The hardscape area around your swimming pool is called the surround, deck, or deck, even though it’s not always made of wood or composite, like the traditional outdoor decks that we most often associate with words. Traditionally, most of the in-ground pool decks are made of concrete. Other materials, such as pavers and bricks, are also popular choices.
Pool decks and paved surfaces in the yard, such as paths, patios, or steps, are functional landscaping features, adding usable space, creating a smooth transition from one area to another, providing drainage, and covering bare dirt.
When it’s near or surrounds a pool or spa, the deck creates a frame while providing a safe path around its edge. If the backyard space permits, the deck can be extended to accommodate the poolside furniture for relaxation or dining.
Important Features of Your Pool Deck Pavers
Poolside spaces, patios, and walkways are the functional elements of your backyard, creating lounge and dining areas, embellishing the landscape, and bringing together different sections of the yard. Of course, the look, color, and style of your pavers are crucial to selecting the perfect product for your outdoor spaces. However, there are other factors to keep in mind when choosing a pool deck:
- Safety: Choose a slip-resistant material, especially for the surface immediately surrounding the pool. Due to the constant exposure to water, a material that resists the growth of algae, mold, and mildew is important.
- Comfort: Remember that you want people to be comfortable walking barefoot around the pool and on the deck or patio. A material that reflects heat away from the surface and is smooth and even more important to everyone’s enjoyment of space than bumpy or rough. Wood decks degrade and split; while wood used to be a common decking material, there are many updated options that are both more durable and easier to maintain.
- Style: Your pool deck pavers should blend well with your home style and any landscaping features that are already in place. Collect photos from Houzz, Pinterest, and other websites that inspire you.
- Budget: Have a look at what you want to spend on your pool deck project. Remember what kind of features are most important to you. If you have a style in mind, your retailer will be able to recommend a range of products that fall within your price points.
- Durability: For longevity, the strength of your pool deck pavers is important. Consider materials that are resistant to staining, chemicals, and frosts. Abrasion resistance and thermal shock resistance will also keep your deck looking new and longer-lasting.
Things to Consider When Choosing Materials
- The material must be safe and not slippery when wet.
- Make sure the deck material isn’t rough, bumpy, or uneven.
- Choose a heat-reflective material to keep the surface cooler on hot days — think bare feet.
- Choose a material that blends well with other paved or hardened areas in your yard.
- If possible, find out if the material is resistant to algae, chemicals, acids, mold mildew, and frost.
- A modern solution: for a seamless look, use the coping material on the surrounding deck or patio. Safety fences and barriers should be considered and integrated into the pool and deck design. Check city or local laws or guidelines regarding pool barriers—most should be at least 4 feet high and be positioned between the pool and areas of access.
Are You Considering Pavers For Your Pool Deck?
At DPG Design and Build, we’ve been providing our customers with specialized Landscape and Hardscape Design and Build services for over 30 years. DPG Design and Build, headquartered in San Ramon, California is the best curb appeal and outdoor living space designer and installer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Appearing on HGTV’s Curb Appeal and featured on Discovery Channel’s program Renovation Nation, our team of skilled designers and landscape engineers provide top-quality service and professionalism our customers love. DPG Design and Build offers 2-D and 3-D conceptual home and landscape design plans that allow you to visualize your dream space and make that dream concept a reality.
Have a pool in need of an upgrade? Contact DPG Design and Build to schedule your free consultation today!
