How Big Should Your Inground Pool Deck Be?

Pool Deck Sizing

• A survey of municipal in-ground swimming pool deck width requirements reveals that they run from 2 to 5 feet. In the absence of mandated minimums, 4 feet is a good width for in-ground pool decks. In-ground pool decks serve several purposes, including safety as well as pure aesthetics. Pool decks need to be wide enough to safely accommodate foot traffic around them. In-ground pool decks should also complement and match up well with their pools, appearance-wise.

Pool Deck Layout

• In addition to any mandated minimum in-ground swimming pool deck width, plan on how it will be specifically laid out around the pool. For example, you may want more deck space in certain areas to encourage people to gather there. For any in-ground pool deck, make one section much bigger for a cabana or even an outdoor dining area. A nicely sized pool deck gathering area would be one that's about 14- to 16-feet deep, starting from the pool's edge.

Swimming Pool Footprint

• How big your in-ground swimming pool deck should be also depends on how much space you have for your pool. Figure your pool's minimum footprint requirements by adding at least 8 feet to its width and its length. For example, if you're installing a 20 x 40 foot in-ground pool, you'll need an area at least 28 feet wide and 48 feet long. Once you've covered minimum available pool space requirements, add space for additional pool deck areas as you can.

Pool Deck Costs

• Pool deck costs can be considerable in some cases, and budgets often limit their sizes. The cheapest pool decking material is poured concrete, which can be had for $4 to $6 per square foot installed as of July 2011. Pool pavers such as brick or natural stone will run from $6 to $30 or more per square foot, plus installation. Stamped concrete, which can mimic the look of many materials, is cheaper than pavers at about $5 to $20 per square foot installed. (See References #4)

Considerations

• Always check with your municipality for any minimum and maximum in-ground pool deck size regulations. Some municipalities consider pool decks wider than 4 feet to be patio decks, and different construction and permit requirements may apply to them. The first 4 feet of width of your in-ground pool deck should also have a nonslip finish applied for safety reasons. See that you have enough space on your in-ground pool deck for things like a pool cover and pool cleaning equipment.