Blog

Whether you have been considering having a pool or already have one, you cannot doubt that an outdoor pool is an excellent way of enhancing your backyard’s functionality and fun when summer comes. Additionally, the deck surrounding your pool gives you a more utilizable space for relaxing or entertaining. Most pools were installed the traditional way, surrounded by a concrete patio. However, several challenges arise from this, for example, the concrete becoming too hot during the summer, being subject to thaw or freeze cycles during the cold weather, and not being attractive.

Modern pool decks are different. They help develop an outdoor living space you are eager to spend time in and are the perfect fit for entertaining friends and family. These eight modern pool decking ideas will assist you in determining what will work for your backyard.

Choose a Seamless Deck Design

A swimming pool deck with a seamless design feels minimalistic and contemporary. To add style to your open-plan swimming pool, consider narrow deck planks in a simple gray tone. Let the deck style match the style of your interior floors for an outdoor-indoor-living atmosphere.

A seamless swimming pool idea for an elegant look is adding a dining set or corner sofa. You might also consider using sleek tiling or toning down the pool’s edges and outlines to give it the feeling of a resort.

Stamped and colored concrete can also be a great option to customize your pool space—stamped concrete resists water damage, fading, and harsh swimming pool chemicals when sealed. Additionally, you can mix the sealant with a non-skid additive to prevent slip and fall accidents.

Consider Stylish Safety Rails

Swimming pool rails provide an additional safety measure when accessing the police. Select beautifully made steel rails to make a bold statement. They should align with your personality and look like deck ornaments.

Invest in pool ladders and handrails with a beautiful finish to give the swimming pool a facelift. Choose railings that blend perfectly with your patio furniture, home style, and backyard. Artisan or meridian designer rails can provide your deck with a sophisticated appearance.

Consider curb appeal, functionality, and durability when selecting pool deck rails. Also, consider your budget plus the possible cost savings from the investment. The rail materials must withstand the chlorinated pool water and your area’s weather conditions.

Try Out Warm-Toned Timber

Timber decks pair perfectly with circular pools if you want a natural but simple design. It is a brilliant idea if you wish to have a fairly laid-back deck. Add red-hued timber planks around the deck to achieve a tropical atmosphere.

Incorporate the timber deck with sun loungers and parasols to complete the look. The warm-toned timber must be stained and sealed regularly to prevent water damage. Consider the maintenance requirements before selecting one.

If you wish to have a low-maintenance choice, request that your contractor use composite wood to create the deck around the swimming pool. Although composite wood resembles timber, it is plastic-made and more expensive.

After determining what timber you will use, determine your desired pool deck space. The deck might be too big or too small if you do not have the correct measurements. Select a height ranging from 3 to 6 ft. for elevated decking space.

Classic Wood Is Another Good Idea

Classic wood decking provides a virtual tone effect in a blue-gray shade that compliments the pool's blue hue. Your deck design can additionally be accomplished with other types of wood, though classic wood works best at waterproofing a pool deck, thanks to stains and sealants.

Install Eye-Catching Decking Lighting

Properly installed decking lighting makes you enjoy your swimming pool during the night. Select lighting designs that appear subtle during the day and generate plenty of light at night. Fit the fixtures on the deck steps for extra curb appeal and safety.

You can install the light in trees or roof gables to create a moonlight illusion. Mounting them on the overhead branches will also assist you in achieving a similar effect. If you do not have trees close, you can affix the lights to your house’s motifs or gables.

You could light water features such as waterfalls (if there are any) for light to dance off the swimming pool. Mount a wash light on the pool's age or a tall tree to form a soft floodlight.

Light up the adjacent structures to form a resort atmosphere around the swimming pool. Consider adding recessed light in your pergola to light up the dwelling and seating areas. Fixing up lights on the bottom or floor of the pergola posts can assist in highlighting your swimming pool’s structure.

Integrate Nature Into Your Design

Encompass your deck with a lot of vegetation to bring out that natural feel. In this instance, your options may include ornamental grasses, structural shrubs, and small trees. You can add ornamental or garden plants proportionally around the outdoor pavers to enhance the beauty of the space. The plants must blend in with other outdoor and landscaping elements. You also want to ensure they are safe for children and pets, and maintaining them is easy.

Opt for plants or trees that can grow and flourish in your locale’s climate. Before you plant them, you want to know more about their growing conditions and care requirements. Do not select plants that shed plenty of leaves to minimize the cleaning workload.

An addition of ornamental trees, grass, or shrubs around your deck comes with various concerns and challenges. Dome ornamental grasses and shrubs cannot tolerate chlorinated water. Make sure the ones you plant react well with the chlorinated pool water, as there may be splashing from the pool.

Plant the grasses or shrubs at least six feet from the pool’s edge so they have enough room to grow if they are slow growers. Deciduous plants or trees with spines and cones are not ideal for pool decks because they grow well in drier conditions. Choose shorter shrubs so the sun can shine on most deck parts.

You Can Have Your Deck as a House Extension

Who says outdoor and indoor spaces must be separated? The deck and pool in your home can act as your house extension by creating boundaries using large paneled glass windows, and by utilizing the same material for the wood decking and wood paneling, you can move from one place to another. The design will flow in harmony.

Where Do You Want to Place Your Deck?

Having the deck directly next to your swimming pool is one of many options available. You will require a space for people to jump out of the swimming pool, but you could design an elevated deck right next to the space. This creates various spaces for people to relax and keeps sunbathers out of the splash area. It is also an excellent choice for timber decking since a raised deck will be less wet from the swimming pool.

You may even have the concrete by the pool, surrounded by grass, and a deck off to the side next to it. This lets people dry off on the grass before they can move to sit on the deck. It will minimize problems with the slipperiness of the deck and prevent it from being particularly wet.

Considerations for a Modern Pool Deck Design

There are several things to look at when designing your pool deck, from pool drainage to pool lighting, et cetera. One factor to remember while making considerations is that establishing an attractive outdoor living space with perfect landscaping accounts for not less than 20% of your home’s general value. That means any decision you make while creating your pool decking is even more critical than you can imagine.

The first factor to think about when designing your deck is the kind of function you need the deck space to perform. If, for example, you need to include an outdoor seating area or kitchen, choose a material used for more than decking. This will ensure that your design complements itself and flows well.

Alternatively, if you need outdoor lighting, go for a decking material that will make light installation easy, like wood. Taking ample time to contemplate how and what you will utilize your outdoor space for will assist you in saving money and time in the long run.

After a better understanding of your deck's function, you will be ready to decide on the material you want to use. The choice of material is critical. You want to design a long-lasting deck, so its material must withstand moisture exposure and the varying weather conditions you will experience.

The maintenance level necessary is also an essential factor to consider. Various pool deck material options are available, such as natural stone, concrete, composite, and treated lumber decking. However, if low maintenance, durability, and appearance are essential to you, consider using modified wood.

Modern pool decks have advanced from the common cement slab. Today's decks are functional and organic, with a beauty that will stand the test of time. Consider the features and styles of your property when creating your dream modern pool decking.

Other factors that are worth considering are:

• The size—as far as decking is concerned, size is highly essential. The general rule is to have a surface area that equals your pool area. If, for example, the swimming pool is twenty feet long and twenty feet wide, the decking space should be 400 square feet. When selecting your decking and pool size, you want to review residential codes to ensure compliance.
• Features—think about the feature you wish to add to your decking. Will it have an outdoor fire pit, garden furniture, a barbecue grill, a table, water features, or any other relaxation element? Inform your pool designer of your plans for utilizing the decking space so they can suggest ways to incorporate your elements into the design. Also, note that you will need some shade. Adding shade structures to the decking will enable you to relax without being exposed to too much sunlight on a brighter day.
• Placement—you could have your deck around the whole pool or just next to a section of it, based on the pool's design and location in the yard. If you cannot access some pool perimeter sections by foot, the sections do not require decking. Not building decks in these parts can be cost-effective. Nevertheless, you want to ensure this does not inhibit the aesthetic value. Consider the path to your patio area if your pool is not next to your house. Utilize the same material you do for decking to pave way.
• Privacy—if you are contemplating having a pool, you will require a fence to maintain people's safety and prevent animals or children from falling in it. If you wish to separate your pool from the entire property, you may add a high, opaque fence to offer swimmers privacy and separate the pool.

Or if you want to see people from the pool house when they are swimming, you could opt for a modern glass fence. This is an excellent choice if you have teens who do not require direct supervision but must be monitored to ensure they are safe.

• Budget—budget is the most important thing to consider before setting up your pool deck. Your budget will inform your decision on the type of material you want to use, the deck size, and the features you want to include. Regarding material, some pool deck materials are more costly than others. For example, flagstone is aesthetically appealing but is more expensive than cement, meaning you would not want to consider it if you are on a low budget. However, do not forget that every price range has beautiful options. Therefore, come up with a budget and design within your financial means.

Find Reliable Pool Builder Services Near Me

From deck lighting to deck material, there are several things to consider when designing your swimming pool deck. When kicking off the deck-building process, the most important thing to remember is that an attractive outdoor living space with an elegant landscape can represent about 20 percent of your overall home value.

For expert guidance on planning your ultimate pool deck for your Jacksonville home, we at Oak Wells Aquatics can help you. Our skilled designers can assist in revitalizing your yard pool dreams with an elegant deck customized to your feel and vision. Call us at 904-619-3281 for a consultation and to learn more about pool decks.