science | May 09, 2026

What do you put under a pool deck?

Use gravel under the deck to help with water drainage. Check out our free pool deck plans. Most above-ground pool decks wrap around a circular or oval-shaped pool. Stairs provide access to a platform to enter the pool and relax on poolside furniture.

.

In this regard, how do you build a deck around a pool?

Part 1 Laying Out the Deck

  1. Measure your pool. Make sure you have an accurate record of the diameter and the height of the pool.
  2. Decide on the dimensions of your deck.
  3. Obtain any necessary permits.
  4. Choose what type of decking you want to use.
  5. Lay out the deck around the pool using stakes driven into the ground.

Additionally, do you need to put gravel under a deck? Purpose. Most deck installation companies recommend using gravel when installing a deck. Gravel provides ample drainage and prevents pools of water from lingering below the deck structure after it rains, and eroding the wood structure and foundation.

One may also ask, what do you put under a deck?

Gravel. If the area under your deck or stairs will collect water or is prone to gathering moisture, an inorganic mulch such as gravel, crushed rocks or river rocks is best. Gravel is a good material to place under outdoor structures, because it allows water to drain and doesn't decompose.

What is the best pool deck surface?

Concrete pavers are a great option for pool decks because they are durable; chlorine and salt resistant, and can provide the look of natural stone. Pavers also provide good traction and are comfortable underfoot, because the joints take on moisture that helps cool the surface.

Related Question Answers

How much does it cost to build a deck around a pool?

On average, building a pool deck costs around $5,000. Most homeowners pay between $3,000 and $12,000 for this project. Where you fall on that range depends on the materials you choose, the size of the patio, and the difficulty of the terrain. A simple wood deck for an above-ground pool may only need a $3,000 budget.

What do you put under an above ground pool?

Sand Pad. Sand spread out on your pool site is a traditional method of installing an above ground pool. Just like commercial pads, you can use the sand alone or place it on top of concrete. However, you should note that sand might make your pool to be unstable when on top of concrete.

How do you build a deck without digging holes?

Precast piers make it unnecessary to dig holes for your deck.
  1. Set your precast deck piers in a grid, at roughly three- to four-foot intervals.
  2. Measure your grid diagonally from corner to corner, using a measuring tape.
  3. Extend the line level to determine if the piers are level as a helper holds the other end.

What should I put around my above ground pool?

Landscaping Around Your Above Ground Pool
  • Concrete or Pavers. Concrete patios are a dependable and easy to care for option for your poolside.
  • Gravel or Rock. Using gravel or rock is one of the most popular ways when landscaping around your above ground pool.
  • Plants or Trees.
  • Planters.

Can I put a pool on my deck?

You can place a pool on a wooden deck if the construction takes into account several factors. Of course, pools are very heavy. Finally, water moving around in your pool creates a lot of swaying and stress on a wood deck. Construct a deck that can hold up to the weight and stress of supporting a pool.

What is the area around a swimming pool called?

The hardscape area around your swimming pool is called a surround, deck, or decking, even though it isn't always made of wood or composite, like traditional outdoor decks with which we most often associate the words.

How do you prepare the ground under a deck?

Preparing Deck Site Checklist
  1. Layout the shape of the deck with a hose or string and remove any sod.
  2. Ensure there are no underground services in the area where you will be digging.
  3. Locate the positions of the piers and footings.
  4. Dig the holes for the footings and piers.
  5. Prepare the soil with landscaping fabric.

Can you lay decking on soil?

There are two ways you can lay decking on grass. Use a flat surface (a decking board or tamper is perfect for this) and place a spirit level on top to check the ground is even. If the spirit level indicates the ground is uneven, level it out with extra soil or compact the soil to flatten it out.

How do I keep rodents out from under my deck?

Do not use any poisons or traps. Dig a trench a foot deep near the opening and put in ¼- to ½-inch wire mesh or hardware cloth or strips of lattice. Use a piece that is 12 inches wider than the area you need to cover. Bend the bottom 6 inches out in an L-shape to prevent animals from digging under it.

Should you put landscape fabric under a deck?

It's also needed under decks, patios, and other hardscapes. “Landscape fabric has been an especially helpful alternative for us under decks,” says Berg. “We used to put stone down to keep weeds from growing. Now we just put down the weed barrier, add a little weight on it, and staple it down.

Should I remove grass under deck?

Removing the soil or grass from below your deck may seem a good idea, but this leads to drainage problems. The grass may eventually die off due to lack of sunlight filtering through the deck, but the remaining topsoil still drains water faster than if you dug out the entire area.

What kind of rock goes under deck?

Crushed Gravel Easily the most common option for use under decks as well as for most other outdoor applications, crushed gravel is widely available just about everywhere rock is sold. There are different types of gravel out there, but the term “crushed gravel” usually refers to pea gravel.

How much does it cost to build a 20x20 deck?

The average homeowner spends $2,200 to build a 10x10 foot deck, $6,160 to build a 14x20 deck, and $8,800 to build a 20x20 deck. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about $25 per square foot, for both materials and installation.

Can you lay decking on gravel?

If the area is not well drained, or if you simply want to give the timber deck frame something a bit more solid to sit on, place paving slabs at all of the corners and at intervals along the middle of the deck area. These can sit on top of the gravel base and will act as basic foundations for the frame.

Should I put a vapor barrier under my deck?

Do not install a vapor barrier beneath the deck. Water vapor from the soil can cause severe cupping of the decking. The underside of the decking boards readily absorb moisture that evaporates from the soil.

How do you clean under a low deck?

To prevent the mold, mildew and algae from returning, all you have to do is spray the underside of the deck with an oxygen bleach solution two or three times a season and rinse. If you periodically apply the oxygen bleach so that you don't get heavy deposits, you'll never have to scrub again!

How do you lay ground level decking?

Building A Ground Level Step-By-Step
  1. Step 2: What Type of Material Will You Use?
  2. Step 3: Consider Ground Level Deck Ventilation.
  3. Step 4: Plan the Foundation and Leveling.
  4. Step 5: Lay the Beams.
  5. Step 6: Attach Anchors / Joists.
  6. Step 7: Attach Inner Joists.
  7. Step 8: Lay the Decking.
  8. Step 9: Trim the Edges.

Can I use deck pier blocks instead of footings?

Concrete Pier Blocks for Decks. A deck pier block is in many ways just a simplified version of a “precast foundation”, a foundation type recognized by building codes. They're subject to all of the same requirements as a typical footing, regardless of not being cast-in-place.

Does a freestanding deck need footings?

Free-Standing Deck Footings. It does require this when a deck is attached to a house, but if you're building a shed or a freestanding deck, you don't need frost footings. You only have to dig down to the mineral soil below the topsoil.