Designing a usable and attractive deck for your pool can be intimidating. You want to complement the style and shape of your pool, as well as account for function while staying within your budget. Here are some key points to keep in mind before starting the process of creating the swimming pool deck of your dreams:

1. Access points. Decide how you want to get on and off your pool deck. This will determine what kind of space you need on either side of the pool. Perhaps you only want one main entrance to the pool, and it needs to be incorporated with a seating area. Or maybe you have a ladder on either end, and want some space and access at both points. 

2. Recreational space. If you have a diving board, you will need some additional deck area around it. Also, if you have a cabana stocked with pool toys, you will need a direct path from the cabana to your pool. Know exactly where you will place the cabana before you design your deck.

3. Seating area and entertainment. Will your grill be close to the pool? Will you have an outdoor kitchen area? How many chairs and loungers will be placed around the deck? These will affect the size and placement of a larger deck that connects your pool to the seating or entertainment area of your backyard.

4. Capacity. What is the maximum amount of people you plan to accommodate on your deck? What is the minimum? Will there be children using the pool regularly? All of these factors will determine the size of walk-around deck, as well as any other larger areas.

5. Shape of your pool. Most people jump to this first, but you need to consider the other elements before you look at the actual pool. Now that you know roughly how large of a deck you need, as well as where any seating areas and recreational spots will go, you can consider the pool. Echoing the shape of your pool is very popular (as in a kidney-shaped pool boasts a kidney-shaped deck). Providing contrast may work, too (as is a rectangular pool being softened by a rounded deck). Create different shapes in the grass using your garden hose or marking paint. Sit on the “deck” and stand in the “pool;” that way you will really get a feel for the size and orientation of the design.

6. Balance of your landscape. Figure out where and how the proposed deck will look with the balance of your yard design. Move or tweak anything that seems too tight or awkward.

Now that you have taken these key points into consideration, you can obtain a quote. A word of caution: Don’t cut costs by building a deck smaller than what you have calculated. You will not be as happy with your backyard if you skimp on deck space around the pool. Consider a proper sized pool deck to be a part of the overall investment in your home.

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