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The perfect deck area could make or break the rest of your pool’s design. This place has hanging out and relaxing in mind. People will sunbathe, talk, and walk alongside the pool here. You need it to be a safe and engaging space. 

So, you’ll want to learn more about designing the perfect deck for your inground swimming pool. This article has everything you need, so dive in!

1. Consider Your Wants and Needs for the Deck

First, you should assess what you want and need from the pool deck. If you plan on not using it for much, you can get away with a much smaller deck. However, if you know you and your loved ones will spend time sunbathing and eating there, you’ll need more space. 

It helps to list everything you want from the pool deck. 

Let’s break down how what you want from the deck can change its final design.

Sunbathing and Lounging

Photo by Oshomah Abubakar on Unsplash

 

When you know the space is primarily for relaxing, it needs more space than you might first think. People will need room to place recliners and lay out towels to lay down on. 

You can also add benches and other outdoor furniture to the deck to make it more comfortable for you and your guests. 

However, it’s important to include space between the furniture and the pool for safety. Always add more room than you think you’ll need to the deck. That way, no one accidentally tips their chair over into the water! 

Many people also appreciate having access to an outdoor dining table. Your loved ones will enjoy snacks and spending time together after swimming. Sitting outside is also a great way to dry off before going inside. 

Overall, you’ll need a lot of space for lounging by the pool.

Added Storage

The pool deck can be a great storage place. You can add bins to hold pool toys and floaties for kids. Plus, slim cabinets or sheds for towels, foldable lounge chairs, and other pool equipment. 

The storage doesn’t need much space and can help keep your deck neat.

Pool Accessories

Photo by Brandon Hoogenboom on Unsplash

The pool deck can even be an excellent place for some fun accessories. For example, you can have a diving board or water slide. 

You’ll need to ensure you have enough space on the deck for these accessories to be safe. Generally, you need a space of 8’ long by 6’ wide for a diving board. That way, it can stick out enough over the water to prevent diving hazards. 

Outdoor showers are another fantastic pool deck accessory to include. They make cleaning chlorine off your body easy, preventing skin irritation. It’s essential if you plan on swimming almost every day. These items need at least 5’ x 5’ for space, but the exact size depends on the specific shower. 

You should include more room than you need to prevent the accessories from becoming a tripping hazard to those walking by.

2. Be Choosy With Deck Materials

Next, you pick the proper materials for your pool deck area. Feel free to take your time researching all of your options. Not picking the right one could lead to water damage or other problems. 

Here are some of the most common pool deck materials, plus their pros and cons:

Concrete

Concrete is a popular choice for pool decks. It’s cost-efficient and comes in any color or design you can imagine. 

Pool builders also take the time to add texture to the concrete so it’s not slippery when wet. 

Best of all, it’s easy to maintain and keep clean.

Pros

  • It has many designs and colors and is easy to customize.
  • Very durable.
  • Low maintenance.
  • It comes with anti-slip features.

Cons

  • It’s extremely hot in the sun and can burn feet.
  • Water can get in the cracks and freeze, damaging it.

Pressure Treated Wood

Another option is pressure-treated wood. This material looks beautiful and creates an elegant aesthetic, making it perfect for adult pools. 

It also doesn’t heat nearly as much as concrete in the sun, so you can usually walk on it barefoot without worry.

Pros

  • It looks stunning and natural.
  • It has anti-slip features to prevent falls.
  • It comes in a variety of wood types.

Cons

  • It needs more maintenance, like sealing, to prevent damage.
  • It can splinter or rot.
  • Warping can be an issue if it gets wet often.
  • More expensive.

Natural Stone

Natural stone materials, like slate, are excellent for pool decks. They provide a clean look and match any theme you could want to create. 

These materials are extremely durable and shouldn’t burn your feet in the sun. So, even though you pay more upfront, it’ll last longer than cheaper materials, giving you your money’s worth.

Pros

  • It makes for an elegant pool deck design.
  • It offers non-slip features.
  • It doesn’t heat up like concrete does in the sun.
  • Very long-lasting.

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Requires professional installation; it can’t be a DIY job.
  • It requires some maintenance through regular sealing.

3. Always Work With Deck-Building Pros

You should work with professional inground pool builders to get the most out of your deck. These experts are familiar with all the rules and regulations surrounding pool decks. They also have ample experience, allowing them to create outstanding designs. 

Handling your pool deck as a DIY leaves room for mistakes. These errors could become costly fast since water damage is involved. You wouldn’t want to redo all of your hard work before you can get in the pool. 

The experts are also fast. You can enjoy your new inground pool in no time!

Start Designing Your Perfect Deck

Ready to begin work on your pool deck? Start by thinking about what features you want and need to have. After listing those out, consider all your options for the deck material. 

Lastly, consider working with our experts to get the best possible pool deck ready for this summer. You’ll have many designs and materials to choose from to get a deck area that suits you and your family the most.

 

 

Feature Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash