Pools: Decks and Covers
According to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, there are 10.4 million residential swimming pools in the United States. Of these, 59% are in-ground pools and 41% are above-ground pools. We know pools are fun to use but that’s a lot of pools with a lot of water used in them, right? Well, did you know that a pool uses less water than a green lawn? And even less when a cover is put on when the pool is not in use.
When it comes to a pool, after choosing the pool itself, two essential elements to consider are the pool’s deck and if you will cover the pool when not in use. The deck plays a functional role and also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the pool area. A cover reduces water evaporation when the pool is not in use, conservation that local water authorities encourage. Selecting the right pool deck and cover is key to creating a functional, visually appealing and long-lasting pool area for you and your friends.
When it comes to pool decks, concrete, wood, and stone offer distinct advantages and considerations, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. For pool covers, they can be a little cumbersome if not chosen wisely, so why would we want to use one? By carefully evaluating factors such as durability, maintenance requirements, cost, aesthetics, and safety, you can make informed decisions that result in a pool area that meets your needs and enhances your outdoor space and keeps water costs at bay.
Both types of pools benefit from pool decks but there are separate factors to consider depending on what kind of pool you have.
Pool Decks
A pool deck is the area surrounding the pool, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing space for relaxation, sunbathing, and socializing. Choosing the right pool deck material is crucial as it needs to withstand regular exposure to water, sunlight, and foot traffic without getting too hot or being too slippery during use.
Concrete Pool Decks
Concrete pool decks are a popular choice due to their durability and versatility. They are created by pouring concrete onto a prepared surface and then finishing it with various techniques such as stamping or coloring.
Advantages of Concrete Pool Decks
Concrete pool decks offer numerous advantages that make them suitable for many pool owners.
Concrete Pool are highly durable and can withstand years of heavy foot traffic and exposure to water and sunlight without significant damage.
Concrete decks are also customizable, allowing for creative designs, patterns, and also textures that create a non-slippery surface for wet feet.
Additionally, concrete pool decks are relatively low maintenance when installed properly, only requiring periodic cleaning (see Jack’s blog on pressure washing) and sealing to maintain their appearance and protect against stains.
Disadvantages of Concrete Pool Decks
Despite their durability, concrete pool decks have some drawbacks in certain climates and locations.
One of the potential downsides is their susceptibility to cracking over time, especially in regions with freezing and thawing cycles or unstable hillside locations that may need more give. However, proper installation techniques by experienced professionals, with the use of expansion joints, can help minimize this issue, something that professional installers take into account when planning your pool deck.
Another consideration is that concrete decks tend to retain heat, which can make them uncomfortably hot on hot, sunny days. However, this temperature retention can be somewhat mitigated by using lighter-colored concrete or applying a suitable light colored, non-slip surface coating even retroactively.
Wood Pool Decks
Wood pool decks provide a natural and warm aesthetic to the pool area. Common wood choices for pool decks include cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated lumber. There are stunningly beautiful specialty woods that some homeowners use for their decks, such as mahogany, ipe and teak.
Advantages of Wood Pool Decks
One of the primary advantages of wood pool decks is their visual appeal.
They add a warm, natural and inviting atmosphere to the pool area, blending with surrounding landscapes.
Wood decks are also comfortable to walk on, even on the hot days, as wood does not retain heat like other materials such as stone or brick.
Disadvantages of Wood Pool Decks
Wood pool decks require regular maintenance to keep them in optimal condition. They need to be sealed, oiled or stained periodically to protect against moisture damage, fading, insects and rot.
Additionally, wood decks may be susceptible to splintering or warping if not properly maintained or if the wood had too much moisture in it when installed. Since certain wood types may be more prone to these issues than others, choosing a suitable wood species is essential and understanding how to lower moisture content in your deck wood prior to installation is important.
Choose a decking professional designer and installer from your Jack of All Homes mobile app if you want a professional installation, because they will know how to correctly choose the project’s wood and optimize the deck build.
Stone Pool Decks
Stone pool decks offer a luxurious and timeless appearance to the pool area. Stunningly beautiful stone options include limestone, travertine, slate and flagstone.
Advantages of Stone Pool Decks
Stone pool decks, used since antiquity, are known for their durability and elegance.
Stone provides a rustic, natural look or conversely an elegant, sophisticated look, depending on what you choose, and stone complements your home’s architectural style when chosen with care.
Stone decks are resistant to fading, scratching, and staining, making them a low-maintenance choice with a minimum of maintenance being required.
Additionally, depending on which stone you choose, it may have excellent heat resistance, remaining cool underfoot even on scorching summer days.
Stone decks can be laid in various patterns and sizes, allowing for unique and visually appealing designs.
Disadvantages of Stone Pool Decks
Practically the only drawback of stone pool decks is their cost to install and minimal sealing requirements.
Stone materials are extremely heavy to quarry and move to the job site, especially premium options can be more expensive compared to other deck materials.
Installation of stone decks typically require professional expertise due to the precision needed for proper alignment and leveling.
And remember that certain stone types require regular sealing to protect against moisture and chemical absorption from the pool to maintain their appearance.
Pool covers help prevent water evaporation through several mechanisms:
Barrier to Air Movement: Pool covers create a physical barrier over the water surface, reducing the exposure of the pool to moving air. Evaporation occurs when water molecules at the surface gain enough energy to break free from the liquid and become vapor. By limiting the movement of air over the pool, covers decrease the rate of evaporation.
Reduction of Heat Loss: Evaporation is an energy-intensive process that leads to heat loss. When water evaporates, it takes away heat from the pool. By minimizing evaporation, pool covers help retain the pool's heat and reduce energy loss. This is particularly beneficial for heated pools in cooler climes as it helps maintain water temperature and reduces the need for additional heating.
Insulation: If you have a heater or a chiller you’ll be interested to know that some pool covers, such as thermal covers or solar covers, have insulating properties. They can trap heat or cold within the pool and prevent it from escaping into the atmosphere. This insulation effect reduces heat or cold loss and, consequently, minimizes evaporation.
Chemical Preservation: Evaporation can also lead to the loss of pool chemicals, including chlorine. By reducing evaporation, pool covers help maintain the chemical balance of the water, ensuring that the chemicals remain effective and reducing the need for frequent chemical adjustments.
It's important to note that while pool covers can significantly reduce evaporation, they are not completely impermeable. Some minimal evaporation may still occur around the edges or through small gaps. However, overall, pool covers are an effective method to conserve water, reduce energy consumption, and preserve the chemical balance of the pool.
There are several ways to make pools more water-efficient to reduce your water consumption:
Pool vs grass in your backyard: If you're interested in which uses less water, the answer is quite simple: a pool uses less water than a green lawn. According to Stu Campbell's The Home Water Supply: How to Find, Filter, Store, and Conserve It, a lawn requires 0.6 gallons of water per square foot each day, compared to 0.3 gallons for a pool.
Pool Cover: As mentioned earlier, using a pool cover is one of the most effective ways to conserve pool water. By covering the pool when it's not in use, you can significantly reduce evaporation, which is the primary cause of water loss in pools, especially on windy days.
Regular Maintenance: Proper maintenance and regular inspections can help identify and fix leaks promptly. Even small leaks can result in substantial water loss over time. Regularly check for any signs of leaks, such as dirt erosion near the pool pipes or an unexpected decrease in pool water level, and repair leaks.
Optimal Water Level: Keep the pool water level at the appropriate level recommended by the manufacturer or pool professional. Maintaining the correct water level helps minimize splash-out and reduces unnecessary water loss.
Efficient Filtration System: Ensure that your pool's filtration system is operating optimally. Clean or backwash the filter regularly to improve its efficiency and prevent clogs. A well-maintained filtration system will remove impurities from the water, reducing the need for frequent pool water replacement.
Backwash Water Reuse: When backwashing your pool filter, consider capturing and reusing the backwash water for purposes such as irrigation or cleaning instead of running it out to the street, which creates urban runoff that pollutes local waterways. Reusing this backwash water in your landscape can help conserve water that would otherwise be wasted.
Efficient Irrigation Practices: If you have plants or landscaping around your pool area, use water-efficient irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation or water-efficient sprinklers on a timer before or after the heat of the day to prevent excessive evaporation. Avoid overwatering and adjust the watering schedule based on weather conditions and plant needs.
By implementing these water-efficient practices, you can further significantly reduce water consumption and contribute to a more sustainable use of water in your pool.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Pool Decks and Covers
When selecting pool decks, several factors should be taken into account to ensure the best choice for your specific needs and preferences.
Durability:
Consider the durability of the materials and their ability to withstand long-term exposure to water, sunlight, and regular use. Choose covers and decks that offer excellent resistance to fading, staining, and physical damage.
Maintenance Requirements:
Different materials have varying maintenance needs. Evaluate the level of maintenance you are willing to commit to and choose covers and decks that align with your maintenance capabilities and schedule. Some materials may require regular sealing, staining, or cleaning.
Cost:
Budget is an important consideration. Determine the budget range for your pool project and explore cover and deck options that fall within your financial constraints. Keep in mind that while some materials may have a higher upfront cost, they may last many years longer than options than are less expensive up front, do the math for both your short and long term budgets!
Aesthetics:
Consider the overall look and style you want to achieve for your pool area. Choose covers and decks that complement your desired aesthetic, whether it's a modern, natural, or classic look. Take into account color options, patterns, textures, and how well they integrate with the surrounding landscape. Get some help from a professional designer who can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Safety:
Ensure that the chosen covers and decks prioritize safety. Look for materials that offer slip resistance to minimize the risk of accidents, especially in wet pool areas. Consider the comfort of walking on the deck surface, particularly in areas with high sun exposure.