The Value of a Pool Deck

• Adding a swimming pool to your backyard landscape can be a major investment. By including a pool deck into the overall design, you will maximize the value in terms of your personal enjoyment as well as increasing the worth of your home. A properly designed pool deck will help integrate the pool area into the existing landscape, creating a seamless look to the entire backyard. It is important to choose the right material for the pool deck in order for it to blend in with any existing structures.
  
  

Wooden Pool Decks

• One of the most economical choices for a pool deck is wood. There are basically three primary types to choose from: pressure-treated pine, cedar and redwood. Pressure-treated pine is the least expensive, but cedar and redwood will resist rot for a longer period of time. The primary benefit of a wooden pool deck is the ability to account for any elevation changes in the landscape. This is especially true if the pool is above ground. The major drawback to wood is that is has a tendency to split and crack, which increases the risk of painful splinters for bare feet. This risk can be minimized by power washing and sealing the deck on a regular basis.
  
  

Composite Pool Decks

• Composite decks are boards that are made out of a combination of plastic and wood fibers. This type has all of the same characteristics of wood, but is resistant to rot and decay and will not crack and split over time. The actual framing of a composite deck will still be made from pressure-treated wood, but the deck top will be composite decking boards. This is an excellent product for a pool area as it can blend in with the color of the pool's coping and has a smooth texture that is easy on the feet. The main drawback to composite decking is the fact that it is much more expensive that pressure-treated pine. However, the amount of time and money you will save on maintenance issues will even out the higher upfront cost in the long run.
  
  

Concrete Pool Decks

• Concrete pool deck
  
  Most in-ground pool packages include a three-foot concrete deck around the perimeter of the pool as part of the price. This is an excellent opportunity to expand on this decking by adding a larger concrete pool deck to either the back or side of the pool. Concrete also allows the flexibility to design the pool deck into any shape the existing area will allow so you are only limited by your creativity and budget for the project. Some other finishing touches you can add are a colored stain or a particular pattern. These can combine to give the pool deck a rich, elegant look that will enhance the entire backyard landscape.
  
  

Brick or Stone Paver Pool Decks

• Brick paver pool deck
  
  Similar to concrete, you can design a pool deck of any shape, size and color with the use of brick, stone or concrete pavers. There are numerous styles of pavers to choose from as well as particular patterns for the deck itself. The best application for the pool area is to have the pavers cemented into place as opposed to being set in crushed gravel or sand. You want to avoid having any loose material between the pavers that will undoubtedly find its way into the pool water. This will also help prevent the pool deck from shifting or sinking over time.