Multi-level Pool Deck Ideas—With Photo Examples

—Achieving better looks, versatility, and functionality for backyard leisure

In addition to providing a solution to a sloping property or disparate elevation between the house and yard, a deck with two or more tiers around a swimming pool delivers excellent functionality, an attractive outdoor space, and clearer “zoning” for various backyard activities.

And even if your property is perfectly level, you may still want to go multi-tier: A deck with one or two raised sections will create greater dimension and visual appeal in any outdoor setting and can also help designate various activity areas.

Why deck layout matters

How hardscape surrounds an inground pool & spa is key.

Versatility is valuable in a deck: Its configuration impacts the amount, location, and pedestrian flow throughout the pool and patio space and the features, amenities, and activities the patio area can accommodate.

A thoughtful pool & patio deck design provides easy access to the water and encourages everyone to move around the setting naturally to participate in their favorite backyard pastimes.

A pool builder can develop a plan that’s both attractive and functional—creating “flow” and distinct zones that make an outdoor setting more inviting.

Site conditions: flat vs. sloped

Backyard topography usually plays an outsized role in determining the pool and deck arrangement.

If your yard is level—or has been graded to be in the location of the future pool and patio—the deck may be built at one grade throughout.

However, good reasons (discussed below) exist for introducing at least one section of decking that’s elevated.

Now, if your lot contains a slope or has varying elevations, this characteristic can be the driving force for building a pool deck with several tiers and steps.

Thoughtful planning is needed to create sections that are level to maximize the usability of the available space.

The right choices will facilitate the use of backyard amenities—ranging from poolside fire pits to the “dry side” seating of swim-up bars—that the hardscape accommodates.

Builders can use retaining walls, terracing, and grading techniques to address elevation changes and produce a cohesive pool, deck, and landscape plan.

Capitalizing on multi-level topography

In most cases, a seasoned pool contractor will make a sloped site or one with several elevations work to your advantage. They do so with a multi-tier pool and deck.

One common approach is creating a pool that incorporates a needed retaining wall into the pool’s gunite shell.

The result is a pool with bond beam—a section of wall that extends above the rest of the structure, producing added dimension and visual interest.

In fact, some of the most dramatic, most aesthetically interesting pools are those with bond beam rising several feet above the waterline.

In some cases, this “multi-tier” pool will include a raised spa. It may include a rock waterfall or even a rock waterfall with an integrated pool slide.

A raised spa or slide may have several steps on the deck that lead you up or down to use them.

Another approach to uneven topography is to build part of the “inground” pool above grade (i.e., higher than the ground).

With the superb versatility of a concrete pool for shape and configuration, part of the shell will be exposed and sitting atop the earth—rather than contained underneath it.

If your gunite pool is on or semi-on the ground, don’t worry about this exposed section of wall: Your builder will cover it with decorative tile or stone, and it will become an aesthetic asset.

Or, the exposed section may take the form of an infinity-edge pool, with water dramatically overflowing it into a tiled catch basin for a distinctive backyard attraction.

Pools with raised beam or that are built partially out of the ground often call for a deck with two or three tiers. Some have four of five.

Steps and their “stair-ing” role around decks

A multi-level deck will also have at least one or two sets of stairs connecting the various tiers. They are critical for safety and convenience.

These stairs enable access to the pool, spa, and various levels of the deck, as well as any features built upon the hardscape.

Some sections of a deck will function purely as thoroughfares. For example, a swathe could connect the house to the pool and patio area with several stairs along the way.

Steps may lead to a structure such as a pool house, a below-grade conversation fire pit, or a cozy, secluded seating area.

The arrangement may include steps that lead to a lower or higher area of the backyard.

They might take you to a different section of the patio area with an amenity such as a mini putting green or upper-level lounge area that overlooks the entire pool below.

In some projects, the deck layout includes a raised pad—a kind of small stage or plateau—intended for the future home of an outdoor dining table or a set of chaise lounges to overlook the pool or spa.

On a sloped or heavily terraced property, a set of steps may be needed from the house to reach the entire pool site or major backyard destination such as a large island barbecue grill or a complete poolside kitchen.

These ultra-functional structures can also display some personality.

Steps can be built with flowing curves or be trimmed in a color or material that contrasts with the rest of the deck for a distinctive flourish.

When the sun goes down, another way to generate impact with stairs—while enhancing safety—is to illuminate them. Drape a patio staircase in vivid color LED lighting to make a decorative statement.

Going up—when the yard is flat

Say you have a nice flat backyard. Yes, on one hand, it’s ideal for pool construction.

But on the other hand, it’s—well—flat. One-dimensional.

Your pool designer might wisely introduce some height variations for your new poolscape.

Appealing options for the pool could include a raised spa, a grotto waterfall, tall arcing deck jets, or a rain curtain.

Another suggestion might be a several-foot stretch of raised bond beam—even though a raised pool wall is not technically necessary for construction purposes.

A small section of the raised bond beam can go a long way to bring some flair into an otherwise uniformly level deck.

Just several feet of the deck sitting 6 to 12 inches above the rest of the patio will inject a pop visual intrigue. A favorite approach is to have it house a lovely cascade water feature.

Another technique is creating greater elevation on a level hardscape. A series of ascending steps to a plateau several feet high brings some drama against a flat backdrop.

On a high-end project, you can achieve an even bolder height variation in a level yard.

If you plan an outdoor kitchen or pavilion, your builder can build the entire structure so it commands attention above the rest of the space.

When it comes to the deck for a flat yard, including even one or two small raised sections can go a long way for style and use.

For example, building a simple 6-inch platform for a poolside dining table and chairs will create an activity zone and give dimension to your backyard setting.

Or, imagine a gunite spa that’s built 12, 18, or more inches above the pool. Now, wrap several feet of raised decking around the spa and several steps leading up to it.

With this, your pool has a more interesting focal point. Plus, being in the spa will feel a little special “up above it all.”

Other planning considerations 

In addition to the pool itself and ground elevations, factors such as available space, landscape plans, and architectural features will influence the size and configuration of anyone’s pool deck.

Backyard drainage may also impact a deck design, and the project budget will come into play.

Depending on the intended uses, the deck should provide ample space for lounging, dining, and recreational activities—all while facilitating easy pedestrian flow to the pool from various points.

The layout could include zones for grilling, dining, gathering around a fire pit, or relaxing on a set of lounges with side tables. Multi-level decks are ideal for creating these activity zones.

Most residential pool decks are at least 300 square feet. This amount typically allows for two to three feet of hardscape around the full perimeter of am inground pool.

But take note: Decks with more expansive real estate are always popular. This becomes more apparent when pool construction begins.

Once homeowners see the deck crew’s layout specialist physically plot out markers for the material to be installed, they often request more square footage.

Extra decking is one of the most frequent addendums that pool builders add to existing contracts.

Deck size is a key design choice that pool buyers often rethink. It is one of the most frequent addendums that builders add to existing contracts.

Going multi-level

A well-designed multi-tier deck arrangement maximizes a pool's usability and creates a better overall experience for everyone who uses it.

It’s important to build your pool, deck, and other outdoor features as one unified project. But while the pool may command the lion’s share of attention during the design process, be sure to give some serious attention to your deck as well.