Trends in Swimming Pool Decking

Swimming pool decks have come a long way from plain ol’ concrete.

Upgrading a pool deck is one of the most popular pool renovation projects, but the array of pool deck options can be dizzying!

In today’s post, we break down pool decking into four distinct types; concrete, tile, wood and natural stone pool decks.

CONCRETE DECKS

Concrete pool decks have the most finish options, in fact with the exception of wood decks, all pool decks have at least a reinforced concrete sub-deck – it’s what you put on top that makes all the difference

colored-concrete-pool-deck

Colored Concrete: Matte or flat hues can be added to concrete by adding a colorant dye to the mix, or adding a powder or acid stain after the concrete is poured. For blended colors that resemble stone or for color accents or patterns, a colorant is applied to fresh concrete, to dye only certain areas.

trends-in-pool-decking--engraved-concrete

Engraved Concrete: Using a small concrete saw, the pool deck can be scored or engraved to create stone shapes, leaves, vines or any type of intricate pattern. Engraving is also used to create water drain channels on concrete pool decks with poor drainage.

trends-in-pool-decking---sandblasted-concrete

Sandblasted Concrete: Sandblasting a pool deck will roughen the surface for more traction, but it also imparts a matte finish to the concrete, producing beautiful results, especially for colored or stained concrete. Acid washing a concrete pool deck can produce a similar result; both must be done with care for good results.

trends-in-pool-decking--salted-concrete-deck-finish

Salted Concrete: After pouring and troweling a pool deck, rock salt is scattered over the surface, and lightly pressed into place. After a day of hardening, the deck is power washed to reveal an attractive pock marked surface. Snow belt pools should seal a rock salt pool deck regularly to prevent freeze damage during winter.

trends-in-pool-decking---colored-and-polished-concrete

Polished Concrete: For pool decks that are quite level and hard, polishing can be an option to produce a lustrous sheen. Adding colorful aggregate can produce a floor with the look of Terrazzo. Polishing concrete is done after the deck has cured fully, and should be sealed regularly to keep it looking good.

trends-in-pool-decking--stamped-concrete

Stamped Concrete: While the concrete is still wet, large rubber stamps are placed and pressed to form stone shapes, brick patterns, even pine plank imprints. Dozens of patterns to choose from, with colors chosen to match the material being simulated. Sealing the deck every few years is recommended to maintain the color.

Stenciled Concrete Pool Deck - Sundeck of North Central Florida

Tiled Concrete: More commonly called stenciled concrete, installers make a tiled pattern over prepped concrete with heavy duty tape. They then spray on a colored cement over the existing deck, and knock it down with trowels, similar to a Kool Deck. The tape is then pulled up to reveal the ‘mortar joints’ between the tile.

trends-in-pool-decking---paver-decks

Patio Pavers: A paver pool deck uses interlocking patio pavers made of colored concrete, usually in shades of brown or red. Pavers are installed on a 1″ bed of polymer sand, over top of 6″ of stone dust, or other sturdy sub-deck. Heavier pavers are used around the outside deck edge to hold it all together.

trends-in-pool-decking---exposed-aggregate-concrete by Concrete Evolutions

Exposed Aggregate: This method lays a fresh concrete deck a particular size and color stone, glass or ceramic aggregate added to the mix . The top layer of cement is washed away, revealing the surface of the aggregate rock. Smooth stones are used for bare feet comfort.

PORCELAIN TILE DECKS

deckway-porcelain-planks by Architrex

A good way to upgrade a pool deck is to place outdoor porcelain or ceramic tiles on a bed of thin-set mortar. Pool deck tiles are available in hundreds of shapes and colors, and have decorative accents, mosaics, and trim tile sets to complete a unified patio or pool deck design. Finish with a waterproof, anti-skid sealer.

WOOD POOL DECKS

Wood Pool Deck by Superior Decks and Gazebos of Western New York

Exotic hardwoods like Ipe wood are popular, as well as regular pressure-treated pine 2×4’s. A wood deck has timeless appeal, adding warmth and comfort to any pool deck. Partial wood decks can occupy 1 or 2 sides of a pool, or be built on top of a concrete deck as a raised lounge area.

NATURAL STONE DECKS

Travertine pool deck by Two Brothers Brick Paving, Ohio

Natural Stone also has a timeless appeal, and nothing will last longer. Natural stones such as flagstone, limestone or travertine are placed over a solid sub-base of concrete or stone dust. After placement of a stone deck, the joints between are usually filled with mortar, and a sealer applied to protect the luster and color.


Add Texture and Color

Pool decks have so many options for color and texture that it can be confusing. Here’s a rundown of some of the more common pool deck treatments used on today’s pools.

Stone Pool Decks: Natural stone is the ultimate in luxury pool decks. Flagstone is the most commonly used pool deck stone, but field stone or other natural or milled stone can be used. Never needs resurfacing, and is naturally slip resistant.stone-pool-decks-2
more stone pool decks

Wood Pool Decks:
Wooden decks can be an expensive option if you use luxury woods such as redwood or ipa wood, but can be more cheaply built with less expensive woods. The design of a wood deck is very flexible and can use curves and built in benches, planters or storage areas. Wood is a nice contrast to the harder materials used around pools, and provides a great transition to natural borders. wood-pool-decks
more wood pool decks to look at!

Spraycrete Pool Decks: Spray-on concrete coating applied over new or existing concrete. Choose a color, and a texture or finish. After deck prep, a colored cementitious or acrylic coating is sprayed over the concrete and knocked down with a trowel. It can also be taped off to resemble brick and tile. Common in the south and west under names like SunDek, Kool Deck, Lace Deck.spraycrete-pool-decks

Tile Decks: Marble, Saltillo or Terra Cotta tiles are commonly used, but there are many more choices in outdoor floor tiles made with natural or synthetic materials. Tile can be used as the entire deck and coping, or can be used for patios and walkways adjacent to the pool, in a formal or casual style and design. It can be laid over top of existing decks, with thin deck tiles.

Paver Pool Decks: One of the most popular pool deck upgrades for pools built around the turn of (this) century, pavers are a relatively inexpensive, durable and attractive pool deck option. They can be laid on a 4 in. base of crushed stone, or can be laid over a concrete sub-deck. They can be thin (2 in) or thick (4 in), and are assembled tightly together, and usually against a low steel border on the outside of the pool deck.

paver-pool-decks

Exposed Aggregate: An upgrade to broom finished concrete, exposed aggregate uses small pea gravel size aggregate in the mix and spread on top of the concrete. A retardant is sprayed on the curing concrete, which allows them to spray off the top 1/8 in. of ‘cream’ with a garden hose, exposing the colored river stones just beneath the surface.exposed aggregate pool decks

Stampcrete Pool Decks: Stampcrete is not an overlay, it’s only used on new concrete. Templates apply a texture to colored concrete after it’s poured, by laying down the template to ‘stamp’ a pattern into wet concrete. Staining after curing can intensify colors. Stampcrete can look like stone, brick, tile or even marble.

stampcrete-pool-decks-2

Resurfacing your Pool Deck

Over time, a concrete pool deck can become stained, dull or cracked. Resurfacing the concrete is the fastest way to create a whole new look around the pool. There are several ways to resurface a concrete pool deck, stain it, or use paint coatings or cement coatings.

Painted pool decks are an easy way to give your pool deck a makeover. Begin by pressure washing the pool deck, then using a cleaner to remove any grease or oils. Patch any cracks or spalling with Epoxy Patch. Once dry, you can begin to apply the pool deck coating. Available in 6 colors, our non-skid pool deck coatings give a uniform color to your deck, and is the easiest way to upgrade your pool deck.

pool-deck-coating-colors-

To keep your painted pool deck great looking for years to come, and protect it from staining, discoloration and salt degradation, seal it with clear deck sealer water based pool deck sealers. One coat protects your deck by penetrating through the deck coating, to resist moisture, dirt and minerals. Dries to a flat, clear matte finish.

Stain the Concrete – concrete staining is a great alternative to painting because the color soaks into the deck, and there’s no chance of bond failure, and although it fades over time, it tends to last longer than pool deck coatings.

Pool deck stains come in a wide variety of colors, and can be custom mixed by any paint store, or home store.You can go for a light neutral tone, or go bold, and lay down two coats of a rich, deep color.

concrete stained-pool-deck-

Pool decks should be cleaned thoroughly, as described above before staining. You can roll it on, but it works best with a tank sprayer. Two coats may be needed for the desired depth of color. Stained pool decks are beautiful, but are not as uniform in color as a painted pool deck – expect some mottling and variations in hue.

Spray-On Concrete Coatings: Common in the southwest, decks can be coated with a coated cementitious coating; sprayed on with a hopper connected to a small air compressor. After spraying the deck, the high spots of the ‘gloppy’ mixture are knocked down with a trowel, to create a ‘travertine’ finish of great texture.

Kool Deck, Miracote, Spray-Crete, Perma Crete and others are brand names for decorative concrete resurfacing. Cracks are repaired, the pool deck is cleaned and etched, and then the colored cement is sprayed. Afterwards, a colored sealer is rolled over top to give a uniform color and protect from moisture and minerals. Taping the deck before spraying, one can create many types of patterns, resembling stone, brick or pavers.

concrete-resurfacing

In northern areas, this method is not as common, as freeze / thaw cycles can allow moisture to seep between the deck and the top coat, in areas that did not achieve 100% bonding. Nonetheless, this deck renovation project is popular throughout the U.S., even though application usually requires a contractor with equipment and experience to apply.

Enlarging your Pool Deck

If your pool was built within a budget, you may have chosen to install less pool deck than you now would like to have. Enlarging the pool deck, in one or more areas, or connecting the patio with the pool deck, is a common pool deck renovation.

Adding contrasting materials or textures for your deck expansion is a good way to brighten up the pool area. Wood, stone, pavers or brick can be used, as can any of the resurfacing options listed above. For pools with sloping hillsides around the pool, a supported wooden pool deck can extend the pool deck over the hill.

Swimming Pool Deck Design Considerations

  • Coordinating Colors, Textures, Patterns
  • Landscaping – within and around the deck
  • Sunscaping – areas of sun and shady spots
  • Lightscaping – lighting around the pool deck
  • Integration with existing patio and walkways

Pool Deck Prices

pool-deck-price chart

If you ask me, the price of your pool deck is also an important consideration. Pool deck materials come in all price ranges. On the low end is a basic gray, broom finished concrete pool deck. On the upper end are custom milled stones and imported deck tiles. Here’s a quick comparison of pricing for pool decks:

Pool deck pricing is almost always calculated by the square footage of the deck. A swimming pool deck of 400 square feet – should cost between $1500-$6500, depending partly on your location, but more on the level of customization you add to the plain ol’ concrete, or the type of finish desired.

Preserve the natural look and color of concrete, pavers or stonework with LayorCare Neutral Seal or our Clear Sealer. Sealing your pool deck preserves the rich, deep color of your deck, and prevents stains, scale and erosion from destroying the appearance and value of your pool deck, coping and stone around the pool.


So you see ~ pool deck choices are numerous, and if you want to upgrade your pool look, it’s hard to change the pool itself, but the pool deck can be easily transformed with color and texture.

Call your local pool deck contractor for more information and pricing, which can vary from $10-$25 per square foot for a custom pool deck.SSoSave