There are a lot of factors that homeowners consider when it comes to choosing a material for their pool deck’s paving. These include cost, slip resistance, upkeep, durability, and how it suits the surrounding. Concrete certainly isn’t the only material that’s best out there, it definitely offers a huge number of advantages that other materials for a pool deck don’t have; specifically when it comes to versatility.
We did a face-off with other materials that people usually use for their pool decks. It’s a tough competition with natural stone, pavers, brick, stone and tile. But as these materials have their own pros and cons, concrete is definitely the best option among these things.
Why Concrete is the Best Option
Practical
It can be so much costly to install pool decks that are made up of flagstone, pavers or brick. They can have a great aesthetic appeal, but the labor cost required for it to be installed individually will definitely suck your wallet’s life out. Most installers find it better to and more economical to pour concrete and apply patterns than to work on placing the paving units by hand. If you are on a tight budget, you can still have the glorious look of pavers by mixing stamped concrete with a design that would scream out extravagance without the cost that kills.
Maintenance
All of the paving materials for a pool deck have a long life span and are durable. But when it comes to its maintenance, you would need to care for and maintain it extensively. Bricks and pavers can shift as time passes, and you would need to relevel or replace them frequently. The joints between the pavers also need to be refilled again and again with sand so that weed won’t grow in it. Poured decorative concrete eliminates all these issues, and it just needs an occasional cleansing and resealing for you to maintain its beautiful appearance. Less hassle, less money.
Reflectivity
Comparing decorative concrete to darker-colored brick and tile pool decks, it can become extremely hot to the touch after it bakes in the sun after a prolonged time. But with decorative concrete, its heat reflectivity enables you to walk on a cool surface after you plunge in the cold pool. There are also decorative concrete design that are used to significantly lower temperature areas.
Slip-Resistant
Good surface traction is important on pool deck surfaces. That’s why slip resistance is a high priority. Putting decorative concrete aside, all of these pool deck materials can be considered as slippery when wet (especially tiles). With decorative concrete, however, there are a lot of ways to improve concrete pool deck texture without destroying its decorative appearance. Designs that include slip resistance are exposed aggregate finishes, textured overlays, or clear plastic grits mixed into sealers.
Designs
It’s only with a decorative concrete pool deck that you’re able to customize it into any shape, size, color and surface treatment. From plain, broom-finished concrete, to exposed aggregate, to patterns imprinted to mimic tile, brick or stone. You can always mix and match decorative concrete designs and stains that will suit your taste.
