Most homeowners who come to us for fiberglass pool installation don’t really want a pool. What they actually want is a complete patio that happens to feature a fiberglass pool as its most central feature. 

That’s an important distinction because it leads to bigger conversations about lifestyle, budget, and especially space. I touched on this in a recent post about fiberglass pool sizes, but many of the questions people have about design come down to other elements. That’s especially true with poolside decking.

Decking makes for an interesting topic because homeowners understand that they’ll want to have it next to a pool, but don’t always have a good sense of how much is enough or too much. Go light on your decking and it could feel like you don’t have any useable space around your fiberglass pool. Build too much and the deck can dominate your patio while making your pool feel smaller.

Neither of those is the kind of feel you want for your patio and fiberglass pool installation. With that in mind, I want to use today’s post to give you some general ideas for decking and space around your pool. I’ll begin with a general guideline that might help if you’re just starting to gather ideas.

Aim for at Least Minimum Deck Coverage
If I were pressed to give a rule of thumb, I’d say you would want at least three feet of decking on each side around your fiberglass pool. That’s enough space for people to walk comfortably. Five or six feet is much more usable, especially when you’re aiming to have seating plus walking space.

Note that these minimums don’t necessarily measure up to what you actually want for your decking. We often build decks that extend eight or twelve feet, and beyond, for deck chairs and more room to move. But I certainly wouldn’t go smaller than these guidelines without a very compelling reason.

Think in Terms of Use Rather Than Square Footage
This is a constant theme in all the posts I write about patio installations, but it’s always good to keep in mind that no two homeowners or spaces are the same. Where you fall on the smaller or larger end of the decking scale will depend greatly on what you want to do in the warmer months.

Does your family like to float and lounge, or run and play? Will you have two or three people around your pool, or dozens? The answers are all up to you.

Remember That Decking Doesn’t Need to be Even
In the same way that a fiberglass pool doesn’t need to have a uniform shape (and usually won’t), there isn’t any reason that your decking has to be the same dimensions all around. In fact, it usually makes more sense to leave more room on one side or another.

Think about how you want to use your back yard once it has been filled in. There is a good chance you’ll shift seating, swimming, or other focal points to one side or another. 

Build Around Your Property, Not Your Design
Another thing to remember about your decking is that, like your fiberglass pool itself, it should conform to your property. That means working around property lines, trees, and slopes. It also means considering how the sun moves across your property and how that might affect your desire to have sun and shade in certain areas, not to mention lighting, fences, or other elements.

It’s easy to design a patio on a computer, but bear in mind that what you see on a screen might not make as much sense in the real world. Since the real world is where you’ll be swimming in your pool, it’s best to adapt your ideas to the terrain and conditions on the ground.

Bigger Decks Aren’t Always Better…
It can be easy for decks and patios to take over your space if you let them. That’s probably because you could always use a little more room to lounge, and because you might envision having just a couple more people at every party or gathering.

Those are good planning instincts, but remember that a bigger deck (or pool, patio, etc.) isn’t always better. Bigger means more space, but also more cost and upkeep. It also leaves less room for other elements you might want to incorporate into the design later. And it’s worth noting that a bit of unused green space can balance out a back yard really well.

… but Leave a Bit of Extra Room in Key Areas
Having made the point that more isn’t always better, I should also point out that homeowners sometimes think too small in key spaces. Parts of your deck near stairs, seating, and deeper swimming areas should all get a bit of extra room. Otherwise, they can become cramped, especially when people are entering or exiting.

These kinds of spacing needs can be hard to anticipate when you’re in the planning stage, but an experienced fiberglass pool installer can make sure you don’t miss any details.

Don’t Forget About Access and Regulations
Local building codes might require that your decking remain at certain heights, or stay a certain distance from property lines. It’s worth double-checking with your contractor before finalizing plans. Also keep in mind that installing a pool and patio with decking might require trucks, excavators, and other equipment to get in and out of your back yard. That can affect space requirements, as well.

These are all details your fiberglass pool installation team should be able to assist with, though. Hire someone with experience and they’ll ensure you don’t run into any problems or setbacks.

Want Help Planning Your Perfect Patio?
If you’re located in the Saugus, Massachusetts area and want to work with a trusted fiberglass pool installation and patio renovation team, then we hope you’ll think of us first. Stefano’s Landscaping has been helping homeowners for 20+ years, with too many reviews, case studies, and testimonials to count.

Every new project begins with a free at-home consultation, so contact us today and see why your friends and neighbors trust us to do great work.