A bi-level pool deck is a project that an experienced builder can do. The bi-level pool deck utilizes the entire arsenal of tricks that experienced builders use to build circular decks. The pool's curvature is what provides the real building challenge. Don't attempt it unless you've already laid out, framed and built conventionally designed decks. Building the deck itself is likely to take your spare time for a summer unless you can recruit help or pay the pros to do some of the heavy-duty work like digging the postholes and setting the posts. But if you're ready for a real building challenge, the payoff can be satisfying. Although this deck design is admittedly complicated, it will help if you break it down into its three main parts: the curved 4-foot walkway surrounding the pool, the rectangular adjoining deck and the railing.
Building the curved walkway will most likely challenge even professional builders. For the best results, lay it out using a lot of 4×4 posts so the decking is supported right up to the edge of the pool.

Eliza Snow/iStockphoto
Building the curved pathway of a bi-level pool deck can prove challenging for even professional builders.

