Building an Above Ground Pool Deck

I am wondering about the best way to build the deck. Is it better to build it under, over or flush with the top rail of the pool?

We are just adding a small section from the existing deck to the pool for easier access to the pool. What is your opinion? Thanks!



Hi. You might want to consider how you will change your liner the next time it needs it. Most people do not consider this when building a deck. If you have an overlap liner you will need to remove the top rails so you may want to keep that in mind when planning your pool deck.

This page shows how we install an overlap liner.

Vinyl Liner Replacement

In order to install a liner like this the deck needs to either be removable or a foot or so below the top rails. I recommend to either build the deck so that it can be easily moved away from the pool or build it below the top rails.

These pages show some above ground pool decks that I have worked on, they may help.

Above Ground Pool Deck

Wood Pool Deck Installation

A deck like the one below is nice but they have sure made things difficult the next time they need to change the liner in the pool. Unless they have a beaded liner, in that case they are probably just fine. The top rails would not need to come off and the liner would not need to be stretched.