Free Above Ground Pool Deck Plan

This beginner pool deck, covers two pool rail sections, about 6' x 11', build it with treated lumber, preferably #1 kdat (kiln dried after treatment). This plan is not meant to be 100% complete but its free. Field verify your measurements. A latching gate at the top of the steps is not shown, but is highly suggested for added safety. Space rail banisters uprights at 4" on centers. Add angle braces under deck 4x4 posts for more stability. Good luck! By making the wedge section rectangle you can use this plan on the long side of an oval pool

First you need to build the deck sections. This is the left side section and is 4' x 6'. Make the frame from 2x4s or 2x6s. The 3 1/2" post cut out space shown is were the 4x4 post will come up threw the deck. The top decking is 2x6s or 3/4 decking boards. Use pressure treated lumber.

This deck section is a little different, as the steps attach to it and requires one more post. Frame is the same as the prior section, see drawing at left.

Material cut list for this section:

• 6 each 2x4 @ 45" frame
  
• 2 each 2x4 @ 72" frame sides
  
• 8 each 2x6 @ 72" decking boards
  
• 1 each 2x4 @ 29" decking board
  
• 1 each 2x4 @ 36" decking board
  
• 4 each 4x4 @ 72" longer for taller pools
  
• 1 each 4x4 @ 39 1/4" post or longer

Cut one of the 2x6s to allow for post.

The short post goes in the fourth corner were no post extends threw the deck.

You might want to consider notching the 4x4 post to let in the 2x4 frame. This would allow the post to come flush to the out side of the frame and makes for a nicer look.

Center wedge shaped deck section is made like the others, it bolts in between the 4x6 sections. The width at the widest part varies to the pool diameter. A 18' rd. pool is 42"wide, A 24' rd. pool is 35" wide, A 27' rd. pool is 32 1/2" wide check this measurement on site as your pool may be different.

Materials needed:

• 2 each 2x4 @ 72" frame sides
  
• 1 each 2x4 @ 6" frame end
  
• 1 each 2x4 @ 69" frame center
  
• 1 each 2x4 @ ? frame end
  
• 13 each 2x6s @ variable lengths total of 24'

Make your rail sections from 2x6s with 2x2s for the uprights. You will need 5 sections as shown.(1@6', 2@4', 1@39 1/2" & 1 wedge check width).

Materials needed:

• 48 each 2x2 pickets @ 30"
  
• 2 each 2x6 @ 72"
  
• 4 each 2x6 @ 48"
  
• 2 each 2x6 @ 37 3/4"
  
• 2 each 2x6 @ wedge width + 3.5"

Make your rail sections from 2x6s with 2x2s for the uprights. You will need 5 sections as shown.(1@6', 2@4', 1@39 1/2" & 1 wedge check width).

Materials needed:

• 48 each 2x2 pickets @ 30"
  
• 2 each 2x6 @ 72"
  
• 4 each 2x6 @ 48"
  
• 2 each 2x6 @ 37 3/4"
  
• 2 each 2x6 @ wedge width + 3.5"

Steps are made from 2x6 stringers and 2x4 or 2x6 steps. 2x2 cleats are screwed to the stringer to hold the treads or you may buy metal supports at the lumber yard. You will need to figure angles of stringers on site. Its about 35 degrees, adjust as Needed.

Materials list:

• 2 each 2x6 @ 55" stringers check angles
  
• 1 each 2x6 @ 29" top step
  
• 4 each 2x6 @ 26" steps
  
• 8 each 2x2 @ 5" step supports
  
• 1 each 2x6 @ 60" rail cut to length
  at angle
  
• 6 each 2x2 @ 40" rail support

Screw 2x2 step supports to stringers with deck screws and screw the steps to the 2x2s. Check them for level

The steps need to be securely attached to the deck with screws. Make a gate with a locking thumb latch to keep children out.

Railings for steps will require some angle cuts. about 35 degrees. Check these on site as you go.

Railing needs to be stiff and steps need to be level.

View of 1x4 brace used to stiffen deck

View of wedge at narrow end

View of gate from on deck

View of gate closed

View of gate end

View of post bolt at step

Steps note step supports and you can
just see the 2x2 under the top step
used to secure steps to the deck.

The rail is not up to NSPI code standards. A 1x4 was used as a top rail cap. This rail is not recommended where small children will have access to the pool.