When researching pool decking options, think about the materials you want to use in your design. Many of the looks you wish to can be achieved with decorative concrete but at a lower cost. It also combines flexibility and elegance in design with strength and durability?

What Type of Material Should Be Used For pool Decking?

Consider money, safety, maintenance, durability, and how it fits your home and landscape when deciding which pool deck materials to use. While concrete isn’t the only option, it provides many benefits that other pool deck materials can’t match, especially in terms of versatility.

Concrete was tested against some stiff competition, including natural stone, pavers, brick, and tile. Despite the fact that each of these materials has advantages and disadvantages, concrete may be the overall winner in the following categories.

Slip Resistance

Slip resistance is a top concern since a good grip is especially crucial on pool deck surfaces. All of these pool decking materials, especially tile, can become slippery when wet, but there are several ways to improve surface grip without detracting from the beautiful appearance of concrete. Broomed or exposed aggregate finishes, a textured overlay, or incorporating a transparent plastic grit into the sealer before application are all options.

Reflectivity of Heat

Concrete reflects solar radiation and is more comfortable on bare feet than darker-coloured brick and tile pool decks, which may become uncomfortably hot to touch after baking in the sun. There are also decorative concrete toppings that can be applied to reduce surface temperatures dramatically.

Cost-Effectiveness

While pool decks built of flagstone, pavers, or brick have a tremendous aesthetic appeal, the effort necessary to lay each item separately can be pricey to build. Many homeowners discover that pouring concrete and applying a pattern is less expensive than hauling and placing paving units by hand. However, if you’re on a budget, blending stamped concrete with fields of less-expensive plain concrete can still yield excellent results.

Design Options

Only decorative concrete allows you to choose any form, size, colour, and surface treatment for your pool deck, including simple broom-finished concrete, exposed aggregate, and imprinted patterns that simulate tile, brick, or stone. You can also mix and combine decorative treatments, such as staining concrete with a stencilled or imprinted border or adding sawcut or engraved designs to a coloured overlay.

Easier Maintenance

Other pavement options in the competition are long-lasting and sturdy, but they all require more care than concrete. Over time, bricks and paving units might shift, needing releveling or replacement. The seams between paving units should be replaced with sand regularly to avoid weed growth. Poured concrete solves all of these problems, and it only requires washing and resealing on a regular basis to keep its beauty.

Final Note

Keep in mind that, in comparison to a regular patio, pool decks have unique performance needs. Pool decks must be able to withstand repeated exposure to water as well as harsh pool chemicals. They must also be comfortable on bare feet, splinter-free, and slip-resistant. A concrete pool deck can meet all of these requirements. PENTARM GROUP is the exclusive distributor of the world’s largest swimming pool manufacturer in Canada. If you are looking to purchase a pool or finish around your pool, contact us to talk to our specialists.