Choosing Your Pool Decking

By: Adrian Kinley

It's an exciting time when you are planning to have a swimming pool built in your backyard. There are lots of options to consider; size, heated or not, enclosed or open etc. People are often so excited (granted, with good reason) that they neglect to give any thought to what happens when the contractors leave. Chances are the garden will need a complete re-landscape job and of course there is the question of pool decking.

When deciding on a deck to finish off your new swimming pool remember your decking is not there just as a means of entering and leaving your swimming pool. It will be a place to relax on a lounger or to entertain guests while you watch the kids playing in the pool.

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.

A Traditional Wooden Deck

For some homeowners, nothing beats a proper wooden deck, specially around an above ground pool. I always recommend hardwood when doing a pool decking. It is of course, more expensive but will cope so much better with the constant splashing, wet feet etc. With the above ground pool you can just build a raised deck at one end of the pool to allow for access, or if budget and space allow, surround the entire pool. Remember to allow space for a stairway when considering this option.

Alternatives to timber decks

Other choices are now becoming available when it comes to pool decking. Aluminum, vinyl and plastic are all recent newcomers on the block. A deck built around your pool in one of these materials requires no maintenance, won't ever rot or get bothered by insects attracted by the dampness of a wooden deck.

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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