Not everybody has a pool in his backyard or the requisite space around the house to build one. Such space constraints can be overcome by building an above ground pool. Deck designs that use available space smartly can provide the desired experience, and the same time enhance the look and comfort of such pools.
Swimming pools that are constructed by digging out a hole of appropriate dimensions in the ground, and then building the appropriate structure certainly look beautiful. However, such swimming pools are very expensive to build, due to the following reasons.
- The swimming pools that are made and are aligned to the ground level require a lot of digging that is very expensive and labor intensive.
- A structure of concrete is built inside this hole, which is then covered up with tiles or a waterproof synthetic material.
- The swimming pool aligned to the ground level also needs frequent change of water and water oxygenation systems. The electricity and water that is needed to operate these mechanisms is also very costly.
Many people cannot afford this, hence, some designers have come up with the concept of above ground swimming pools. These types of pools are built above the ground. Due to this, the cost of construction is drastically reduced, and hence, more people can have the luxury of swimming pools in their homes.
Deck Design for Pools Built Above the Ground
Building the pool deck above the ground is a brilliant idea, as the pool can be surrounded with a deck, where one can lavishly enjoy the same comforts of a normal swimming pool. These decks are usually built with wood. Wooden beams are used to make the foundation for the decks. The foundation rests on square blocks that are made up of concrete. Some designs also use plastic surfaces; however, it is always advisable to use wooden material, due to the following reasons.
- Durability: Wooden surfaces are more durable than plastic surfaces. If the surface has been coated with appropriate polish, it can also survive harsh weather, like extreme heat and rain for many years together. High quality wood is so durable that you also do not require to change it for a couple of decades.
- Flexibility: The use of wood in preparing the above pool deck is more advantageous for one more genuine reason, flexibility. The deck that is made up of wood can be modified very easily. Another advantage is that one can also expand a wooden deck by adding foundations and standing surfaces.
- Look: The reason that this type of deck is preferred by many people is that it looks very charming in all the seasons
- Repairs: One of the added advantages is that they can be easily maintained or repaired with the help of simple tools like a hammer, chisel, nails etc.
Considering the weight-bearing capacity, you can also improvise your deck design by adding railings to it. Railings are a must, as they ensure that people standing on the deck would not fall down. Then, may be, you can add reclining chairs or even hammocks. You can make supports to tie the hammock on the railings itself. If you live in a tropical or sub-tropical region, it is recommended that you use huge umbrellas. Another very good option is to attach some supports to the hand railings and cover the entire deck or entire pool with a fabric or synthetic canopy. Sometimes, if the deck is big and strong enough, people also build entire drink bars on top of them.
It is always advisable that you mop the floor of the deck after a dip in the pool, and keep it dry when the pool is not in use. Also, look out for any fungal growth on the deck. Proper maintenance will ensure that the deck has a long life and does not decompose.
