Pool Deck Options

There are six key pool deck options in terms of their construction. These materials all have different pros, cons, costs, levels of maintenance and impact on the environment. Let’s look at each:

• Concrete pool deck – durable and long-lasting when properly installed, you can apply various patterns and textures to concrete pool decks including stamped and brushed. You can also paint or stain them, too. Concrete pool decks can crack over time, get very hot in the sun and need regular sealing or painting. Sustainability-wise, concrete manufacture produces a lot of CO2.

• Paved pool deck – building a pool deck from concrete, natural stone of brick pavers can create an upscale look for your pool. Better than concrete for drainage, pavers are slip resistant and easy to repair or replace. The downside is they are more expensive than concrete and less stable. They can be prone to shifting and if not sealed correctly, weeds can grow in between pavers. Their impact on the environment varies according to the type of paver used.

• Tiled pool deck – if you want a more decorative look, tiles are another option when building a pool deck. If choosing porcelain or ceramic tiles, you need to ensure they are professionally installed and have a slip-resistant finish as tiles can be dangerously slippy when wet. Tiles can become hot in the summer and also crack or become loose over time but they are easy to clean.

• Natural stone pool deck – for a timeless look, natural stone paving, such as travertine, limestone, marble or granite is a good choice. However, installing a natural stone pool deck is very labor-intensive and expensive. Travertine and limestone can be naturally slip resistant, but marble and granite need a non-slip finish fabricating into the surface. Because they are a natural material, a stone pool deck is likely to need sealing to prevent pool chemicals staining or discoloring the surface. Relatively sustainable, stone can also be recycled.

• Wood pool deck – wood is kinder underfoot than the all options we have listed so far, as it is warm and natural. It is easy to work with, but depending on the type of wood, it can be slippery when wet and susceptible to warping and rotting. Softwood is the cheapest and least durable and pressure treated wood resists decay but uses chemical preservatives to achieve that. Tropical hardwoods are highly durable but are expensive and need regular maintenance, especially poolside. Modified wood like Accoya, which uses a non-toxic acetylation process to treat sustainable softwood, is highly stable, rot and insect resistant and exceptionally durable.

• Composite pool deck – if you are happy not to have a deck built from a natural, such as wood or stone, then composite decking is worth considering. Some types of composite decking for pools can look artificial, but they are low maintenance, don’t require sealing or staining and resist insects, rot, fading and decay. However, composite decking can get hot to the touch and has a higher cost than wood, not just financially, but also to the environment.

Project shown: Private residence in Nidwalden, Switzerland

How to build a pool deck

Now we have ascertained what is the best wood for a pool deck, it’s time to turn our attention to how to build a pool deck. This useful guide to building a pool deck will help you plan and install a wood pool deck that performs as well as it looks. More detailed Accoya installation guides are available.

Tools required:

• Accoya decking boards
• Pressure-treated timber or metal framing for the substructure
• Corrosion resistant stainless-steel screws or hidden fasteners
• Joist tape to protect substructure
• Decking oil or stain (optional)
• Drill, electric screwdriver, circular saw, level, measuring tape, spacers and chalk line.

Design and plan your pool deck – first you need to decide on the shape height and size of your deck in relation to your new or existing pool. When using Accoya wood, you have the design flexibility to create unique designs. Make sure that you comply with all local building permits and codes.

Create the pool deck substructure – your pool deck will need a solid base that allows for air circulation below it. Allow a minimum of 3” between the ground and the deck if it has continuous ventilation form the sides or 6 inches if there is no clear airflow. Construct the frame from Accoya modified wood or an aluminum framework which is able to cope in wet areas. Space the joists a maximum of 16” apart for ¾” thick decking – closer together for thinner decking boards or if you are adding anything heavy on the deck such as a pergola. Ensure there is at least a 2% gradient sloping away from the pool to enable run-off. To reduce moisture build-up, apply joist tape to the top of all the joists.

Fit Accoya pool decking boards – before fitting the boards, you must have them on-site so they can acclimatize to your environmental conditions for a minimum of 24 hours. For a sleek finish, rather than using stainless steel screws, use stainless-steel edge deck fasteners. Space boards a minimum of 1/8” if the deck has continuous ventilation or 1/4” if not.

Edging and trim – finish is everything, so you may wish to consider using mitered edges and fascia boards to give a professional and clean finish.

Oiling or staining – if untreated, over time, Accoya will naturally turn a handsome silver gray. However, if you wish to preserve the original color, apply a UV-protective oil or stain annually or as needed.

Project shown: Private residence in Nidwalden, Switzerland