15 Pool Deck And Pool Surround Ideas Guaranteed To Make a Splash

pool surround ideas

It’s time for fun in the sun and washing away the summertime blues with a dip in the pool. Whether you have a small, refreshing plunge pool or an Olympic-sized swim zone, the area around your pool makes a big difference. 

Choosing your pool deck setup includes considering style, comfort, safety, and durability. Lounge chairs, umbrella tables, and poolside bars are excellent additions, but the first step is a stable foundation. Luckily, you have a bunch of options when it comes to picking the best pool surround for your backyard oasis. Then, you can add in a few extra touches to create the ultimate pool deck.

Popular Materials For Pool Surrounds

pool surround ideas
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The most important part of designing your pool deck is choosing the right surface to match your style and needs. When deciding on the right material for around your pool, consider the following qualities:

  • Style — Use the backdrop of your poolscape to select a material that complements the existing elements instead of one that works against them.
  • Safety — It’s nearly impossible to prevent any falls since every surface tends to get slippery when wet. However, some surfaces offer more grip than others. Choose a material that offers adequate traction so wet feet don’t slip and slide.
  • Comfort — Research how different surfaces reflect sunlight and absorb water. Some surfaces stay cool no matter how long they sit in the sun, while others become extremely hot after only a few hours. Also, consider how the surface feels on your bare feet.
  • Maintenance — Before committing to a particular pool surround, research the necessary maintenance to keep it performing optimally and prolong its lifespan. Some surfaces require routine maintenance and resurfacing, while others only need minimal touch-ups.
  • Budget — Unless money is no object, budget is likely a big consideration when choosing your pool deck. Don’t just look at the initial cost of materials and installation. It’s also important to factor in the ongoing costs of upkeep.

Here are popular pool surround ideas to inspire your backyard getaway and jumpstart your summer fun.

1. Surround The Pool With Pavers

pool surround ideas
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Concrete or brick pavers come in many styles, sizes, shapes, and colors, making them a versatile choice for a pool surround. It’s possible to achieve a variety of different designs, not only in the style of paver you choose but also in how you decide to lay them.

Installation includes the need for a stable, compacted foundation to ensure the pavers or bricks don’t shift, crack, or become unlevel. If you hire a professional, expect to pay between $15 and $25 per square foot (mostly because of labor).

Bricks or pavers tend to hold up well over time, as long as they’re installed properly. However, even with proper installation, joints can loosen over time, leading to a wobbly surface. You also need to contend with weeds and grass potentially growing through joints, so regular maintenance is important.

2. Lay Wood Slats

wood slat pool surround
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A wood pool deck is a classic, offering a timeless, eco-friendly option that’s also easy on the wallet with an average cost of $8 to $15 per square foot (including installation).  The overall price varies depending on which wood you choose.

Some of the more popular choices include cedar, teak, pine, and mahogany, with pine being the most affordable. A main advantage of wood decking is you can stain it to match pretty much any color and style you wish. However, it does require more maintenance than other traditional pool surrounds to keep it in tip-top shape.

3. Use A Concrete Border

concrete border pool surround
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You might think concrete around your pool is a little basic, but it actually provides a lot of versatility. Before the concrete sets, you can stamp it to look like stone, tile, brick, or any other design you dream up. It’s also possible to stain the concrete in various colors.

If you choose to surround your pool with concrete, expect to pay between $6 and $18 per square foot. Although concrete is very durable, it’s also prone to cracking. If you plan to keep it long-term, it may require resurfacing every 10 to 15 years. There are also surface coatings available that add UV resistance, traction, and easier maintenance.

4. Let The Grass Grow

grass around pool
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If you’re on a tight budget, let the grass grow around your pool to create a natural, comfortable pool surround. Grass is soft underfoot, limits slipping and sliding, and is much cooler to walk on than hot concrete or stone.

However, grass requires a lot of maintenance to keep it healthy and looking great, including mowing, watering, and fertilizing. It’s important when tending to the grass you don’t end up getting any pesticides or fertilizers in your pool. Also, when mowing, things could get messy if you’re not careful or don’t have a pool cover.

If you have a chlorine pool, the chlorine can potentially lead to brown patches on your lawn. Therefore, it’s good practice to hose down the grass after using the pool. Also, if there’s a lot of action around the pool, choose a grass that works well in high-traffic areas, like Bermuda grass.

5. Install Large, Luxe Tiles

tiles pool surround
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Large luxury tiles, like travertine, create an elegant pool surround that mimics the look of the pool deck at a high-end resort. Similar to pavers and brick, tile also needs a compacted, stable foundation to avoid cracks, unevenness, and breaks.

Look for tiles that reflect sunlight to help keep them cool. Installation of a tile surround will likely cost between $11 and $17 per square foot, with certain tiles costing even more, but when done well, can last for many, many years. However, many tiles, including travertine, require regular sealing.

6. Use Flagstone Or Other Natural Stones

natural stone surrounding pool
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Natural stones, including flagstone, limestone, and slate, are popular choices around a pool. They offer a beautiful design, but often for a hefty price. 

Installing a natural stone pool surround can cost between $25 and $50 per square foot, although, you can cut the cost somewhat by choosing a more affordable stone. If you maintain and reseal the stone regularly, it can last for over 50 years.

7. Try Terra Cotta

terracotta pool surround
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Terra cotta tiles do best in hot, dry climates, and provide a beautiful addition to your poolscape. However, terra cotta is not waterproof, so you must seal it regularly if you want it to hold up as a pool surround.

Choose a high-density tile, which tends to be more durable and better suited for damp areas. Costs range widely from roughly $8 to over $50 per square foot, plus you’ll have ongoing costs for extensive maintenance and upkeep. However, with proper care, you’ll enjoy your terra cotta tile for many years to come.

8. Keep It Clean With Artificial Grass

pool surround ideas - artificial grass
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If you love the idea of green grass surrounding your pool, but you don’t want the hassle of mowing and fertilizing, artificial grass provides an easy solution. Artificial turf costs about $10 to $35 per square foot and requires very little maintenance. However, it only works well if the area around your pool is completely flat.

9. Build A Deck For An Above-Ground Pool

build a deck around the pool
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Is your pool above ground? Building a deck around your above-ground pool is an excellent way to give it a more polished, upscale look.

Depending on your budget, surround the entire pool, or wrap the deck around one side. Keep safety in mind, and provide railings or similar measures to prevent accidents when entering and exiting the pool.

Additions That Add Extra Style To Your Pool Surround

The best surface for your pool surround is only one part of the equation. In addition to the material, some features add an extra layer of style to your pool area.

We’re not just talking about umbrellas and lounge chairs. Check out these ideas for elevating the design of your pool deck.

1. Line Up Potted Plants

line potted plants
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Add an extra layer of style to your pool surround by using several potted plants. Space them evenly around the entire pool or create a focal point on one side. Choose pots that reflect the style of the overall area and make sure the scale works with your pool size. For example, if you have a small, intimate pool, don’t select massive, oversized pots.

2. Incorporate The Pool Into Your Garden

backyard oasis with pool and plants
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If you have a beautiful backyard garden, incorporate your pool into your lush oasis or create a garden on one or two sides of the pool. Make sure it’s still possible to tend to your garden easily, so consider accessibility.

3. Create A Resort Look With A Waterfall And Rocks

resort style pool with rocks and waterfall
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Rock walls, an elevated hot tub that flows into the pool, a waterfall, and similar features make you feel like you’ve escaped to a tropical resort. Find a company that specializes in these types of pool kits, and plan your budget accordingly. Small rock and waterfall additions can cost between $2,000 and $3,000. However, larger projects go well over $10,000.

4. Enjoy A Poolside Raised Garden Wall

raised garden next to pool
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Build a raised garden wall along the pool’s edge to add beauty and privacy to your pool area. Plant colorful flowers or lush greenery, and use a raised border or edge to prevent dirt and mulch from falling into the pool.

5. Add A Rim Of Mosaic Tiles

mosaic tile around pool
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Incorporate a border or inlay of beautiful mosaic tiles into your pool surround to add a unique touch. Choose colors or create images that reflect your home’s style and blend seamlessly with your backyard design.

6. Give Your Pool A Glow

pool lighting
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Lighting is important for safety when swimming at night, but it doesn’t need to be harsh. If you fancy a nighttime swim, add a romantic, cozy glow using poolside candles and lanterns. Select a variety of shapes or sizes to add visual interest.