florida pool and spa

If you’re thinking about installing or remodeling a pool, you should think about pool decking as much as you think about the shape and size. The way your pool looks and the entire atmosphere around it mostly depends on your choice of the pool deck. You’d be surprised just how big of a difference one choice of deck can make over another.  Moreover, if you select the wrong deck for your yard, you’ll have to deal with pool repairs much more often than you otherwise would. So, it’s a good idea to learn about pool decks and get some pool deck ideas before you get started on your journey.  This article will be your complete guide to pool decks, and you’ll find everything you need to know to pick the perfect one for your yard.  Pool Deck Basics – Decking vs. Coping Pool decking is often confused with pool coping. While related, these two terms shouldn’t be mixed up because it can lead to misunderstanding between you and your pool contractor. In the context of pools, coping is the material used to cap the edge of the pool. That is to say, the top of the pool wall. The point of the coping is to separate your pool from the surrounding area.  Decking, on the other hand, is the immediate area around the pool. That’s where you’d put your pool chairs, parasols, and other furniture.  Both coping and decking have a huge impact on your pool’s appearance, but each affects it in a slightly different way. Coping usually encompasses no more than 12 inches around the pool, and it’s typically made of stone or concrete. Decking gives you a lot more freedom, and you can really add character to your entire yard with the right decking.  Decking Materials The most important consideration when it comes to pool decking is the material that you’ll use. Some materials give a more modern and contemporary look, such as concrete, whereas others will make your pool look more traditional, such as stone or wood.  Concrete Decking Concrete is the most basic option for a pool deck. But, it’s also supremely versatile and durable. The main reason concrete makes a good decking material is its affordability. It’s one of the most inexpensive options for a pool deck, with broom-finished concrete being the most inexpensive by far. Another important benefit of concrete is that it gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of style options.  Pool decks made of concrete aren’t necessarily plain and simple. You’ll have a choice between several finishing techniques, such as stamped concrete and textured concrete.  Stamped concrete is particularly versatile because it combines the affordability of concrete while offering the elegance of stone pavers or any other appearance. In that way, concrete can imitate a lot of other materials, even wood, to some extent. Natural stones are an excellent and beautiful choice for decking, but their price is often a limiting factor.  The one big drawback of a concrete deck is that cracks will eventually form. There’s not much you can do about this, but there are some methods to control it. A Florida pool and spa that’s exposed to sunlight year-round is especially susceptible to cracking. Another minor inconvenience comes from stamped concrete. Stamped concrete tends to be slick and smooth and can become slippery when wet. Since it’s going to be wet a lot of the time, that’s a hazard you might want to consider if you expect small children to use the pool.  Wood Decking In design circles, there’s an axiom that says wood goes with everything. And, to some extent, that’s true. Wood is a timeless classic in any setting, and it’s a fantastic choice for a pool deck for a lot of reasons.  First and foremost, wood gives your pool a pleasing appearance overall. Most people enjoy the look of wood, and it’s probably the best choice for above ground pool deck ideas. Wood is also very comfortable to walk on. Some research even shows that just making contact with wooden surfaces can relax people. Furthermore, wood comes in a lot of different styles, grains, colors, and patterns.  However, everything comes at a price, and the price of a wood deck is pretty steep. It’s among the more expensive options in terms of dollars per square foot. Wood is also among the most difficult surfaces to maintain in the long term. You’ll need to do an awful lot of preventive and proactive maintenance. It will need to be stained and sealed regularly, and that’s a big job if you have a large deck. And, like stamped concrete, wood can get quite slippery. You can seal it with fine aggregate to prevent this from happening, but that’s yet another added cost.  But, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a middle ground. Composite wood gives the appearance of wood and most of the benefits while still being easy and simple to maintain. Composite wood is made of synthetic materials, which makes it extremely durable and resilient. It also comes in a wide variety of simulated wood types and grains. Be aware, though, that composite wood is quite expensive. It’s even more expensive than traditional wood, so you get a premium surface, but you also pay a premium price.  Stone Decking The first building material used by man is still used today and no wonder. Stone is as durable as it is attractive, and it’s available everywhere. The main advantage of stone is how good it looks. It’s one of the most widely used materials in pool decking because it makes a powerful statement. It also lasts forever. The stones that end up on your pool deck might have already been around for millions of years, so there’s no reason not to expect them to last for your pool’s entire lifetime. Moreover, the shape and size of stones can be customized to create intricate patterns in your deck surface. And, stones provide a naturally textured surface,