A pool deck is a great way to add a comfortable place for lounging around your swimming pool. Whether you have an inground or above ground pool, the right deck surface will increase enjoyment and safety while reducing cleanup and maintenance. Decks can be made of wood, tile, concrete or another material. While some materials are more expensive than others, a professional deck builder can help you find a balance between design and budget.
The best choice for a pool deck is a durable, low-maintenance material that is also easy to clean. Concrete is the best option for this purpose, offering durability, long life and affordability. It is also available in a wide range of colors, textures and finishes to meet your taste and style requirements. In addition, it is the ideal surface for a pool deck because it provides adequate traction to reduce slip-and-fall accidents.
Other materials for pool decks include natural stone, brick and pavers, as well as wood. While these materials may look attractive, they are not as durable and low-maintenance as concrete. They are also more expensive than concrete.
Most pool industry professionals agree that a concrete deck is the preferred solution for pools, as it creates the perfect combination of beauty, safety and functionality. It is the easiest to maintain, is a permanent fixture and can be built with slip-resistant features. In addition, concrete is more economical than high-end deck materials like wood or tile.
If you opt for a concrete deck, you can use precast pier legs to support your deck. These concrete blocks have slots and a socket that accept 4’ x 4’ wood posts. Install the piers near your pool, spacing them at about one foot on center. Use a level to check that the floor of the pier is level in both directions, and then mark a line on each 4’ x 4’ post at a height that lines up with the top edge of your pool.
Some pool deck materials require a slight slope to ensure proper drainage and prevent washout. For example, pavers, tiles and some types of brick should have a slope of one-quarter inch per linear foot. Concrete requires a slightly different slope, which can be achieved by installing a sand-based underlayment.
Using a special film-forming sealer can also enhance the beauty of your concrete pool deck and protect it from harmful chlorides and water splashes. These coatings provide a protective barrier to the concrete, and most of them have a sheen that highlights the color of colored or exposed aggregate concrete surfaces.
Building a deck around your pool can be a rewarding DIY project, but it requires patience and all the right tools to ensure that it is strong, safe and durable. If you do not have a few weekends to devote to the project or do not own all the necessary tools, consider hiring a professional deck builder. They will make sure that the deck is level, durable and meets all applicable building codes.