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 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.
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.
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 composite decks have distinct advantages which are hard to ignore. A wash down every now and then
with the hose is about all you will ever have to do to this type of deck.
With composite pool decking you can choose a color that matches your home, matches your pool liner or even looks
like real wood.
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