Investing in your new in-ground pool can turn your home into your own private resort. You won’t have to worry about booking rooms or paying for flights if your own backyard is its own convenient paradise. Once you have decided to install an in-ground pool, a vital decision you will have to make is what pool decking will give your backyard the right aesthetic you’re looking for. Here we will go over the different choices you have for in-ground pool decking to be ready when the decision comes.
What is Pool Decking?
Pool decking is also known as the “surround” or deck. Pool decks are typically made of concrete, wood, tile, and stone. Your pool decking and other paved areas are essential to adding functional landscapes to your backyard. The purpose of decking is to provide a safe surrounding that gives access to your pool. You can also extend the deck to accommodate outdoor furniture for complete poolside luxury.
What Features Should My Deck Have?
You want your pool decking to look beautiful and luxurious, but remember that your deck’s main purpose is to provide safety. Here are some important qualities your deck should have:
- Make sure that the material you choose does not get slippery when it’s wet.
- Your deck should not be made of a bumpy or rough material that could cause people to stumble or trip.
- Some materials absorb heat and make the floor unbearable to walk on in the summer. The material you choose for your deck should reflect heat to avoid this as much as possible.
- Deck material should be made of a substance resistant to algae growth, chemicals, acid, mildew, and anything else that might grow in a wet area.
- Your deck should flush with any other material or landscape in your backyard so that there are no uneven areas that may cause injury.
- Safety barriers that are legally approved should be integrated into your deck material needs.
What Is Coping?
Pool coping is a cap that surrounds the pool’s edge and is between the pool and the decking. Coping is normally 12 inches wide and is made of materials such as concrete and stone. If you are looking for a seamless look from your pool to your deck, you may want to consider getting pool coping.
Decking Materials
Now that you know more about what a good pool deck needs, let’s go over the different materials you choose from.
Concrete
Concrete should always be poured by a professional. It is the cheapest and most popular material used for pool decking. Although concrete is a common material, it can come in different designs and colors to give you versatile options. Decks made of concrete are relatively easy to maintain and don’t get too hot in the summer heat but can crack in freezing climates. One downside to concrete decks is that wet concrete can get slippery, which is a potential safety issue. Pool owners can add an aggregate layer of small pebbles to help prevent concrete from getting slippery.
Stamped Concrete
Concrete decks can have a stamped finish to make them look like stone, tile, or brick. This would give you a more affordable option than a stone with a more creative look than regular broomed concrete.
Wood
Wood can give your pool decking a gorgeous natural appearance. Wood decks are affordable and easy to work with for backyards with unique land levels and slopes because they can be built off the ground. Wooden decking can make your backyard look like your own personal oasis, but it takes a lot of work to keep it beautiful. Pool owners should be aware that wooden decks need seasonal maintenance to keep them from fading, warping, or splintering.
Composite wood looks like wood but is more expensive to install. People usually choose composite wood because it can give your backyard a naturally beautiful look without all the maintenance that real wood requires.
Tile
Tile is easy to work with and creates an elegant appearance to your pool and surrounding area. Only unglazed tile is used for pool decks, as glazed tile would become dangerously slippery when wet. Tile is an easy material to install quickly and can be set in either concrete or grout.
Some tiles are self-adhesive and can be added to wood, concrete, or even bare ground. This can be convenient if you want your decking to flow seamlessly with your in-home tile or later want to expand your decking area.
Stone
Stone decks need the least amount of maintenance. They offer a great architectural look that is still durable. Stone is a classic material to use around pools for waterfalls or other beautiful structures that create a natural look. The natural friction created by stone makes it a great choice for preventing slipping. Its durable and stylish appearance makes stone decking more expensive than other options, but it may be worth it for lower maintenance costs in the long run. The pricing of stone decking varies depending on the type of stone you choose. Common types of stone are Quartzite, Limestone, Sandstone, Granite, and Travertine.
Whether you are looking for a more frugal deck or an exotic deck with low maintenance, knowing what each material gives you is the key to completing your backyard escape. Know your safety and budget needs and search for different options that will give you that paradise atmosphere at a cost that fits your needs.