Construct an Integrated Pool and Deck

Imagine stepping outside into your backyard oasis and immediately having access to a refreshing dip in your own personal pool. By integrating an inground pool into an existing or new deck, homeowners can create a multifunctional outdoor space perfect for swimming, entertaining, and relaxation .

Constructing a pool within a deck combies the best of both worlds - the beauty and versatility of a wooden deck with the fun and convenience of having a swimming pool at your fingertips. This innovative approach saves yard space compared to a traditional inground pool and provides seamless transitions between lounging on deck furniture and taking a few laps in the pool.

Benefits of Embedding a Pool in Your Deck

Combining your pool and deck creates a harmonious, rustic look and offers many advantages:

• Saves yard space - fits into narrower areas than separate installations
• Convenience - immediage access to both relaxation and swimming zones
• Multifunctionality - space can be used for tanning, parties, exercise
• Rustic, integrated aesthetic - crafted look and natural flow
• Deck reinforcement may be needed for existing structures

The all-in-one design provides better interactions and usable square footage compared to having a pool and deck as separate entities. Your backyard effectively gains a whole new multi-purpose living and entertainment space.

Space Savings

For homeowners with limited yard area, integrating a pool right into the deck is an ingenious way to add a backyard oasis without sacrificing precious real estate . The unified structure needs less overall footage than having a pool on one end of the yard and a separate deck on another side.

The layout allows you to extend your living space outside through the functionality of a pool within the defined deck area. This creative use of vertical space lets you make the most of compact backyards that otherwise couldn't accommodate an inground pool.

Easy Accessibility

Traditional pools require ladder entry and exit points, with associated slipping hazards from wet surfaces. However, a pool built right into the deck allows for safe, easy ingresses from any point along the deck . Kids can simply step down into the shallow end instead of needing guarded entryways.

For adults, integrated pools allow simplified access for exercising in water without ladders. Underwater treadmills, resistance bands, and other accessories can turn the pool into a home gym with client-convenient entry from the surrounding deck area.

Design Considerations

Several structural factors require consideration when envisioning your integrated pool and deck:

• Shape - customize for available space
• Depth - depends on usage; 3-6 feet typical
• Materials - wood and composite last outdoors
• Edges - zero entry, bench seating, plant shelves
• Privacy - strategic fencing and planting

Shape and Scale

When planning your combined installation, available backyard space and desired functionality help determine appropriate pool sizing. Customize dimensions based on your yard's footprint and how you want to utilize the pool. Consider an elongated lap pool for swimming workouts versus a more compact soaking pool for relaxation.

account for future needs like games and pool parties when establishing depth. Gradual entry zones allow for lounging and play, while deeper diving wells suit athletic aquatics. Most integrated pools have depths ranging from 3 to 6 feet.

Materials

Waterproof decking materials like pressure-treated lumber, composite, or plastic ensure durability in wet environments. Ipe wood resists moisture, requires little maintenance, and weathers attractively into a silvery patina over time .

Additional waterproofing layers beneath the decking provide supplementary leakage protection. Carefully seal all seams and joists during construction using best practices for outdoor installations.

Build Process

Installing a custom swimming pool within a deck requires careful planning and skilled execution. While complex for DIY projects, homeowners can also hire a professional deck and pool contractor to handle the entire process.

Permits

Check your local permit requirements regarding backyard structures, electrical systems, and pool installation codes. Draft deck and pool plans to submit for approval before proceeding with demolition or construction.

Prep Work

Clear existing decking or vegetation from the install site and relocate underground lines if needed. Survey the area to mark layouts for the underlying pool shell and surrounding integrated deck.

Excavation

For built-from-scratch projects, digging precise cavities allows embedding the pool within the custom deck's framework. Shore up the holes to stabilize soils before laying foundational rebar grids and pouring concrete.

Preformed pool shells can alternatively insert into the deck substructure, surrounded by built-up framing and choice decking planks across the top surface. The lip of the pool shell terminates flush with the deck plane.

Construction

Erect watertight framing around the pool's underground shell or liner. Establishing proper drainage prevents unwanted moisture buildup underneath the deck. Lock everything into an integrated, reinforced structure secured to anchored footings.

Gradually build up the decking to the desired elevation, taking care to thoroughly seal the pool shell seam edges to prevent leakage. Most projects take 4-6 weeks with the right crew.

Added Features

Personalize your pool-deck combo with built-in amenities like lighting, heating, and safety additions:

• Underwater lights - enhance ambiance and visibility
• Radiant heating - extends seasonal usability
• Powerful jet streams - customizable aquatic resistance workout
• Safety fence - secures pool when not in use

Creature Comforts

Strategically placed lighting brightens up both the water and surrounding deck for evening get-togethers and night swims. Radiant heating warms pavers underfoot for cooler environments and extends the usable season.

Powerful jets tailored to your exercise preferences help get your daily laps in year-round. Even in cold months, you can swim in place as twisting currents challenge your strength and cardio fitness.

Security Features

Locking automated pool covers provide security when not in use. Alarms also alert you if unsupervised children enter water areas through deck access points.

Arranging partial barriers or gates helps prevent unintentional falls while allowing homeowner entry from the deck. Such childproofing provides peace of mind around young family members.

Maintenance

Proper cleaning and seasonal preparation ensure your built-in pool stays sparkling and functions reliably for years. Expect comparable upkeep to traditional pools.

• Chemical testing and balancing - sanitize water
• Debris cleaning - remove leaves and sediment
• Filter checks - ensure proper circulation
• Winterize equipment - avoid freeze damage

Water Quality

Monitor chemical levels with test strips for proper pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer parameters. Balance water quality through chemical addition to prevent algae growth and maintain cleanliness.

Remove accumulated detritus with long-handled leaf skimmers to keep the pool surface pristine. Periodically check and clean filtration equipment for smooth hydraulic flow during swimming months.

Seasonal Prep

Before winter, have a professional service team drain pipes, blow out lines, and add antifreeze to sensitive components. They can further advise on off-season maintenance specific to your climate.

Reopen the system in spring by cleaning the cover, refilling to appropriate levels, turning pumps back on, and rebalancing chemicals. Test operational performance before diving back in!

Professional Guidance

While ambitious homeowners can self-build integrated pool decks, extensive project management is required across planning, permitting, excavation, construction, finishing, and maintenance phases.

Consulting design architects streamlines creating a customized pool-deck sanctuary tailored to your family's needs. Contractors handle structural engineering specifications to meld the pool securely into the deck's infrastructure.

Pavers must waterproof underlying surfaces while tiling experts add slip-resistant finishes around the pool's coping. Combined skill sets make hiring a specialized crew worth the investment.

Where to Start

The Pool & Deck Company excels at fusion designs perfect for enjoying both platforms simultaneously. Contact us today for professional assessments determining site viability, spatial planning, and equipment recommendations towards your backyard goals.

Our collaborative approach considers current infrastructure, intended functionality, family dynamics, and style preferences. Bring your revolutionary deck-pool visions to life with trusted experts!

Integrating a custom swimming pool directly into your decking creates an organic, flowing living space great for complete backyard enjoyment. The combo structure blends beauty and fun through all-in-one unified access between lounging, tanning, or swimming zones.

An integrated installation requires extensive planning regarding spatial allowances, materials, and functionality but pays off through convenience and aesthetic appeals. Surround future pool dips with stable, textured decking perfect for barefoot relaxation in luxurious style.