In this article, we’ll go over all of the considerations you’ll need to make when planning out your pool deck, from the materials you use to the size of the space around your pool.

Is a Pool Deck Made of Wood?

The term “pool deck” is a bit misleading because it doesn’t have to be wood or composite, like a deck off the back of the house.

The pool deck is simply any hard surface that’s intended to be the access point and walking surface in the vicinity of the water. First and foremost, a pool deck is designed to make your pool area as safe as possible. At the same time, it needs to be safe, comfortable on bare feet, swimsuit-friendly, low-maintenance, long-lasting, and good-looking.

Which Materials are Pool Decks Made Of?

There are six materials that are commonly used for pool decks. Let’s cover each material in detail:

Poured Concrete

The most common pool deck material around the world, poured concrete is typically an economical choice. It’s not always the best-looking option, but it can be. If you have visions of community pools in your head, don’t worry, poured concrete can be stained and/or stamped to make it fit in with your decor. Stamping and staining can make concrete appear like a different masonry material altogether. The challenges are that it may present a rough surface, it’s not always easy to keep clean, and it may crack over time as natural soil movement exerts pressure on this heavy solid surface.

Patio Pavers

Patio pavers are becoming the go-to for many modern pool decks. Not only are these gorgeous materials capable of elevating a space aesthetically, they are also safe (many feature a non-slip texture), low-maintenance, and long-lasting. Pavers are available in an endless array of styles in any budget. The biggest challenge is going to be choosing which one! If you have kids, consider a permeable paver system that will let pool water that has “somehow” splashed onto the pool deck to filter back into the soil through the joints between the pavers. Pavers will need to be sealed periodically but otherwise, there’s very little to do but enjoy the pool.

Natural Stone

Slate, flagstone, bluestone, and sandstone are popular pool deck materials for their beauty and longevity, and slip-resistant texture. Poolside stone slabs will need to be sealed to prevent moisture damage such as spalling (flaking). If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind pool deck, natural stone is the way to go.

Brick

For an Old World or boho look, brick is the way to go. Bricks are made with either clay or concrete and both are suitable for poolside use. They make excellent poolside masonry materials due to their non-slip textures and design versatility. If you’re not a fan of “brick red” you can find chic modern options such as light gray or light brown - and you’ll have fun choosing a laying pattern and even playing around with accents and special designs that really suit these classic masonry materials. The challenge with brick is that it may be prone to buildup of mold if constantly wet. Some bricks are, however, designed to be installed as permeable, which will help keep your pool deck drier.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is a stylish and elegant modern alternative to pavers. It’s slip-resistant, incredibly durable, impervious to water, mold resistant, very low maintenance (they never require sealing), and highly resistant to scratches. Like pavers, natural stone, and bricks, if a tile is damaged it can be replaced without disturbing the rest of the pool deck - this cannot be said for damaged poured concrete which will need to be completely replaced if you don’t want to deal with patches.

Wood and Composite Decking

Wood such as teak or cedar are gorgeous and often found in wet areas such as hot tub surrounds or pool decks. It will require frequent sealing to maintain its integrity. It’s a decent option for an easygoing pool deck without kids since it can get slippery.

You could achieve a wood look in a more water-repellent material: composite decking, which is made using wood fibers mixed with plastic. This material is virtually maintenance-free. The challenge with composite decking is you’ll want to choose a light color to avoid the decking from becoming too hot for bare feet.

Mixed Materials

pool deck ideas — Pool deck ides with mixed materials | Image by Belgard

There is no rule that says you must use one material on your pool deck. You could do a combination of teak and patio pavers, for example, to give your space more interest and dimension. It’s a chic and trendy look that designers are embracing.

Whichever material you choose, try to prioritize lighter colors which will keep your pool deck cooler and more comfortable.

Should a Pool Deck Be Level or Sloped?

A pool deck should be sloped, and that may surprise you. For a surface that needs to be such a pinnacle of safety, it can seem that a pool and a sloped surface would be incompatible but the slope is barely noticeable: about ¼ inch of slope per 12 inches. This means that for an 8 foot wide pool deck, the outer edge will be 2 inches higher than the inner edge next to the pool. A pool deck needs to be sloped so that any water that splashes up on the surface can drain back into the pool’s filtration system.

Should a Pool Deck Have a Non-Slip Texture?

A non-slip texture isn’t required, but it’s definitely recommended. Non-slip paved surfaces around a pool deck won’t make the surface entirely slip-proof, but they will come close. Non-slip paved surfaces will either have a semi-rough texture that helps feet or shoes grip the surface. Even “smooth” materials such as patio pavers have a slightly pebbled texture for better grip.

Wood is by far the slipperiest surface when wet. Certain natural stone slabs such as sandstone or flagstone are grippy, while others, like travertine or marble, become dangerously slick when wet.

Common non-slip textures include bricks, textured concrete, patio pavers, and wood composite. Porcelain tiles designed for pool use will also have a slip-resistant texture.

How Big Should a Pool Deck Be?

There’s no cookie-cutter answer since every pool construction method (think gunite vs vinyl liner vs fiberglass) and landscape are different. Just like the construction of your pool can vary: vinyl liner vs. gunite vs. fiberglass is another decision you’ll need to tackle.

The smallest amount of space to consider for a pool deck is a width of 18 inches. This slender strip will be just enough room for one person to walk around the edge of the pool to clean the pool with a skimmer, access the pool’s filtration system, and to prevent lawn clippings and other plant debris from making it into the water. Many people will put this buffer zone on all sides of the pool where there isn’t a lounge area; but this is optional. With the right plantings and ground materials around the water’s edge, your pool can become part of the landscape.

On the more generous end, most pool decks don’t need to be wider than 8 feet, which allows plenty of space for fully extended lounge chairs along with space to walk around them. There’s no need to commit to one width the entire way around the pool either, so you can get a little creative with the space.

A major consideration about the size of your pool deck will be what you and your family intend to do in the space around the pool. Maybe it will be just a walkway around the edge that allows for easy entry and exit and a good way to get from point A to point B.

Maybe your pool deck will be a large space with enough room for kids to play so a generous pool deck may be exactly what your design calls for.

Of course, the size of your backyard is a top consideration too.

No matter how small your pool is, your pool deck will greatly extend the amount of space that’s necessary around the edge of the pool.

Choosing the right pool deck is a way to put a finishing touch on the space: to personalize it, make it more functional, and blend it with your design aesthetic.

Choosing the Right Pool Deck for Style and Function