Once you have your above ground pool installed then the next task in line is to have some decking installed around it. You have the option of having the pool completely wrapped in decking or just having it partially wrapped, so there is room for a few chairs and for people to lay in the sun.

For many people the first thing that comes to mind when they think of decking is redwood. The fact is that redwood doesn't work well in alot of climates and is quite expensive. Secondly, if you have seen pictures in magazines of beautiful redwood decks you have to bear in mind that they were made from super pricy, premium, top grade redwood that is completely free of knot holes and color flaws.

For many people, one great option is to use premium grade Douglas Fir for their decking around their built in pool. Even less then premium grade will do if you want but the one huge benefit of this is substantial cost savings. It is more susceptible to decay then redwood but if it is treated and painted correctly it will easily last for a couple of decades.

Douglas Fir is the type of pine that is used for the framing of a building and it usually ends up covered up by siding and sheetrock on a house and isn't usually recommended for decking due to its vulnerability to warpage and decay.

However; if it is painted well with a high quality oil based primer that has a good dose of penetrating addative added to it and then given a good top coat of high grade exterior paint it will give years of service and because it is painted you can choose the color that matches your pool best.