For activities in the backyard this summer, nothing beats a swimming pool. While the shape, colour and water can be the main focus, knowing how to choose the right decking can have a big impact on how your pool fits into the landscape—and how safe it is for swimmers. The right pool decking should give pool owners a stunning pool surround as well as a secure walking area and a place for poolside lounging. If you’re planning a pool and thinking that decking might be the way to go, here’s a few tips on what to look for.
As we mentioned, safety is a must for any decking around your pool. As most people will walk around the pool in bare feet, it’s vital to pick a material that won’t become slippery when wet or too hot to bare in the height of summer.
Woody textures feel fantastic underfoot, but this does not mean that all woods are suitable for pool decking. Some options to consider are:
Merbau
Merbau is a popular hardwood found in South East Asia and northern Queensland. It’s a strong and highly durable material, making it popular in many forms of construction. It’s also a common choice for natural pool decking and is a cost-effective option if you want wood around your pool. It’s important to remember that your pool water does contain chemicals and any natural substance around your pool will need a protective coating to maintain condition.
Teak
Teak is a standout option around backyard pools and helps your water feature blend into its surroundings. Known for its ability to repel water and insect damage, teak is one of the best organic materials you can use for decking. For these reasons, teak can be on the upper end of pricing options and as a natural material, will require sealing and treatment throughout its life. If wood is a necessity for your decking however, it’s hard to go past teak.
Composite decking
Far and away the most used material around our fibreglass pools, composite decking is a mixture of reclaimed and recycled materials that resemble natural surfaces. While it is more expensive than timber, composite decking is naturally weather resistant and therefore doesn’t require routine maintenance to keep it looking at its best. Composite decking is largely anti-slip and a sustainable alternative for those that aren’t looking for a natural material. While composite decking has many benefits, due to its synthesised nature (including plastics) it will retain heat when compared to a wooden surface.
If you’d like to find out more or discuss decking material options, please contact your local Aqua Technics display centre for a chat!
