Is it worth building a deck around an above-ground pool right away, or better to wait?

[syedsalman]

Just set up our above-ground pool (15' round), and we’re debating if we should go ahead and build a deck around it now or live with it for the summer and maybe tackle the deck next year.

Did anyone here build their deck right away? Was it worth the effort/cost upfront? Or did you find it better to wait, use the pool a bit first, and then figure out what kind of deck setup would work best?

Curious what others did and if you regretted rushing or waiting. Thanks!

 

[John Michael]

We rushed into building the deck right away and kinda wish we waited. The pool shifted slightly after the first season, and now there’s a small gap between the deck and the pool edge that bugs me. If I could do it over, I’d use the pool for a while first get a feel for how we use it, where the sun hits, stuff like that then build the deck based on that.

 

[Oliver James]

We built the deck right after setup and honestly I’m glad we did. It made getting in and out way easier, and the kids are in and out all day without tracking grass everywhere. We planned it so it’s not tight against the pool wall, just in case anything settles. Just make sure the pool’s totally level and stable first then go for it if you’ve got the budget.

 

[T.Rex]

Just set up our above-ground pool (15' round), and we’re debating if we should go ahead and build a deck around it now or live with it for the summer and maybe tackle the deck next year.

Did anyone here build their deck right away? Was it worth the effort/cost upfront? Or did you find it better to wait, use the pool a bit first, and then figure out what kind of deck setup would work best?

Curious what others did and if you regretted rushing or waiting. Thanks!

Building the deck right away can enhance safety, convenience, and aesthetics from day one, but it also means higher upfront cost and less time enjoying the pool before work begins.
Waiting lets you get a feel for how you use the pool and plan the deck to fit your lifestyle and space better.
Many find waiting beneficial to avoid rushed decisions, but if you want immediate comfort and a finished look, building early is worth it. It depends on your budget and priorities!

 

[Monica Cardona]

Just set up our above-ground pool (15' round), and we’re debating if we should go ahead and build a deck around it now or live with it for the summer and maybe tackle the deck next year.

Did anyone here build their deck right away? Was it worth the effort/cost upfront? Or did you find it better to wait, use the pool a bit first, and then figure out what kind of deck setup would work best?

Curious what others did and if you regretted rushing or waiting. Thanks!

Building the deck right away can be a great way to enhance the look and functionality of your pool, but it depends on your priorities. Some people find that having the deck in place from the start makes the pool feel more integrated into the yard, and it can make getting in and out of the pool easier. If you plan to spend a lot of time around the pool this summer, it might be worth tackling the deck now.


However, others recommend waiting until after using the pool for a bit. This gives you time to figure out the best layout, flow, and style that will work with your yard and pool setup. It also lets you get a feel for how often you’ll use the space around the pool, which can help you decide on the size and design of the deck.


If you’re in a rush for summer fun, go ahead and enjoy the pool first, then plan the deck once you’ve lived with it for a season. That way, you’ll make sure you’re investing in the right design