The pool decking is not just to allow access to the water. It will be a place to relax and watch the action in the pool. A place to have parties and maybe include a patio area for BBQ's and outdoor dining.
If your new pool is to be in ground and built in concrete, consider a concrete deck. This type of pool decking is poured at the same time as the pool and forms part of the structure of the pool. It can then either be left as a concrete finish, block paved or tiled depending on your choice and budget. If you tile or pave, be sure to choose something with a none slip finish. If you decide against concrete and prefer a traditional type of decking, there are now specially designed composite boards that look like natural timber but are designed to not get slippery. For above ground pools the decking is constructed after the pool is finished.
Traditional pool decking
For above ground pools, good old timber is still the favorite type of deck. Pressure treated softwood will not last as long as hardwood when it is constantly being subjected to splashing water so I always suggest hardwood if the client is adamant he requires the pool decking in timber. Above ground pools can be decked all the way around if space and budget allows, or can be simply decked at one end with access via a stairway.
Alternatives to timber decks
Other choices are now becoming available when it comes to pool decking. Aluminum, vinyl and plastic are all recent newcomers on the block. A deck built around your pool in one of these materials requires no maintenance, won't ever rot or get bothered by insects attracted by the dampness of a wooden deck.
It will still be a while before these alternative decks become more popular than traditional wood when it comes to a normal deck build but around pools it may only be a matter of time. A wipe down with a cloth every now and then and they come up new. You can even buy them with a timber look imprinted into them so you get the best of both worlds.
Do It Yourself Decking
You can save yourself a a small fortune by building your own deck or patio area. If you are competent with a tape measure, saw and drill you may wish to give the option some serious thought. Before the shovel hits the ground though, find out if there are any building regulations you are rquired to abide by in your town.
Above Ground Pool Decking
Pool decking is not just for placing a trim around your pool. It is a place of leisure where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful summer day. You can have decking built around your above ground pool just as you can with your inground pool. With inground swimming pools, the decking tends to be part of the pool installation process, but the decking for above ground pools can be added afterwards. Pool decking needs to be smooth and not be hot to the feet during the hot summer days.
You can use wood, composite, tiles, stone or concrete as the material for pool decking. There are many textures and designs you can get in all these decking materials both for inground pool decking and for above ground pools. With above ground pools, the swimming pool decking usually includes stairs and you can either have the deck built so that it just gives access to the swimming pool or you can have it all the way around. Aluminum is a popular choice in decking for above ground pools and there are many kits you can buy that include everything you need.
No matter what design you opt to have for your inground pool decking, you do need to make sure that it is slip resistant. In order to have wood decking of this nature, you have to add coarse material to the paint or stain and this makes the pool decking hard to walk on in bare feet. Composite swimming pool decking is the ideal solution for a swimming pool because it is slip resistant and it won't rot or decay from continued exposure to water and humidity.
When you have a swimming pool in your backyard, you don't want to spend time each spring refinishing the decking. With the plastic, vinyl and aluminum pool decking on the market, once you install it, you never have to touch it again. The most maintenance you will have to do with this swimming pool decking is to wash it off occasionally to keep it clean. It won't rot or decay and you will never have to deal with an insect infestation. There is no danger to small children because of any chemicals used in the manufacturing process of composite inground pool decking.
You can have pool decking that matches the color of your house or simulate the look of real wood. Either one will add atmosphere to your backyard and increase the value of your home immensely. When you see the many different styles of pool decking available, you may have a hard time deciding exactly which one you want to have.
Both Adrian Kinley & Peter Crump are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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