Sure footing: carefully select and maintain your deck to prevent future missteps

Pool & Spa News, August 6, 2004

Why is decking important?

* Accidents don't just happen in the pool: A high number come as a result of slips and falls on the deck.

* Decks without adequate drainage can become slippery and create tripping hazards.

* Often decks are in full sun. If they are too hot underfoot, the decking can irritate--and even injure--people and pets.

What type of decking is best for me?

The home's decor as well as your budget and plans for using the pool area (entertaining, swimming only and the like) affect the type of decking material you choose. Traditionally, pool decks have a width of approximately 3 feet, which provides an ample walkway. However, decks come in all shapes and sizes, from barely there to expansive spaces for lounging and socializing.

When it's time to select your decking, you'll have plenty of materials, patterns and colors from which to choose. Concrete tends to be popular, and many people spice it up by adding colorful stains, stamped patterns or exposed aggregate treatments (where the stones in the concrete mix show through). Other common decking options include flagstone, tile, pavers, brick, natural wood and composite lumber.

Aside from aesthetics, you'll need to consider safety. Ideally, a deck should:

* Provide a slip-resistant surface

* Allow for proper drainage

* Stay fairly cool on hot summer days

* Not have splinters, jagged edges or too rough a surface

* Resist bugs, weathering, decay and rotting.

As a general rule, the lighter the deck's color, the more it will reflect the sun's rays. Darker colors, such as the deep hues found in bluestone, tend to absorb more sun, causing the surface to beat up. Some concrete decks also can get hot to the touch. However, a special coating can be applied to reduce the surface temperature, and it leaves a slip-resistant, textured finish.

Some materials, including untreated concrete, polished tile and marble pavers, can become very slippery when wet. Talk to your pool professional about slip-resistant options. To decrease the slip factor on any deck, adequate drainage should be a top priority. Most decks angle away from the pool toward drains or landscaping. That way, any water that is splashed out of the pool is carried away and doesn't cause a hazard.

What should I ask my pool professional about decking?

Are there local building codes that could affect my deck? Some cities have regulations regarding decking, so your first plan of action should be to investigate what is required in the area.

How does where I live influence my choice of deck material? If you're in a colder climate, you'll want a product that can withstand freeze/thaw conditions without cracking, heaving or splitting. In warmer areas, the heat emitted from the deck may be a concern.

How will you deal with drainage in my decking design? As your pool area is being sketched out, you'll want to ensure that there are enough drains to prevent water runoff from creating puddles on the deck. In addition, ask your pool professional about decorative ways to conceal the drains.

How much space should I allow for my patio, pool deck and walkways? Be sure the pool design takes into consideration the areas you'd like for socializing, lying out in the sun and walking around. These areas should be able to accommodate any furniture and accessories without crowding out those walking by.

Word to the wise

* To prevent accidents, always enforce "no running, pushing and roughhousing" rules when at poolside.

* Don't create an "obstacle course" near the pool. Keep outdoor furniture, toys and other accessories far enough away from the pool's edge to allow for a safe walkway.

* In your deck design, designate areas for eating and drinking away from the water to reduce accidental slips and falls. Then if a spill occurs, it won't endanger people walking around the pool deck.

* Limit the amount of time pets spend running around the pool decking. Some surfaces can wear out or even burn the pads on their feet.