You’ve finally done it. The pool is sitting in the backyard, blue and inviting. But there's a problem. Getting into it involves a shaky A-frame ladder that feels like a fitness test, and there is nowhere to put your drink. You need a deck. Honestly, the above ground pool decks cost is usually the biggest "sticker shock" moment for new pool owners because the deck often costs more than the actual pool.
I’ve seen people drop $3,000 on a high-end resin pool and then realize the wrap-around wood deck they dreamed of is going to run them $12,000. It’s a gut punch.
In 2026, the market has shifted a bit. Lumber prices have stabilized from the insanity of a few years ago, but labor is still at an all-time premium. Basically, if you want someone else to swing the hammer, you’re paying for it. Let's break down what you are actually looking at spending so you don't end up with a half-finished frame and a very sad summer.
The real numbers for 2026
Most homeowners are going to land somewhere between $3,000 and $12,000 for a functional deck. If you want a tiny 6x6 "splash pad" just to hold the ladder and a towel, you might get away with $2,500. But the "resort style" full-surround decks? Those are easily $15,000 to $25,000 now.
Square footage is the primary driver. You’re typically looking at $25 to $55 per square foot for a professionally installed wood deck. If you jump to composite, like Trex or TimberTech, that number can soar to $60 or $95 per square foot.
It’s expensive.
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Why the gap? It’s not just the boards. You’ve got to factor in the substructure—the posts, the joists, and the concrete footings. Above ground pools are tall. Building a deck 4 or 5 feet off the ground requires more bracing and safety features than a low-profile patio deck.
Material choices: The "cheap" trap
Pressure-treated pine is the go-to for a reason. It is the cheapest entry point, often costing $25 to $40 per square foot installed. It looks great for exactly one summer.
After that, the maintenance starts.
Water splashes out of the pool constantly. Wood absorbs that water, swells, then shrinks in the sun. This leads to splinters. Nobody wants a splinter in their foot while they're trying to do a cannonball. You have to seal it, stain it, and baby it every single year.
If you have the budget, composite is the hero here. It doesn't rot. It doesn't splinter. In 2026, many "cool-touch" PVC options are available that don't burn your feet in July. You’ll pay double upfront, but you’ll never spend a Saturday morning on your hands and knees with a paintbrush.
Above ground pool decks cost: Factors that blow the budget
It’s never just the deck. There are these "sneaky" costs that people forget to calculate until the contractor sends the final invoice.
The ground matters.
If your backyard looks like a topographical map of the Andes, you're in trouble. Leveling the ground or dealing with rocky soil can add $500 to $2,000 in site prep before a single board is laid.
Safety isn't free.
Building codes for pools are strict. You need "pool-rated" railings that kids can't climb. You need self-closing, self-latching gates. These specialized hardware pieces and high-density railings can add $1,000 to $2,500 to the total project cost.
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Permits and Red Tape.
Don't skip the permit. In 2026, local municipalities are cracking down on unpermitted pool structures for insurance reasons. A permit might only be $200, but if you're caught without one, the fines and the cost to "fix" things to code will hurt.
DIY vs. Professional: Can you save?
Labor usually makes up about 50% to 60% of the total cost. If a pro quotes you $10,000, roughly $5,000 of that is their time, expertise, and tools.
Building a pool deck is not a "beginner" DIY project. You’re dealing with heights and water. If the deck isn't perfectly level with the pool rim, it looks terrible. If the footings aren't deep enough, the winter frost will heave the deck and potentially crush the side of your pool.
If you are handy, you can save thousands. But for most, paying a pro is "insurance" against a catastrophic backyard failure.
Small details that add up
- Lighting: LED post-cap lights are roughly $30 to $100 per fixture. They look amazing at night but add up fast.
- Stairs: A standard set of stairs is included, but wide, wraparound stairs can add $1,500 in extra lumber and labor.
- Winterizing: If you live in a snowy climate, your deck needs to handle the weight of the snow and the pool cover tension.
One thing people sorta forget is the "skirting." Leaving the underside of the deck open is cheap, but it looks unfinished and becomes a hotel for groundhogs. Lattice or matching wood skirting to hide the pool's metal frame will add another $500 to $1,200.
How to actually save money
If the numbers are scaring you, don't give up on the dream. You can be smart about it.
Start with a "side deck" instead of a full wrap. A 10x12 platform on one side of the pool gives you plenty of space for chairs and a ladder entrance without the massive material cost of circling the whole diameter. You can always add more sections later as your budget allows.
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Buy your materials in the "off-season." In late autumn, some lumber yards or big-box stores look to clear out inventory.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Measure your pool's height and diameter. Contractors need these two numbers before they can even give you a ballpark.
- Check your local code. Call your city hall and ask what the "pool barrier" requirements are. This determines your railing height.
- Get three quotes. Never settle for the first one. Pricing for labor varies wildly between small local handymen and large decking companies.
- Pick your material first. Decide now if you are a "wood-and-maintenance" person or a "composite-and-convenience" person. It changes the budget by thousands.
Buying the pool was the easy part. Building the deck is where the backyard actually becomes a home. Plan for the high end of the budget so you aren't surprised, and you'll be lounging with a cold drink by June.