When you are planning to have a swimming pool built in your garden its understandable to get excited about it and giving all your thoughts to the design and type of pool. It's human nature and happens often but try to spare some thought for the landscaping of your garden after the pol contractors have gone and also the type of pool decking will best suit your needs.
When deciding on a deck to finish off your new swimming pool remember your decking is not there just as a means of entering and leaving your swimming pool. It will be a place to relax on a lounger or to entertain guests while you watch the kids playing in the pool.
If your new pool is to be in ground and built in concrete, consider a concrete deck. This type of pool decking is poured at the same time as the pool and forms part of the structure of the pool. It can then either be left as a concrete finish, block paved or tiled depending on your choice and budget. If you tile or pave, be sure to choose something with a none slip finish. If you decide against concrete and prefer a traditional type of decking, there are now specially designed composite boards that look like natural timber but are designed to not get slippery. For above ground pools the decking is constructed after the pool is finished.
A Traditional Wooden Deck
For above ground pools, good old timber is still the favorite type of deck. Pressure treated softwood will not last as long as hardwood when it is constantly being subjected to splashing water so I always suggest hardwood if the client is adamant he requires the pool decking in timber. Above ground pools can be decked all the way around if space and budget allows, or can be simply decked at one end with access via a stairway.
Options To Timber Decks
Other choices are now becoming available when it comes to pool decking. Aluminum, vinyl and plastic are all recent newcomers on the block. A deck built around your pool in one of these materials requires no maintenance, won't ever rot or get bothered by insects attracted by the dampness of a wooden deck.
It seems to me that it is only a matter of time before these alternative materials become more popular than timber when it comes to pool decking but it will be a long time, if ever, before they replace timber in a normal deck build. Timber is still first choice where practical but it has to be said, around a pool or any other body of water isn't really practical for a long, maintenance free life.
Do-It-Yourself Deck Building
Building your own decking is great for the wallet but make sure you are up for the task before you start and make sure you have the relevant permissions required from your local building and planning office.
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