If you own an above-ground swimming pool or plan on adding one to your yard, you are going to love this DIY project. The supplies are basically free. All you need to do is supply the labor. Who knew that wood pallet could be so versatile but keep reading because you will find out just how to build a swimming pool deck out of free wooden pallets.

Wooden pallets are easy to come by. You can find them at local businesses who want to give them away. If you don’t spot some in your area, just go on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace because someone is always giving away free wood pallet s.

We didn’t come up with this idea to use pallets to create a swimming pool deck. This idea came from José Adimilson Franco who lives in Brazil. We loved his ideas and thought our readers could benefit from his ingenuity. You can check out other wood projects he has created by visiting his Facebook page.

This swimming pool deck made out of pallet wood is built around an approximately 12′ x 30″ above-ground swimming pool.

Step One: Prepare the Pallets

The first step is to acquire free wooden pallets. Then you will need to take the pallets apart so you have the wooden slats to work with. Of course, this type of platform could also be built by purchasing brand new wood from a hardware store but we want to make this project as cheap as possible.

Not all pallet wood will be suitable for a swimming pool deck and platform. You need to pick the best wood that will weather well and have uniform sizes you can use. You may also want to preserve the wood by adding a coat or two of Rust-Oleum paint. Rust-Oleum paint weathers well in the elements. You could also stain the pallet wood if you prefer.

Step Two: Prepare the Area

You will want to prepare the ground around and under the swimming pool. A large tarp should be laid on the ground before the swimming pool is erected. With any type of above-ground swimming pool you add to your yard you will want to level the ground first, then add the tarp, and then the swimming pool. If you already have the swimming pool in place you can skip this step and move to the next step.

Step Three: Build the Base

The next phase of this swimming pool deck project is to create the foundation. While we are not providing the exact measurements because each swimming pool size will be different, you can use the photo to get a good idea of what you will need to create.

Step Four: Build the Platform

Once the swimming pool platform base has been erected, arrange the pallet wood on the deck until you have the design you will to create. Use 1-1/2″ finishing nails and a brad nailer to nail each board in place. You could use a regular hammer but a brad nailer will cut the time in half and save your tired hands. You will also need a saw to cut odd size pallet wood pieces. We suggest using a circular saw.

A set of 3 steps have been added to one corner. Pallet wood can be used to create the steps but in a pinch wood crates will also do the trick. You will want steps to make it easy to climb onto the swimming pool deck.

Now that you have seen what you can do with pallet wood and a swimming pool, you could keep building you deck up on the sides by adding lattice walls and even an outdoor shower.