Pools are so much more than a tank of water sitting in your backyard. They are statement pieces that enhance your landscaping and sit at the center of a luxurious outdoor environment. Florida homeowners are becoming more interested in creative pool designs that show off their design flair, especially designs that blend the water, deck, and lounge space into one.
This can be easily done with multi-level decking. It transforms an otherwise flat deck into a more interesting part of your backyard: a space clearly defined for sunbathing, dining, or even cooking. This is an excellent way to get form and function rolled into one; it’s visually appealing and a good way to section off parts of your deck for different uses. Here’s a look at how multi-level pool decking and lounge areas can maximize the potential of your new backyard oasis.
The Advantage of Multi-Level Creative Pool Designs
Multi-level designs have clear aesthetic advantages, but they also offer something more important. They provide a sense of flow and organization to your outdoor space, often defining areas and their functions to create a more polished look.
Multi-level decking is a good solution for homeowners with more challenging elevations. This is common with some Florida properties, and many homeowners find themselves either sacrificing to make their design work or spending extra money to flatten the landscape. Multi-level decking means you get to embrace the unique elevation you have and use it as an asset. This also makes the overall design of the backyard look and feel more organic.
One of the more exciting visual elements you can create by using verticality is a dramatic water feature. You could place a second pool or integrated spa above the main deck level and create a cascading effect, allowing the water to spill into the main pool. And that’s just one idea; there are so many other things you can do with verticality to make your backyard feel like a resort.
Our Favorite Multi-level Pool Deck Ideas
The Upper Deck
The upper deck usually serves as the most important area of your pool environment; your design elements and features should reflect that. Fire and water features are excellent candidates for the upper deck as a “say something” piece that differentiates it from other levels.
However, if you’re looking for more usable space, this part of your deck could easily become a sun shelf, perfect for sunbathing and
drying off after a dip. This is also where most pool owners consider integrated spas, since the higher elevation means the space is more primed for peace and quiet while offering a gorgeous view of the landscape.
The Middle Connector
This is where the upper deck and lower deck connect. The design goal here is simple: build a connection point (which will almost always be stairs) that is as safe as it is beautiful. Consider making this connection a focal point by turning it into a grand staircase, complete with plants and LED lighting.
Even though deck design doesn’t have to take a backseat to safety with this part of the deck’s architecture, safety is the single most important thing. You’ll want the steps to be properly designed and illuminated. They should also be made from slip-resistant materials that stay cool in the Florida sun (though this is something most experts would recommend with every design element on your deck).
The Integrated Lounge Area
Creative pool deck designs are incomplete without an area for rest and relaxation, even if you and your guests have no plans to dip a toe today. Multi-level construction gives you the chance to play with elevation in more ways than one. Sunken outdoor living spaces are immensely popular because they provide more intimacy and privacy while still feeling like they’re a part of the pool environment.
This area could also be the outdoor kitchen and dining area. This ensures that all cooking is done in a space that’s specifically designed for it, meaning it will be safe and the other areas will be relaxing, far from the excess heat thrown from the grill or hearth.
What Matters With Multi-Level Creative Pool Designs?
Customization can be a beautiful thing. It opens so many doors to possibilities you’ve only dreamt of. However, this can also make it hard to decide which choices you should make.
Design freedom is already built into the general concept of multi-level decking, but this can create a blind spot regarding practical considerations. Your top priority should always be safety. There are many ways to make the pool area more safe, but non-slip surfaces, good lighting, and consistent dimensions for steps and risers are all the bare minimum.
Another consideration is how the deck interacts with the rest of your landscaping. This refers to the way each level of the decking interacts with the other. You want a cohesive look throughout. You can achieve that by using the same or coordinating materials. It doesn’t have to “match,” but it should still make sense so your choices feel intentional.
Vertical elements can also feel harsh without landscaping. This is fixable with tropical flowers and foliage, which help make creative pool designs feel not only softer but also more organic. You want everything to look like it was custom-built for your landscape, because it was!
Fortunately, these more practical elements can often become beautiful focal points; you just need the right approach from the right pool contractor. If you’re going to get creative with the design, you might as well find a team that can deliver on your ideas, no matter how grand they might seem.
Redefine What Makes Your Backyard Beautiful with Creative Pool Deck Designs
Does this guide have you wondering what you could do if you focused on building up and not out? Multi-level decking is an exciting option for creating an immersive resort experience just feet away from your back door. Contact Blue Haven Pools on the Gulf today to learn more about how we can make it happen and schedule an appointment with one of our designers.