18 Small Pool Deck Ideas
When you have a small pool, a small pool deck is enough. But what does that look like?
It’s not just a matter of shrinking the dimensions of a larger patio around a bigger pool.
You have to think about the best small pool deck ideas that will work for your backyard.
A small pool deck can be a great addition to a yard with a small pool. It helps you enjoy your pool more and can make your pool safer.
When you’re ready to build a small pool deck, here are some pool deck ideas for your small yard.
1. Go with a sun deck
If you have a small backyard and want to add a pool, a sun deck is a great way to get the look of a pool without taking up too much space.
Sun decks are typically elevated and can be built with a variety of materials.
They can also be built to be the same size as your pool or as a place to lounge around the pool.
2. Install a safety cover
A safety cover is a large cover that stretches over the pool and the pool deck. It is often made of mesh or a solid material.
The cover is installed on the pool deck when the pool is not in use. Safety covers are a great way to keep leaves, dirt, and other debris out of the pool.
They are also a good way to prevent children and pets from falling into the pool. Safety covers can be manual or automatic.
Manual safety covers are less expensive than automatic safety covers, but they are also more difficult to install and remove.
3. Build a removable or retractable fence
If you’re looking for a way to add safety to your small pool deck area without taking up a lot of space, consider building a removable or retractable fence.
This is a great way to add extra layers of protection to your pool area without having to worry about it taking up too much space.
Removable and retractable fences can be installed and taken down as needed, so you can easily remove them when you have guests over or when you’re not using the pool.
This is a great way to add flexibility to your small pool deck area.
4. Create a seamless look with a small pool deck
If you have a small pool, you may be wondering how to make your pool deck work with the limited space you have.
A great way to create a seamless look is to use the same material for the deck and the pool coping.
In this pool deck design, the same stone is used for the deck and the coping. This creates a cohesive look and makes the space feel larger.
The stone is also used as a pathway around the pool, which creates a nice flow from the deck to the rest of the backyard.
Choosing a material that can be used for multiple purposes is a great way to get the most out of your small pool deck.
5. Use pavers to add a touch of elegance
Pavers are a type of hardscaping material that are similar to brick, but they’re usually a little bit larger and come in a wider variety of colors.
Pavers are a great choice for pool decks because they are extremely durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
They’re also easy to replace if one gets damaged.
Pavers are typically installed using a sand base, which makes them a great option for uneven or sloped ground.
You can use pavers to create a simple, geometric pool deck design, or you can get creative and use them to add a touch of elegance to your space.
In this pool deck design, the pavers are used to create a beautiful, intricate pattern that really makes the space pop.
6. Mix and match materials to create a unique look
Mixing and matching materials is a great way to add visual interest to your pool deck, especially if you have a small space to work with.
You can use different materials to create separate zones, or simply use them to add a unique border around the pool.
In this example, the pool deck features a mix of concrete, brick, and stone pavers.
The concrete pool deck is bordered by a band of red brick pavers, which helps to define the space and add a pop of color.
The stone pavers are used to create a separate patio area, which is a great way to add extra seating and lounging space to your pool deck.
7. Add a few steps to your small pool deck
A small pool deck doesn’t have to be completely level with the pool. In fact, adding a few steps can create a more defined space for your deck.
In this design, the pool deck features a raised section with a few steps leading up to it.
This helps to create a more defined space for the pool deck and adds visual interest to the design.
The raised section of the deck is the perfect place to add a few lounge chairs or a small table and chairs, creating a separate seating area for the pool.
8. Use a variety of shapes to create visual interest
When you’re working with a small pool deck, it’s important to make the most of every square inch.
And one way to do that is to use a variety of shapes to create visual interest.
In this small pool deck design, the deck is broken up into several different sections, each with its own unique shape.
This helps to break up the space and make it feel larger than it actually is.
9. Add a small pool deck with a fire pit
If you have the space, adding a fire pit to your pool deck can make the area a cozy and inviting spot to spend time with family and friends.
This small pool deck features a built-in fire pit and wraparound bench seating, giving everyone plenty of space to relax.
The deck is made of low-maintenance composite decking with a dark border to define the shape of the deck and pool.
10. Create a cozy outdoor living space
If your deck is big enough, you can use it to create a cozy outdoor living space.
Add a few comfortable outdoor chairs and a table, and you’ve got the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view.
To make your outdoor living space feel even more inviting, consider adding a few extra touches,
like an outdoor rug, some throw pillows, and a few potted plants.
You can also use string lights or outdoor lanterns to add some soft lighting to the space.
If you want to add some shade to your outdoor living space, consider installing a pergola. You can even grow some climbing plants on it to create a natural canopy.
11. Use a small pool deck to create a modern look
If you’re looking to create a modern look in your backyard, a small pool deck is a great way to accomplish that.
This pool deck is made of concrete and has a sleek and simple design that complements the modern architecture of the home.
The pool deck is surrounded by a low concrete wall, which gives it a clean and finished look.
The wall also provides a bit of privacy and helps to define the space.
12. Add a small pool deck to create a tropical oasis
Even if you live in a landlocked state, you can create a tropical oasis in your backyard with a small pool deck.
Choose a deck material like ipe or composite decking that’s resistant to moisture and insects.
Then, add tropical plants and palm trees around your pool to create a lush, relaxing space.
Top your pool deck off with a pergola to provide some shade and add a tropical feel to your space.
You can even add outdoor curtains to your pergola to create your own private oasis.
13. Create a small pool deck with a water feature
If you want to add a little something extra to your small pool deck, consider adding a water feature.
A small fountain or waterfall can add a relaxing and soothing element to your pool area.
You can also add a water feature to your small pool to help create a focal point for your deck.
This is a great way to give your pool area a more upscale and luxurious look.
14. Use a small pool deck to create a unique look
If you want to make your small pool area stand out, use the deck to create a unique shape.
You can use the deck to create a circle, oval, or any other shape you want. This is a great way to add visual interest to your pool area.
The small deck in the image above is a freeform shape that follows the contour of the pool.
The deck is made of composite decking, which is a low-maintenance, durable option.
The deck is wide enough to fit a couple of lounge chairs, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the pool.
15. Add a small pool deck to create a modern look
If you want to give your backyard a modern look, a small pool deck is the way to go.
Small pool decks can be used to create a seamless outdoor living space and can even be used to connect your pool to your home.
This small pool deck features a modern design with clean lines and a neutral color palette.
The decking material is the same as the material used on the home’s exterior, creating a cohesive look.
The small pool deck is the perfect place to set up an outdoor dining area or a few lounge chairs.
If you want to create a modern look in your backyard, consider adding a small pool deck to your pool design.
16. Create a small pool deck with a water feature
Another great way to maximize space is to build your pool deck around a water feature. This can be a small waterfall or a fountain that spills into the pool.
Not only does this add a touch of luxury to your pool area, but it also allows you to create a seamless transition between the pool deck and the water.
17. Use a small pool deck to create a unique look
If you have a small pool, you can use your pool deck to create a unique look.
There are so many different materials and designs to choose from that you can truly make your pool deck your own.
In this example, the homeowner chose to use a light wood pool deck, which contrasts beautifully with the dark blue water.
They also used the same wood on the pool’s retaining wall to create a cohesive look.
18. Add a small pool deck to create a modern look
A small pool deck can provide a modern look to your pool area. You can choose a deck that complements the color of your pool or go with a contrasting color.
This small pool deck features a wood look that contrasts with the blue pool. The deck is just a few inches above the pool and provides a place to sit and relax.
Conclusion
A small pool deck plan will accommodate just a couple of chairs with a coffee table or some pool toys like rafts and floats, while bigger plans will have room for several chairs, maybe a few chaise lounges, a small table, or even a tanning shelf.
When considering a small pool deck, it’s best to start with a design that will help you save on costs. You don’t want to blow your budget on the deck and then realize you don’t have enough left over for the pool. Remember, it’s possible to build an above ground pool deck that’s durable and beautiful for half the cost of a built-in pool!
