The popularity of above ground pools continues to rise, especially for homeowners looking to balance style and function on a budget. With DIY trends booming and outdoor spaces gaining new relevance post-2020, pool decks are no longer just practical additions—they’re personal statements. Whether you have a compact back porch, a sloped yard, or a large property, 2025 brings exciting, creative options. Below, we explore 10 fresh and functional ideas tailored to diverse homes and lifestyles.
1.Multi-Level Deck for a Sloped Yard with Intex Pool
If you have a sloped yard, don’t fight it—embrace it with a multi-level deck design. This layout works particularly well with Intex above ground pools and gives your space dimension, perfect for lounging on upper tiers while kids splash below. Build with a budget pallets or pressure-treated wood, and consider including built-in stairs that curve with the grade. This type of deck transforms a tough space into a layered outdoor retreat.
2.DIY Rectangle Deck for Small Yards
A rectangle small yards layout can still offer poolside magic with a simple DIY platform deck. Ideal for modest suburban lots, this straightforward rectangle design maximizes usability without overwhelming your outdoor space. Use composite decking for durability, and add a few built-in benches or planter boxes for style. If your pool is rectangular, this deck feels custom-fit and adds sleek modern appeal.
3.Round Deck Attached to House with Privacy Fence
A round attached to house pool can feel cohesive and cozy with a full-surround deck that’s attached to house. Add a privacy fence around the perimeter to carve out a serene retreat just steps from your backdoor. This design works especially well for families who entertain, and it also helps with safety and noise control. Choose neutral decking tones to blend with your home’s exterior.
4.Cheap Oval Deck with Bar Seating
Looking to entertain on a budget? Try a cheap yet stylish oval deck design with a swim-up bar element. Use stained budget pallets or reclaimed lumber to craft a surround deck that includes a countertop bar area and high stools for easy outdoor entertaining. This is a favorite for homes that host summer parties or casual weekend gatherings. Functional and festive, all without breaking the bank.
5.Semi-Wraparound Deck at Back of House
A semi wraparound deck on the back of house is a smart compromise between full luxury and functional form. It offers lounging areas, steps, and possibly a few planters without fully enclosing the pool. This setup blends into your existing landscape without dominating it, and it’s perfect for families who want more movement around the pool without going all-in on materials or cost.
6.Rectangular Pool Deck Connected to Outdoor Kitchen
If you’ve installed an outdoor kitchen, connect it seamlessly to your rectangular pool deck. This creates the ultimate outdoor living zone—grill while guests swim or dine poolside under string lights. A connected to house design boosts accessibility, and the layout is especially useful for evening entertaining. Opt for modern materials like composite or stone-look tiles to elevate the space.
7.Round Deck Built on a Hill
Building on a hill can be a challenge, but a round deck that hugs your above ground pool and follows the natural slope creates a unique focal point. Use terraced platforms for safety and access, and include railing along the elevated portions. This setup allows you to maximize views while still enjoying a pool. It’s a creative way to make your terrain work for you.
8.Attached to House Multi-Level Rectangle Design
For larger families or avid entertainers, an attached to house multi-level rectangle design offers the best of all worlds. Each level can serve a purpose: one for dining, one for sunbathing, another for direct pool access. This approach feels like a natural extension of your house and helps divide zones for kids and adults. Think of it as an outdoor living room with water.
9.DIY Cheap Bar Deck for Intex Pools
If you’ve got an Intex pool and love projects, go full DIY with a cheap bar deck. Use simple lumber and creative designs to add personality—like built-in ice chests, stools, or string lighting. This setup is great for young couples or anyone upgrading their backyard without major construction. Keep the structure light and modular so it’s easy to disassemble when needed.
10.Back Porch Extension Deck for Rectangle Design
Sometimes the best layout is simply extending your back porch toward a rectangle pool. This classic idea works especially well if your pool is connected to house and you already have a solid deck base. Just expand outward using the same material, and add a few railings, steps, and umbrellas for shade. It feels like your home just got a sun-kissed bonus room.
11.Raised Rectangle Deck with Sunken Lounge Area
For those who love modern layouts, a raised rectangle deck with a sunken seating area beside the pool adds resort-level polish. This is ideal for large backyards where you want distinct zones—swim, sunbathe, relax. Use composite decking with built-in LED lighting to keep it sleek. The sunken space doubles as a wind shelter and conversation pit, making the whole deck feel intentional and luxurious even on a budget.
12.Intex Pool Deck Framed by A Budget Pergola
A charming way to enhance your Intex pool is by surrounding it with a simple wood deck and topping it with a DIY, a budget pergola. This combo brings shade and style without the cost of a full pavilion. Add hanging plants or outdoor curtains for privacy, and you’ve created a little oasis. Great for round or rectangle pools in mid-sized yards where form meets function.
13.Compact Oval Deck for Rectangle Small Yards
If you have limited space, a compact oval deck wrapping around a circular or elliptical pool works wonders in a rectangle small yards setting. This hybrid look breaks the boxy feel of narrow backyards, while still allowing easy access to the water. Add a few modular chairs or a hammock to create a cozy, inviting nook. Think curves inside clean lines.
14.Modern Bar Deck Attached to House with Grill Station
Blend convenience and hosting power by designing a bar deck that’s directly attached to house and features a small grilling area. This layout works especially well in homes where the kitchen opens to the backyard. Combine prep space, bar stools, and a compact above ground pool into one social zone. Perfect for tailgate parties or summer nights with friends on a budget.
15.Round Deck with Tiered Planters and Privacy Fence
Take your round with privacy fence setup to the next level by adding tiered planters around the perimeter. These wood or stone boxes soften the fence line and bring vibrant greenery to your pool area. Great for homes where nature and privacy matter equally. This idea turns your deck into a layered garden that happens to have a pool in the middle.
16.DIY Semi Deck Overlooking A Hill
If your backyard faces a hill, use that elevation to your advantage with a DIY semi deck that overlooks the slope. Build the deck flush on the flat side and use railings on the elevated edge for safety. This is an excellent choice for mountain or hillside homes that want a pool but can’t do major excavation. Add lanterns or fairy lights for cozy evening dips.
17.Back of House Rectangle Deck with Covered Section
For maximum utility, build a rectangle deck off the back of house and include a covered portion with a canopy or permanent roof. This shaded area can host an outdoor sofa, snack bar, or even a daybed. The uncovered portion remains open for swimmers and loungers. This layout creates year-round usability and blends indoor-outdoor living seamlessly.
18.Oval Deck with Built-In Storage Benches
An oval deck wrapping around your pool with built-in benches that double as storage solves two common outdoor challenges: seating and clutter. Store towels, pool toys, or garden gear underneath while keeping your area sleek and organized. It’s a smart upgrade for homes where every inch counts, and it’s also great for parents who want to keep the yard tidy.
19.Round Deck with Glass Panel Railing
Elevate your round pool’s look with a modern deck featuring glass panel railings instead of wood or metal balusters. This offers safety without blocking the view—especially valuable in scenic yards. Use gray composite boards for a contemporary finish. This design is trending in 2025 for homeowners looking to blend sleek minimalism with summer functionality.
20.Attached to House Deck with Outdoor Shower
Upgrade your attached to house pool setup with an integrated outdoor shower station. Install it near the steps of your deck using reclaimed wood or corrugated metal for a rustic-modern mix. It’s a practical feature that also adds that vacation vibe. Especially useful for large families or anyone who hosts often. This detail is appreciated more than expected.
21.Sloped Yard Multi-Level Deck with Walkway Bridge
Transform a sloped yard challenge into a statement piece by designing an attached to house multi level deck. Begin at the back door and let the levels step down gracefully to meet the pool. A walkway bridge or floating steps between the house and pool adds a dramatic, architectural feel. It’s a smart way to blend terrain and function, especially if you’re trying to avoid major land reshaping while still keeping the deck connected to house.
22.Back Porch Rectangle Deck with Pergola and Hammocks
Extend your back porch into a breezy rectangle deck that surrounds an above ground pool and features a pergola draped with soft hammocks. Ideal for lazy summer days, this design merges pool lounging with porch living. It’s best suited for modest homes with a straight-line backyard layout and can be built on a budget using a budget pallets for the frame and floor. This layout works well for both rectangle small yards and deeper plots.
A well-designed pool deck can transform a simple above ground pool into an inviting backyard destination. Whether you’re working with a budget, an unusual lot shape like a hill, or you’re adding features like an outdoor kitchen, there’s a perfect idea waiting for you in 2025. If any of these inspired you, or if you’ve created something unique yourself, share it in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on the future of poolside living.
