Swimming Pool Decks make good poolside landscaping great. Whether you choose to pour concrete or lay down wood, use tiles or vinyl, swimming pool decks can protect your yard, protect your pool and protect your guests, while creating a beautiful addition to your landscape. You average deck can be made to follow the form of your pool, completely surrounding it, or you can have it lead away from the pool to lounge areas for sunning, eating or just lazing about the pool. If you have an above ground pool your deck can rise up to the level of the pool surface and spread out over the yard without damaging the grass or you can choose to landscape the surrounding decking to hide the structure of your deck.

The kind of swimming pool deck you would like to install will depend on what kind of pool you own and it will more than likely have some limitations. For example, you wouldn't build a concrete deck for a high standing above ground pool. That would cost a fortune for one, and two would look structurally awkward. Basically there are two types of swimming pools: in ground and above ground. Above ground pools will require materials that are less permanent than something like concrete. Vinyl, plastic, even wood could make for great decking material for your swimming pool deck plans. Concrete, stone, tile, wood are more suitable for your in-ground pools. Whatever material you choose for your decking make sure it won't get slippery once wet.

Even with an above ground swimming pool deck there are two options at your disposal: a freestanding deck or one that attaches to your pool. A freestanding deck, sometimes referred to as a fan deck, stands close to the pool and usually consists of a platform on which to stand and a ladder to access the platform. It isn't meant for anything other than accessing your swimming pool. Many people choose this style for its economical price tag and sustained durability. It's an easy deck to put together and can take less than an afternoon to install. These usually run in the neighborhood of $1200-$1500.

The second type, a deck that attaches to the pool usually includes a fence that helps secure the decking to the pool's edge or it may have a small path leading around the length of the pool. These decks are little more customizable and depending on the height of your pool will allow you more options for materials. An above ground pool that is close to the ground could easily incorporate a stone or tile deck into the swimming pool deck design. This would add to the structural integrity of the pool. The cost is a bit more than the fan deck but the difference is having more of a pool area to enjoy that also complements your lawn and landscaping. The size of your deck and the materials you choose to have it constructed out of will certainly determine the price but for a basic three-quarter resin deck, prices can start at $2400.

Swimming pool decking will sometimes need repairing from normal wear. Typically damage falls into three categories: repair, cover or replace. How much damage there actually is and to what length you are willing to go to make the repair will be the deciding factors. Superficial damage can often be simple, like a cracked wood plank that can easily be replaced. But more difficult tasks like repairing cracked concrete may require more work and will subsequently be more expensive. Minor damage to concrete can be corrected with filler. Major damage however will probably require replacement decking. Whatever type of swimming pool deck repair you need done it is often to your benefit to call a professional. This way you can be assured of proper repair and a guarantee that your deck will sustain its repair over a certain length of time.

For the DIYers out there here's a great video that shows you how to repair minor concrete damage on swimming pool decks.