Take the Plunge into Poolside Paradise with Deck Ideas for Inground Pools
Is your backyard inground pool in need of a makeover? Transforming your pool deck offers the perfect opportunity to upgrade your outdoor living space into a relaxing oasis. The right pool deck design can enhance functionality while providing a luxurious backdrop for poolside lounging and entertaining.
With the countless options for pool deck materials, layouts, and features, how do you even begin to design your backyard paradise? Read on for inspiring pool deck options guaranteed to make a splash.
Durable and Low-Maintenance Concrete Decking
Concrete is a go-to material for pool decks, thanks to its longevity, affordability, and minimal upkeep requirements. Plain gray concrete can seem boring, but stamping or staining offers easy ways to incorporate color, texture, and visual appeal.
Opt for a cool tone stained finish in shades of blue, green, or gray that complements the pool water. Or imitate the look of stone, brick, or tile with stamped concrete. For a pop of color, add a tile border along the pool coping or integrate brick pavers into the deck design.
Finishing Touches
Acid washing opens concrete pores for maximum stain absorption. A clear sealer protects the finish from the elements. Use a slip-resistant sealer for safety. For a textured surface less prone to cracking, mix the concrete with exposed aggregate like pebbles. Maintaining proper drainage and sealing cracks as they appear will keep the concrete deck looking fresh.
Beautiful and Customizable Composite Decking
Composite decking offers another low-maintenance option. With wood fibers mixed with plastic resins, composites like Trex are resistant to fading, stains, rot, and insects. The mix of materials also allows for unique colors, grains, and textures.
Brands like TimberTech and Kompan boast designer collections with rich hues and wood looks ranging from smooth Brazilian walnut to coastal gray. Many companies offer scalloped edges and embossed surfaces to replicate painted, washed, and hand-scraped hardwoods. The customization possibilities make it easy to match your home's style.
Proper Installation
Proper spacing between boards allows for drainage and contraction in fluctuating temperatures. Opt for hidden fasteners to keep the surface free of screws. Use lighter colors around the pool, as darker shades absorb heat. Follow manufacturer cleaning guidelines to prevent stains. With proper maintenance, composite decking can last over 25 years.
Slip-Resistant PVC Decking
For a completely waterproof pool deck, PVC decking is a safe bet. The vinyl composition resists moisture, warping, and growth of mold and mildew. Brands like Kompan and Wolf Serenity offer PVC composites blended with wood and rice husks for added durability.
Grooved and diamond plate PVC textures provide slip-resistance when wet. Mix colors and patterns for a distinctive look. Contrasting borders in a coordinating color help define the pool area. PVC is quick to install with hidden fasteners and is a wallet-friendly option.
Downsides of PVC
While moisture-resistant, PVC will show stain over time. Follow manufacturer directions carefully to keep the deck looking like new. PVC can become extremely hot in direct sun exposure compared to wood or composite alternatives. Additionally, minor surface scratches are more visible on PVC deck boards.
Stunning and Natural Wood Decking Materials
For unmatched beauty, wood decking creates a warm, organic look. Naturally decay-resistant tropical hardwoods like ipe and cumaru withstand sun, rain, and humidity. Although more expensive, these durable species can last over 25 years with proper treatment.
Pressure-treated pine is a budget-friendly softwood option. Though more prone to splintering and warping, regular sanding and refinishing can keep the deck looking great. Cedar's natural oils also help resist insects and rot. Opt for fade and mold-resistant stains and water sealants to protect any wood used outdoors.
Exotic & Reclaimed Options
More exotic species like tigerwood, teak, and mahogany offer unique grains and hues. Reclaimed woods like oak wine barrel staves are a distinctive, eco-conscious choice. Avoid porous, open-grained woods like spruce that require excess maintenance. Consult an expert to select the best wood species and finishes for your climate.
Designing a Backyard Oasis
An extended living space transforms your pool deck from drab to fabulous. Comfortable chaise lounges for sunbathing and dining tables for meals al fresco cater to relaxing weekends poolside. Gather family and friends around a fire pit or chiminea on cooler evenings.
Add sun shades like brightly-striped umbrellas, rustic wood pergolas, or retractable canopies. Position them to define spaces like an outdoor living room. Plant trees, shrubs, and flowers to soften the decking and tie into your property's existing landscaping.
Privacy Considerations
Strategically place plantings, screens, or fencing to boost privacy from neighbors. Let vines grow to cover a pergola for seclusion. Group seating areas away from entry points. Position poolside structures to block views. The goal is to create an intimate, inviting backyard sanctuary.
Adding a Poolside Kitchen and Bar
An outdoor kitchen and bar area extends your home's entertaining space poolside. Add a grill, mini-fridge, sink, counter space and storage for everything needed to host effortless gatherings or enjoy drinks and meals outside.
For larger parties, include extras like a pizza oven, wine cooler, ice maker, and dishwasher. Opt for durable and waterproof finishes that complement your poolscape. Keep the layout open by housing appliances in an island structure.
Convenient Placement
Situate the outdoor kitchen close enough to the home to simplify running power and water. But leave enough distance to keep smoke and grilling mess away from the house. Think about convenient access to pathways, gates, and the pool area when choosing the perfect spot.
Structures for Added Enjoyment
Structures like pergolas, trellises, and privacy walls lend ample style to poolscapes. A lounging pergola hung with dangling vines creates a shady nap spot. An open-air pavilion houses both seating and spa areas. Arched trellises wrapped in ivy double as pretty partitions between distinct functional zones.
Match the materials and finishes to your home. For rustic Southwestern style, use plastered adobe walls and exposed wood beam pergolas. Or opt for sleek black metal posts supporting crisp white canopies for a modern aesthetic. Get creative with these structures to maximize time enjoying the pool.
Placement Pointers
Pay attention to sun patterns when positioning structures. Ensure no area becomes overly shaded, unless that is the goal. Leave enough clearance around the pool itself and adequate pathways between spaces. Hire a qualified professional for structural additions to tie into the existing property safely.
Ambiance and Safety with Pool Lighting
Proper illumination transforms the pool and deck from day to night. Underwater lights cast rippling reflections across the patio and lush plantings for an elegant mood. Step lights provide safe pathways around the perimeter.
Up-lights placed in trees or mounted on walls create focal points. Accent wall sconces, lanterns, and flickering fire bowls contribute to an inviting, resort-like atmosphere. Control settings with automated timers and dimmers.
Choosing Your Lights
Opt for energy-efficient LED lighting. Cut costs by running lights off the pool equipment electrical system. Factor in operating hours and bulb life to determine long-term expenses. Consider color-changing options to switch up the look. Place fixtures thoughtfully to avoid an overly bright, glaring poolscape.
Professional Guidance for Pool Deck Designs
Hiring a qualified pool contractor, landscape architect, or designer is recommended for building a cohesive pool deck from start to finish. They assess your needs, recommend suitable materials and layouts, and oversee the installation process.
With expert skills in integrating structures and finishes, they can actualize a seamless flow between your yard, deck, and pool. They also handle pulling permits and ensure adherence to local zoning regulations. While an investment, their expertise pays dividends in enjoying an expertly-executed backyard paradise.
Maximizing Your Investment
Provide inspiration photos but stay open-minded to your pro's suggestions. Expect a collaborative process honing in on the perfect deck design. Be realistic about budget limitations but know that smart investment in quality materials and services nets huge returns in functionality and home value.
The pool deck possibilities are truly endless when it comes to designing your backyard oasis. Whether leaning into the low-maintenance durability of concrete, the chic style of composite decking, or the natural beauty of wood, the right material choice infuses character. Then pull together the details, from comfy poolside furniture to ambient lighting, that transform the space into a private vacation destination in your own backyard.
You're sure to make a splash with your poolscape with this overview of materials and design elements. It's time to take the plunge into a pool deck project that maximizes leisurely weekends at home. Let us know if you need any help bringing your dream designs into reality!