Custom Pool Deck Ideas for Inground Pools

Dreaming of an inground pool surrounded by a gorgeous pool deck? Custom pool decks not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your backyard oasis but also provide essential practicality.

Whether you desire additional space for lounging poolside or require safe access around the perimeter of your inground pool, a thoughtfully designed deck offers both form and function.

Types of Inground Pool Decks to Consider

When exploring decking ideas for your inground pool project, begin by researching which materials best suit your climate, lifestyle needs, and budget.

Wood Decks

Wood brings natural beauty and comfort underfoot when used as pool decking. Popular wood choices like ipe, cedar, and teak resist weathering and stand up well to water. With proper sealing and maintenance, a wood deck surrounds an inground pool with timeless elegance.

Concrete Pool Decks

Concrete offers a classic look for inground pool decks. This porous material provides a textured, slip-resistant surface and adapts well to any deck configuration. Concrete pools decks remain affordable too, with costs ranging from $2 to $6 per square foot.

Brick Pool Decks

For old-world charm, brick pool decks complement inground pools beautifully. Clay bricks stay cooler than concrete under the hot summer sun. Bricks also withstand freezing winter climates well. Expect to invest $2.50 to $10 per square foot for a brick pool deck.

Tile Pool Decks

Decorative tiles lend color, texture, and loads of design potential for an inground pool surround. Choose from natural stone, porcelain, glass, and other tiles to create patterns that match your pool finishes and home exterior.

Design Elements for Inground Pool Decks

Once you select the surface materials, it's time to conceptualize the layout and aesthetic details of your custom pool deck. Consider incorporating these popular enhancements to create an inviting backyard escape:

Incorporating Lighting

Ambient lighting and accent fixtures set the stage for peaceful evenings poolside. Solar walkway lights provide extra guidance on paths leading to and around the pool area. Underwater lights within the pool cast shimmering reflections across the deck's surface after dark.

Adding Patio Furniture

Comfortable chaise lounges, dining sets, and sectional seating arrangements extend your home's living space outdoors. Position furniture to take advantage of shade from trees, a poolside cabana, or pergola structure.

Installation of Fire Pits

Enjoy cozy gatherings around the warmth and glow of a fire pit or chimenea. Choose durable materials like brick, stone, or concrete block. For portability, select a metal fire bowl or pit. Strategically place seating around the fire feature as a secondary lounging spot separate from the pool itself.

Integration of Water Features

The sights and sounds of moving water enhance relaxation. Small backyard water features like pondless waterfalls and bubbling boulder fountains blend beautifully into pool landscaping. Position them visible from the deck for added ambiance.

Customization Options for Inground Pool Decks

Truly customize your pool deck with special shapes, amenities, and decorative finishes.

Deck Shapes and Layouts

Match the exact outline of your pool or edge the decking around the pool perimeter with attractive curves and angles. Gentle slopes prevent standing water while providing an ergonomic transition between ground levels. Place sunken sitting areas around a built-in hot tub or to define conversation spaces.

Deck Finishes and Colors

Stained wood planks, colorful tile, aggregate patterns, and artistic etchings in concrete let homeowners express personal style through deck design. Soften hard surfaces by incorporating synthetic turf or greenery around the edges.

Incorporation of Plantings and Greenery

Trees and shrubs mute harsh sunlight while lending natural privacy. Vines and container plantings introduced vertical landscape elements. For convenience, consider including planter boxes to edge the deck perimeter for herbs and vegetables. This allows easy access when cooking poolside.

Pool Deck Amenities like Bars and Kitchens

Build your ultimate staycation destination by adding an outdoor kitchen, bar area, fireplace, or even a stand-alone cabana room to your deck. Integrate storage beneath built-in seating to house pool toys, towels, and equipment out of sight.

Tips for Decorating Inground Pool Decks

Finish your pool deck with fun accents and furnishings for the full resort experience without leaving home.

Hanging Decor Pieces and Lighting

Suspend rattan pendant lights, paper lanterns, wind chimes or a hammock from trees and overhead structures surrounding the deck. Outdoor curtains, sun shades, and removable weatherproof wallpaper introduce color or themes like tropical, nautical, or bohemian style.

Area Rugs and Pillows

Scattered floor pillows and plush area rugs create cozy lounge spaces. Use decorative ceramic garden stools and side tables to hold drinks and snacks within arm's reach of poolside seating.

Planters, Pots, and Container Gardens

Container gardens of flowers, succulents, bamboos, and ornamental grasses add living color. Match planter colors and materials to other backyard hardscapes like fencing, boulders lining the yard perimeter, or the pool coping.

Introduce your favorite vacation destination through maps, postcards, surfboards, shells, and nautical displays. For a touch of whimsy, suspend birdcages, lanterns, or glass globes from tree limbs overlooking the deck and pool area.

When conceptualizing the perfect pool deck to surround your inground pool, the options prove as limitless as your imagination. Seek inspiration from nature, traveling adventures, favorite decor themes, or popular landscaping ideas. Then translate elements meaningful to you and your household into a custom pool deck design embracing both form and function tailored to your unique backyard.

For smooth installation, trust an experienced excavation and pool construction crew to professionally build your pool and decking foundation before finishing materials go in. Their skills ensure proper grading, drainage, and structural soundness whether you choose concrete, pavers, stone, wood, or tile for decking.

Once complete, show off your fabulous pool and deck creation as the ultimate spot for exercising, entertaining, and everyday family leisure. As your backyard vacation paradise takes shape this summer, toast the pleasures of relaxing poolside in pure comfort and style surrounded by a custom deck made for memories that will last a lifetime.