite materials.