Forget splinters, rot and warping... and think comfortable, long-lasting beauty. And when it comes to that harsh summer sun, Trex® fade-resistant swimming pool decks and high-performance patio furniture can take the heat–no sunscreen required.
Adding A Pool Deck
With wood fibers fully encapsulated in plastic, MoistureShield composite decking is protected to the core and is durable enough to be installed on the ground, in the ground or under water – making it an ideal option for decks around pools.
Offset the in-ground or above-ground pool of your dreams with spectacular decking options from Trex. Browse through our collection of inspirational images for poolside decks, or decking options for hot tubs and more.
Wood and WPC Pool Decking
Wood or wood plastic composite (WPC) are best for raised decks around above-ground pools. And if you've got the skills, you can do the installation yourself. Note that wood or WPC can also be used for in-ground pools.
One of the coolest options for pool deck surfaces are textured acrylic coatings. A coating that's made of concrete and acrylic will absorb less heat than other materials. Texture also makes the surface feel cooler to the touch because when a person walks on it, their bare feet are exposed to less surface area.
Concrete Decking
Concrete is the most basic option for a pool deck. But, it's also supremely versatile and durable. The main reason concrete makes a good decking material is its affordability. It's one of the most inexpensive options for a pool deck, with broom-finished concrete being the most inexpensive by far.
The maximum gap between the decking and the pool coping is generally 3/4 inch. Slip resistance, gaps between boards and slope of the deck may also be regulated depending on the local codes. These design requirements should also be considered for any deck adjacent swimming pools or hot tubs, whether in or above ground.
The good news is the composite decking is multiple times stronger than is required to support the hot tub. The weight of the hot tub will not break the composite decking when the weight is evenly distributed.
On average, building a pool deck costs around $5,000. Most homeowners pay between $3,000 and $12,000 for this project. Where you fall on that range depends on the materials you choose, the size of the patio, and the difficulty of the terrain. A simple wood deck for an above-ground pool may only need a $3,000 budget.
Composite decks are not slippery even when there is water on the surface. The problem, however, is when there is an accumulation of both ice and water on your composite decking. Aside from being the cause of accidents, ice, and the removal of it, can cause some damage to your patio.
Can composite decking (such as Trex) be installed over concrete? Yes. In most cases you can lay composite decking over concrete (keeping in mind you'll have to build a substructure that allows airflow and drainage).
If your pool has outlived its usefulness and it would cost more to repair than you can afford, you can cover it. Building a deck over a pool presents a challenge similar to any raised deck, so be prepared for hard work, sore muscles and a great sense of accomplishment.
The hardscape area around your swimming pool is called a surround, deck, or decking, even though it isn't always made of wood or composite, like traditional outdoor decks with which we most often associate the words. Traditionally, most in-ground swimming pool decks are made of concrete.
Mastic is basically a very strong, waterproof adhesive that's almost putty-like in texture. The pool caulk sits between concrete sections to prevent any water from escaping through the cracks and causing damage to the pool's concrete or your surrounding deck area.
Poured concrete has been the material of choice for pool decking for decades because it's durable and water-resistant. When finished with a brushed surface, poured concrete allows swimmers to walk barefooted without the risk of slipping.
Concrete pavers are a great option for pool decks because they are durable; chlorine and salt resistant, and can provide the look of natural stone. Pavers also provide good traction and are comfortable underfoot, because the joints take on moisture that helps cool the surface.
Cool deck coatings are not a concrete pool deck paint. They are spray-applied overlays available in light colors that will help to reflect the heat. They also have an "orange peel" texture that provides air pockets to help keep the surface cooler underfoot.
Aside from fencing, there are more creative and natural ways to create a private swimming pool environment, as well. You could plant boxwood shrubs around your pool or set up a trellis with vines growing through it. If you live in a tropical climate, you can grow a grove of palm trees around your property.
Remember these important points of aboveground pool landscaping: Do not mulch up to the edge of the pool, it holds moisture and creates acidic soils, use a 6-12″ gravel border. Always slope away from the pool, to keep water and moisture draining away from the pool.
When you're looking for the ultimate wood decking that stays cooler in the summer, there is not a better option than Ipe. Ipe decking packs in a lot of features and is one of our top choices for many reasons. It's a very dense wood which makes it incredibly durable and causes it retains less heat than its counterparts.