Pool Decking: Everything you Need to Know
There’s more to a swimming pool than meets the eye. It’s a place where you can rest, relax, and just let it all out. It can also be a venue for friends and families to meet and gather for special events and occasions. That said, you won’t always be spending time in the water, part of owning a swimming pool is basking in the area surrounding it. Often called a deck, this part of your pool is where you often set furniture and other decorative fixtures. It’s a hardscape that not only accommodates pool amenities but is also a place where friends and families can stay before jumping in the water.
Pool Plaster Central offers the best pool decking services to help you build or renovate your pool deck.
Contrary to common belief, pool decks are just as important as any part of your pool. It not only provides space but it also serves as a backdrop to your pool. A good pool decking can make or break the aesthetic value of a pool area as it can either make the pool stand out or stick like a sore thumb. In pool decks, the quality of the materials used matters and can directly affect the quality of the pool deck. While workmanship still plays a vital part, it’s in designing and in planning that makes a pool deck a stunning place that accentuates your swimming pool.
Here are a few things to consider if you want to have your pool deck remodeled.
1. Style
It’s obvious that style plays a major role in the turnout of a pool deck. That said, as a pool owner, you should consider how cohesive you want your deck to be with the design language used in your home. You can either match the style of the pool deck to that of your house or you can borrow different design cues to set the pool deck apart. It’s very rare that a pool contractor will have a say in how the deck is to be designed but you can always ask your pool professional to provide their opinion on the matter.
If you’re still having a hard time finding the right style to use for your pool decking, a good rule to follow is that the deck should either complement the pool or make it stand out. You can select a pool deck style based on your pool pebble, pool tile, and pool coping. Nevertheless, you the pool owner can only tell what style suits your pool deck best.
2. Materials
The next thing to consider is the types of materials used in a pool deck. As we’ve covered above, the quality of the raw materials used can sometimes outweigh the workmanship of the pool professional in terms of your deck’s wow factor. The part that the pool professional’s workmanship plays mainly relates to how durable and how reliable the pool deck will be. That said, make sure to check for various materials to use on your pool deck. You can visit your local pool store or you can ask your pool contractor for advice.
There are various materials available on the market, which we’ll get to later. The idea here is to make sure that you ask from trusted sources which would be the best material for your project. Our pro tip is to look at the materials carefully and know the advantages and disadvantages of each allowing you to make and come up with an informed decision.
We at Pool Plaster Central will be more than happy to provide you our expert advice and opinion regarding matters involved in swimming pool decks. We’re happy to help our customers even if that means pointing them towards the other direction.
If you want to know more about why Pool Plaster Central is your best option when redoing your pool deck, check out why we’re the best at what we do.
Why Pool Plaster Central is best in Pool Decking
Pool Plaster Central is a company with a heart. We provide superior pool services like including pool remodel and pool renovations, we take each project and commit ourselves to it. We know that in this business, skill and experience is a huge factor, with years of working in the pool industry on our side, we can easily say that we’ve got the right skill and the right know-how to complete just about any swimming pool project including pool plastering or pool resurfacing.
We’re also backed by pool professionals who are licensed individuals that are qualified to do their tasks and roles in the project they were commissioned for. In the case of pool decking, we’re backed by swimming pool experts who are adept in various designs and layouts of various pool decks. We treat every pool like it’s ours so rest assured that we have you and your private pool’s best interest in mind when we give out advice on the path to take in designing your pool’s decking. Our swimming pool services are tailored to your needs and you can be sure we’re always on top of every project.
Pool Plaster Central knows swimming pool decking like no other. We provide superior services you simply won’t find anywhere else. We install pool decking that does not only look good but also has the durability and reliability to match. Just check our the projects we did through our Costa Mesa pool remodel and Garden Grove pool services. We leave our clients satisfied because we work on your pool until we ourselves are satisfied with the final outcome. That said, We also offer various services to maintain the pool decking we installed. We offer specialized maintenance services to swimming pools or a weekly basis. We know how to build, repair, and renovate swimming pools and also maintain them. We offer holistic swimming pool services to keep your swimming pool in its pristine condition. Contact Pool Plaster Central today and find out how we can help you bring the best in your private pool.
How much does it cost for pool deck?
The cost of building or remodeling a pool deck will depend on the type of materials that are to be used and the amount of work required to finish the project. We’d also have to factor in the breadth of the area where the deck is to be installed. However, on average, pool decks will range somewhere from $5,000 to $7,000. There are various options in terms of style and material when installing a pool deck, here are some estimates on pool deck costs depending on the materials used.
- Wood deck – $3.00 to $15.00 per square foot
- Concrete deck – $5.00 to $12.00 per square foot
- Pavers – $3.00 to $7.00 per square foot
What kind of wood is used for pool decks?
Wooden pool decks use a special variety of wood to help the pool area maintain its structural integrity amidst being exposed to the elements and the treated pool water. That said, you simply just can’t use any kind of wood as it can weaken from the chemicals in the pool area as well as from constant exposure to the sun. Pine is commonly used in pool decks because it’s inexpensive and it can withstand the chemicals in the pool water. It’s also largely available making it an easy choice for many pool owners. However, pine is vulnerable to insect damage and fungal infection. You can also use Cedar not only because of its good looks but also because of its durability and reliability. It’s resilient against moisture as well as with insect damage. It will also hold up well against exposure ton the elements like sun and rain. Teak can also be used for pool decks because of its resistance to insect damage, mold, and mildew. Like Cedar, Teak also boasts an attractive look while requiring very little to no maintenance. Known for its elegance, Redwood makes for a good option for wooden pool decks. Like the two former wood options we’ve covered, Redwood is also resistant to insect damage. Lastly, Mahogany can also be used when wanting to have a wooden pool deck installed in your property. That’s because Mahogany offers unique wooden aesthetics as well as resistance against harsh weather conditions.
How do you build a deck around an inground pool?
Pool decks are an attractive upgrade to most swimming pools. They offer a place to stay and place pool furniture but most importantly, pool decks can be designed to make the swimming pool stand out. There are various options for swimming pool decks like concrete pools known for their durability and longevity and also wooden pool decks that offer a unique aesthetic look and feel as well as a cool and comfortable to rest your feet on when you’re out of the water. There are three main steps to follow when installing a pool deck around an inground pool and let’s use a wooden deck as an example.
First is excavation. Especially in concrete decks, excavating the area where the deck is to be installed is important. Rocks and roots must be removed from the site where the deck is to be built. Next, cut and place the wood. Cut the planks and place them around your in-ground pool, continue until you’ve covered the pool area. Set the remaining woods to complete the deck. Last is finishing. You can place stones around the edges of the wood keeping the wood in place. Wash the wood using a hose and apply a sealer.
If decking feels like a huge undertaking, you can always hire a pool professional.
How much decking should I have around my pool?
The minimum pool deck size is 4 feet wide as the distance of 4 feet allows the swimmers to have a safe distance in terms of entering and exiting the swimming pool. In most municipalities, 4 feet is the standard minimum clearance a swimming pool can have for the deck. Pools can have wider decking but cannot go under a distance of 4 feet.
What is best material for pool deck?
Pool decks can come in many forms. However, one of the most common pool deck material is concrete because of its durability and overall longevity. They last longer than wooden pool decks and hold up well against the elements. In terms of pool decking finishes, the best varieties are stained and stamped concretes. They offer a unique look and feel and will also stay cool longer than other concrete finishes. One of the main purposes of installing pool decks is having a place not only for gatherings but also for a place for friends and families to rest when they are out of the water. Moreover, a pool deck can help your swimming pool stand out or provide a cohesive design from your home extending to the pool area. Stained and stamped concrete pool decks will allow you to enjoy a variety of designs you can match with your pool and your home.
Pool Service Areas
Pavers
When designing a pool deck, choosing the exterior flooring is important. Pavers are often a common option for pool owners when designing their pool deck’s finish as pavers are usually an affordable means of redecorating and upgrading your pool area’s looks and aesthetic value. Pavers can be likened to tiles and can be placed above the concrete base of a pool deck which gives the area surrounding your swimming pool a sturdy and attractive look. Using pavers for your pool deck works well with swimming pools that have tiles for its interior finish as this creates a more cohesive design with the styling of the pool interior extending to the pool deck. Pavers do come in various designs, sizes, and shapes which can help create a rustic vibe or provide a deck area with a modern atmosphere.
Installation of pool pavers are often simple and straightforward. As we’ve mentioned, pavers are like tiles. Pavers have interlocking parts that can easily be attached together. It’s another attractive and practical option to improve your pool deck’s finish. That’s because pavers will have a base that can move, expand, or even contract as needed allowing the deck to enjoy slight flexibility instead of having to crack in certain conditions. Although this happens very slowly over long periods of time, the soil from where your pool can slightly shift. This movement can cause the average concrete deck to crack whereas pavers can move with the soil making it durable and somewhat resistant to outside elements. Common types of pavers include cement pavers and stone pavers. A weather barrier can be applied in between the paver and the concrete which helps prevent the paver from cracking from tension below the surface and also stops moisture from seeping up to the surface of the paver finish from the concrete.
Grey Concrete
Many pool decks use a concrete base. Concrete decks are known for their durability, longevity, and their ability to handle the elements as most pool decks are located outdoors.
Grey concrete is another popular choice amongst pool owners when choosing an exterior finish for their pool deck. Grey concrete provides the pool deck area with cool undertones that can help make the swimming pool area look more inviting especially on a hot summer day. Grey concrete comes in various ranges from a lighter shade of grey to darker tones allowing you select the right hue to match your swimming pool and the structures surrounding the pool area.
Grey concrete provides your deck a simple and a minimalist look that feels modern and sophisticated, perfect for homes that exude the same modern and contemporary vibe. While grey concrete can be found on most private pools installed and built on residential backyards, you can sometimes see grey concrete pool deck finishes on luxurious infinity pools because of its elegant and stylish look. Grey concrete can be slightly expensive compared to pavers but they will provide your pool area with a more polished look. It’s also durable and offers a bit of traction like a fine variation of a brushed concrete pool deck. Grey concrete is a common style of concrete decks and a go-to option for pool owners who have pools with white or colored plaster.
Colored Concrete
Colored concrete is unique because of its versatile design having had the concrete distressed and cut into various patterns and designs. This type of pool deck allows pool owners and pool professionals alike to come up with various themes and designs for their swimming pools as the colored concrete can be stained or colored with various hues and cut into different shapes. Colored concrete can be had in various colors to match the design and the atmosphere of your pool interior. The variety of colors available with colored concrete are wider compared to grey concrete since grey concretes only offer various shades of grey while colored concrete offers a much generous option when it comes to selecting the hue of your pool deck area. One of the most common colored concrete options are sandy white and beige as well as earth-toned concrete pool decks as they pair quite well with rustic-looking homes and offer a warm undertone to an otherwise boring backdrop.
Colored concrete pool decks can help give your pool area more character and personality and will definitely improve the way your aquatic paradise looks. Beige and sandy white colored pool decks emanate the feeling of being in a beach while earth-toned pool decks make for an environment that’s perfect for most homes.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is a variety of colored concrete pool deck and provides additional dimensions in terms of design as a colored concrete only allows you to adjust the color of your pool deck while stamped concrete adds various patterns and effects that will further elevate the look and aesthetic value of your pool. Stamped concrete offers a durable finish that’s also beautiful, and low maintenance as well as a wide range of styles for customization and personalization. If character is important to you and your pool, using stamped concretes make for a great option when selecting a pool exterior finish.
Stamped concrete designs are achieved thanks to the use of powder for coloring effects and the use of stencils for designs, allowing us to achieve unique looks for your stamped concrete. Stamped concrete is best used to bring out the artistic nature of your swimming pool. Designs include wood stamping that’s perfect for bringing out a more natural and traditional look to your swimming pool; seamless stamping making your pool deck look seamless and more polished because the pool deck area will look more like a single and solid piece of stone that can be accentuated with various sawcut lines; and flagstone patterns that offer the look and feel of real stone. These decorative pool deck options allow you to elevate the look of your pool and add a pop of color and design to your beloved swimming pool. The options with stamped concrete pool decks are endless and are limited only to you and your pool contractor’s imagination so make sure you hire the right team for the job.
Now that you know the various types of pool decks and their benefits, you can now make a better decision on how you’d like your pool deck to be. As we’ve covered above, a pool deck’s purpose isn’t just to serve as a place for you to stay when not in the water. It’s also supposed to make your pool stand out and accentuate the beauty of your swimming pool.
Pool decks are an essential part of your swimming pool, they serve not only as a place to house your pool furniture but is also a place of gathering, a place where memories are made and remembered. That said, you want those memories to be good with a stunning backdrop that your guests will talk about or years to come and would want to come back to for future gatherings. Whether it’s a fun birthday or an outdoor campaign playing D&D with your old buddies, a good pool deck can make these memories all the more unforgettable.
We at Pool Plaster Central are experts in pool decking and our services are the best the industry has to offer – bar none. We’re backed by pool professionals that don’t just bank on years of experience but are also licensed, insured, so you’re sure that you’re getting the best pool decking services for your money.
To help you understand the process of what happens during one of our pool decking projects, here are some common steps used in pool decking.
1. Planning
In almost any undertaking, a good plan should be required. In the case of building a new pool deck or renovating an old one, the use of proper materials, the style, and design of the pool deck should be considered in the planning process. The deck should complement the pool itself and the surrounding landscape. Moreover, climate should also be considered when selecting your choice of decking material. The climate changes that the surface will be faced with can play a vital role in its longevity and durability.
We at Pool Plaster Central will help you come up with pool decking designs that are tailored to your location. We’ll also make sure that these designs will meet the requirements of your local city and building codes to help eliminate the hassle when applying for permits and paperwork.
2. Preparing and Repairing
Once the plan for the pool decking has been finalized, preparing and even repairing the old deck can be started. For pool decking repair undertakings, one of the first steps is detecting the damages. Finding cracks and other structural damage is key to breathing new life into an old and dilapidated pool deck. Identifying parts of the pool deck that can no longer be repaired and must be replaced is also the key to increasing the deck area’s structural integrity as well as its aesthetic value. On the other hand, when completely remodeling your pool deck, an important part of the process is the preparation of the concrete. When using pool deck finishes like stained and stamped concrete, etching, grinding, or shot blasting the concrete base to make it porous is important. Not only does it remove the previous deck material but it also prepares the concrete base to receive the new deck surface. Should adhesion be required for the new deck finish, preparing the concrete base will help make the new pool deck finish enjoy better adherence.
3. Cleaning and Priming
Once the concrete base is prepared, the next step would be cleaning and priming. This is usually done with a pressure washer. This removes any dirt or debris that might still be stuck on the concrete base which can affect the adhesion and the overall finish. During this process, the concrete base can once again be checked for uneven bumps and sunken areas. Should the new pool deck surface require a primer, a primer will be applied to the cleaned concrete base.
4. Pool Deck Installation
Depending on the pool deck finish you’ve selected, adhesive products and/or colored pigments will be prepared and mixed. This will then be applied to the surface of the concrete base. Once necessary adhesives are applied, the finish you’ve selected will then be placed atop the concrete base. This will be left to set and cure.
5. Overlay Application
Depending on the look you want to achieve, an overlay may be applied by troweling, rolling, or spraying. An overlay will typically be a thin layer applied to the pool deck’s surface usually of sand, cement, polymer resin, or other kinds of additives. Adding overlay will add strength and durability to the pool deck.
6. Adding Patterns and Textures.
After the overlay has been applied to the pool deck’s surface, the patterns and textures can now be added to the deck to create a unique and natural design. This process is often completed using specialty tools designed and engineered for this purpose. The overlay is left to set and cure.
7. Curing and Sealing
Once the overlay cures, a sealer can be added to the surface which will then serve as an additional layer of protection for the pool deck. A sealer will also improve the deck’s strength and increase its resistance against stains.
We at Pool Plaster Central ensure that your pool deck will be applied properly using tried and tested methods as well as new and novel equipment to achieve the deck you desire. Contact Pool Plaster Central today to find out more about how we can help you improve your swimming pool through pool decking and other swimming pool solutions we offer.
