How Much Does an Above Ground Pool Deck Cost? [2024 Data]

Pool Deck Cost Factors

Let’s take a look at the various cost factors to consider when tallying the cost for an above-ground pool deck.

Above-Ground vs. In-Ground 

The design of the pool itself impacts how the deck is built. In other words, above-ground and in-ground pools each require unique deck designs. A wood or composite deck for an above-ground pool ranges from $300 to $7,800, not including the pool. An in-ground pool deck typically consists of a patio made from a wide range of materials, with costs varying from $3 to $40 per square foot.

Pool Size

The size of the pool directly correlates to the size and shape of the deck. That means that larger pools often require larger decks, depending on how much space is available after installing the pool. Plus, larger decks require more materials and labor, increasing the overall cost. 

Larger in-ground pools also require more pool coping, further increasing the cost. Find out if the size of your pool necessitates a larger deck by talking to a pro or conducting some measurements of the pool and any leftover nearby space. 

Deck Size

The size of your future deck has a major impact on your total bill. If you want a small side deck for your above-ground pool, you’ll pay around $500 to $2,000 for a 300- to 600-square-foot deck. 

But a 600- to 900-square foot deck that wraps around your in-ground pool will cost upwards of $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the type of material used to pave your new patio.

Labor

The largest portion of the cost of a pool deck comes from the labor. Hiring a pool deck builder can cost anywhere from $15 to $35 per square foot, but keep in mind, several factors can impact their rate. The time of year, accessibility of the pool, and the type of labor involved can all affect how much it costs to build a deck. For instance, a small, easy-to-build deck will have lower labor costs than a large deck or a project that requires paving or heavy machinery.

Some other factors can also impact labor costs, such as location and who you hire to build the deck:

• Location: If you live in an area with a high cost of living, such as major cities or remote locations, local labor rates may be much higher than what’s listed above.

• Who you hire: Hiring a handyman is much more affordable than hiring a trained deck professional, but this can impact the level of quality.

Materials

Your pool deck price will be significantly less if you have an above-ground pool rather than an in-ground pool, so long as there’s no hardscaping involved. For above-ground pools with decks, you’ll use wood, composite, or plastic. Composite decking costs $4 to $12 per square foot, and ipe decking costs $10 to $25 per square foot, not including labor.

Terrain

In a perfect world, your land will be flat and begging to be built on—but that’s far from reality.

If you’re on a slope, you’ll likely need extra support beams to ensure your deck is safe and stable. This may include hardscaping the ground underneath the deck as a way to stabilize the structure. Hardscaping costs come down to the square footage, so this can range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.

Permits

If installing your pool requires you to pull a permit, you’ll probably need to get a permit to add a deck, too. Permit prices vary by project size and location, so you can expect to pay between $450 and $2,400 for building permit costs.

Location

If you live in states that get a lot of sunshine and heat, chances are you’ll have more options when it comes to choosing pool deck contractors. In states such as Florida and Arizona, it can seem like everyone and their mom has a backyard pool. In Northern states, such as Washington and New York, pools might not be as prevalent.

Here are cost ranges for pool decks in a few different states:

Pool Deck Cost by Type 

You can add more individuality to your new pool deck by thoughtfully choosing the material.

Above-Ground Pool Materials

Wood, composite, and plastic are the most popular options for above-ground pool deck materials, but concrete and artificial turf are popular in states like California. Each primary material boasts unique cost ranges, advantages, and disadvantages. 

• Wood: The most popular deck material is wood, and for obvious reasons. Wood is durable, long-lasting, and does a decent job of resisting the elements. This material is easy to work with and allows for unique designs, such as adding multiple levels or built-in seating, though it does get hot with access to direct sunlight. The wood required for a pool deck costs $1,000 to $3,000. Building a wood deck costs around $15 to $20 per square foot for pressure-treated wood. 

• Composite: Composite decking works quite well for above-ground pool decks, requiring very little maintenance and a decades-long lifespan. There are many colors and designs available to suit different tastes and replacement pieces are installed with minimal effort. Installing a composite deck does, however, require some forethought, as it requires an undercarriage system to ensure stability. 

• Plastic: This is an extremely popular material for modern pool decks, as plastic is budget-friendly, easy to install, and quite durable given proper maintenance routines. Plastic decking costs $500 to $2,000 for materials. 

• Concrete: In some states, concrete is becoming a popular deck material alternative for above ground pools. You can install the concrete deck simply at the pool’s entry point to keep it small and affordable, or you can build up and design a concrete pathway around the entire perimeter of the pool. Speak with a local concrete contractor to discuss options for stamped concrete, poured concrete, or concrete pavers. The cost will vary depending on the terrain and size, but it’s comparable to the cost of a concrete patio: $1,915 to $5,230.

• Artificial turf: Artificial turf is also a popular covering for the top of a deck around above-ground pools, particularly in California. You’ll still need to build a wood deck structure, but you can then add the artificial turf on top, which is low maintenance and protects the boards beneath it. For 200 square feet, artificial turf materials cost between $400 and $1,600. Only consider this option if your pool gets a lot of shade; artificial turf gets hot in direct sunlight.

In-Ground Pool Materials

You have more material options if you choose an in-ground pool, but the costs increase for some of the more expensive types. Here are the common deck materials available for in-ground pools.

• Pavers: Pavers are an extremely popular and cost-effective option. These prefabricated blocks are easily cut to size, making for a frustration-free install. The price is right here, at $3 to $7 per square foot, but the durability is lacking when compared to poured concrete and similar materials. 

• Poured concrete: Another common option is simple poured concrete. A concrete slab costs $4 to $8 per square foot and allows for easy customization, as pros can pour concrete almost anywhere with a pre-existing mold to hold the shape. 

• Stamped concrete: Stamped or textured concrete is a custom version of poured concrete, as your pro stamps the concrete to look like stones, bricks, or other materials at the point of installation. Installing a stamped concrete deck costs $12 to $20 per square foot, including labor, and complex designs increase the overall cost. 

• Precast concrete: Precast decking is a nice compromise between pavers and poured concrete, with a more stable construction than pavers but fewer customization options than poured concrete. Precast concrete decks cost $5 to $12 per square foot for materials. 

• Coral stone: This is a type of paver made out of, you guessed it, coral stone. This pricy material costs $15 to $40 per square foot, but brings superior durability and an elegant look. The natural unevenness of these stones also provides slip resistance and the overall design withstands the outdoor elements and requires minimal maintenance. 

• Wood: This common pool deck material is not just for above-ground decks, as decks supporting in-ground pools also benefit from it. This material is fairly durable and budget-friendly, at $3 to $15 per square foot. Wood decks require regular maintenance to stave off rotting and peeling. 

• Composite wood: Composite wood decking works well for this type of project, as these decks require little maintenance and boast a decades-long lifespan. The material and labor costs here are slightly elevated, however, at $8 to $35 per square foot. 

• Brick: There are some downsides to using brick for a deck, as this material grows moss when exposed to moisture and becomes extremely hot during sunny days. However, you can’t beat the aesthetics. Installing a brick deck costs $20 to $35 per square foot. 

• Tile: Outdoor ceramic tile looks beautiful and is slip-resistant, making this a decent choice as a decking material. However, this type of tile requires extensive maintenance to avoid cracking via temperature changes throughout the year. Installing ceramic outdoor tiles costs $3 to $40 per square foot. 

• Rubber deck mats: This is an extremely DIY-friendly solution. Place slip-proof mats to create your desired deck size, affix them together, and enjoy. These mats create a forgiving and comfortable surface to walk on, but do not provide the same aesthetic splendor as many of the above options. Rubber deck mats cost $9 to $20 per square foot. 

Common Pool Deck Add-ons

The pool deck itself is not the only game in town, as several popular add-ons are available to modern consumers looking to put their own unique stamp on a pool deck. 

• Staircase: This add-on helps you enter and exit the pool area. Installing stairs to your deck costs $15 to $25 per square foot, and are available in a wide range of materials. 

• Outdoor lighting fixtures: If you hang poolside at night, lighting fixtures are a must. Landscape lighting fixtures cost anywhere from $90 to $150 per piece and the installation process is simple and appropriate for DIYers. 

• Furniture: A poolside paradise is only as good as its furnishings, so stock it right. A complete conversation set with chairs and a table costs an average of $350, while sofas and chairs cost anywhere from $200 to $500 and above. Make sure the furniture you choose is rated for outdoor use.  

• Retractable deck awning: If you want to use your deck and pool during nearly any weather scenario, a retractable deck awning is your best bet. Retractable awnings cost between $2,000 and $3,500, increasing in price according to size and design complexity. 

• Pool lift: A pool life makes your pool accessible to people with mobility issues. It’s a great option to install if you have friends, family, or neighbors who may visit and use a wheelchair or otherwise may struggle to enter and exit the pool. Depending on the model, you’ll spend between $2,000 and $9,000 on a pool lift. You’ll also need to factor in installation costs.

Pool Coping Costs

Pool coping is the ledge around the edge of an in-ground pool. Coping is typically made from stone or concrete and is installed to complement the look of your deck. Pool coping also holds and hides automated pool covers and related accessories, when required. Expect to pay between $30 to $50 per linear foot for pool coping costs, but these costs fluctuate according to the following major factors.

Size

The size of your pool coping is determined by the circumference of your pool. Measure the diameter to calculate the linear feet of coping required to surround the fixture completely. Again, coping costs $30 to $50 per linear foot, so your price increases as the size increases. 

For instance, 60 feet of coping to cover a 10- by-20-foot pool costs $1,800 to $3,000. A 20- by-40-foot pool requires 120 linear feet of coping materials, costing $3,600 to $6,000.

Materials

Coping is made from natural stone, poured concrete, bricks, or paving stones. Poured concrete is the most budget-friendly option here, at $4 to $8 per linear foot. Traditional brick costs $20 to $35 per linear foot and provides much-needed stain and crack resistance. Choose the best material for your pool coping based on your budget and desired aesthetic.

How Much Does a Pool Deck Cost To Build Yourself?

Photo: lawcain / Adobe Stock

Labor costs to build a deck account for around 35% of your total price tag, so you’ll pay 65% of a deck builder’s quote to build a deck on your own. For example, building a composite deck costs between $3,600 and $7,200, and you can reduce that price by 35% by building it yourself. 

Keep in mind that equation doesn’t account for the cost of the necessary tools to build a pool deck. Building a deck from scratch is serious work that requires a bevy of high-end tools, such as hand saws, circular saws, power drills, and dedicated straightening tools. 

DIY Building a Pool Deck vs Hiring a Pro

If you know the difference between a two-by-four and a four-by-four, chances are you can build an above-ground pool deck yourself—so long as your foundation is stable. However, this project requires using heavy-duty equipment and knowledge of carpentry, hardscaping, and paving.

On the other hand, hiring a local deck builder ensures that your above-ground pool deck is constructed accurately and safely. Plus, these experts can recommend the best pool deck size, shape, and material for your project. 

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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