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.
Don't think of pool decking as simply a way to get in and out of your pool. Think of it as a means of connecting your indoor living space with your outdoor space. Your new pool will be a great place to have summer parties and BBQ's or to just sit by and relax while watching others in your pool.
If the swimming pool is in ground the decking area tends to be built at the same time as the pool. If the pool and deck is to be in concrete it is often poured at the same time so that the deck is actually a part of the pools structure. It is then either left as is or can be tiled or have pavers laid on it and can incorporate a patio area for relaxing. You should choose a paver or tile that won't get slippery once it gets soaked. You can get composite swimming pool decking that is none slip and won't rot due to continual exposure to water. The decking for above ground pools is added after the pool is constructed.
Traditional pool decking
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
There are now other materials on the market competing with timber which include aluminum, plastic and vinyl. There are distinct advantages to all these materials over their timber counterpart. There is no danger of constantly getting wet causing these to rot and they require no maintenance.
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 Deck Building
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 required to abide by in your town.
About the Author Adrian Kinley
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