Most manufacturers only highlight the good features of a product to make a sale. But it is important for consumers to know both pros and cons in order to make a sound decision. It gives you the opportunity to weigh your options and know how to care for your pool decks appropriately. Concrete? Wood? Tiles? Here’s an honest look at the good and bad points of the most common pool deck materials:
Concrete
- Pros: Concrete is a very versatile material, enabling you to customize and enhance it whichever way you want. It is comfortable to walk on and is very easy to maintain. If you’re interested in getting a concrete pool deck, contact a reputable contractor for concrete pool decks.
- Cons: Concrete needs to be textured through brushing or stamping in order to make it slip-resistant. The addition of aggregate can also enhance its slip-resistance.
Brick
- Pros: Brick is a timeless material, known for its durability and easy installation properties. It comes in various colors, terra cotta being the most popular.
- Cons: Brick pool decks need regular maintenance as they are susceptible to moss growth. This makes brick a relatively expensive material choice for pool decks.
Pavers
- Pros: Pavers are affordable and, if installed properly, can last a long time. It is also easy to repair a damaged paver: simply take out the damaged piece and replace with a new one. Interlocking pavers are frost-proof according to manufacturers.
- Cons: Before pavers can be installed, a border or frame needs to be set up to keep the pieces from shifting. Pavers are also vulnerable to weed growth.
Wood
- Pros: There is a wide range of wood varieties to choose from and design options are versatile with a wooden deck. They are also a popular environment-friendly option.
- Cons: Wood is a high-maintenance material. As a pool deck, it needs to be regularly resealed and cleaned.
Stone
- Pros: There is a wide selection of stone shapes and sizes to choose from. It can be used raw and rough but it can also be flattened a bit for a more level surface.
- Cons: Stone is not available everywhere so it might need to be shipped in from another state, raising costs.
Tile
- Pros: Tile comes in a wide range of colors, shapes, and designs. The selection is so wide that it is almost impossible not to find the right one for your intended design and color theme.
- Cons: Tile has a smooth surface, making it very slippery when wet. This can be dangerous. It is important to find unglazed types or to seal the tile with a sealer mixed with an abrasive.
Artificial Turf
- Pros: It looks like real grass in all its green glory and it stays that way forever. It requires minimal cleaning and it helps conserve water since it does not require it.
- Cons: It is important to choose an artificial turf product carefully. Ask about what it is made of, making sure that there are no harmful ingredients included as it can be dangerous for pets and children if ingested.
