Should You Get a Concrete Pool Deck?

An in-ground custom pool with a beautiful concrete pool deck and green grass.

If you’re thinking about having a pool in your backyard, one of the most important decisions to make next is what kind of pool deck you want to have.

When we think about the word “deck,” we tend to think of a wooden structure that is lifted up off of the ground in the backyard for people to walk on. And that is definitely one common definition. But decks aren’t just wooden. And they don’t even have to be elevated off the ground.

So let’s tackle what the term “pool deck” means first, then we’ll get into the details about concrete pool decks.

What is a pool deck exactly?

A pool deck is the hardscaped area around an inground or above ground pool where people can walk. A deck around a pool prevents people from having to walk in the grass/dirt/mud and provides easy access to the pool. 

A pool deck can also be called a pool surround or pool decking. And there are a variety of materials that can be used to build one.

Often, a pool deck for an in-ground pool integrates on the same level with a patio or outdoor living spaces for seating, dining, or outdoor entertaining, as well.

In this post, we’ll look at some common questions about in-ground pool decks like:

• What are the different types of pool deck surfaces?

• What pool decking options are best?

• What are the pros and cons of concrete pool decking?

• What types of concrete pool deck upgrades are available?

• What is a pool deck drain and do I need one?

• What is the cost of a concrete pool deck?

• What pool deck upgrades are worth the money?

Ready to install a concrete pool deck in Columbia, SC? We can help.

If you are looking for pool deck builders near you in the Columbia, SC area, we can install concrete pool decks or paver pool decks.

At Boots On Enterprises, we’re happy to provide a FREE quote for your pool deck project. Just contact us today.

Phone: 803-521-4978

Email: bootsonenterprises@gmail.com

A patio paver pool deck with a custom pool and beautifully landscaped backyard and custom wood fence.

What are the different types of pool deck surfaces?

For in-ground pools, concrete pool decks are the most popular option. But that is not your only material choice for decks around pools.

The most common pool deck materials include:

• Composite decking - if the deck is above ground

• Concrete

• Poured concrete

• Brushed concrete

• Stamped concrete

• Pool deck pavers

• Concrete

• Natural stone

• Tile

• Wood - if the deck is above ground

A stunning pool deck made of natural ipe hardwood surrounds a custom pool with steps and a sun deck.

What pool decking options are best?

The best type of decking material for your pool deck depends on where your pool deck will be built. Above ground or on the ground. And you’ll want to consider durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and your budget.

Above-ground pool decking options

For pool decking that is not going to be in contact with the ground, wood or composite can be a gorgeous option.

Wood decking

Natural wood decking is very beautiful and can last for years. It generally needs to be sealed/painted every so often and may require routine maintenance. Wood, even wood that is naturally resistant to insects, UV rays, and weather, eventually may have issues with cracking, splintering, warping, or rotting. But higher quality woods and treated lumber are heartier than others and last longer before having issues.

Composite decking

Composite deck boards have the look of wood but last a lot longer. Composite doesn’t need to be sealed and doesn’t splinter or rot because it is waterproof and made of wood and plastic. You have more color choices than with natural wood. But it is generally more expensive than wood. And you’ll want to be sure to choose a non-slip version if you plan to use it near a pool.

In-ground pool decking options

If you have a pool that goes into the ground and want a pool deck that is right on the surface of the ground, wood or composite really aren’t great choices. They don’t do well sitting directly on the dirt.

You’d probably like something more water resistant/waterproof like:

Concrete 

Poured concrete pool decking is the most popular type of swimming pool deck for inground pools because it has a lot of advantages which we will be discussing in detail below. But it is the least expensive and most durable material for patios/pool decks available today.

Pavers 

Paver pool decking is also a very popular material to use for building a pool deck. They come in a variety of materials like concrete, brick, and natural stone. Pavers are really gorgeous and add a lot of character and charm to your pool. They do tend to be more expensive than other options. But they are quite durable and don’t crack as easily as concrete. They do usually need to be sealed every so often.

Stone

Natural stone can be used for a pool deck/patio and can provide a very rustic ambiance. Stone is very strong and long-lasting and able to withstand harsh weather conditions, especially if it is sealed as needed. But stone tends to be a lot more pricey than other hardscaping materials.

Tile

Outdoor tile can be used in place of pavers or on top of a poured concrete pool deck for a really gorgeous look. Outdoor tile can come in non-slip options and can be ceramic, porcelain, slate, travertine, or other natural stone. You’ll just want to research to be sure the tile brand you like is weather-proof and see whether it needs to be sealed or not. And you’ll want to check to see how long the particular type of tile you like should last.

A modern luxury home with large sliding glass doors open to the patio with a custom pool and concrete pool deck and a padded chair with pillow and table beside the pool.

Pros and cons of concrete pool decking

Concrete pool decking is the most popular type of pool deck material because it has so many advantages and very few disadvantages.

Advantages of a concrete pool deck

• Extremely strong, durable, and long-lasting.

• Waterproof when properly sealed (usually every 2-5 years).

• Less expensive than any other type of pool deck material.

• Upgrades are available like stamping/staining to look like higher-end materials.

• Different finishes and colors are available.

• Lots of creative design options.

• Can handle weather and pool chemicals if properly sealed.

• Doesn’t warp or splinter like wood decking.

Disadvantages of a concrete pool deck

• Needs to be sealed every so often to protect it from water, salt, chlorine, and UV rays.

• May need a pool deck drain to control water flow (true with most pavements/pavers/stone).

• Can be too hot for bare feet on a hot day unless painted with Cool Deck.

• Can be slippery if not properly textured.

• May potentially crack (so be sure control joints are added to help).

A closeup of stamped concrete made to look like natural stone for a patio or pool deck.

What types of concrete pool decking upgrades, textures, and finishes are available?

You have a whole lot of choices for pool decking ideas with poured concrete when it comes to the finish. 

Brushed concrete pool deck

This is the least expensive option and just involves the pool deck contractor carefully running a broom over the wet concrete in one direction many times after it is poured. This texture provides a non-slip surface that prevents falls later when people walk on a wet concrete surface whether it’s wet from the pool water or rain.

Stamped concrete pool deck

Stamped concrete decking is a really beautiful option where an imprint is made on the surface of wet concrete that can look like pavers, brick, wood, tile, or natural stone. If you want to stamp a concrete pool deck, it involves creating a pattern of indentations on the concrete surface. Then that surface can be painted or stained if desired.

Stained concrete

Want to make your pool deck concrete look even better whatever the texture may be? Consider staining it. Concrete stain/cement stain is a permanent way to alter the color of concrete that doesn’t flake or peel and brings a lot of beauty that lasts for a long time.

Staining combined with stamping can truly make your pool deck look a lot more high-end than a regular poured concrete deck may.

Stamped and stained concrete that looks like stone pavers makes a beautiful option for a modern concrete pool deck, patio, walkway, or driveway.

How long does a concrete pool deck last?

Concrete pool decking can easily last 10-15 years or even quite a bit more if properly maintained. And the great thing about a concrete pool deck is that it can be pressure washed, sealed, repaired, and maintained so that it lasts a really long time.

Should you seal a concrete pool deck?

Yes! Sealing concrete pool decks waterproofs them and helps to protect them from salt, chlorine, weather, and UV rays. This extends the lifespan of the concrete considerably when applied properly using a quality concrete sealant.

Boots On Enterprises is in the middle of adding a concrete pool deck drain to an existing pool deck.

What is a pool deck drain and do I need one?

Pool deck drains are important for concrete pool decks/because unlike with a wood deck, there is nowhere for water that splashes out of the pool or rainwater to go. So we like to have a bit of a slant to the pool deck to lead the water toward a slight “valley” area and install a pool deck drain to carry all the extra water away from the decking to a more appropriate place.

Pool deck drainage is important in case you get a lot of rain and your pool overflows, or a lot of water gets splashed out of your pool. But also, it’s important when you have rainfall to be able to move water away from the concrete so it doesn’t pond and create problems.

If you have a concrete pool deck, most likely, you will want a pool deck drain to avoid any potential drainage problems. Any kind of pavement, stone decking, or pavers can benefit from a pool deck drain. If you have a wood deck or composite deck, it’s raised up and doesn’t need a drain since the water can flow between the boards.

A lovely modern pool deck made of textured and stained concrete with a wooden fence with fence lighting at night.

What is the cost of a concrete pool deck?

The cost of concrete pool decks varies by region in the United States and over time. But you can expect to pay $6100 - $8900 for a 900-square-foot pool deck installation including materials.

Another way to look at it, you’ll likely expect to spend between $7.00 and $9.50 per square foot for a simple poured concrete decking with one color and a brushed finish.

If you want a custom design with 2-3 colors and some borders and textures, plan on at least $10-$15 per square foot.

And if you want a very intricate design with more colors, textures, shapes, and very fancy borders, it may be over $15 per square foot.

Factors involved in how much a concrete pool deck costs:

Just like with any construction project, there are many factors that impact the price of installing a concrete pool deck.

• The size of the pool deck.

• The depth of the concrete.

• How much prep work is required.

• The shape or curvature of the deck and pool.

• Whether you need an old pool deck torn out first.

• What finishes or upgrades you desire.

• If you want to add a coat of Cool Deck to keep the deck from burning bare feet. 

• Whether you want to include decorative paver or stone edging or coping.

• If you want additional work like landscaping, fencing, or lighting.

• The time of year (during off-season it’s less expensive - fall and winter).

• How difficult your backyard is to access with machinery.

• How steeply sloped your yard is.

• Whether you need additional steps.

• How far your property is from the contractor’s usual service area.

Remember that concrete decks are generally the least expensive option for a pool surround/patio. It’s usually a lot less expensive and more durable than wood. And, although pavers are equally durable, if not more so, poured concrete is more economical.

Textured concrete pool deck and colored concrete coping with a beautiful custom pool and wood fence lit up at night in a neighborhood.

What pool deck upgrades are worth the money?

If you want to get the most value out of your concrete pool decking, get creative with it. A beautiful, custom look is something you and your guests will enjoy and potential buyers will appreciate in the future, as well.

Here are the upgrades our clients love the most.

Consider adding these pool deck upgrades:

• Stamping/staining to the concrete.

• Cool deck paint/treatment to the concrete.

• Pavers or hardscaping around the pool or edging.

• Pool lighting/patio lighting.

If you want the entire yard to be renovated, it’s a perfect time to do a backyard makeover while you have the pool deck installed.

Consider adding these backyard upgrades:

• A wood privacy fence to make your homeowner’s insurance happy and keep your yard private.

• Fence lighting.

• New landscaping.

• Tree trimming/tree removal if needed.

Ready to talk with pool deck builders near you in Columbia, SC? We can help.

If you’d like to install a concrete pool deck or paver deck, we’d love to take care of that for you. 

Maybe you have a pool deck but you need to have it resurfaced or repaired? We can do that, too.

And we can also help with any other paving, hardscaping, fencing, or landscaping needs you may have in Lexington or Richland Counties.

Contact us today for a FREE estimate for your pool deck.

Phone: 803-521-4978

Email: bootsonenterprises@gmail.com 

We serve areas like Lexington, Irmo, and the Greater Columbia, SC area.