Your swimming pool is likely the focal point of your backyard retreat, but did you know that the hardscapes you use around it can help set the mood? It’s true. Whether you’re looking for above ground pool deck ideas or pool deck ideas for your inground pool, you’ll find plenty to choose from.
What Is a Pool Deck?
The area that surrounds your pool is considered the deck, and it can be made from a variety of materials. You can use this area to relax around the pool in lounge chairs, cuddle around a fire pit, or use your outdoor kitchen to whip up some refreshments on a hot day. In other words, backyard patios are the place where you will gather with friends and family in your backyard retreat.
Did You Know?
You can design your deck any way you choose. Design a simple poolside deck that accommodates your lounge chairs and call it a day. Or get creative and design a multi-layered deck with separate areas for a swim up bar, lounge chairs, and a hot tub.
Patio & Deck Design
When creating your patio design, you first must decide whether you want the deck to stand out and make a statement or remain in the background as a part of the overall aesthetic. And the materials you choose will help create that look.
Here are some of your options.
Brick
If you’re looking for a cottage or old-world theme, durable brick decking might be the right choice for you. You can lay it in a traditional side-by-side pattern or create unique designs to make your patio special. Bricks come in many colors, so you will have plenty of design options available!
Deck Pavers
If you like the idea of using patio pavers, you can choose between a concrete deck using concrete pavers, a travertine pool deck, stone deck, or a composite deck—and each has its own unique look. All of these pavers deck options are durable and easy on the wallet.
Did You Know?
You don’t have to use mortar, grout, or expensive slabs to use deck pavers. Instead, set them with sand for a finished look and reduced repairs. (The sand allows the pavers to move when necessary so they are less likely to crack.)
Decorative Concrete
If you love the idea of sturdy concrete, but want something a little more unique, think about creating a stamped and stained concrete patio design. When using stamped concrete, you can select a color and design pattern that makes your patio pavers truly unique.
Did You Know?
Stamped and stained concrete is sealed with a nonslip finish to make this pool decking as safe as it is beautiful.
Composite Decking
If you look the look of natural wood, but don’t want to spend time maintaining it, long-lasting composite decking is a great choice. For example, if you want the look of a wood pool deck, composite decking can provide it. A composite deck is an excellent choice if you want the look of real wood without all the maintenance. Just think: you can use wood for above ground pool decks without the need for painting or staining!
Tile Decking
If you want your patio to blend with your pool, think about matching the pool’s coping to create a stunning tile deck design. You can cover your entire patio with pool tile or create a border design using the tile around other deck pavers or concrete decking. Either way, the colors and designs in your pool tile will create a custom backyard retreat.
Slate
Slate is a material that you can use to customize your pool decking and take it to a whole new level. Rich and full of texture, slate pool decking will blend in with its natural environment and create a one-of-a-kind poolside experience.
Fencing
When we’re talking about pool patios and decking, we can’t forget to mention fencing. Some localities require fencing to surround a pool, but even if yours doesn’t a beautiful fence goes a long way in creating a beautiful—and private—backyard oasis. You can choose natural wood or synthetic materials to create a fence that blends in with your design.
Did You Know?
If you’re using brick, pavers, or concrete for your pool deck, you can power wash it to keep it looking beautiful. Choose a pressure washer with three gallons per minute (GFM) and 3,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). Then, use the tip with the widest angle and hold it about 12 inches from the deck to ensure you don’t damage the material.
So Many Options: How Will You Choose?
It’s a good problem to have isn’t it? You have so many great options to choose from when it comes to building your pool deck that it can be difficult to decide. Just keep your overall design in mind and then think about how much maintenance you want to do. Soon, you’ll make a decision that will bring life to your backyard oasis!
Recommended Brands
CL Industries offers multiple deck Coating solutions. Our one-part PermaSpray© and two-part PermaSpray Select® systems are designed to provide the strongest, longest-lasting protection to newly-poured concrete and aging concrete pool decks. Both products make a great base for our Color Coat Select 100% acrylic resins for exceptional durability, abrasion resistance and water resistance.
Whether you’re thinking about adding a concrete paver driveway, satin-finished pool coping, or a marble deck, NPT can help you choose the right hardscape elements to bring your unique vision to life. The extensive hardscape collection includes natural stone options like travertine and flagstone, as well as handcrafted concrete and porcelain.
FAQs
What are the different types of pool decks? What are the differences?
Pool decks vary greatly in design and with the types of materials used to build them. Some people prefer to use concrete, stone, travertine, or composite pavers for a maintenance-free patio. Others prefer stamped concrete to create a one-of-a-kind pool deck that brings an air of sophistication to the area. Others want the look of wood, but don’t want the maintenance so they use a composite wood to get the rich look of wood without all the work.
Which pool deck should I select for my backyard?
You should choose your pool deck according to your design tastes and how much maintenance you want to do. For instance, when using deck pavers, you will have little to no maintenance and can enjoy your deck’s beauty all year long. On the other hand, if you install a tile pool deck, you will have to clean it and the grout to ensure it stays beautiful.
What are some pool deck ideas?
There is no shortage of pool deck ideas. Do you want a simple deck with enough room for a grill and a few lounge chairs? Then maybe a concrete or stone deck is the right choice. Or perhaps you want to make a bold statement: think about a multi-layered wood composite deck that surrounds your pool. Decide whether you want the deck to be an extension of your home, if you want it to be set apart from the home with a unique flair.
What are some patio ideas?
Patio ideas are plentiful and deciding on your patio design will depend on how to plan to use it. Do you have an outdoor kitchen that you’ve incorporated into your backyard oasis? Or is your backyard more of a private retreat with a hot tub and isolated sitting area where you can enjoy a quiet drink? Think of the mood you want to create and then design your patio around that.
