There are plenty of ways you can convert an old inground pool, such as building decking over the old pool, turn the empty pool into kids playing space, or turn the old swimming pool into a skateboard park. The first solution that comes to the minds of many is demolishing and filling up the pool.
If your pool has outlived its usefulness and it would cost more to repair than you can afford, you can cover it. Building a deck over a pool presents a challenge similar to any raised deck, so be prepared for hard work, sore muscles and a great sense of accomplishment.
Chances are, if you're installing a new pool, you'll likely want a beautiful new deck to accompany your latest backyard acquisition. However, designing a deck for an above-ground pool is a little different than designing a deck that exists off the side of your home or patio.
On average, building a pool deck costs around $5,000. Most homeowners pay between $3,000 and $12,000 for this project. Where you fall on that range depends on the materials you choose, the size of the patio, and the difficulty of the terrain. A simple wood deck for an above-ground pool may only need a $3,000 budget.
When it comes to maintenance, timber decking can also be a low cost and easy option. Plus, if the landscaping around your swimming or plunge pool has extra room for entertaining or dining, then decking is a comfortable option underfoot, and will break a slippery fall much more softly than tiles or stone.
The cost to build a deck around an above-ground pool is $15 to $30 per square foot depending upon the design and materials used. The deck alone can range from $2,800 to more than $10,000 installed, or buy a small deck system/kit that's easy to put up as a DIY project for $800 to $3,000.
Most deckovers cost between $10,000 and $12,000, or $20 to $30 per square foot, and can vary depending on factors such as engineering requirements, various asthetic considerations and optional features.
Decks should not attach to the above ground pool. Instead, place the deck next to the pool and maintain a gap of no more than ¾ inch.
Rosie recommends that you cover your unused pool with a deck made from a composite material. Composite is a wood-polymer lumber made from wood waste mixed with reclaimed plastic from shopping bags and plastic film.
Remove any top decking concrete walkways, coping tiles and any other concrete around the pool that you don't want anymore. Toss it into the pool over the holes you have made. Cover the old cement with a layer of crushed rock. Then cover this with a layer of sand, or just fill it up the rest of the way with dirt.
The Problem With An Empty Pool
When that amount of weight and pressure is removed from the structure, the pool can actually pop out of the ground due to ground pressure forcing it up. This can compromise its structural integrity, damaging the walls, floor, liners, and even the deck itself.
It creates a slip-resistant, waterproof coating that resists cracking and peeling. It's available in 54 solid custom colors, and is great for decks, patios, composite decks, pool decks and walkways. DO NOT USE ON DRIVABLE SURFACE SUCH AS GARAGE FLOORS AND DRIVEWAYS.
DO NOT THIN PRODUCT. For nail holes and cracks up to 1/4", completely fill in with DeckOver coating using a nylon/polyester brush and allow to dry prior to rolling.
Wait 24-48 hours before light foot traffic. 72 hours to full cure. Additional dry time may be needed in cooler temperatures and higher humidity.
2018. A high-quality above ground pool from Valley Pool & Spa should last between 10 and 20 years depending on how well you care for it. However, your pool liner will not last as long as your pool. Contact a pool expert at our store to see if you need a new liner before you decide to replace your entire pool.
An above-ground pool is, by far, the least expensive option for a pool. Kids love them, and built-in fencing and locking gate options make them safe. The main disadvantage of an above-ground pool is that it generally adds no value to your home.
The national average to install a pool deck made of concrete around a 12 x 24 foot in-ground pool, including ground leveling, runs from $6,750 to $8,000 with most people paying around $7,500. On the low end, the cost to install a wood deck to an area around the pool that is already leveled averages $3,000.
A good rule of thumb is for a deck's square footage to be at least the same as your pool's square footage. To illustrate with a simple example, say a rectangle pool is 15 feet wide by 30 feet long. With a 450-square-foot pool, the deck should also be at least 450 square feet.
Poured concrete has been the material of choice for pool decking for decades because it's durable and water-resistant. When finished with a brushed surface, poured concrete allows swimmers to walk barefooted without the risk of slipping.
One of the coolest options for pool deck surfaces are textured acrylic coatings. A coating that's made of concrete and acrylic will absorb less heat than other materials. Texture also makes the surface feel cooler to the touch because when a person walks on it, their bare feet are exposed to less surface area.