At Minimum, Allow 18" 18" (1.5 feet) isn't very much decking, but it's just enough for you to have minimum concrete to encircle the pool for a firm foundation to stand on. This can be especially important to remember when you are looking at how you plan to maintain the pool.
Along with their lower price, concrete pool surrounds have a few more advantages when compared to paver pool surrounds: They are seamless and don't have cracks that collect dirt, mold and weeds. They can easily be made into any shape. This aspect makes concrete pool surrounds especially nice for fiberglass pools.
Walking space you will typically require 2′ – 4′ around the pool (notice I said walking not running LOL!) If you have a slide, please consider the width of the slide and then add additional 2′ – 4′ of concrete for safety reasons!
Deck pavers, especially natural stone pavers, tend to be more costly than standard concrete decking. Involved installation. Paver installation is more time-consuming and complicated than installing concrete. Sensitivity to pool water.
Because of the damaging nature salt water and the elements such as acid rain and UV exposure can have on concrete it is best to seal a pool deck. Depending on the desired finish, a natural/flat sealer, or high gloss/wet look sealer may be used.
In-ground concrete swimming pools are usually durable installations that last for decades. However, gunite, shotcrete, or concrete walls may develop cracks over time. Small shrinkage cracks aren't a problem, but if the cracks grow large enough to insert a dime, the shell might be compromised.
A well-maintained concrete pool should last around 50 years or more. And a well constructed in-ground concrete swimming pool sphould last a lifetime. But, a pool's liner or finish won't last long.
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.
To be structurally sound, a concrete pool shell should generally be 6 inches thick. Depending on the engineer and the soil condition, it may be more.
Cons: Expensive Purchase — The initial cost of a paver deck is higher than concrete. Over the long term, it levels out but the initial cost can be a factor. Water Can Be an Issue — Some natural stone can be affected by improperly balanced pool water from the splash-out.
Gunite (concrete) is the day on which most people say their pool begins to take shape. While gunite only takes a day on average to install, this process needs three to four weeks for sufficient curing.
Typical patios “fall” 1/8 inch every foot to allow for water run-off and to prevent ponding. The recommended slope for pool decks is ¼ inch per foot. This accommodates the extra volume of water and keeps leaves and debris from washing into the pool.
Pathways Around the Pool
You need to have ample walkway space around the pool. A rule of thumb is to have a minimum of 3′ – 4′ of decking surrounding the pool. This will allow people to walk comfortably, as well as space for pool cleaning and maintenance tasks.
Historically, poured concrete formed in large slabs has been the material used for swimming pool patios. However, problems with cracking and the difficulty of repairs, along with the fact that concrete retains heat that can be painful on bare feet, have led many pool owners to look for other decking options.
One of the most common forms of exposed aggregate pool deck repair is to use a concrete sealer. It is actually recommended that homeowners reapply a sealant every few years to keep their exposed aggregate surface in top shape.
Modified concrete overlays like acrylic lace dissipates heat a lot better than bare concrete or brick surfaces and can be easily added as resurfacing on existing pool decks, saving time and money. Acrylic lace pool decking can be easily maintained and is very durable.
The advantages of gunite and shotcrete
To improve the strength and ductility of poured concrete, it is usually incorporated with wire mesh but sprayed concrete can be combined with steel fibre to increase this. Gunite and shotcrete are typically less expensive than poured concrete.
Composite decks are more slip-resistant than traditional wood options and will even prevent slippery hazards such as algae from building, thanks to the material. The next non-slip option you have is stone.
Gunite is made of sand, water, and cement, and it's basically the same as regular concrete, with one important exception. Unlike traditional concrete, which is poured by section into wooden frames, gunite is applied in layers using a specialized spray gun.
The pool water may begin to freeze on those 30-degree days, thaw on a 50-degree day, and freeze again when the temperature drops. As a result, the concrete and plaster can begin to crack as well. Now, it's totally common for concrete and plaster to crack over time regardless of the climate that your pool is subject to.
Damage Done By Resting Water
When bad drainage isn't fixed in time, it is likely that cracks, holes, and other damages can occur to your concrete surface. Standing water remaining on your concrete slab surfaces for an extended period of time means more than just cracks can occur.