10 Pool Deck Ideas: Designs and Tips to Spark Inspiration

Wood pool decking requires more maintenance than concrete or paver surfaces, but its aesthetic beauty cannot be denied.

There’s something special about timber. Its rustic charm brings character into any space it graces, while different species offer distinct looks and feelings within an area. And one place it looks especially great? Pool decking.

Aspiring Pool Deck Ideas
Are You Inspiring Pool Deck Ideas Planning to add timber decking to your new pool project? Look no further! Here we present 16 pool deck ideas compiled by Mornington Peninsula-based landscape architect Mark Travers of MTLA and Aimee Tarulli of leading home builder Thomas Archer — complete with tips from industry pros like them!

1. Add Dimension with an Elevated Pool Deck Paving may be your go-to material when it comes to creating levels around your pool, but adding decking can give the space more visual interest and make the area more visually appealing.

Mark says: “Pool decking on an elevated platform from the pavement can create a whole new experience for entertaining or lounging, just make sure that any level changes are reflected in fence height adjustments accordingly”.

2. Coordinating Materials: Pool House and Deck WASHOUT Mark comments, “Materials used in different parts of a design can create an effective outdoor area. Here at Latitude 37 Homes’ house below, the pool decking material perfectly compliments their outdoor kitchen/entertaining area”.

3. Opt for composite decking to reduce maintenance for pool decking
Timber can be high maintenance when it comes to pool decking – there’s always the risk of oils seeping through and weather-induced rot, wear and tear around the pool area – but if you love its look it could well be worth the additional upkeep!

Mark states: “One of the difficulties associated with having wood near water is in the early days, oils may seep through to surrounding surfaces; however, this tends to dissipate after some months and won’t pose an ongoing problem”.

There are other materials, like composite timbers and timber-look tiles, that offer similar aesthetics without the ongoing upkeep requirements associated with wooden decks.

4. Plan ahead It may seem like common sense, but having the design right before starting to dig is essential to creating a functional pool design. This is particularly relevant if your pool features timber decking; positioning it where sunlight doesn’t reach it could result in decayed timber decking that requires replacement sooner rather than later.

“To ensure the maximum amount of light and sun for each space,” Aimee advises, a pool should always be designed in a manner that will maximize its orientation on its block.

5. Think About Your Surroundings
No matter if you are building your pool out of timber decking, stone pavers, or concrete – it is crucial that the position of the pool in your backyard be carefully considered in order to make optimal use of space.

“While the pool may be the focal point, it’s equally important to take an holistic approach when planning the backyard space and design a landscape around the pool design to complement it and ensure it fits in seamlessly with natural elements and the floor plan of the home,” notes Mark.

“Landscaping should integrate seamlessly with the overall design of the backyard and not feel like an “add-on,” notes Aimee.

6. Eye-Catching Designs mes A beautifully designed pool can greatly increase the value of your property when it comes time to sell; so when designing, consider what will appeal to potential buyers as you work through the design phase.

So what are the most popular pool deck designs? According to Aimee, those that span from boundary to boundary in the rear backyard and are often rectangular-shaped are the most sought after designs.

“Typically, rectangular pools take up the largest available space in any backyard and are visible from within the house. Rectangular shapes are easier to tile than pools with curves and best suit most modern and contemporary home designs.”

7. Create Decking Walkways Are you curious how your home and outdoor entertaining areas will connect to your pool area? Introducing different materials into the mix can create visual interest and direction. In an area predominantly comprised of pavement and alfresco entertainment spaces, decking can serve as an easy solution for connecting these two zones – decking walkways can connect both spaces seamlessly.

8. Keep it visible
According to Aimee, “a pool isn’t only beautiful when being used, but can also make for great views from inside or outside your home. A well-designed pool will ensure it can be seen from multiple vantage points within and outside – meaning even those not swimming can appreciate its beauty!”

Since the ’90s, pool fences (and safety in general) has been an increasing focus for regulators; as a result, pools have increasingly been situated closer to homes with easy viewing from main living spaces – providing easy monitoring of use.” Says Mark.

9. Construct a Deck Diving Board
Got kids (or an inner child that needs controlling) who love cannon balls? Elevate part of your pool deck for use as a low platform where they can launch cannon balls! Or if you’d rather just relax poolside in peace and serenity, use it as an area for reading or just floating your legs around in the water.

10. Add a Swim-up Pool Deck Area
Change things up by creating an exclusive area accessible only through jumping in and swimming across from it – children will think it is their very own special island, while adults can use this private spot to escape everyday stressors.

“Most pool areas consist of decking or pavering surrounding their pool shape, but to add interest and create zones in the area with swim-up pool decks accessible only via water,” notes Mark.