Above-ground pools may not be as aesthetically pleasing as in-ground pools, but that doesn’t at all mean you can’t make them as such. With a creative design and layout, you can create an eye-catching above-ground pool perfect for your backyard.
One addition that makes cooling off in your small body of water a more engaging experience is a pool bar. Installing a pool bar to your above-ground pool deck gives your pool area an elaborate look, not to mention creates a space where you can laze around while sipping your favorite cold beverage.
We’ve compiled several creative above-ground pool deck and bar ideas that will make the hot summers a time to cherish.
Take a look!
1. Match the Features
This above-ground pool deck bar is part of a spacious indoor-outdoor gathering space that includes a sectional sofa and a glass coffee table.
The gray wicker chairs blend in seamlessly with the rock-themed wallpaper, while the bar top matches the pool deck for a cohesive look.
2. Maximize the View
If your above-ground pool happens to be located in an open landscape, take advantage of the wide open view with a pool deck bar.
Here, a ground-level deck with enough space was built for the bar area and separated from the raised pool deck for an exclusive feel.
3. Be Thoughtful In Planning
This above-ground pool deck features several seating areas, perfectly positioned for a beautiful and functional pool deck.
A bar counter has been built in line with the fence, with most of it being located beyond the deck’s fence to avoid encroachment in the small space, same with the grill next to it. The layout creates the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sun, and create unforgettable memories with friends and family!
4. Add a Pergola
This pool deck bar idea involves a seating area under a dramatic pergola.
Black chairs virtually disappear into the blackened pergola for a seamless look, while white curtains create an indoor-outdoor feel and ensure privacy.
5. Light Up the Deck
This above-ground pool has a fairly large pool deck bar area that’s part of an extensive entertaining and relaxation space, complete with a bench, sunloungers, and a patio dining set.
Various types of lighting, including undermount lights on the bar top, step lights for the stairs, and string lights for the upper deck, illuminate the space to keep the party going late into the night.
6. Bring In Plants
A pool deck bar doesn’t have to occupy much square footage. This rustic but modern above-ground pool deck uses potted plants to frame the area and increase the aesthetic appeal.
The fern planter flanking the countertop enhances the small bar’s vibe and creates a cozy, defined space.
7. Incorporate Holiday Charm
Bring a laid-back, tropical escape feel with a tiki bar at your above-ground pool deck.
This tiki bar will be the ultimate destination for serving mocktails or cocktails. A pair of pink flamingo statues framing the bar further enforce the holiday vibe.
8. Add Benches
This above-ground pool deck bar idea skips the bar stools and includes two different seating areas: one with a pair of loungers, another with a pair of built-in benches.
Plenty of string lights provide sufficient illumination, while the table lamps, loungers, and benches bring in an element of symmetry.
9. Consider a Muted Palette
This above-ground pool deck bar idea showcases that your poolside area doesn’t necessarily need to be bright and coastal.
The moody pool deck mixes dark brown wood, light gray stone and bar stool cushions, and wicker chairs to create a relaxing feel.
10. Add a Cantilever Umbrella
This above-ground pool has a whimsical tiered deck that adds a modern, conventional feel.
The outdoor space features a cantilever umbrella that keeps in line with the modern aesthetic and gives the pool deck a classic polish.
11. Guide the Way
This massive above-ground pool design includes a corner pool deck bar area with a covered pergola and a small bar counter. A couple of chairs and loungers create spaces to sip a cocktail.
String lights infuse the deck and bar area with bright light, while bollard lights outline the path with dramatic shadows.
12. Add Charm with a Stock Tank Pool
A wooden deck with stairs and a small matching privacy fence has been used to punctuate this stock tank pool. A scrap wood pool bar flanks one side of the stock pool, providing a place to set a book or drink.
Use the same stain on the deck, privacy screen, and pool bar to create a seamless, sophisticated design, and bring in a pop of color with your furniture and accents to soften the wooden features. Several sail shades offer reprieve for anyone taking a dip in the pool, resting on the deck, or enjoying a drink at the bar.
13. Take on a Sleek Design
This contemporary above-ground pool deck bar features bar stools with slimline silhouettes, which provide the illusion of a much bigger space.
The stools and countertop match for a continuous look, while the intricate tile patio complements the bar area’s modern design. The bar top has plenty of space to set up your cocktails with minimal fuss.
14. Turn Up the Texture
Take cues from this modern pool design and wrap the sides of your above-ground pool in custom tile. This contemporary above-ground pool juxtaposes a wooden deck against a ceramic tile surround with a matching finish for an inviting look.
The deck and pool surround match the large square pavers for a cohesive look, with the gravel and dark tile on the sides of the pool providing some visual separation. A stylish pergola, small fountains, and lit raised garden beds add more glamor to this chic space.
15. Merge with the Landscape
One effective way to give your above-ground pool and bar design an integrated look is by bordering it with exciting landscape features. Here, simple metal balusters add style and allow you to enjoy sweeping views beyond.
The sloping land and rock features elevate the natural look while giving the pool area an elegant feel. Various seating options under the pergola and outdoor umbrellas create nice destinations to laze away the summer days.
16. Add Rustic Appeal
A rustic flagstone path leads to the deck of this above-ground pool, giving the space an unconventional natural look. A lush green lawn softens up the hardscape pathway while adding some much-needed natural color.
The deck has enough space for lounging and afternoon boozy sips, with a set of inflatables adding a playful, tropical appeal.
17. Build a Grand Entrance
Create a welcoming feel in your pool deck bar with a standout entrance design. Here, an arbor with a small wooden gate provides a simple and budget-friendly way to spruce up the above-ground pool design.
Vining plants soften the wooden structure and help integrate it with the surroundings, while a pair of rustic, hanging lanterns add symmetry. A small angel statue and wreath add more interest below.
18. Make a Statement
This above-ground pool deck and bar idea features the perfect backyard oasis. A small plunge pool takes center stage with its brick surround and serene waterfalls.
A home sauna at the corner feels like its own destination, while a seating area with a fire pit creates an ideal spot to bask in the rays or cozy up at night.
19. Create a Clear Distinction
This above-ground pool design uses different stain finishes on the deck and pool bar area to create distinct spaces while maintaining a sense of cohesion.
A lush landscape spices up this above-ground pool with summertime greenery.
20. Maximize on Space
Instead of building an entire pool bar area, consider using the fencing for your bar countertop. Here, the railing surrounding the above-ground pool is wide enough to accommodate some snacks or drinks.
Colorful, floral cushions on the built-in wooden benches add interest to the space, with patterned towels accenting them further enhancing this effect.
21. Pair Them Up
A stock tank pool can be given a sleek, modern update with an eye-catching railing and a gated entrance. A set of twin staircases leads to the deck of this above-ground pool, creating a tranquil entrance.
A pair of flags at the end of each staircase add a dose of personality, while a well-structured pool bar brings the resort festivities to this backyard.
22. Play with Color
This grand home has a gray facade that provides a lovely backdrop for the particulars of the above-ground pool.
A green umbrella, sunlounger, pillows, and cups introduce a touch of similar color throughout the deck for an intentional feel. A cozy seating area with sofas and a table offers an inviting place to share a drink.
23. Bring the Indoors Out
This above-ground pool deck and bar idea is built beneath a house-like structure that’s ready for all kinds of entertaining. The blue paint color, together with the pool’s water, liven up the rustic wooden deck in a subdued manner.
The house structure features plenty of seats enough to allow a large group to socialize in comfort, shielded from the rays on a hot sunny day or even during rainstorms.
24. Include a TV
This above-ground pool deck and bar idea features a well designed layout with a pergola nestled in the corner.
The pergola is covered on one side to create space to mount an outdoor TV, perfect for the sports die-hards who can’t bring themselves away from the game.
25. Add a Fire Pit
This spacious pool deck is built for entertaining, with a pergola as the central gathering space, a lounging area with umbrellas, and a fire pit area built beneath the deck level, flush the container pool.
The above-ground pool has a viewing glass by the side that evokes contemplation as you warm up yourself by the fire pit during chilly nights.
26. Include a Sectional
Adding a sectional sofa to your above-ground pool is an excellent way to create a custom deck feel without having to rack up your budget.
This sectional fits right in, adding comfy seating to lounge in the sun and side tables for more functionality. The blue cushions and pillows match the umbrella for a cohesive look, while green and yellow accents add variety.
27. Build a Gazebo
This above-ground pool deck and bar idea has a gazebo that creates a comfortable place for drinks and casual meals.
Red cushioned seats complement the wood used in the area while still adding a vibrant color. The detailing on the pool’s surround gives it a unique look.
