Photo is illustrative. Last updated 8 October 2026.
Pool decking turns the area around your pool into somewhere you actually want to spend time: a place to lie in the sun, set up a lounge chair or let the kids dry off. We design and build timber and composite pool decks for homes across Adelaide from our base in Brooklyn Park.
A pool deck has a tougher job than an ordinary deck. It gets wet constantly, carries chlorine or salt water, is walked on with bare feet and sits next to a safety barrier. This page explains how we plan for all of that. For our general approach to decks, see our main decking page.
Planning a pool surround deck
A good pool deck starts with how you’ll use it. Think about where you want to lounge, where the sun sits in the afternoon, how people move from the house to the water, and where towels and furniture will go.
From there, we work out:
- Levels. How the deck meets the pool edge, the house and the surrounding garden.
- Access. Clear paths to the pool gate and any steps up or down.
- Zones. Space for sun lounges, a shaded seating area and a spot near the gate to dry off.
- Drainage. Where splashed water and rain will run so it doesn’t pool against the house or under the deck.
New pool or existing pool?
If your pool is still being installed, talk to us early. Agreeing on finished levels and edge details with the pool builder makes the deck far simpler to build. For an existing pool, we work around the coping, the pump and filter equipment, and the fence that’s already in place.
Choosing boards for decking around a pool
Board choice for a pool deck comes down to grip, heat, upkeep and how the boards handle water and pool chemicals.
| Composite boards | Hardwood timber | |
|---|---|---|
| Splinters | None | Possible as timber weathers, reduced with good upkeep |
| Upkeep | Occasional wash, no oiling | Regular cleaning and re-oiling, more often in wet areas |
| Heat underfoot | Darker colours can get hot | Generally stays a little cooler |
| Grip when wet | Depends on surface texture | Depends on finish and grain |
| Look | Consistent colour | Natural grain and variation |
Our pages on composite decking and timber decking explain each material in more detail.
Grip and comfort
Wet feet and smooth surfaces don’t mix. We’ll point you towards boards with a textured or grooved surface, and talk through how the finish you choose affects grip.
Pool water and chemicals
Splashing water carries chlorine or salt onto the deck. Composite boards and the fixings used around pools should suit that environment, so it’s worth checking the manufacturer’s guidance for wet and pool areas. For hardwood, regular rinsing and re-oiling helps protect the surface.
Pool safety barrier rules and your deck
Pool safety barrier rules apply around swimming pools in South Australia, and any deck built near a pool needs to respect them. A deck, step, raised edge or built-in seat close to the barrier can affect whether the barrier still does its job.
We don’t build pools or pool fences, but we plan the deck around the barrier and the gate. Before you finalise a design, check the requirements for your property with your council. This guide to SA pool fencing rules is a helpful starting point.
Raised pool decks may also need council approval in their own right. Our article on council approval in South Australia explains the general process, and we can help with drawings where approval is needed.
Designing a pool deck for Adelaide summers
Adelaide summers are when the pool gets the most use, so the deck needs to work on the hottest days.
- Light colours stay cooler. This matters most with composite boards on north- and west-facing decks.
- Add shade. A pergola over part of the pool deck creates a cooler spot for seating while leaving the rest open to the sun.
- Allow for movement. Boards expand in heat and with moisture, so spacing and fixing follow the manufacturer’s requirements.
- Ventilate underneath. Pool decks get wet often, so airflow beneath the boards helps the deck dry out between swims.
For more layout ideas, including pool surrounds and multi-level designs, browse our deck ideas.
How we build your pool deck
- Call 0485 008 292 or use the online quote form. Photos of the pool area help but are optional.
- We get back to you within 24–48 hours and book an on-site measure.
- Measure and design. We check levels around the pool, the barrier and gate positions, drainage and sun.
- Written, itemised quote listing boards, framing, steps, edges and any extras.
- Approvals where needed. We help with drawings and paperwork if the deck requires approval.
- Build and clean-up. We build the subframe, lay the boards, finish the pool edge and leave the area tidy.
What affects the cost of pool decking
Every pool deck is quoted individually. The main factors are:
- Board material and range. Composite ranges and hardwood species differ in price, and textured or capped boards can cost more.
- Size and shape, including cut-outs and curves around the pool edge, which take extra cutting and framing.
- Height. Above-ground pool decks need taller framing, steps and balustrades.
- Edge details such as bullnose or fascia boards at the water’s edge.
- Ground conditions. Uneven ground, existing paving or coping that needs to be worked around affects the framing.
- Site access, especially when the pool area is only reached through a narrow side gate.
If you’re planning pool decking, call 0485 008 292 or send through the quote form, and we’ll be in touch within 24–48 hours.