There are some rules as to how much walkway around a pool (I assume you meant in ground not on ) I do not like grass near a pool it makes amess in the pool and IMO decking is my favorite and I 2300 sq ft so obviously I do not think that the 2nd choice will be too much deck but have you actully checked out the zoning for a pool that size ? Where I live the wallks around the pool have to be much bigger that 1’8"

It is an ‘on-ground’. Not above ground and not in ground. For our sloped backyard, the deck side will be even with the deck but as you move to the back (towards the stone walkway) the sides of the pool will be about 3-4’ above ground (1’ is sunk into ground - this is all new to me 😝). So, there will be no access except from the deck. That might take care of the walk around clearance - I’ll double check regardless, so thanks! I love deck too.

Like Patricia said, the grass makes a big mess so a larger deck is better. Even though we sweep after we mow, some grass always remember to find it’s way into the pool.