About Us
Pool Deck Ideas is an independent guide to planning, building and maintaining the surface around a swimming pool. We cover the decisions homeowners actually get stuck on: which material stays cool underfoot, what a deck really costs per square foot, how far a deck must sit from an above ground pool wall, and which codes apply to railings, gates, stairs and lighting.
Why this site exists
Most pool deck advice online is either a gallery of pretty photos with no numbers, or a contractor landing page that wants your phone number. We wanted one place that puts the numbers first: installed cost ranges, joist spans, footing depths, slip ratings and surface temperatures, explained in plain English so you can talk to a contractor as an informed buyer.
What we cover
- Materials and pavers: travertine, concrete pavers, stamped concrete, composite, aluminum and coatings compared on heat, grip, durability and price.
- Costs and budget: per-square-foot ranges, hidden line items and how to compare bids.
- Design and layouts: above ground, semi inground and inground deck layouts for small and large yards.
- DIY and maintenance: sealing, crack repair, resurfacing and drainage.
- Safety and codes: barriers, gates, railings, stairs, ladders and lighting rules.
Who writes it
Guides are published under the editorial name Dave Hendrick, the pen name of our small independent editorial team. We are homeowners and researchers, not licensed contractors, and we say so up front. What we bring is the legwork: reading the code books, manufacturer data sheets and installation manuals so you do not have to, then turning them into clear numbers and plain-English steps.
Because we are not on your job site, every guide points you to the person who has the final say on structural, electrical and safety details: your local building department or a licensed professional.
How we put a guide together
Every guide starts from primary sources: manufacturer installation instructions and data sheets, the International Residential Code and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, the National Electrical Code for lighting, and published cost data. Cost ranges are national ballpark figures and are reviewed when prices move. You can read the full process on our editorial guidelines page.
What we are not
We are not a contractor and we do not sell installation services. Local codes and soil conditions vary, so always confirm structural and electrical details with your local building department or a licensed professional before you build.
Get in touch
Spotted an error, or have a question we have not answered yet? Email us at hello@pooldeckideas.blog or use our contact page.