A deck makes your above ground pool a more enjoyable place for you and your family. It creates that extra space to relax after a good swim.
 
A well designed and maintained deck to your pool is also a great way to keep your family safe. It may seem like a relatively easy and inexpensive way to enhance your outside space, but it requires some maintenance and care.
 
A neglected pool deck will start to develop algae, dirt, humidity, and other microscopic particles that cause unattractive stains, discoloration, and even some safety hazards.
 
Here are some maintenance tips for above ground pool decks for your backyard.
 
Pay Attention To Structural Issues
 
The deck is nothing more than the sum of its parts, which means that many structural problems are bound to arise. Nails get loose, boards deteriorate, lacker wains. 
 
One way to protect your deck is to inspect it every two to three years. Watch out for loose nails, wobbly floorboards, and shaky railings.
 
If there’s something on your deck that needs repairing, you'll need to replace it before you or a family member causes it to collapse or worse, get injured.
 
It is also recommended that you re-stain and reseal your above ground pool deck every two to three years.
 
Keep The Space Clear
 
 When inspecting the deck, make sure that you have it clear of all the toys, furniture, and other fixings, so you can notice problems that may lurk.
 
Once you get everything clear, this is a perfect time to give it a fresh coat of paint and lacquer to improve its appearance and longevity.
 
How To Remove The Stains, Discoloration, and Gunk
 
A pressure washer or a simple garden hose with adequate water pressure is one of the easiest ways to rid all the gunk hiding in between the timber. If you don’t have one, you can scrub the wood manually.
 
It’s essential to use products that get rid of dirt from your deck, no matter which method you use.
 
Acid-based products help to get rid of tough stains and watermarks, while bleach-based products deal with mold and algae.
 
If you use a power washer or hose, you can coat the deck quickly, but you’ll have less control.
 
Be careful with your aim and use plenty of water to dilute the chemicals, as they can harm living things that surround the pool. Don't forget to cover your pool with a mesh cover, so the chemicals don't end up in the water.
 
 If you’re going to scrub the deck manually, you'll have complete control of where the chemicals wind up, but you'll need to apply a good amount of elbow grease. If you want to spread the chemicals, you can use your hands or a push broom.
 
More potent chemicals will penetrate the wood quickly, so you won't have to scrub with even greater force. After you've scoured the deck, wash it off with a hose.
 
Re-staining The Deck / Applying The Seal
 
The deck is ready to be stained to accentuate its natural beauty. It’s possible to paint the deck a different color, but first, be sure to apply a stain-blocking primer.
 
Look for a deck stain that gets into the wood and doesn’t just sit on top. When the wood is in good shape, it’s usually best to use finishes with a light stain to enhance the wood's natural contour and appearance.
 
If your deck is older, a darker stain may help hide its imperfections. The finish should also be UV protected, waterproof, and made from high-quality wood. Apply the finish evenly with a roller brush or hand brush.
 Once the paint or stain is completely dry, it’s time to seal the deck. 

​If you have the option, the backyard should be relaxing. Your home should reflect your personality and create the perfect spot to enjoy great views, invite loved ones over, or simply unwind. We know that one of the surefire ways to improve your home is to enhance its exterior by adding a new patio, or enhancing the one already there.
 
During the cold winter months, your deck could use some loving care to breathe back some life into it and make it a warm and beneficial outdoor space by spring. A lot of the work required to get your deck into the best condition possible by Spring depends on the materials used in its structure. For a wood deck, repainting can include sanding and sealing the boards. A professional may be needed for a major repair. For a Trex deck, the minimal work can go a long way so that you can spend more time outdoors in the spring.
Some Ways To Improve Your Deck For The Spring 

• A heavy-duty leaf blower can remove any accumulated leaves and debris that may have accumulated over the past few months. There’s no better way to begin the new season than to make your deck picture-perfect before you invite your family and friends over. Remove mold and rotting wood by using a power washer.
• Make sure to wash your barbeques, pots, planters, or other furniture if you have left them outside during the winter months.
• Replace broken or uneven pavers stones while you are cleaning off your deck.
• No matter whether you put your furniture away for the winter or left it outside, it’s bound to need a good wash. Cleaning needs will vary. A gentle spray bottle of water and a soft sponge will help clean most kinds of furniture.
• Ensure that your furniture is air-dried after it has been washed to prevent any mold growth. Pay particular attention to seat cushions, making sure they are propped up evenly.
• The spring is a wonderful time to enhance the functionality of your deck. Consult a deck builder about adding screened-in areas, pergolas, or covered roofs. In addition to keeping bugs out, screened in decks and patios can also offer seclusion from neighbors and prevent your furniture from becoming damaged.
• Bring color and fun to your home's exterior with multi-colored furnishings, umbrellas, accent pillows, and plants. Select tones that augment the outside of your home but also adds charm. To make a complete, well-polished appearance, insert other elements of outdoor living like dining ware, serving dishes, and other ornaments.
• If you don’t have a big garden, purchase store-bought planters and hanging baskets and sprinkle them throughout your yard.

​These are just a few examples of things you can do to improve the ambiance of your deck and to get it ready for warmer weather. While it may be annoying to think about Spring during the winter's low temperatures, ultimately, you will be rewarded.  Relax, enjoy, and entertain guests with confidence.
 
Regular maintenance should be performed throughout the entire year; however, the winter allows you to make structural changes without interfering during the seasons where you will enjoy it the most. Why install new features that get in the way of using your deck, when you can do this during the time of the year when it’s not in use.
 
For more construction-oriented processes like creating an enclosed porch to keep out bugs or adding additional features like railings, and extensions, consider hiring a deck contractor.