How to make a DIY Pool Deck – Tutorial by Handyman tips

A while back we published an article all about above ground pools and after that we received numerous requests to make an article on how to make a DIY pool deck around above ground pool and finally, here it is. Above ground pools are great and cheap but if you want to take pool experience to the next level you need a place for sunbathing and relaxation next to the pool.

Most of people think that building DIY pool deck is to complicated task for them but it really isn’t. It’s a large project in scale but it’s not difficult to make and doesn’t require professional skills. All you need is good lumber, basic woodworking skills, a carpenter tool bag with necessary tools, and some time. The size of the deck is determined by the size of your pool and your personal wishes. Once again, the principal for small and large deck is the same, only differences are in amount of materials and labor.

1. Digging up holes and setting up posts

The first thing in any DIY pool deck project is clearing the ground where your future deck will be. Strip all the grass and around 2 inches of dirt where your construction site will be. For the posts we used 4 x 4 lumber and we advise you not to use smaller lumber than that. First take four boards and setup the future look of your deck on the ground. Use that to mark the spots for the posts and remove the boards. Use a post hole digger to dig up holes slightly bigger than the posts. Make sure that your holes are deep enough and that they are below the frost line, at least 3.5 ft. Set the posts in the holes, level them and start to fill the holes with rocks. Once you’re half way there use four larger rocks and secure the post on each side. Then fill up the rest of the hole with rocks. You can also use concrete but this method will be solid also. Don’t forget to protect the part of the post which goes into the ground with waterproof wood sealant because otherwise the posts will rot in the ground.

2. Making the frame of DIY pool deck

After all the posts are in place it’s time to start with the frame. For the beams and joists we used 2 x 6 boards and we advise you to not to used smaller lumber than that. Before you start with the frame, take four pieces of 2 x 4 and use them to temporary secure and level the corner posts. After you screw in the beams you don’t need them anymore and you can remove them. Your beams need to be perfectly leveled and it’s hard to achieve that if both ends of the beam are loose. Use a small piece of wood and temporary screw it to the post below the selected height of the beam and place one end of the beam on it. That way you’re aligning only one end of the beam and you’ll see it’s much easier to level the beam this way. The three outside beams must be the same height and the one near the pool will be 6 inches below. The main frame is now done and you can now secure all the posts and put weed barrier and stone below your future deck. We advise you to do that now because after the deck is finished it’s hard to crawl under it.

3. Making the stairs and securing posts

It’s time to construct the staircase for your deck. For that you’ll need two pieces of 2 x 12 for stringers, 7 pieces of 2 x 6 for risers, 6 pieces of 2 x 8 for runners, one piece of 2 x 6 for the top runner and two pieces of 4 x 4 for the stair posts. Make 6 inch rise and 8 inch run on both stringers and mount them on the beam with stair stringer brackets. Separate the stringers depending on the size you want your stairs to be. Dig up two smaller holes and put 4 x 4 at the end of both stringers and secure them to the stringers.

Before you start with the joists we advise you to temporary secure the upper ends of the posts with 2 x 6 boards. This will reinforce the structure and prevent it from moving while installing joists. After you install the joists you can remove them because the structure is secured with joists now.

4. Installing joists and trimming the posts

Joists are used as a base for the flooring and you need to do that part with extra care if you want to have a nice and leveled deck. For the joists we used 2 x 6 boards and we secured them additionally with corner brackets. You have to measure the length for each joist because the shape of the pool determines the length of the joist. When you measure the distance, take away 2 inches because you will insert boards between the joists and the pool and connect them with joists. You need to put one joist at least every 20 inches if you want a sturdy decking. We installed one joist on each side of every post for additional security and also we installed blocking between the joists to prevent them from twisting. Also we secured the joist on each corner with corner brackets.

You probably noticed that the posts aren’t the same height and that they are probably to high. You need to decide how high your railing will be and mark the height on one post. The use a 2 x 4 and a level to transfer that height on other posts. Trim all the posts on the same height and use the 2 x 4 for the top and bottom rail. If you want, you can add aluminum railing for extra touch.

5. Decking and railings

Your DIY pool deck project is coming to a final stage, it’s time for decking. For decking you can use 5/4 x 6, 5/4 x 8 or 5/4 x 10 boards. We used 5/4 x 6 decking boards because it looks better. First use 1 x 4 boards and secure them around the pool edge, closing the gap with the pool completely. Then start to lay 5/4 x 6 boards from the far end and work your way to the pool. When you come to the 1 x 4 boards it will be a little tricky to cut the perfect shape to match the gap. The trick is to put the board on top of the 1 x 4 board and align it to the last 5/4 x 6 board. Then crawl under the deck and mark the gap with a pen and then cut the board. Decking is really a simple process, just make sure that you secure each board with each joist with wood screws. And always first drill a hole slightly smaller than the screw to avoid cracking and splitting. After you complete the decking finish the stairs by installing the risers and runners.

The final thing left to do is railing.  It’s really a decorative final touch and you can complete this part in the way you prefer. We mounted the 1 x 2 spindles every 6 inches and 1 x 4 boards on top of the railing.

DIY other budget-friendly backyard ideas, put some deck chairs and sunshade and enjoy a cold drink by the pool on your new DIY pool deck. Including a glass deck railing will add an aesthetic and elegant look to your exterior house. If you want, you can add aluminum railing for extra touch.

6. Finishing touches for your DIY pool deck

Your new DIY pool deck is now finished and it doesn’t add much to your pool cost. Now you can add some finishing touches like inflatable hot tubs. If your pool isn’t close to your home and you don’t want to mount a hose each time you want to refill your pool then you can construct outside plumbing directly to the pool.

If you have kids you can make an entrance gate. If you don’t know how to make the gate check out our tutorial on how to make DIY small fence gate. You have to protect the deck and the fence with waterproof wood sealant before usage and that’s a must if you want your deck to last.

According to bird control specialists, Robins, sparrows, crows, blackbirds, starlings, and mourning doves are the types of birds you’ll most commonly see around your pool deck. These are  wonderful creatures that are an important part of nature’s ecosystem. However, the droppings they leave behind are definitely not pleasant. Many people don’t have time to pressure wash the pool deck when spending time outside. And seeing bird droppings float on by as you’re swimming is the worst experience. Therefore, once done with your DIY Pool deck, you will need to find ways to get rid of these creatures around your home or else enjoying your time outside will not be pleasant. Good news is there are many ways to keep birds from pooping on your deck and pool, these include hanging mirrors, wine fridges, spinning pinwheels, using plastic predator birds and ultrasonic sound systems. You’ll need patio furniture covers in order to protect your new patio furniture. You will have to do proper research on these methods to learn more about how they work.

DIY other budget-friendly backyard ideas, put some deck chairs and sunshade and enjoy a cold drink by the pool on your new DIY pool deck. If you enjoyed building your DIY pool deck you can check out DIY hot tub plans and add an amazing hot tub to your deck.

Maintenance is everything when we’re talking about wooden pool decks. Don’t forget to regularly clean your pool deck and repaint and restain your deck at least every couple years. If you maintain you pool deck regularly it will last you for decades.