After designing dozens of outdoor spaces, I’ve learned that the right deck can take any oval above ground pool from basic to breathtaking. Let me walk you through my favorite ideas—some classic, some unexpected—that have transformed my clients’ backyards into true summer getaways.
Enjoy Elevated Views with Multi-Level Decking
I once designed a multi-level deck for a sloped yard, and the result was both dramatic and practical—one level for poolside lounging, another for dining under the trees. The transition between levels created hidden nooks and made the pool feel like a luxury retreat.
Possibly handy products:
- Outdoor Sectional Patio Furniture Set: Create a cozy outdoor lounge area on your upper deck with weather-resistant sectional seating for relaxing.
- Solar LED Deck Lights: Enhance safety and ambiance on stairs and railings with easy-to-install solar-powered deck lighting.
- Patio Dining Set for Deck: Enjoy outdoor meals on your dedicated dining level with a sturdy and stylish patio dining set.
Transform Tight Spaces with a Partial Deck Oasis
In a compact city yard, I built a partial deck that hugs just one side of the oval pool—saving space and budget while still offering a prime spot for loungers and morning coffee. Sometimes less really is more, especially when every square foot counts.
Some handy options:
- Foldable outdoor lounge chairs: Unwind in comfort with portable lounge chairs—perfect for maximizing relaxation on a small deck area.
- Weather-resistant outdoor side table: Add a handy surface for drinks or snacks next to your lounge chair with a compact outdoor side table.
- Potted outdoor plants: Bring a touch of greenery to your partial deck while keeping your space feeling open and fresh.
Bold Claim: Composite Decks Outlast the Rest
After years of battling Oregon’s rainy weather, I recommend composite decking for clients who want a no-fuss, low-maintenance solution that still looks sharp. It resists fading and splintering, so you’ll spend more time swimming and less time sanding.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Composite Decking Boards for Pools: Upgrade your pool space with composite decking that resists weather and fading for a modern, clean look.
- Outdoor Sectional Sofa Set for Deck: Add comfort to your pool deck with a weather-resistant outdoor sofa, perfect for relaxing after swimming.
- Adjustable Poolside Lounge Chairs: Create a relaxing sunbathing area with adjustable lounge chairs designed for durability and easy cleaning.
Can You Really Hide Pool Equipment? Absolutely.
One clever client asked me to design a deck with hidden storage for their pump and cleaning gear—now the poolside stays clutter-free, and no one suspects what’s tucked beneath the steps. It’s my favorite way to keep things tidy without sacrificing aesthetics.
Items that may come in handy:
- Outdoor Deck Storage Box: Keep pool tools and accessories discreetly stored and protected with a weather-resistant storage box, right by your deck.
- Under-Deck Storage Cabinets: Install lockable under-deck cabinets to safely store pool kits and keep the poolside area neat.
- Pool Step Storage Drawers: Utilize hidden step drawers for storing smaller cleaning gear and supplies, keeping everything within reach.
Lesson Learned: Don’t Skimp on Lighting
I once underestimated the impact of deck lighting until a client’s pool parties stretched well into the night—now I always include recessed lights or solar lanterns for a magical after-dark glow. It’s a simple upgrade that transforms the whole space.
Something that could work:
- Outdoor Weatherproof String Lights: Create warm ambiance above your pool deck and dining space with weatherproof string lights for evening gatherings.
- Solar Powered Lanterns for Deck: Enhance safety and add decorative charm with solar lanterns lining your poolside deck and seating areas.
- LED Recessed Deck Lights: Illuminate your deck steps and perimeter with subtle LED recessed lights for beautiful, low-maintenance poolside lighting.
Maximize Privacy with Vertical Screens
One family living just a fence apart from their neighbors loved the privacy provided by vertical wood slat screens attached to their deck—plus, the screens cast beautiful shifting shadows as the sun moves. It’s a stylish fix for overlooked spaces.
A few picks to consider:
- Outdoor Wooden Privacy Fence Panels: Enhance your deck privacy and add a natural look with easy-to-install outdoor wood fence panels.
- Deck Privacy Screen Mounting Hardware: Secure your privacy screens with reliable hardware designed specifically for deck and fence installations.
- Waterproof Wood Stain and Sealant: Protect your wooden screens from weathering and maintain their look with a durable outdoor wood stain.
Unexpected Perfection: Stone-Clad Pool Walls
Wrapping an above ground pool’s exposed walls in natural stone veneer is an unconventional move I tried for one adventurous client, but the result was pure elegance—suddenly the pool felt right at home in a cottage garden. Even casual guests couldn’t resist pausing to touch the textured surface.
Explore these options:
- Natural Stone Veneer Panels: Elevate your pool’s look—install natural stone veneer panels for rustic, timeless outdoor charm and texture.
- Landscape Adhesive for Stone Veneer: Ensure lasting results—use a high-strength landscape adhesive designed for securely attaching stone veneer outdoors.
- Outdoor Stone Sealer: Protect your stone finish from weather and pool splashes with a reliable, clear outdoor stone sealer.
Descriptive: Sleek Safety with Glass Railings
For a modern look that doesn’t block the view, I sometimes recommend frameless glass railings around the deck—especially if a garden or mountain vista is the main event. They’re sturdy enough for safety but keep the pool area feeling open and airy.
These may be of interest:
- Frameless Glass Pool Railing Kit: Upgrade your deck with a frameless glass railing kit for safety that still lets the scenery shine.
- Stainless Steel Pool Fence Spigots: Install sturdy stainless steel spigots to securely mount glass panels around your pool deck area.
- Glass Railing Cleaning & Maintenance Kit: Keep your glass railings spotless and crystal clear with a dedicated cleaning and maintenance kit.
Unexpected: Floating Deck Sections for Versatile Use
For a family who loved flexibility, I designed detachable floating deck platforms—they could rearrange them for extra seating, a kids’ play zone, or even move them off-season. Guests were always surprised to see how the space adapted to each gathering.
Items that might be helpful:
- Modular Outdoor Deck Platforms: Create flexible poolside areas with modular deck platforms that can be easily rearranged or stored off-season.
- Non-Slip Patio Deck Tiles: Enhance safety and comfort around your pool with non-slip deck tiles, perfect for wet outdoor environments.
- Portable Outdoor Deck Steps: Add convenient access to your pool with lightweight, portable deck steps that can be repositioned as needed.