A pool deck provides a place to sit and relax along the side of the pool as well as a more comfortable transition from yard to water. Your deck can be small or large, functional or luxurious, with the only limitations being space and budget. There are, however, several things that all decks should have in common. As you work with pool deck contractors to bring your dreams to life, make sure you keep these points in mind.
1. Beware of Bare Feet!
One of the most important considerations to discuss with pool deck contractors is that the area is likely to be met with bare feet and other exposed skin. For that reason, the surface needs to be safe from splinters and sharp edges as well as protected from the scorching sun.
Composite wood is an ideal choice for an above-ground pool deck as it never splinters, and hidden fasteners can be used to avoid exposed screws and other sharp objects. Plus, composite decking comes in a variety of colors; lighter colors will remain cooler after sitting in the sun all day. For ground-level installations, stone, tile, or pavers also provide similar protections.
2. Wet Conditions
Natural wood is often a go-to choice for decking as it’s affordable and looks great. Aside from the splinters that could be a pain for bare skin, wood decking does not stand up to continuously wet conditions without considerable maintenance every year. Instead, composite decking is the winner again, especially for an above-ground pool, as it mimics the look and feel of natural wood, but will never splinter or rot even after continuous exposure to water without any maintenance.
3. Building Codes
In many locations, the pool itself may not be considered a permanent structure and may not be subject to as many rules and regulations as a deck that’s built to last. Almost every area will have specific guidelines that dictate how high guardrails and railings must be, how far apart balusters must be, what type of gates must be used, and whether locks or other security and safety measures must be included. There are also likely to be structural guidelines that pool deck contractors must follow, such as foundational concrete work.
4. Privacy and Extras
Some people are quite comfortable going for a swim in their backyard regardless of who is around, and others are fortunate enough to have a yard that’s quite private. For the rest of us, lattice offers added privacy that will also help dress up your outdoor spaces.
You may also want to go over some extra features with your pool deck contractors that will make the space more personalized, functional, and beautiful. For example, adding lighting means enjoying your pool deck long after sunset, and lighting up stairs and railings can make them safer to use after dark. Or, you may want to add landscaping features around your pool and deck so the yard has a finished look all year long. Built-in benches can provide a comfortable place to drip-dry or catch some rays, and built-in planters offer an opportunity to add some customized color.
Always Start with an Experienced Pool Deck Contractor
There are a lot of things to think about when planning a new deck for your pool area. From the type of material you choose to functional amenities to the finishing touches to make the space all your own. When you start with an experienced pool deck contractor, you can rest assured that all the technical requirements will be handled with expert care so you can focus on the details that matter the most to you. At Mitchell Construction, we pride ourselves on creating custom decks that are as functional as they are beautiful. Call to start your consultation today.
