What Is The Best Material For A Pool Deck?

The deck around your pool has a very difficult but important job to do. Not only does it have to withstand the brutal harshness of being exposed to chlorinated water during pool use, but it also has to bear the brunt of hours of sunlight, wildly changing temperatures, and even occasional rainfall. As such, the pool deck must be extremely durable and of many other qualities.

 

That means that the material you choose to build your pool deck is an important choice you shouldn't take lightly. What material you choose should not only be able to stand up to the task of serving as a pool deck, but also be able to last for a considerable amount of time (considering the investment needed to install one of these decks) and much more. On this blog, we'll talk about pool deck materials and talk briefly about some of the best pool deck options for Southern California residents.

 

Qualities of a Good Deck Materials

 

Slip Resistance

Due to the importance of good traction on pool deck surfaces, slip resistance is a high priority. All of these pool deck materials can become slippery when wet, especially tiles, but with concrete, there are several ways to improve the surface traction without compromising the decorative appearance. These include the use of broomed or exposed aggregate finishes, the installation of a textured overlay, or the mixing of a clear plastic grit into the sealer before it is applied.

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Heat Reflectivity

Compared to darker-colored brick and tile pool decks, which can become extremely hot to the touch after sunbathing, concrete reflects solar radiation and is more comfortable on bare feet. There are also decorative concrete toppings that can be used to significantly lower surface temperatures.

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Economy

While the pool decks made of flagstone, pavers, or brick have a great esthetic appeal, they may be costly to install due to the labor required to place each unit individually. Many installers find it more economical to pour concrete and to apply a pattern than to transport and place paving units by hand. For homeowners on a tight budget, impressive results can still be achieved by mixing stamped concrete with low-cost plain concrete fields.

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Design Options

Only decorative concrete gives you the ability to choose any shape, size , color and surface treatment for your pool deck — from plain broom-finished concrete to exposed aggregate or imprinted patterns that mimic tiles, bricks or stones. You can also mix and match decorative treatments, such as combining stained concrete with a stencil or imprinted border, or enhancing a colored overlay with saw-cut or engraved patterns.

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Ease of Maintenance

All the paving materials in our face-off are durable and have a long life span, but most of them require more maintenance than concrete. Bricks and paving units can be moved over time , requiring re-leveling or replacement. Joints between paving units also need to be refilled periodically with sand to prevent weed growth. Poured concrete eliminates all of these issues and simply needs occasional cleaning and resealing to maintain its appearance.

 

Ideal Materials

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Concrete

Concrete is probably the most common pool deck material because it is cheap, easy to install, extremely durable, requires very little maintenance, extremely waterproof, and can be textured to be slip resistant without destroying your feet. You can choose either to have concrete poured, which may require a little extra maintenance, or to install concrete flooring, which looks a little more dated and adds a bit of complexity to the installation. In either case, this is the most common and generally ideal pool deck material for most customers.

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Natural Timber

Wood is a "classic" deck material, and while most people think that wood is easily damaged by water, waterproofing treatments can last for decades under heavy use and exposure to moisture. A wooden pool deck looks great and is easy on the legs, but requires more maintenance than other materials , in particular an annual or biannual treatment for waterproofing and sealing.

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Tiles

Stone, clay, or other durable tile materials are becoming extremely popular because they can come in all kinds of shapes, colors , and patterns, giving you a truly unique and attractive look at your pool area. However, not all tiles are particularly water-resistant (such as sandstone) and, over time, they can wear smoothly and lose their grip. Not to mention some tile options can be expensive, and most of them require a maintenance regime to ensure longevity.

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Composite

Composite materials are a popular choice because they can be made to imitate many other materials, with more color flexibility, and are often more durable and water-resistant than many others. Composite is also great as a low-budget option, but it does not have the same risks as natural wood, including lower expansion and growth rates on hot days and less likelihood of splintering. However, some people just don't like the look they 're offering.