Choosing the Right Material for Your Pool Deck

 There’s nothing quite like swimming on a hot summer’s day, especially when you only need to go to your backyard to have a quick dip. Swimming pools make for an excellent addition to any home. They can enhance your property value, entertain guests, and give you and your family a much-needed break from the heat.

If you decide to build your own swimming pool, that means you have free reign over every aspect of its design. That includes its shape, depth, and overall size – but what about its surroundings? Many people are unaware of the impact that a deck can have on their pool’s overall appearance and enjoyment. That’s why we wanted to dive in (pardon the pun) to the different types of pool deck materials and what they have to offer you and your future pool.

Wooden Decks

A wooden pool deck can make for an ornate addition to your landscape. Wooden decks are a somewhat traditional choice for home pools. They offer a comforting feeling on your feet when you step out of the water. This isn’t to mention that wood comes in an incredible number of varieties, meaning you can personalize your deck to your heart’s content.

Wooden decks can be expensive to install and need to be shown continual attention and care. If varnish or a water-proof coating isn’t applied to wood regularly, the deck will soon show signs of wear and tear, which can lead to slippery surfaces, splinters, and a general deterioration in appearance. However, preventing damage from water and the elements is relatively easy to do, and shouldn’t deter you from considering this option.

Stone

Stone tiles, bricks, and more forms of stonework are another upscale option for your pool deck. Stone provides grip and a pleasant surface to stand on in bare feet. It also comes in many different varieties, allowing for homeowners to choose unique and personal designs.

Stone can be difficult – a shoddy installation job can lead to rough surfaces, jagged edges, and an overall poor appearance. Stone needs to be installed by qualified professionals, which makes it a difficult choice for any DIYers out there. It can also be expensive to put in, but generally needs little maintenance.

Concrete

A popular option, concrete can be formed and molded to fit your exact designs. It provides a safe surface to stand on whether it’s wet or dry, and doesn’t need much maintenance or care once it’s been put in.

Concrete can look bland and unappealing once installed and can also dry before properly set on hot days. If this happens, the process of getting your pool set up can be delayed. Costs can also go up if this is a DIY job, so ensure you pour concrete in appropriate weather.

Professional Help

When performing any large addition to your home, it’s always recommended you’re as knowledgeable as possible. Unless you’re equipped with landscaping or construction experience, setting up your own pool deck can be a difficult task that comes with a plethora of risks. However, there are ways to prevent things from going wrong during installation.

Consulting with qualified professionals beforehand for recommendations on materials, tool acquisition, and general information can help reduce your installation costs drastically. At Nationwide Pool, our team can assist you with all questions related to pool construction.