When you're building swimming pool decks, you want to create a fun, attractive and safe environment for people to enjoy. Whether the decks are being built for homes, hotels or apartment buildings, it is essential you start with proper pool deck designs. From there, you want to choose the right decking material and finish it off with the right equipment.

This may seem like an overwhelming project, especially if you've never installed pool decks before. But this guide will assist you in working with swimming pool decks by helping you:

1. Get tips on proper swimming pool deck design and construction.

2. Find the right material for your swimming pool deck.

3. Make the pool deck a safe and fun place to spend time.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Build wooden swimming pool decks

Designing and building a pool deck can be a tricky project, but doing it yourself can also save you a great deal of money. The project is not for a novice, but if you have the right design and the right team of builders in your crew, it is a project that can be completed without prior deck construction experience.

I recommend: Hearst Communications provides detailed instructions on designing and building a pool deck. Take extra note of the time-saving tips. Create Your Deck Blog discusses techniques, deck extras and codes.

Consider alternatives to wooden swimming pool decks

One of the fastest growing trends in pool decking is to install decorative concrete pool decks. Colored concrete decks create a warm, inviting, safe surface that will draw focus to the pool area. As a bonus, concrete decks are often less expensive than wood or stone decks. However, stone decking also has great advantages. It is low maintenance, stays cool to the touch and is non-skid.

I recommend: ConcreteNetwork.com is an excellent resource for information about concrete swimming pool decks. You can learn about pool deck designs, compare surface materials and get an understanding of what maintenance is required. For information on stone pool decks, check out Olympic Stone and Marble. The website explains the production, installation and maintenance of stone decks.

Add equipment to pool decks

No large below or above ground pool deck is complete without equipment such as diving boards, deck drains and life guard chairs. If you have the space, you may also want to add to the fun with pool deck mounted games such as basketball and volleyball.

I recommend: For ideas on what equipment you may want to include on below or above ground pool decking, take a look at Aquamasters USA. The company's selection includes chairs, ladders and games. Fitness Equipment & Health discusses the need to properly secure safety equipment on a swimming pool deck. You can also link to several other articles about swimming pools and decks.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The trees and landscaping around a below or above ground pool decks play a big role in the enjoyment of the decks. Before you start construction, be sure to figure out what part of the decks will be in the shade and sun for the majority of the day.

Swimming pool decks offer your customers a place to relax when they are out of the water. Offering in ground and above ground pool decking will allow your business to service anyone with a swimming pool. Being flexible with your swimming pool deck designs allows you to accommodate the individual preferences of anyone looking to add a swimming pool deck to their landscaping.

Stocking different types of pool decking materials will make it easy for your customers to visualize their space and pick a material that works in that area. Some customers may want a wood swimming pool deck. Others may want to use concrete or resin materials. Remember these suggestions when you order decking supplies:

1. Use swimming pool deck plans to help your customers design a deck that is right for them.

2. Stock supplies to help customers who are building a pool deck.

3. Upsell each sale by offering custom additions to any swimming pool deck.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Show your customers swimming pool deck designs

Your customers will need to design their pool deck before they are able to build it. Having plans for swimming pool decks on hand will make it easy for you to help your customers find the perfect deck to suit their needs. Make sure that you stock plans for above ground pool decks and in ground swimming pool decks. You can consider purchasing design software to help you design a deck for your customers when premade plans don't fit their needs.

I recommend: Custom Deck Plans has free basic swimming pool deck plans that you can print out to show customers. They also have some custom deck plans that you can purchase for immediate download or you can opt to have them mailed to you. Big Hammer offers a program to help you design customized decks to suit any customer. You can choose an instant download or you can have a CD mailed to you.

Supply pool decking supplies

Once your customer has decided on a swimming pool deck design, it is up to you to supply them with the items they will need to complete the design. If your customers want to install a pool deck that is ornate, you may want to consider a local contractor to help them complete the project.

I recommend: National Pool Wholesalers has basic kits for above ground swimming pool decks. The kits are at a discounted wholesale price. BuildDirect offers complete kits or lumber for swimming pool decks. You can email them your customer's deck plans and they will figure out the amount of lumber you will need or you can order online if you know how much lumber you need.

Use additions to create custom swimming pool decks

Once your customers have installed the basic deck, they can make additions to make their deck unique. Offering an assortment of lighting, planters and other deck accessories can help them to do this. Railings and balusters add style to decks and they add a little safety to the deck.

I recommend: GazeboCreations.com sells custom-made cabanas that your customer can use to enhance their swimming pool deck and provide a place to get out of the sun. They also have a variety of bridges and other items to improve the deck area. Deck Depot has swimming pool deck balusters and matching pool-decking tiles. They also have a wide assortment of deck lighting and other accent pieces.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Offer your customers locks to secure any gate that they have leading to the swimming pool deck to help keep children and pets safe.

Both in-ground and above-ground swimming pool decks have come a long way over the years, with plain concrete and simple treated wood giving way to options that include an array of beautiful textures, designs, colors and styles.

Because Americans love their pools, and virtually every pool needs a deck, starting a career in swimming pool decks is a move with much potential. However, before you dive in you need to get your feet wet with some swimming pool decks education and training. It's important to consider the following:

1. Above-ground pool decks have become hugely popular because of the outdoor living space they create. These decks typically are built with wood.

2. There are seemingly infinite possibilities for in-ground swimming pool decks. Know the options as far as colors, textures and materials.

3. Swimming pool deck restoration, resurfacing and remodeling is a huge business that could be a viable add-on to yours.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn how to build above-ground swimming pool decks

Above-ground swimming pools have gained popularity over the years--with an estimated 200,000 sold annually--because they are affordable, easy to install and require little maintenance compared to their in-ground counterparts. Above-ground pool decks--though not required--provide a sturdy 'frame' for the pool and create a place to sunbathe, dine or simply enjoy the great outdoors. Wood is the predominant choice for above-ground pool decks because you can build off the ground with it.

I recommend: For above-ground swimming pool deck plans, consider the instructional step-by-step CD offered at Decks USA. Virginia Decking and Remodeling also has some nice pool deck designs for above-ground pools. And if you'd like to try your hand at actually designing your own above-ground pool decking, you can download a free, fully functional trial version of DesignCAD software at Upperspace.

Make it your job to have a complete understanding of the options for in-ground swimming pool decks

In-ground swimming pool decks are an important part of the entire pool 'package' because they often get used more than the swimming pool itself. You not only need to know how to design and plan an in-ground swimming pool deck, but you also need to know which materials are best in which situations and how to install them correctly.

I recommend: An insightful list of swimming pool deck location and layout considerations is available at Concrete Pool Decks. Visit Concrete Network to download a free informational catalog that outlines a variety of design options, color choices and patterns when concrete is your material of choice. Brick and stone pavers are another popular option. Tile Tech Pavers offers an educational article on their many features and benefits.

Consider making swimming pool deck restoration, resurfacing and remodeling part of your business

Because of their exposure to harsh chemicals, the sun and mother nature in general, pool decks typically have a limited lifespan. Learning to restore above-ground wood pool decks and resurface or remodel in-ground concrete pool decks is a great way to generate additional business for your company.

I recommend: A step-by-step guide to cleaning and restoring wood decks is available at Log Home Store. If your remodeling job involves installing pavers over an existing in-ground pool deck, read the "how to" at Park Avenue Pavers. If stamped or decorative concrete is chosen for the remodeling job, Bob Harris Guides offers instructional books, DVDs and other training materials on the subject.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Never sacrifice safety in the name of appearance on a pool deck. Using slip-resistant concrete to prevent falls and installing safety gates to prevent accidental drowning are the two most important considerations.