Choosing the material for the pool deck is an important decision in the building process. The pool deck’s look, feel, and function play a big part in the entire feel of the backyard and the pool area. This decision is also one that can cause costs to vary significantly. The price of travertine pavers is much higher than bare brushed concrete. Decks with a lot of square footage can see considerable price differences from one option to the next.
Brushed/Broom Finished Concrete
Brushed concrete is one of if not the least expensive option for decking around a pool. This is your typical slab-style broom finished concrete. Some sub-contractors are much better at this than others, but either way, this will likely be the most cost-effective deck material (aside from a garden-style pool with no deck). Brushed concrete is relatively cool and non-slip but is susceptible to discoloration, staining, and mold buildup due to its porous properties.
Kool Deck
Kool Deck is a trademarked product that is applied to fresh concrete. This is often confused with “cool deck,” which is just a common term that is used to refer to textured or stamped overlays for pool decks. The trademarked product Kooldeck requires someone specifically trained to install it since it should be applied to freshly poured concrete. The application process creates an amazing bond between the concrete and the topper that can withstand thermal expansion and contraction better than concrete.
Pavers (brick, travertine, marble, porcelain)
Pavers are a premium deck option and come in different materials, sizes, and shapes. Pavers can be laid on different types of bases, including compacted fill material or concrete. One advantage of pavers is that they can be replaced one piece at a time and as needed as opposed to concrete which would need to be replaced entirely if issues arise. Pavers also look very nice and can be laid out in different patterns. The number one con of pavers is the price. Some pavers are susceptible to staining, and all will eventually begin getting weeds in the cracks between them. Pavers require maintenance as it ages.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is just normal brushed concrete that has dye added and is then stamped with a large concrete stamp to create the desired look. Stamps come in all types of shapes and patterns. Many stamps create the look of individual pavers. Stamped concrete needs to be sealed, which can lead to it being slippery when wet. Stamped concrete also tends to get hot. Although there are additives that can help with traction, the risk of stamped concrete being slick when wet is still very high.
Rock Salt Finish
A salt finish pool deck is like smooth finished or brush-finished concrete. The difference is that once the finish is done, rock salts are added to the wet concrete surface. Applicators will press salt particles deep enough into the concrete to make indentations when removed. This requires a bit of skill. If the particles are not pressed in deep enough then the deck may be slippery. If the particles are pressed in too deep, the rock salt can get stuck in the concrete.
These deck options can be used on new pools and remodels of existing pools. Reach out to J&M Pools today to discuss the best option for your family.
