# NPT Backyard vs Deck Planner

The clearest difference is rating: NPT Backyard at 3.7 against Deck Planner's 3.3. NPT Backyard also leads on review sentiment (43% vs 25%) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

NPT Backyard holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NPT Backyard has 101 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 43% of NPT Backyard's written reviews are positive against 25% of Deck Planner's.

NPT Backyard ships an update every 2 months, Deck Planner every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NPT Backyard | Deck Planner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (101 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/npt-backyard/id1478178328/reviews)** | [3.3 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/deck-planner/id1567236987/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **101** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **42.5% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 117 MB | 198 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pool Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/508083385) | [Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/496859988) |

## What reviewers say

### NPT Backyard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/npt-backyard/id1478178328)

Visualize your dream pool in your own backyard using augmented reality. This app offers stunning 4k graphics, advanced lighting, and realistic water simulations to help you design and preview your perfect pool.

**Highlights:** Augmented Reality pool visualization, 4k graphics, Realistic lighting effects, Advanced water systems, Design your dream pool

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for visualizing pool options
- 👍 Helpful for remodel planning
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 👍 Good for comparing finishes and colors
- 👍 AR view enhances visualization

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😞 Limited design options
- 😞 Cannot create custom pool shapes
- 😞 AR view often doesn't work
- 😞 Inaccurate rendering of water color
- 😞 App crashes frequently

**Reported bugs**

- AR doesn't work
- App crashes when viewing tiles
- App crashes frequently
- App is slow and hangs
- Water color doesn't change with plaster choices

**Requested features**

- Option to design a remodel for existing pools
- Ability to change pool dimensions within the app
- More standard pool shapes available (e.g., round spa)
- Include all pool tiles from the catalog
- Ability to drag and position the pool design in the yard


### Deck Planner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/deck-planner/id1567236987)

Easily design a beautiful and safe deck in minutes. Visualize your dream deck with realistic 3D models, customizable options, and augmented reality. Generates a complete materials list for a stress-free building experience.

**Highlights:** Deck design tool, High-quality material selection, Customizable dimensions, Color and hardware options, Photo Mode visualization, Augmented Reality (AR) view, Generates materials list

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NPT Backyard free?

NPT Backyard is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Deck Planner free?

Deck Planner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, NPT Backyard or Deck Planner?

NPT Backyard is rated higher. NPT Backyard averages 3.7 out of 5 from 101 ratings, while Deck Planner averages 3.3 from 15 ratings.

### Do NPT Backyard or Deck Planner have ads?

Neither NPT Backyard nor Deck Planner shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NPT Backyard or Deck Planner?

NPT Backyard ships an update every 2 months, and Deck Planner every 3 months. Most recently, NPT Backyard was updated on October 5, 2026 and Deck Planner on October 1, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*