Are you continuing the deck all around the pool?What is the reason the deck does not go all the way across at the same depth I would run the new deck at the same depth all across the back of the house along that lattice wall. I see no reason to have the 2 sets of steps so maybe a bit more info about that. Maybe a to scale drawing of that whole area and some pics from further back.

thanks....working on it right now lol. Was like that when we moved in so trying to make it work. Just got all the old railing off this week.

My sister and BIL added an above ground pool and what they built is *perfect* for entertaining. They needed two levels for the existing door and height of pool, so the main area is off the door and is large enough to hold two long dining tables, two buffet tables, and a small seating area with a chiminea on the end away from the pool. That main area has a trellis-like roof over it that they usually cover. The end near the pool has one step up to meet pool deck level... one large area for benches, floats, towels, etc etc, and then a walkway deck all the way around the pool. They have only one set of stairs on the side across from the door and the grills are kept near those steps at ground level for safety reasons.

Have you any pictures?