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—Comparing the options

Deck-level or raised pool

A deck-level pool sits flush with the surrounding surface; a raised pool stands proud of it. The garden level decides it.

A deck-level pool has its water at the level of the surrounding deck, so the surface reads as one continuous plane and water overflows into a hidden channel. A raised pool has a wall standing above the ground, with the water below its rim. The two suit different gardens and different looks.

Comparison guides set out how two pool options differ and when an owner might prefer one over the other.

The garden levels are usually the deciding factor. A flat garden suits a deck-level pool; a sloping site, or a garden where a raised wall would be a feature, suits a raised pool. The edge detail, the safety of an open edge against a defined wall, and the look all follow from that.

01Summary

What matters most here

  • The garden level

    A flat site suits deck-level; a slope or a feature wall suits raised.

  • The edge

    Deck-level has a hidden overflow edge; a raised pool has a defined wall.

  • The look

    Deck-level is continuous; a raised pool is more visible in the garden.

02Detail

What each option involves

  • Deck-level pool

    Water at deck level, overflowing into a hidden channel and a balance tank.

  • Raised pool

    A wall above ground with the water below the rim, often with a coping edge.

  • Construction

    The levels, the waterproofing and the edge detail differ between the two.

03Before you start

Before choosing

  • Check the levels

    Whether the garden is flat or slopes, and where the water line sits.

  • Decide the look

    A continuous deck or a visible pool wall.

  • Think about safety

    How the open edge or the raised wall works for children and access.

—In practice

How to use this

Decide from the garden levels. A flat garden suits a deck-level pool with its hidden overflow edge and balance tank; a slope or a garden where a raised wall would be a feature suits a raised pool. The edge detail, the safety of the open edge against a defined wall, and the look all follow from the levels.

Mistakes worth avoiding

Deck-level on a slope
A deck-level pool on a sloping site needs the levels built up first. A raised wall often suits the slope better.
Forgetting the balance tank
A deck-level pool needs somewhere for the displaced water to go. The balance tank is part of the build.

04FAQ

Common questions about this

Which is more expensive to build?
A deck-level pool usually involves more construction for the overflow channel and the balance tank, so it tends to be the larger build. The site and the levels decide it.
Can a raised pool be built on a slope?
Often yes, because the raised wall takes up the level difference, which is one of the reasons a sloping site suits it.
Does a deck-level pool need a balance tank?
Usually, because the overflow channel needs somewhere for the displaced water to go. That is part of the construction.

05Read next

More pool guides on this

Filed under new pool construction. Every pool guide is listed on the pool guides page.

—NEXT

Choosing the pool edge?

Tell us the garden levels and the look you want. We will advise between deck-level and raised.

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