Steps to Building a Deck Around an Aboveground Pool

Frame Floor

• The first step in building a deck around your aboveground pool is to build frames for the floor. The size and shape of the deck determines how many floor-joist frames are required, but the frames should have four sides, with two of the sides angling inward and the other two running parallel to one another. You can use 2x6s, galvanized metal corner brackets and joist hangers to build the frames. Depending on the design of your pool deck, it may be a good idea to wait to construct the final floor-joist frame, so you can build it to fit once you have installed all the other frames around the pool.

Install Posts and Piers

• To support the floor-joist frames, you must install 4-by-4 posts that are set in concrete pier blocks. You can purchase precast piers blocks to make the job easier. Place the blocks on level ground beside the pool. The first block should be set so its center is approximately a foot from the pool, while you should place the second block so its center is approximately 18 inches from the center of the first block. Position a post in the center socket of each block, and place a level on the pool's coping to measure a straight, level line on the posts. Mark a line here. Take the posts out of the blocks and make a mark below the line that measures the same thickness as the coping plus several additional inches to account for expansion, depending on the size of your deck and frame. Cut the posts to the indicated length and place them back in the blocks. Repeat the process for the second set of blocks and install a floor-joist frame atop the four piers and posts, using deck screws driven down at angle to secure the frame. Continue around the entire pool. When you reach the final frame, measure the space and build a frame to fit. If your deck is higher than 30 inches, add 2-by-4 diagonal braces to the posts.

Install Decking Materials

• Once the frame is set, you can install the deck itself. For a circular aboveground pool, taper the end of each wooden board and arrange them so they radiate from the pool's center. Use deck screws to secure the boards to the floor-joist frames, making sure that the boards are flush against one another as you install them. When measuring the boards for your deck, it is best to leave them slightly longer because you can use a circular saw to trim them down to size when you are done.

Add Railing

• Once the deck is installed, go to work on the railing. Precut railing can save you time, but you may also opt to use precut railing posts and build your own custom railing. Place the posts at all joints between floor-joist frames, using galvanized lagscrews to attach them. If you design your own railing, use deck screws to attach sections between two posts.

Install Stairs

• Because the deck around your pool is elevated, stairs are required to access it. Using precut stair strings makes the task of installing the steps much easier. Set the bottom portion of the stringers on patio blocks so they don't sink into the soil and absorb moisture. Use screws to attach the top portion of the stringers to the floor-joist frame, and add a series of 2-by-12s to create treads for your stairs.