Pool Deck Edge: Above or below the pool line?

A reader named Erica wrote and asked me a good question last week. To paraphrase, "Is it better, and safer, for the pool deck edge to be just above the above ground pool or just below? I've seen both."

I replied that you should always check your local building codes before moving ahead with any pool deck design.

That said, it strikes me as safer to build the deck edge just above the pool. A deck edge just below it could easily trip people.

Also, imagine yourself sitting on your above ground pool deck... dangling your feet in the pool. Would a deck edge just below the pool be comfortable for you here?

And many people do build the deck just above the pool edge because they think it simply looks better, even if their local codes don't specify.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano
How to Build a Pool Deck

P.S. - For those of you who also visit createyourdeck.com to view additional content there, you can now view a site map here so stuff there is easier to find.

Pool Decking Dictionary

When you're surfing the 'net looking for above ground pool deck help, you're likely reading a lot of technical terms or phrases that you may not be familiar with.

Those of you with some DIY experience may know some of these words from the pool decking dictionary. If you do, it still helps to have an easy reference available.

That's why we decided to post a pool decking glossary for you. There you will see some of the more common decking terms.

So if you're searching the 'net and coming across technical sounding words, you can reference our glossary so you'll understand what things mean. Once you start learning the language, any "how to build a pool deck" guide - including ours - becomes much easier to use.

This isn't an inorganic list... meaning if we missed some words feel free to contact us and suggest an addition to the glossary.

With that said, I think there is already plenty there that you'll find helpful.

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com