Above Ground Pool And Deck Installation Cost: Breaking It Down
When you’re considering adding an above ground pool with a deck to your backyard, it’s important to understand the potential costs involved. Read our post with everything you need to know about potential costs, and we share our above ground pool and deck installation cost.
The average expense for an above ground pool itself can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the size, brand, and materials. But that’s just the beginning. We also need to factor in the cost of pool supplies, tools, and the highest potential cost: the pool deck.
Deck installations vary widely in price due to the choice of materials, such as pressure-treated wood, composite, or even aluminum decking options. Moreover, the design complexity, size, and additional features like built-in seating or railings will affect the overall price tag. A basic deck might start at around $1,000, whereas a more elaborate setup could easily cost several times that amount.
Additionally, if you’re considering hiring a contractor for any or all of the installation process, you’re looking at a much higher price tag with labor costs.
That doesn’t mean it isn’t doable on a budget, though! We installed an above ground pool and a deck in our backyard last summer, and while it wasn’t inexpensive, we were able to cut costs by doing all of the work ourselves.
Jump to our above ground pool and deck installation cost breakdown >
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Understanding Installation Costs
When you consider putting in an above ground pool with a deck, you’ve got to think about the cash you’ll need to splash out. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of doing it yourself versus getting pros to handle the job.
DIY Installation Costs
If you decide to take the DIY route, you’re looking at various expenses. Primarily, the cost hinges on the size and type of pool, alongside the decking materials you choose. For an above ground pool, you might spend between $1,500 to $4,500. This range considers the pool itself, any necessary tools, and supplies.
Now, if we’re talking decks, wood and composite materials vary quite a bit. The price can also significantly vary depending on whether you opt for a simple platform or go all out with a custom wraparound. Here’s a rough breakdown of potential DIY deck costs:
- Materials: $15 to $30 per square foot for wood, higher for composites
- Tools: Varies, but renting can save you some cash if you don’t have what’s needed
- Permits: Typically a few hundred dollars, depending on local regulations
Remember, you’ll need to factor in any extra accessories or features you want. Plus, you can’t forget about the value of our own time!
Professional Installation Estimates
Now, if you’re not the handy type or just prefer someone else to handle the heavy lifting, getting professional installation is probably the best option. Installing a pool and building a pool deck is absolutely a great DIY project- but neither are “easy!”
Read our posts on: How To Install An Above Ground Pool and Installing an Above Ground Pool Deck: Step By Step.
For the pool installation, you’re probably looking at about $4,000 to $12,000 when you hire a pro. This will take into account labor and additional materials. As for the deck, hiring out could set you back an additional $5,000 to $20,000, again dependent on materials and design complexity.
Before starting our pool deck project, we considered hiring the work out. We got a few estimates, and the average came in just around $20,000. This was above our budget, but, we wanted a large pool with composite decking. This is on the high end- a much smaller, wood deck would be closer to the $5,000 range.
Keep in mind that where you are located has a huge impact on cost of materials and labor. We moved from Washington state to Georgia a couple years ago, and have found that the same work done in Washington carries a slightly higher price tag than work done here in Georgia.
It’s smart to get quotes from multiple contractors to compare. You might be tempted to jump on the cheapest option, but it’s super important to consider the reputation and the quality of work the contractor brings to the table.
Personally, we always check with local Facebook community groups to see who people in our area have worked with, and get personal recommendations. This has worked well for us, as most people are happy to pass on information of contractors who have done a great job on their own project.
Here’s a quick checklist when asking for quotes:
- Confirm that the quote includes all materials, labor, permits, and any cleanup fees.
- Check if they’re insured and licensed for the work they’re doing.
- Ask how long the project will take and see if they stand by their estimated timeline.
By weighing DIY costs against professional estimates, you can make an informed decision that fits your budget and meets your expectations for creating your backyard oasis.
Material Considerations
When we talk about above ground pool and deck installation cost, the materials you choose will significantly impact the cost.
Choosing Pool Materials
Above ground pools come in a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, resin, and fiberglass. The choice here affects the longevity and maintenance as well as our budget. For example:
- Steel: Economical and durable, but prone to rust over time.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and rust-resistant but usually costlier than steel.
- Resin: Not affected by corrosion and has a long lifespan; however, it can be more expensive.
- Fiberglass: Highly durable and low maintenance but comes with a high initial cost.
We chose to go with an Intex Rectangular Pool from Amazon that measures 32ftx 16ftx 52in- its enormous. We’ve had 18ft diameter round pools in the past, and they’ve worked great. However, our family has grown (there are six of us!) and as our kids grow and want to have friends join them for pool parties, we wanted to make sure there was plenty of room!
We’ve been really happy with this option- its been put to good use!
Deck Material Options
When you’re picking material for our deck, you’ll need to decide between wood or composite substances. Here’s how they match up:
- Wood:
- Pros: Natural look, and can be less expensive.
- Cons: Requires regular maintenance like staining and replacing boards over time.
- Composite:
- Pros: Low maintenance and resistant to rot.
- Cons: Often more expensive upfront than wood.
You need to consider not just the initial material costs, but also the long-term maintenance expenses. Here’s a basic cost comparison (prices can vary by region):
| Material | Initial Cost | Maintenance Cost/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | $ Low | $$ Medium |
| Composite | $$$ High | $ Low |
It’s clear that the choices we make in materials for both our pool and deck will shape our overall installation cost and future upkeep.
Want to know more about composite vs wood for an above ground pool deck? Read our post all about the best material for an above ground pool deck here.
Budgeting for Your Project
When you’re planning to install an above ground pool with a deck, you need to consider several cost factors that will influence your budget. First, let’s look at the pool itself. The size and materials of the pool will be the primary cost drivers.
Pool Costs:
- Small to medium-sized pools: $1,000 – $3,000
- Large pools: $3,000 – $7,000
- Permanent hard metal sided pools are more expensive than steel frame soft sided pools: $3000 to $5000 cost difference
Next, let’s talk about decking. The decking provides not only a safe and comfortable area around our pool but also enhances the overall aesthetics. Decking materials can vary widely in price.
Decking Material Costs: (according to decks.com)
- Basic materials (pine, etc.): $25 – $43per square foot
- Premium materials (composite, etc.): $25 – $60 per square foot
*The deck we built was designed to hold the weight of a hot tub plus multiple people effortlessly. Therefore our cost came in at the higher end.*
Remember, if you’re hiring out the work, you have to account for labor, which can be a significant part of the budget. Labor costs for both pool and deck installation will vary based on your location and the complexity of the project.
Estimated Labor Costs:
- Pool installation: $1,000 – $3,000
- Deck installation: $2,000 – $10,000
Additionally, you need to include ancillary costs such as permits, pool liners, steps or ladders, and any extra features we want, like a pool heater or specific lighting. Permits can range from $100 to $500, depending on local regulations, so you’ll need to check with your local authorities.
Lastly, always set aside some of our budget for unexpected expenses. A safe buffer could be around 10% of your total projected costs. Here’s a simplified breakdown for our convenience:
- Pool Costs: $1,000 – $7,000
- Decking Costs: $15 – $35 per square foot
- Labor: $3,000 – $8,000
- Extras & Permits: >$500
- Contingency Fund: 10% of total cost
By keeping these figures in mind, you can approach your above ground pool and deck installation project with a clear understanding of the potential costs involved.
Our Above Ground Pool And Deck Installation Cost
As I mentioned, we purchased one of the largest pools on the market, and then built a large deck to fit a seating area as well as a hot tub. However- we did not purchase a hard sided pool which can be upwards of $4000 or more in cost.
In no way does your pool OR deck need to be so large or so elaborate. However, this will give you a good idea of how the costs break down, keeping in mind we did the work ourselves.
| Items Purchased | Cost |
| Composit Decking, Fasteners and Facia | $3521.34 |
| Handrails and Posts | $2895.02 |
| Pool From Amazon (Salt Water, filter and pump) | $2219.17 |
| Excavator Rental (for leveling ground under pool) | $400 |
| Sand (for base under pool) | $110 |
| Plastic (additional bottom pool layer) | $150 |
| Lumber and Hardware | $2175.63 |
| Concrete | $600 |
| Tools, drill bits, saw blades, etc | $91.72 |
| Solar Lights | $135.31 |
| Pool Salt | $95.64 |
| Pool Filter Sand | $79.92 |
| Total | $12,473.75 |
| Future Costs To Finish Steps | Cost |
| Stair Handrails and Posts | $507.96 |
| Fascia Boards | $177.70 |
| Additional Solar Lights | $21.48 |
| Total | $707.14 |
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