Key Takeaways
- There are several factors beyond cost you’ll want to consider when choosing materials for your pool deck.
- Below, we’ll look at the pros and cons of materials such as natural stone, natural wood, and concrete.
- Pavers are a popular choice for pool decks because they come in a variety of materials, styles, and designs.
- If you keep your pool deck well maintained, you’ll be able to enjoy the area for years.
A pool can be a wonderful addition to your home, especially if you’re someone who loves to host parties and get-togethers. Of course, installing a pool at your home is a huge investment. Naturally, you’re going to want to ensure the pool looks great and, above all, is safe.
That’s especially the case when deciding which materials to use for your pool deck. While the pool itself is important and adds value to your home, the deck material surrounding it can greatly impact the look and feel of the whole project.
Choosing the right pool deck material isn’t as simple as looking at cost. Each material, regardless of price, comes with its own pros and cons. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the most common pool deck materials and why each could be the right choice for your project.
Read: Key Things to Consider When Selecting Living Room Furniture
Natural Stone
Much like wood, there’s an inherent beauty to natural stone. Using this material for a pool deck can turn a typical pool into something more akin to a natural lagoon. That said, there are some definite pros and cons to natural stone that you might not realize when deciding on a pool deck material.
Firstly, there’s no denying the fact that natural stone can look stunning as a pool deck material. It’s also incredibly durable and fairly easy to maintain. Typically, once installed, keeping it clean and presentable just requires some spraying and a light scrub.
However, there’s one major potential drawback to natural stone that is important to take into consideration – the sand. Many times, to preserve the natural look and feel of the material, sand is used as a filler between the stones. So, if you’re hoping to avoid unwanted sand in your pool, you’ll need to spend a bit more for a solid filler, such as concrete. Furthermore, stone has the potential of being slippery unless there’s a good texture on it.
Natural Wood
Treated lumber or cedar wood planks can be a beautiful look for your pool deck. And honestly, this is the most economical choice for many projects. However, before you choose natural wood, it’s important to know the potential drawbacks of this deck material.
The biggest plus in favor of natural wood is the fact that it looks good and can be used for many different decking needs. Perhaps you already have a deck outside and want to match the pool deck to the existing structure, for example. However, pool decks are a much different beast than a traditional deck.
Natural wood requires quite a bit of maintenance, as there could be splinters and regular wear and tear, since the material isn’t as strong as some of the other options on this list. Additionally, pool chemicals could possibly stain or damage the wood, forever altering the look of the deck. And lastly, much like when you use wood for traditional decks, a natural wood pool deck needs to be sanded and sealed regularly.
Concrete
Poured concrete is a popular choice for a pool deck material. Much like stone, it’s incredibly durable and easy to maintain. There are also a variety of ways it can be customized to give your pool a unique look. Of course, as with all the materials on this list, some considerations need to be reviewed when deciding if concrete is the right choice for your pool project.
Concrete can give your pool a beautiful, clean look. As mentioned, it’s also a durable material that can be easily maintained. Adding to its beauty, there’s the choice about whether you want a simple brushed concrete look or something more bespoke, like a stamped or colored option. That said, stamped and colored concrete usually costs a bit more, and concrete can be very hot to the touch in direct sunlight.
PVC
When choosing a pool deck material, you might not immediately think about PVC. However, this synthetic material has multiple benefits that make it a solid choice for a pool deck. First, the material is completely resistant to moisture, which is great for a pool deck. In addition, it won’t warp or stain like natural wood. And it’s also really easy to clean and maintain.
The biggest downside to PVC is the upfront cost, which can be more expensive than the other options on this list. Lastly, depending on the chosen PVC material, it can also be slippery when wet, which isn’t ideal for a pool deck material.
Pavers
If you’re someone who is hoping for a pool deck design that is a bit more customizable and unique, pavers could be the choice for you. Much like the tile in your home, pool deck pavers come in a variety of materials, styles, and designs, allowing for near-endless customization. Pavers are also durable and easy to maintain. Perhaps best yet, if an individual paver is broken and needs replacing, it’s a simple process.
However, pavers aren’t a perfect deck material. Due to the use of a filler between the pavers, they tend to capture more dirt and grime. This could lead to the need to clean your pool more often. Proper joint filler, regular cleaning, and sealing your pavers can help prevent this
Which Type of Pool Deck Material Should You Get?
Having reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of several types of pool deck materials and the versatility of pavers, you should consider aesthetics, safety (are they slip-resistant?), and durability. The location of your pool matters, too. Do you live somewhere hot and humid or relatively dry? But when you choose the right material for pool deck pavers and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, you’ll be able to enjoy your pool area for years to come.