Composite Decking For Gunite Pool Challenges
Often, with gunite pools the detail at the coping edge of the pool becomes an issue when installing wood or composite decking around the swimming pool. One nice way to solve this detail, is to use stone or poured coping around the pool edge. Then, run the wood or composite decking at the same elevation of the coping around the outside of the pool shell. This makes the intersection of the tile, gunite shell and decking a little easier to accomplish. This way is especially helpful if you have a free-formed or lagoon style pool.
Other Pool Deck Surface Options
Concrete Pavers
Like poured-in-place concrete, precast concrete pavers are a great option for pool decks because they are durable, slip resistant and can provide the look of natural stone or brick. Concrete pavers also come in a wide array of colors, shapes and sizes, permitting you to create design schemes that complement your pools shape and style. See below to learn more about concrete paver benefits and installation.
Wood Decks
Wood decking isn’t usually practical for in-ground pools because it doesn’t stand up well to harsh pool chemicals and moisture. Tropical hardwoods like ipe or composite products can be used, but are often too expensive. If you prefer the look of wood, you can stamp and color concrete to look like wood planking. It will last longer, be easier to maintain, and be less vulnerable to damage from chemicals, water and UV rays.
Brick and Tile
Brick and ceramic glazed tile have been long been used for pool deck surfaces. Tile is popular for use along pool copings due to its longevity and finished appearance. Brick is also an attractive, durable material for use along pool borders and pool decks. However, in climates where freezing occurs, “antique” bricks are to be avoided as this material is known to absorb water and spall or crack during the frozen winter months. Brick and tile can also be slippery, hot surfaces. Another problem with these materials is their steep cost and labor-intensive installation.
Travertine
Round Above Ground Pool With Composite Deck
For an inground pool to work at this location, you would need 9 trucks of fill dirt to level the sloping backyard, an engineers study, and a grading plan. Unfortunately, all of these costs added up to nearly $10K before you really even get started. The homeowner decided to use a 21 ft. round above ground pool, and used some of the savings to install a beautiful composite wood deck around half of the pool.
One unique feature of this above ground pool is the walk-in steps, which add elegance and a real inground pool feel. Another bonus of installing an above ground pool on this job site? The homeowner was able to save substantially on pool fencing and landscaping costs.
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What Other Things Can I Add To My Above Ground Pool Area To Make My Backyard More Fun Year
An above ground pool deck can be large enough to include other outdoor activities. Install a hot tub to relax in year-round. Add a fire pit or chiminea for summer marshmallow roasting or for keeping warm on chilly nights. With a hot tub and fire pit, you can enjoy your outdoor space in seasons other than summer.
Building a pergola or a partial deck covering allows you to relax in the shade, or take cover in the rain. Keeping your pool area furniture under a covered zone also helps protect it from sun and weather damage.
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Free Pool Decking Consultation At Anthony & Sylvan Pools
If you are debating what pool decking to choose, Anthony & Sylvan Pools can help. Our designers can show you samples of each material and examples of beautiful pools that incorporated each type of decking.
Fill out our online contact form to request a free consultation with one of our pool experts today!
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Finish Options For A Decorative Concrete Pool Deck
Only decorative concrete gives you the ability to select any shape, size, color and surface treatment for your deck-from plain broom-finished concrete, to exposed aggregate, to imprinted patterns that mimic tile, brick, natural stone, and even wood. You can also mix and match decorative treatments, such as combining stained concrete with a stenciled or imprinted border or enhancing a colored overlay with sawcut or engraved patterns. You can design your concrete pool deck to blend in with your home’s exterior facade and surrounding landscape, or make it the focal point of your backyard.
Stamped Concrete
To create pool decks that resemble natural slate, flagstone or brick, stamped concrete is the ideal choice. When colored with stains or dry-shake color hardeners, stamped concrete looks identical to real stone but is easier to install and maintain. Stamped concrete can also be used to complement other decorative surface treatments, such as exposed aggregate, broom finishes and borders. See Stamped Concrete Pool Decks.
Colored Concrete
Stenciled Concrete
Rock-Salt Finished Concrete
Exposed Aggregate
Brushed or Broom Finish
A brushed or broom finish will add a slip-resistant texture to your pool deck. A brushed finish is achieved by running a broom over a freshly poured or newly coated concrete surface. Although this is more of a basic design option, it does allow dyes and stains to be successfully applied to your surface. Read more about brushed or broom finishes.
Deck Jets / Laminar Water Features
Another solution for avoiding a ho-hum rectangle pool comes in the form of water. The motion of a curved, flowing stream captures attention in any shape swimming pool.
On a rectangle design, a liquid arc provides a bit of whimsy and a pleasant contrast to the pools straight lines.
Two versions of this lively, pleasing water feature are available: and laminars.
A deck jet is the more affordable of the two. It generates a loose arc of water, and after achieving its peak height, its shape begins diffusing as it descends toward the pools surface.
As a bonus, a deck jets moving water provides a light, soothing sound. With several of them on a pool, the gentle sounds contribute to a peaceful ambiance around your outdoor area.
The second option is the higher-end laminar. Each unit runs on a miniature, water-powered motor.
This electricity-free motor produces a tube-like stream thats a near-perfect arc. Even as the glass-like liquid hits the pool surface, a laminar generally maintains a uniform shape.
Another distinct advantage of the laminar model becomes evident when the sun goes down: Unlike a deck jet, a laminar can be lit with gorgeous LED lighting that changes into an array of mesmerizing colors.
To maximize the allure of your rectangle pool, add a laminar or deck jet on each of the four corners. Or, add two to six of them in a group series along one side of the pool.
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Natural Pool Surrounded By Curvy Wood Decking
When building this natural pool, it was important to only use natural and environmentally friendly materials. Therefore, Accoya wood decking was used to build a pool surround along with various natural stones. The pool surround and wood swimming pool deck was designed in round shapes, to draw inspiration from natural shapes found in the outdoors. These tailor-made shapes were no problem for the manufacturer, as the brilliant machinability of Accoya mean it can be processed as desired. The Accoya swimming pool deck was installed without coating and will naturally weather and build a beautiful silver-grey patina over time.
This wood swimming pool deck and pool surround was installed by M. Hechenblaickner and its partners.
Above Ground Pool With Safety Cover
Another advantage of an above ground pool with a surround deck is that you can use a safety pool cover during winter, vacations, or anytime that you want to secure the pool. This type of wooden pool deck has built-in safety year-round. This design also features a self-latching gate on the upper deck, which is attached to the house.
The lattice on the underside is an economical way to hide the pool structure. You can see the small door used to access the pump and filter equipment, plus plenty of room for storing your pool stuff.
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Semi Inground Pool Deck Ideas
As its name implies, a semi inground pool is somewhere between an above ground and an inground pool. Youll find them behind homes built on a hill or slope. In fact, they may be the only pool choice available on lots with difficult terrain.
Even so, anyone can have a semi-inground pool. Simply dig down about half the depth you would need for an inground pool, then build up the decking as needed. Your deck can be the feature that gives the illusion of a level yard and a traditional inground pool.
Semi inground pool decks work well with multilevel decks. Your main deck may be level with the backyard door on your home, with leading to higher and lower levels. The higher level may house a hot tub or covered dining area, while the lower level may be a poured concrete patio.
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.
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Modern Above Ground Pool Deck Ideas
Simple square above ground pools fit well with modern, minimalist décor. The deck surrounding such a pool should be equally uncluttered. Simple concrete or masonry decking mimics the smooth, cool stone so common in modern deck design.
Clear glass panels are a better choice than vertical wooden deck railing. You can also surround your decking with modern, horizontal wood plank panels. If you choose wood for a modern above ground pool deck, keep it sleek and stain it a rich, dark color.
You can enhance your above ground pools modern style by choosing a special pool liner. A dark pool liner provides the illusion of depth and enhances the reflection of foliage and clouds. It can also absorb more heat from the sun, resulting in warmer pool water.
Wood Deck Ideas For Above Ground Pools
Wood decking is the most popular material for above ground pool deck ideas. These structures can be nearly any kind of deck suitable for sunbathing, playing, and lounging. A wooden deck around an above ground pool is no different from other freestanding wood deck ideas. It simply accommodates the shape of the pool wall.
Your above ground pool deck may completely encircle your pool, or stand along only one side. While a partial wood pool deck may not be as visually stunning as a full deck, It is more affordable. A simple square pool deck design can be adjacent to your above ground swimming pool instead of wrapping around it.
Wood deck pool surround ideas can transform an above ground swimming pool into one that feels more like an inground pool. When built properly and enhanced with landscaping, it can be hard to tell an inground pool from an above ground one. Purchase a pool kit with a liner that looks like mosaic tile for an even more convincing inground pool appearance.
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Half Submerged Pool With Composite Deck
Here we have another 15×30 ft. oval above ground pool with a composite wood deck. This one is built on-ground, with the pool deck covering about half of the pool wall. This type of pool deck gives this above ground pool a unique, integrated look. And again, the elevation provides a marginal element of safety for small children and pets. It also helps to keep the pool clean by blocking autumn leaves that blow around the pool.
Evergreen cypress trees block the perimeter fence and also add some privacy to the pool. You could add extra potted plants in rectangle planter boxes if you wanted to hide the raised pool wall. But I think it looks kind of nice, dont you?
When Installing Your Pool Deck Be Careful
- DONT install the deck in frequently wet areas. Use terra firma dry land.
- DONT build the deck right on top of your top rail if you use a winter cover.
- DO take your time with the instructions, and you will build it to last.
- DONT rest any part of the deck against the pool, as it will weaken the pools integrity.
- DONT make the deck much taller than the pool. Its hard to find very tall ladders.
- DO install the deck area on the side closest to the house.
- DONT block the full view of the pool.
If you get a wooden pool deck, you have different options of entering the pool. Deck to pool ladders use deck flanges to secure the ladder to the deck. A much better option are resin walk-in steps. These offer a gentler way to enter into the pool, especially for children and the elderly. Our resin pool deck kits include steps on both sides of the water, for easy, safe access. A ladder is a must for pool safety.
Whichever type of pool deck you choose, check with your local building department to see if there are code requirements involved where you live. Building a wooden deck usually needs a permit and inspection. You can usually find the information by searching your countys or citys .gov website for terms like above ground swimming pool decks.
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How To Match Your Pool And Your Deck Together
You can place a pool on wooden deck if the installation considers a number of factors. Obviously, swimming pools are quite heavy. And lots of water will be dripped, poured and splashed on your wooden deck. Lastly, youll have to ensure that your wooden deck is sturdy enough to hold your pool in place.
Why Install Composite Wood Decking
The biggest challenge and danger of the area around a swimming pool is slipping on the wet surface. A pool is a place of fun and games, which means that children and teens are often running around it and jumping into it all within a very wet environment. Best Decks composite wood decking is, perhaps, one of the best defences against injury because it is completely slip-resistant.
There are many more benefits of installing our composite wood decking around the swimming pool. Our products are:
- Non-splintering, so no nasty surprises when youre barefoot around the pool.
- Resistant to fading, warping and cracking.
- Well-priced and add value to your property.
- Maintenance-free.
- Guaranteed for between 10 and 25 years .
- Extremely durable, even in the presence of sunshine, rain and frequently wet conditions.
- More eco-friendly than wood.
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Above Ground Pool Electrical Install Cost
Hiring an electrician is advisable, and you can expect to pay between $40 and $100 per hour for the electrician cost for an above-ground pool. Prices will likely total around $350 to $500 depending on the size of the pool and the load of the pool equipment. Power is needed for the pool pump and filter. It is vital to ensure all electrical aspects of your pool are appropriately installed, especially when they are so close to water.
Above Ground Pool Deck Considerations
- Once youve decided on the style of pool deck you want, create the pool first, followed by the pool deck.
- Build your pool and deck in close proximity to the house for safety reasons.
- Consider how much sunlight your deck will receive when selecting a material. Some can withstand the heat better than others.
- Instead of concealing your pool equipment or storage beneath your deck, make it easy to access these vital places by constructing a small equipment and storage room near your poolside.
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Above Ground Pool Packages And Kits
Above ground pool kits and packages range from $720 to $8,240 depending on the size and do not include the cost of professional installation. Another option is to buy an easy setup pool, like an Intex, from stores such as Walmart, Lowes, or Amazon. These pools cost as low as $49 for 8 in diameter and including a filter, but they usually only last a few seasons, or maybe even only one season. In some cases, these pools come with limited warranties of up to five years.
Pool Kit Equipment Packages
Additional equipment packages cost from $720 to $1,410 depending on the shape and size of the pool, the wall height, frame type, top rails, skimmer wall hole, liner type, quality, accessories, and warranties.
The most basic pool package will include the frame, pool filter, pump system, a pool liner, a ladder, and a full two-year warranty. The more expensive above-ground pool packages usually include water jets, a skimmer, steel walls, a longer warranty, and a more durable liner and set of steps. Luxury packages often include decking, fencing, and a cover, but these are usually offered by above ground pool companies who also do the installation work.
The Aesthetics Of Using Composite Decking Around A Pool
One of the main reasons that more homes are using composite decking around a pool is for the look it creates. Picture yourself or your client walking out onto a welcoming outdoor oasis with composite decking that captures the beauty of natural hardwoods. Many in- and above-ground pools are framed with composite decking to create a seamless aesthetic for the space.
Using composite decking also provides more flexibility for creativity and craftsmanship. With a wide range of colors to choose from, its easy to make the outdoor living space stand out with picture framing and inlays. Or revitalize an existing ho-hum concrete overlay with decking
Envision Grey Wood or Harbor Grey composite decking gives off the same tonal feel of concrete but offers a more natural and composed look. Throw in some black railing for contrast, and it will become the envy of the neighborhood.
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