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Pool Decking – What’s Best For You

06.02.2007 · Posted in Home Improvement Articles

More and more people are now having a swimming pool built in the garden. The excitement of planning the pool often means people fall into the trap of not giving the landscaping and pool decking area enough thought.

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

Wooden decking is still a favorite for above ground pools due to its natural look and feel. If you decide on a wooden deck it may be best to go for a hardwood. The initial cost is more but it will last a lot longer compared to a pressure treated softwood constantly getting wet. The deck can either just be on one side of your above ground pool or can surround the entire pool. Entrance onto the deck would be via a stairway built into the deck.

Other Pool Decking Materials

Vinyl, aluminum and plastic decking are all now available for pool decking. The fact that there is no danger of rot setting in or termite attacks due to being constantly getting wet makes them a good choice. Couple that with the fact they are virtually maintenance free and it is easy to understand why they are becoming more popular.

It seems to me that it is only a matter of time before these alternative materials become more popular than timber when it comes to pool decking but it will be a long time, if ever, before they replace timber in a normal deck build. Timber is still first choice where practical but it has to be said, around a pool or any other body of water isn’t really practical for a long, maintenance free life.

DIY Deck Building

If you are handy with a saw, tape measure and the odd power tool then a self build will certainly keep the bank balance looking a lot sweeter. As with any large do it yourself project, check with your local building control officer to find out what specific building regulations apply to your area.

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