Adding Safety to Your Pool Deck

Unfortunate accidents can happen when you least expect them to, and the last place you want to endure an injury is in your own backyard! Owning or building a pool in your yard comes with the responsibility of safety for you, your family, and guests; pools are only fun as long as everyone has a good time. 

We know it’s an odd time to talk about pool safety, but there’s never a bad time to ensure your home is safe for everyone! Adding safety to your pool deck includes choosing proper deck materials to surround your home's above-ground or in-ground pool.

The Purpose of Pool Decks

Owning a pool can be one of the most fun and exciting experiences as a homeowner, but it does not come without risk. The primary purpose of pool deck installation is to ensure everyone's safety when they are in proximity to the water. This includes improving stability, utilizing anti-slip materials, and creating a space to freely move around the pool’s edge without as much concern.

Choosing Pool Deck Shapes and Sizes

Choosing the right pool deck shape and size goes beyond aesthetics; it contributes to the safety of those using the pool area. Proper pool decks can be constructed around most pool types and shapes, which is important for protection, regardless of the kind of pool you have. Round and rectangular pool decks are the most common, but you can also shape them to fit an oval-shaped pool or create a unique design that complements the layout of your yard and existing hardscaping. 

 

Ensuring a Safe Weight Capacity

Adding safety to your pool deck includes laying down new pool decking only after ensuring it can withstand substantial weight and foot traffic without cracking under pressure. The ground below should be level with no existing safety concerns and utility lines marked to avoid costly damage, and your contractor will determine how to best support the deck to better withstand weight fluctuations.

Time-Tested Materials

Homeowners can combine safety and style by opting for specific materials designed for use around water. Some of the most common materials used in pool deck construction include pressure-treated wood, composite decking, and poured concrete.

All of these materials are long-lasting when cared for properly, though many homeowners choose concrete due to the simplicity of pouring the slabs and their durability. You could also opt for composite decking that is easier to stain in the color you like, or pressure-treated wood that can stand up to the moisture that comes with owning a pool.

Ways to Keep Your Pool Deck Safe

Regular maintenance of your pool deck and taking the time to dry off excess water after use are fantastic ways to keep your pool deck in great shape! Always do research on how to care for your pool deck (regardless of which materials you choose to construct it) before installation, so you know how to keep it in top shape from the start. Additional safety tactics you can try include adding handrails around the pool area, covering the surface with a slip-resistant coating, adding safety gates around the water's edge, or blocking off any areas you notice are deteriorating.

Next Steps For Adding Safety to Your Pool Deck

If you own a pool, chances are you'll want to use it often and help it last for as long as possible; sometimes it can be difficult to accomplish this on your own. It's amazing what attention to detail and accurate research can accomplish when planning for the safety of your family and friends! However, it can often feel overwhelming to plan for every possibility and determine the construction of any hardscaping project.

Whether your pool is brand new, still under construction, or has been around for 10+ years, you can't go wrong with a brand-new pool deck to complete the project. The first step is to call your local contracting professionals, like the helpful team at Innovative Custom Concrete, and make a plan for summer. It’s never too early to start thinking about adding safety to your pool deck!