Do you want to install a backyard pool with decking but are not sure about the best design?

Strangely, perhaps, Utah is one of the states with the fewest pools installed in backyards. However, that’s changing. The number of backyard pools in Utah has doubled since 2017.

A pool with decking is a great addition to almost any Utah home, especially if you’re trying to make your yard more family-friendly and stand out. Even if you have limited space, an above-ground pool may be an option.

So, let’s consider a few of the best backyard deck and pool designs for Utah homeowners so that you’re inspired to start work on planning your project…

BACKYARD POOL AND DECK STYLES IN UTAH

Pools can be in-ground or above-ground types. Above-ground pools are generally more popular where space, budget, and flexibility are important factors while in-ground pools are permanent structures that require a higher budget and, usually, more space.

The decking around a backyard pool is usually made of wood, composite materials or PVC. These materials are all now commonly available and provide different design aesthetics. Here’s a brief rundown of the main styles of decking:

• Contemporary: practical decks with clean, sharp lines often using materials like glass, steel, stone, and concrete to accent the decking.
• Traditional: these pool decks usually use wood and may have a traditional-style fence around them.
• Rustic: wood, stone or other natural materials to echo the rugged beauty of the Utah landscape.
• Minimalist: these decks are designed to be uncluttered spaces with basic color palettes.

As well as the pool and decking itself, think about the ground covering around the decking. You have the choice of a real grass lawn or one of the grass alternatives in Utah, which can save time, resources, and outlay for homeowners.

TOP 10 BACKYARD DECK AND POOL DESIGNS FOR UTAH

Without further ado, let’s take a look at a few creative deck and pool designs for Utah backyards…

1. Pool deck surrounded by artificial grass 

Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, artificial grass is the ideal companion around it.  

You don’t have to worry about cutting, watering, fertilizing or weeding it, like with real grass, and it’s resistant to chlorine. Artificial grass drains well and handles both sun and shade without any problems.

Here’s an example of how stunning the combination of artificial grass and swimming pools can look:

And here’s another example of a backyard deck and pool design using artificial grass as the ground surface around it.

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GET A FREE ARTIFICIAL GRASS ESTIMATE IN UTAH

If you’re in Salt Lake City or the surrounding areas, the experienced team at Rocky Mountain Turf will break down the costs for you in a free estimate. Contact us here.

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2. Modern, travertine/stone deck with pavers 

Contemporary decking may not have any fencing around it and, if permitted by building permits, a pool may be left open and unobstructed. 

Travertine or another type of stone is ideal for the clean lines and neutral tones of this style deck, especially popular for spacious in-ground pool designs, like this:

Here’s another example using stone and pavers around a beautiful in-ground swimming pool…

3. Pool area with wooden deck

Wood is often used for traditional backyard deck ideas in Utah but it can also provide a more modern aesthetic, like in this example:

Wood requires some maintenance around pool areas but pressure-treated lumber, cedarwood, redwood or even tropical hardwoods are all highly durable and resistant to rot and pests. 

Here’s another example of a contemporary pool with wooden decking that certainly wouldn’t look out of place in a modern Utah backyard:

A couple of small things to watch out for with wood decking around swimming pools—you’ll need decking made with splinter-free wood and make sure it provides a non-slip surface.

4. In-ground pool with composite or PVC deck

If you’re not pushed for space or budget but want a low-maintenance deck around your pool area, why not use composite or PVC decking with an in-ground pool? 

You may be surprised about how many design styles you can achieve with composite materials if you haven’t checked out the options recently.

Composite decking is generally stronger and denser than wood. It is also highly weather-resistant, pest-resistant, anti-slip, and doesn’t splinter, making it safe for bare feet around the pool area…

This one looks just like wood but is a composite of wood fibers and plastic…

This decking is made entirely from PVC, which is a plastic with similarly hardy properties to composite materials.

5. Stock tank pool with decking  

If you have a very limited pool budget, consider a stock tank pool. These have become popular in recent years because of their affordability and space-saving size—while still allowing family members to soak on hot summer days.

Galvanized stock-tank pools were once used exclusively to provide drinking water for cattle or horses. However, they conveniently double up as backyard pools nowadays. They are available in a variety of sizes and funky designs. Eight- or ten-foot tanks are the most popular. 

Around your stock tank pool, you might install decking, a grass lawn, artificial grass or another landscaping idea for your Utah backyard.

If you’re installing decking, consider a semi-inground stock tank pool for a more finished look. This may add a few dollars to the landscaping budget but the result is a stylish pool area that is still much more affordable than an in-ground pool.

6. Pool with multi-level decking  

Picture a backyard pool and you likely think of an in-ground pool with stone or wood around it on a single level.

It doesn’t need to be that way. Some of the most eye-catching backyard deck and pool designs in Utah incorporate multi-level decking, like this one made with composite:

Constructing a deck with two or three levels leading down (or up) to a pool will provide a unique design that should add plenty of curb appeal to your property. 

7. Oval pool and decking

Just as you don’t need to design a single level for your Utah backyard pool and decking, there’s no need to stick to a conventional rectangular pool shape.

Stock-tank pools are usually circular but you can even get a little creative with a circular, L-Sheped or kidney-shaped in-ground pool with decking…

Here’s an example of a beautiful oval-shaped backyard pool with multi-level wooden decking:

8. Add a hot tub to your pool and decking

Another great backyard deck and pool design for Utah is to add a hot tub to the installation. 

Long, hot soaks in the cooler months get you outside and enjoying your yard area even when the sun’s not shining and the temperatures drop.

Hot tubs can be almost any design, shape, and size. Here’s another example that could be a winner for your Utah backyard…

9. Traditional picket fence and decking with your pool

If you’re after a more traditional style of pool and decking, use wooden or composite decking with picket-style fencing surrounding it, like this:

Here’s another take on a traditional design with an above-ground pool:

10. Enjoy the view with glass

If you prefer to swim or lounge around the pool and enjoy the view, why not incorporate glass into your backyard pool and deck design?

Glass provides a contemporary aesthetic and works with almost any style of decking. Just make sure it’s a high-quality unbreakable glass that provides no safety issues for your family.

Here’s a good example:

Some homeowners take the use of glass a step further by constructing an above-ground “shipping container” pool with glass sides so that they can even enjoy the view from underwater!

CHOICE OF MATERIALS AROUND A BACKYARD DECK & POOL IN UTAH

We touched on this earlier but around your backyard deck and pool area, your choices extend beyond a grass lawn or poured concrete.

Many grass alternatives exist for pool areas—from artificial grass to pea gravel, crushed rock, stone or concrete pavers, and more.

If you’re looking for an area that stays green and pristine all year round for years ahead—with minimal maintenance and no watering (important because much of Utah is considered abnormally dry or in drought)—artificial grass is the best choice of ground surface.

Replacing grass with artificial grass in Utah can result in the following benefits:

• Lower costs to maintain the area (artificial grass costs more to install but generally pays the investment back in full within 5 or 6 years).
• Less maintenance work because synthetic grass remains at the right height and green all year round without watering or sunlight.
• No fossil fuels are required to run lawnmowers, weed-whackers or other garden machinery.
• No fertilizers, herbicides or weed killers (potentially toxic chemicals) are required.
• A comfortable surface for bare feet and pets.
• No grass clippings or mud trailing into the pool or back into the house.
• Chlorine-resistance.

FAQs ABOUT ARTIFICIAL GRASS

How much maintenance is required with artificial grass?

Artificial grass requires minimal maintenance but should not be installed and simply left year after year. Occasional cross-brushing, hosing down, and removal of debris are recommended to keep your synthetic turf lawn in tip-top condition.

How much can you save with artificial grass?

Artificial grass is more expensive to install than real grass but if properly installed and looked after, it pays back the investment in around five years, saving thousands of dollars for homeowners over its long, 15- to 20-year life. Estimates put savings at around $1,000 per year for many homeowners.

How long does artificial grass last?

Your artificial grass should last a minimum of 10 years and if properly installed and maintained, up to 15 or 20 years. 

CONSIDERING ARTIFICIAL GRASS AROUND YOUR POOL & DECK?

If you’re mulling over landscaping ideas for your Utah backyard and want to discuss how artificial grass can help, feel free to discuss your ideas with one of our artificial turf professionals.