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It's an exciting time when you are planning to have a swimming pool built in your backyard. There are lots of options to consider; size, heated or not, enclosed or open etc. People are often so excited (granted, with good reason) that they neglect to give any thought to what happens when the contractors leave. Chances are the garden will need a complete re-landscape job and of course there is the question of pool decking. The pool decking is not just to allow access to the water. It will be a place to relax and watch the action in the pool. A place to have parties and maybe include a patio area for BBQ's and outdoor dining. Concrete pool decking is often the choice when the pool is of the in ground type. This is because it can be shuttered and poured at the same time as the pools concrete is laid. This cuts on man hours and cost and is a good method to choose as the deck is part of the pools structure, adding strenth to the whole design. A patio area can, and wherever possible should, also be incorporated. Concrete is a great material and can be formed into any shape required. It can also be left "as is" or finished with a none slip tile or paver. Pool decking for above ground pools is always built after the pool is has been constructed. Traditional pool decking For some homeowners, nothing beats a proper wooden deck, specially around an above ground pool. I always recommend hardwood when doing a pool decking. It is of course, more expensive but will cope so much better with the constant splashing, wet feet etc. With the above ground pool you can just build a raised deck at one end of the pool to allow for access, or if budget and space allow, surround the entire pool. Remember to allow space for a stairway when considering this option. Other Pool Decking Materials Other choices are now becoming available when it comes to pool decking. Aluminum, vinyl and plastic are all recent newcomers on the block. A deck built around your pool in one of these materials requires no maintenance, won't ever rot or get bothered by insects attracted by the dampness of a wooden deck. It seems to me that it is only a matter of time before these alternative materials become more popular than timber when it comes to pool decking but it will be a long time, if ever, before they replace timber in a normal deck build. Timber is still first choice where practical but it has to be said, around a pool or any other body of water isn't really practical for a long, maintenance free life. DIY Deck Building Building your own decking is great for the wallet but make sure you are up for the task before you start and make sure you have the relevant permissions required from your local building and planning office.
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