Refreshing my pool deck: tile? Wood? What works?

5 years ago

Hi! Our home’s previous owner didn’t take care of the pool, and it was terribly dilapidated when we moved in. Miraculously, once it was cleaned up, everything works perfectly! The surface immediately around the pool isn’t nice, though — it’s rough on bare feet, and looks blah.

Current situation (as of last summer):

I’d love to lay wood or composite decking directly on top of the concrete that’s there, but I don’t know if that’s possible. We’d still need access to the deck drains, etc. I think it would look good and mesh well with our home’s mid-century bones, and I love the way wood feels underfoot.

Another idea is to lay tile. I like the idea of a patterned cement tile that coordinates with the existing gray slate on the patio, but I’m worried those will date quickly. I’m also worried about people slipping.

I’d be so grateful for any insights on which would be a better, more practical and affordable solution. I‘m open to other ideas, too!

inspiration:

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Comments (4)

Thomas Hamer
5 years ago
I would think as long as the cement deck was in good structural shape you could do any of your inspirations.
Lynn G
5 years ago
I would think that most tiles can be slippery when wet, so choose carefully if you go in that direction...
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A J
5 years ago
When I think tile and pool, I envision slips and falls. I love the wood look. What about a dark gray stamped concrete that blends with that pretty slate floor?
PRO
Mystic Pools, LLC
5 years ago
While the wood looks beautiful, it can too get slippery when it's wet. It will need some maintenance, i.e., sanding, staining. Drainage is important underneath. Despite "sleepers" of pressure treated material to fasten the decking, they will rot out from sitting in water. Also, allowing mold to form.

Also, the overall decking will be raised and create, perhaps, an undesirable transition at the pool's edge. The step riser at the bottom step will be shorter too and may feel a bit awkward stepping up.

Forget about tile. Accident waiting to happen when wet. Even non-skid finishes.

I'm not crazy about composite materials. I understand it warps and cups over time. Look cheap in my opinion anyway.

Kelly Technical Coatings make a line of deck paint called Patio Tones. It's a water based paint that produces non-skid finish and is available in many colors.

It's easy to apply and the pricing is reasonable. It makes a big difference on old concrete patios.