How Much Does a Pool Deck Cost?

Pool Deck Cost Factors

A variety of factors influence the cost to build a pool deck, including the pool type and size, the type of terrain your new deck sits on, and any permits required to build decks in your city.

Above-Ground vs. In-Ground Pool

Pool decks for above-ground and in-ground pools are built differently and require different costs. A wood or composite deck for an above-ground pool can range from $300 to $7,800 on top of the cost of the pool. An in-ground pool deck typically consists of a patio area made from a wide variety of materials, ranging from $3 to $40 per square foot.

Materials

Different materials can make up both above-ground and in-ground pool decks. For example, you can save on an above-ground pool deck by using plastic, but you might get a better result with wood or composite. In-ground pool decks can be built using poured concrete, concrete pavers, stone, wood, brick, tile, composite wood, or even rubber deck mats.

Pool Size

The size of your pool will directly impact the size and scope of your pool deck. Larger pools may require a larger deck, depending on the intended function of the deck space, and a larger deck requires more time and labor. Larger in-ground pools require more pool coping, which also increases costs.

Deck Size

The size and scope of the pool deck you’re building impact the cost of both labor and materials. A simple installation for a small patio will cost significantly less than a large patio project that includes hardscaping.

Location

Where you live can impact how much you pay for a pool deck. In warm, southern states that get a lot of sunshine and heat, pools are common, and pool deck contractors offer more competitive pricing. In northern states where pools are less prevalent, expect to pay more for pool deck construction.

Terrain

The ideal terrain for building a pool deck is a perfectly flat piece of land. A pool deck built on a sloped surface will likely need extra support beams to ensure that the deck is safe and stable. This may involve hardscaping the ground beneath the deck, costs that come down to square footage and typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 extra.

Permits 

You may need to pull a permit to add a deck to your pool, especially if a permit was required to install the pool. While there is a fee to pull a permit, adding a pool can lead to a higher appraisal price for your home.

Above-Ground Costs

Building a deck for an above-ground pool costs between $300 and $3,000 on top of the $800 to $4,500 cost to build an above-ground pool. You may be able to bundle both costs together by buying a pool kit that comes with a patio area already included.

Cost factors for building an above-ground pool deck include the size of the deck and the type and quality of the materials used. You’ll also pay separately for accessories such as a set of stairs, which can add up to $400. Wood, composite, and plastic are the most popular material options. Below are the costs for an average 900-square-foot pool deck.

• Wood: $1,000–$3,000

• Composite: $1,000–$3,000

• Plastic: $500–$2,000

In-ground Pool Decking Costs

For an in-ground pool, a patio area ranges between $3 and $40 per square foot. That wide range depends largely on the materials you use to build the space. In-ground pool decks allow for more design options, but tend to cost more than a pool deck for an above-ground pool. Common materials and prices include the following:

Pool Deck Pavers

Pavers are the most cost-effective option at $3 to $7 per square foot, not including labor. These prefabricated blocks can be cut to size and are easier to install. However, they won’t last as long as a poured concrete pool deck, which costs between $6 and $15 per square foot and provides a more seamless look.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped or textured concrete is a customized version of poured concrete, with a price between $12 and $20 per square foot, including labor. While the poured substance is still wet, the builder will stamp it to look like stones, brick, or a range of other materials. The more you customize in color and design, the more expensive the project will be.

Precast Concrete

Precast decking costs $5 to $12 per square foot without installation labor. In this compromise between pavers and poured concrete, the builder pours and cures fresh materials into an existing mold. This results in a more stable construction than pavers but less customizability than custom-poured patios.

Coral Stone

Coral stone pavers range between $15 and $40 per square foot, not including labor. For that price, you get a durable and elegant look. The natural veins and unevenness of the stone allow for a stunning look and natural slip resistance. Coral also withstands the elements and needs little to no maintenance.

Wood

A wooden pool surround typically ranges between $3 and $15 per square foot for materials alone. This material requires regular maintenance and can rot or peel. Composite alternatives are more durable and cost between $8 and $35 per square foot.

Brick

Brick decks range between $20 and $35 per square foot installed. They may not be your best alternative around a pool because moisture exposure can cause them to grow moss. They also become hot on your feet on sunny days.

Tile

Outdoor ceramic or porcelain tiles cost between $3 and $35 per square foot for the tile alone. They tend to be slip-resistant and look beautiful. But they will need extensive maintenance to avoid cracking with changing temperatures and soil levels.

Rubber

Rubber deck mats range between $9 and $20 per square foot, not including labor. They create a more comfortable, forgiving surface than the other materials above.

Pool Deck Installation DIY vs. Pro

Building a pool deck requires expertise in the materials you use, as well as hardscaping. One misstep could mean damaging your property or lead to problems like cracks in the concrete.

If you want to take it on as a DIY project, you need extensive planning, some existing knowledge, and/or a deck-building guide. Otherwise, it pays to work with a local pool deck contractor who knows exactly what to do to build a safe, beautiful, and usable patio for your summer lounging.

Labor Costs

A large percentage of the cost of building a pool deck comes from professional labor. Below are average labor cost ranges for pools of various sizes.

Pool Coping Costs

Expect to pay between $30 and $50 per linear foot to install pool coping. This is the ledge around the edge of an in-ground pool, often in stone or concrete. It's designed to complement the deck but cannot replace its function as a lounge space. It also holds and hides your automated pool cover if you have one.

Size

Build your budget for coping materials and labor around the diameter of your in-ground pool in linear feet:

Material

There are hundreds of color and material options for pool coping, ranging from sleek and contemporary to more traditional looks.

FAQs

How do I calculate what pool deck size I need?

An easy calculation for your patio size is to add 8 feet to the length and width of your pool. That gives you about 4 feet of space on each side, enough for lounge chairs, tables, and more. Calculate total square footage in three steps:

1. Total pool area

   1. Ex: for a 10x20 product, 10 times 20 = 200 square feet.

2. Total pool area plus deck (including 4 feet to each side)

   1. Ex: for a 10x20 product, 18 times 28 = 504 square feet.

3. Total area minus pool square footage

   1. 504 - 200 = 304 square feet.

This is your patio's surface area.

What is the best material for building a deck around a pool?

The best decking material for your needs will depend on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance capabilities. For example, composite wood is the easiest material to maintain for an above-ground pool deck, but plastic is more budget-friendly in the short term.

What is the most cost-effective pool decking?

For an in-ground pool, poured concrete is the most affordable and cost-effective pool decking material. For an above-ground pool, plastic tends to be the most cost-effective pool decking material upfront. However, composite wood tends to last longer and may result in lower maintenance and replacement costs over time.