Choosing Your Pool Decking

More and more people are now having a swimming pool built in the garden. The excitement of planning the pool often means people fall into the trap of not giving the landscaping and pool decking area enough thought.

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.

The Traditional Wood Decking

Wooden decking is still a favorite for above ground pools due to its natural look and feel. If you decide on a wooden deck it may be best to go for a hardwood. The initial cost is more but it will last a lot longer compared to a pressure treated softwood constantly getting wet. The deck can either just be on one side of your above ground pool or can surround the entire pool. Entrance onto the deck would be via a stairway built into the deck.

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.

While these types of deck are a long way from replacing wood in the typical patio deck, when it comes to pool decking these type of decks have distinct advantages which are hard to ignore when it comes to pool decking. A wash down every now and then with the hose is about all you will ever have to do to this type of deck.

Do It Yourself Decking

You can save yourself a a small fortune by building your own deck or patio area. If you are competent with a tape measure, saw and drill you may wish to give the option some serious thought. Before the shovel hits the ground though, find out if there are any building regulations you are rquired to abide by in your town.