Concrete Pool Decks

Your pool deck takes more abuse than almost any other concrete surface on your property. It stays wet constantly, gets splashed with chlorinated water, handles bare feet and pool toys, and sits in direct Florida sun for hours every day. You need a surface that can handle all of this without becoming dangerously slippery, too hot to walk on, or deteriorating rapidly.

Concrete delivers exactly what pool decks need when installed correctly. It provides a solid, stable surface that will not shift or settle like pavers. It resists pool chemicals better than many other materials. And with proper finishing techniques, it stays reasonably cool even in summer heat while providing good traction when wet. The key is choosing the right finish and building the deck with appropriate slope for drainage.

Here is what makes concrete the smart choice for pool decks:

• Non-slip finishes that stay safe when wet
• Stays cooler than dark pavers or sealed surfaces
• Resists damage from pool chemicals and chlorine
• Can be customized with colors, textures, and patterns
• Easy to clean and maintain long-term
• Provides stable surface that will not shift or settle

Textured Finishes

Smooth concrete becomes dangerously slippery when wet, so pool decks need textured surfaces. A broom finish creates subtle grooves that provide traction without being rough on bare feet. This simple finish costs less than decorative options and works well for many pool decks. For pools with lots of kids running around, you might want a slightly rougher texture that provides extra grip.

Exposed aggregate reveals the stones in the concrete mix, creating natural texture and visual interest. This finish provides excellent traction, stays relatively cool, and hides minor imperfections well. The exposed stones also create a more upscale appearance than basic broom finishes. We can use different aggregate colors to match your landscaping or pool tile.

Decorative Concrete

Stamped concrete lets you create the look of natural stone, slate, or tile at lower cost than using those actual materials. We press patterns into the fresh concrete and add colors to create realistic appearances. Popular choices for pool decks include flagstone patterns, travertine looks, and wood plank textures. Stamped decks cost more than basic finishes but deliver high-end aesthetics.

Colored concrete allows you to match or complement your home, landscaping, or pool tile. You can choose subtle earth tones that stay cooler or bolder colors that make a statement. We can also combine multiple colors to create custom looks unique to your property. Color options work with any texture, so you can have a colored broom finish, colored stamped patterns, or colored exposed aggregate.

Cool Deck Coatings

Special coatings can be applied to concrete pool decks to reduce surface temperature. These products work especially well in Florida where sun heats concrete to uncomfortable levels. The coatings reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than bare concrete. They also provide slip resistance and come in various colors. We can apply these coatings to new concrete or use them to refresh existing decks that have become too hot or worn.

Pool deck construction requires careful planning around your existing pool. We need adequate space to work, access for concrete trucks, and protection for your pool and landscaping during construction. Timing matters too, since you will not be able to use your pool for several days while we work. We coordinate all of this carefully to minimize disruption and protect your property.

Drainage is critical for pool decks. Water must flow away from your pool and house, not toward them. We create proper slopes that move water off the deck quickly while keeping the grades gentle enough that the slope is not noticeable. We also make sure water drains toward appropriate areas where it will not cause erosion or flooding problems.

The deck must connect properly to your pool coping without creating trip hazards or allowing water to seep behind the pool wall. We use expansion joints where the deck meets the pool structure, allowing for movement without cracking. These joints need to be sealed properly to prevent water intrusion while still allowing the deck to expand and contract with temperature changes.

Most pool decks should be at least four inches thick, though we may recommend more for areas that will support heavy furniture or see lots of traffic. We reinforce all pool decks with steel to control cracking and provide structural strength. The concrete mix needs to be appropriate for exterior use and chemical exposure. These technical details separate professional pool deck installation from amateur work. Just like our other concrete services, we handle every aspect correctly the first time.