adrian Kinley

Pool Decking

With the excitement of having the contractors in to build you a new swimming pool its easy to forget the garden will probably need landscaping and the pool will need to be decked.

More and more people are now having a swimming pool built in the garden. The excitement of planning the pool often means people fall into the trap of not giving the landscaping and pool decking area enough thought.

When deciding on a deck to finish off your new swimming pool remember your decking is not there just as a means of entering and leaving your swimming pool. It will be a place to relax on a lounger or to entertain guests while you watch the kids playing in the pool.

If the swimming pool is in ground the decking area tends to be built at the same time as the pool. If the pool and deck is to be in concrete it is often poured at the same time so that the deck is actually a part of the pools structure. It is then either left as is or can be tiled or have pavers laid on it and can incorporate a patio area for relaxing. You should choose a paver or tile that won't get slippery once it gets soaked. You can get composite swimming pool decking that is none slip and won't rot due to continual exposure to water. The decking for above ground pools is added after the pool is constructed.

Traditional pool decking

Wooden decking is still a favorite for above ground pools due to its natural look and feel. If you decide on a wooden deck it may be best to go for a hardwood. The initial cost is more but it will last a lot longer compared to a pressure treated softwood constantly getting wet. The deck can either just be on one side of your above ground pool or can surround the entire pool. Entrance onto the deck would be via a stairway built into the deck.

Alternatives to timber decks

Vinyl, aluminum and plastic decking are all now available for pool decking. The fact that there is no danger of rot setting in or termite attacks due to being constantly getting wet makes them a good choice. Couple that with the fact they are virtually maintenance free and it is easy to understand why they are becoming more popular.

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.

Article Tags: Abov Groun

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR