It is easy to assume that pool ownership will be all about pool parties and sun lounging, but if you have a pool in your backyard, you are probably well aware that this is not true. Do not get us wrong, those benefits undeniably exist, but they are often offset by an ongoing struggle to keep your pool clean and, as we will be discussing here, the constant difficulty of ensuring a pool decking area you can love.
Let us face it – pool decking can be a pain in your backside. From slippery algae build-ups to taking up substantial space, a poorly designed decking area could even make you wish you would never gotten a pool in the first place.
We feel your pain, but you will be glad to hear that it is not actually as difficult as you might think to finally fall in love with your pool decking arrangement. Simply keep on reading to dive in!
# 1 – Choosing The Right Materials
Poor material choices have to be the #1 issue that sees homeowners falling out of love with their pool decking area. After all, a bad material choice will rot, fade, and be generally impossible to clean. We are also sorry to say that choosing the right materials will require a complete pool decking renovation. But, do not worry – the transformation will be such that all of the effort will feel worthwhile!
Of course, you do not want to commit to this kind of project just to end up with an unappealing space again, so you will first need to get to grips with which materials are actually worth your time. As a rule, timber boards, while undeniably attractive, are probably best avoided here. After all, timber is incredibly prone to rot and moisture buildup, which is not really what you want from something that is quite literally beside a swimming pool filled with water and chemicals.
So, what is the best material? Composite decking is an increasingly preferable option thanks to benefits that include being more durable and easier to clean. It os also possible to invest in timber-style composite decking, which looks the part with none of the worry. Do not fancy composite? Porcelain pavers and tiles could also be a great choice.
# 2 – Always Factor For Drainage
Even if you have opted for a durable composite deck, this area might fall foul of issues if you do not also think about drainage. Making sure of ample drainage that prevents water buildup is vital in any decking area, and it becomes even more vital when you incorporate a body of water right within that.
This is why you should always think about getting high-quality trench drains installed right alongside your decking. As professionals like those from The Trench Drain Company will tell you, you will also want to take time choosing slip-resistant grates that have a smooth internal channel and an easily removable top grate, to ensure easy cleaning and reduce algae buildup. Customizable options are also preferable to ensure complete drain coverage across the entirety of your decking area.
This is vital for ensuring that your deck is water and algae-free after even periods of heavy use. With the right drain system, there shouldn’t be a slip hazard in sight, even after the largest pool parties!
# 3 – Make Room For A Lounging Area
Let us be honest, lounging was probably the main reason you set up a pool deck in the first place. But, as you may have realized by now, placing a few sun loungers around the place and hoping for the best is not enough to ensure the decking area you want. In fact, this is a sure way to see you constantly dragging loungers around and still struggling to get comfortable!
To avoid that, it is a far better option to make space for a dedicated lounging area, either on your existing decking or within a new decking plan. This should be an individual section of decking, complete with a retractable cover of some kind and comfortable furniture that you will never have to move. Many pool owners even invest in dedicated decking areas that overhang their pool a little, ensuring you can dip your toes or slip in and out with ease.
Depending on how often and for what reasons you use your pool, you may also want to integrate additional lounging area elements, which could include an in-built bar, pizza oven, or complete outdoor kitchen. These are fantastic additions for al fresco family dining, or for taking your pool hosting up a few gears.
# 4 – Mix Up Textures
Sometimes, your pool decking concerns might be more aesthetic than practical. After all, a fully composite decking area can be a little one-note. Luckily, choosing textured and attractive composite can help with this. But you might also want to mix up textures a little more literally.
Blending textures in your decking can work as well as it does within your home, and it could see you incorporating everything from composite to decorative stones and tiles across different areas around your pool. This can add fantastic depth, and also serves a pretty practical purpose if you’re also investing in things like an outdoor kitchen, where tiled flooring can provide a nice boundary.
If you do not want to mix decking material textures, then you can add a similar sense of variety by simply thinking hard about what you include here. Outdoor furniture can be an effective way to add interest, or even just placing a few pool-friendly plants around the place can work well.
Conclusion
Pool decking is a difficult thing to get right, and too many homeowners make do with rotting or fully faded wooden areas. But, with the right materials and the right design approach, it is possible to entirely transform this area into an attractive outdoor addition that encourages you to get out, instead of sending you right back in.
Falling in love with your pool decking really does not need to be difficult. Simply consider these improvements, and get to work creating a party-ready, spa-style poolside at long last.
