A Word on Free Pool Deck Design Software

We are nearing pool deck season and now is the time for you to really get focused on your above ground pool deck plans if you haven't started already.

I've been asked what I think about pool deck design software and if it can help people plan their deck layout easier.

My answer is always that pool deck design software can definitely make drawing up your pool deck plans much easier, if you're worried that you don't have the skills to do them by hand.

And, software can make your plans look very professional... likely impressing your local building inspector as long as your plans show your deck will be up to code.

That said, I can't endorse or criticize one specific software product. Several good ones are referenced for your consideration in our eBook "How to Build a Pool Deck" but only you can decide which program is best you.

What I will do is give you some general pro's and con's regarding the free pool deck design software that's available to you. The easiest place to find these free programs is likely at your local home improvement center.

The nice thing about them is that they're really fun and easy to use. I like to play with them myself from time-to-time because they're great for quick brainstorming. You can easily adjust dimensions and within minutes of completing some basic steps a 3-D diagram of your deck plan pops up on a computer screen.

The downside is that because it is free it's limited in function. What I mean by that is the free pool deck design software I've used doesn't give you the ability to get a layout of a deck built completely around a pool, or even half way.

The best I've seen is that it gives you the ability to plan a deck that goes about 1/4 of the away around your above ground pool deck. This may be what you want. And if so, this type of software could work for you. If you want more, then it likely won't work for you.

If you're planning on building a deck for your spa, some free software I've seen is great. For a pool deck... specifically above ground pool decks... the free software limits what you can do.

Another "possible" downside, is that if the free pool deck design software is at your local home improvement store they'll likely leave it limited intentionally so you'll ask them more questions... and thus a bit predisposed to sales talk that gets you to buy tools or materials you may not really need, or could just rent.

Plus they may try to refer you to a in-house contractor. This might be OK if you decide that building your own pool deck is not for you. This isn't a bad thing in itself but as a DIY'er I would prefer not to be initially pushed in that direction - unless I just wanted some consultation on my pool deck plans.

That said, free software can be a fun way to introduce you to planning basics if you're a novice DIY'er. And it's a great way to see the anatomy of a deck.

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com

P.S. - Many times I've seen free "how to" information that goes along with the free software. But...

While it offers a few general tips here or there, this information is usually written for the advanced DIY'er and it is not pool deck specific. Typically, it's limited information that's designed to get you back in the store and asking questions, and once again supposedly open to buying more stuff than you might need.

Learn how to build a pool deck without confusion and what tools are really necessary to complete your project.