Above Ground Pool on Wood Deck

by Daryn
(Urbandale, Ia)

We want to buy an 18' x 4' foot round above ground pool for our backyard, one problem is our back yard is slanted so I thought about building a wood platform for it.

We want a 5 foot walk way around it and on one side we want a 10 foot area to put some lawn chairs to get some sun, I was thinking that if I make the whole base out of 4x4s every 2 feet buried 3 feet into the ground around the whole outside and inside with 2x4s across the top, I'm worried that the weight of the water will break it, what do you think?


Hi Daryn. A well built deck could easily support an above ground pool. Take a look at the under structure of this deck. Mobile Home Deck
The structure starts with the 4 x 4's and resting on them is the key to a strong deck. They are 4 x 8 purloins. On top of the purloins is a frame made with 2 x 6's on 16" centers. On a pool deck we would use 2 x 6's on top of this frame, for a mobile home deck where we plan to use carpet we use plywood.

A structure this stout could easily hold the weight of an above ground pool. These pages show pool decks using the exact same basic structure.

Pool Deck and Awning

Above Ground Pool Decks

Wood Decks for Above Ground Pools



Something like this would work fine but to hold the weight of an above ground pool I would add a few more support posts.

Above Ground Pool On Wood Deck

by Neil
(Mesa, AZ)

We are considering installing an above ground pool in our backyard. Initially we considered having the pool sit on top of a ground level wood deck. Is this ever done, as from looking around online, I haven't seen one. I have seen plenty with the deck around the pool, but not under.


Hi Neil. I can only think of a few reasons why you would want to cover all that expensive wood with an above ground pool. A few years back I contemplated building a wood deck over a creek running through my back yard. It was the perfect place for the pool and I knew I could make it work. It just never got done.

To match an existing elevation on a home might be a reason or, like my case, to cover extreme landscape conditions. So yes, it is very possible, but also very expensive. This deck would need to be built very stout using only the best in lumber. It will need to be strong and well treated to withstand the elements for years to come.