Concrete Pool Decks
Create a beautiful, safe pool surround that stays cool underfoot and handles water, chemicals, and constant use without problems.
What Makes a Great Pool Deck
Your pool deck needs to handle challenges that regular patios don't face. It's constantly wet from splashing water and dripping swimmers. It's exposed to pool chemicals that can damage some materials. People walk on it barefoot, so it can't be too rough or too hot. And it needs slip resistance because wet surfaces around pools are serious safety concerns.
Concrete is the perfect material for pool decks when finished correctly. It's durable enough to handle years of water exposure and chemical contact. It can be textured for slip resistance while staying comfortable for bare feet. And unlike wood that splinters or composite decking that gets dangerously hot in summer, properly finished concrete stays relatively cool and smooth.
We've built pool decks for Rexburg homeowners that create resort-like backyards. The right pool deck transforms your pool from just a place to swim into a complete outdoor living area. We design decks with enough space for lounge chairs, tables, and walking paths. We slope everything properly so water drains away instead of pooling. And we use finishes that look great while staying safe and functional. When you work with experienced pool deck contractors, you get a surface that complements your pool and lasts as long as the pool itself.
Pool Deck Finishes That Work and Look Great
The finish you choose for your pool deck affects both safety and appearance. Here are the most popular options for Rexburg pool decks:
Pool Deck Surface Options
- Broom finish with light texture: The most common and practical choice. Provides good traction when wet without being rough on bare feet. Cost-effective and easy to maintain.
- Stamped concrete patterns: Make your deck look like natural stone, slate, or travertine. Adds upscale appearance while still providing texture for safety. Popular for resort-style pool areas.
- Cool deck coating: Special textured coating that reflects heat and stays cooler than regular concrete. Great for Idaho's hot summer days when you're walking barefoot.
- Exposed aggregate: Small stones embedded in the surface create natural texture and slip resistance. Looks attractive and hides dirt well in high-traffic areas.
- Colored concrete: Add color throughout the concrete or apply surface stains. Choose light colors to reduce heat absorption or earth tones that blend with landscaping.
- Combination finishes: Mix different finishes in one deck. Use textured areas around the pool edge for safety and smoother finishes in lounge areas farther from water.
The key is balancing appearance with function. A smooth, polished surface might look amazing but becomes dangerously slippery when wet. Heavy texture provides great traction but feels rough on bare feet. We help you choose finishes that give you the look you want while keeping everyone safe. Our stamped and decorative concrete expertise creates pool decks that look like high-end natural stone while staying practical for daily pool use.
Building Pool Decks That Last
Installing a pool deck correctly is critical because problems are expensive to fix later. The process starts with proper grading and drainage. Your deck needs to slope away from the pool and your home so water runs off to appropriate drainage areas. Standing water creates slip hazards and can damage concrete over time.
Base preparation is just as important as the concrete itself. We excavate to proper depth, install compacted gravel base, and sometimes add drainage systems under the deck. This prevents settling and keeps water from accumulating underneath where it can cause frost heaving in winter.
The concrete needs to be thick enough for the application. Pool decks typically require 4 to 5 inches of thickness to support furniture and activity without cracking. We add steel reinforcement throughout to handle stress from temperature changes and ground movement. Control joints guide any minor cracking to specific locations where it won't be problematic.
Special features can make your pool deck more functional. We can add accent borders in contrasting colors or patterns. Built-in planters soften the hardscape and add greenery. Steps and raised areas create visual interest and define spaces. If you want to expand beyond just the pool area, we integrate pool decks with larger patio spaces for complete outdoor living areas.
Sealing is essential for pool decks. A quality sealer protects concrete from pool chemicals, prevents staining, and makes cleaning easier. We apply sealer after the concrete cures and recommend resealing every few years. Our concrete patio installation methods apply equally to pool decks, often as part of unified backyard designs.
Pool Deck Questions and Answers
Here are the questions we hear most about concrete pool decks:
Several strategies keep pool decks comfortable in summer heat. Light-colored concrete reflects more sunlight and stays significantly cooler than dark colors. Special cool deck coatings are designed to reduce surface temperature by 20 to 30 degrees compared to regular concrete. Textured finishes feel cooler than smooth surfaces because less of your foot contacts the hot surface at once. Shade structures like pergolas or umbrellas over seating areas provide relief. Some homeowners add strategic landscaping that shades portions of the deck during the hottest afternoon hours. While concrete will always warm up in direct sun, these techniques make it much more comfortable for bare feet. Even without special coatings, properly finished concrete stays cooler than many alternatives like composite decking or dark pavers.
Pool chemicals in normal concentrations won't damage properly sealed concrete. Chlorine and other pool chemicals are diluted in large volumes of water, so the amount that splashes on your deck is minimal. What does matter is sealing. Unsealed concrete is porous and can absorb chemicals and moisture that gradually cause deterioration. A quality penetrating sealer protects the concrete while letting it breathe. We seal all pool decks after installation and recommend resealing every 2 to 3 years. This maintenance is simple and inexpensive compared to replacing damaged concrete. If you do spill concentrated pool chemicals on your deck, rinse them off promptly. With proper sealing and basic care, concrete pool decks last 30 years or more even with constant chemical exposure.
Yes, we regularly pour new pool decks around existing pools or replace old decking. The process requires careful work near the pool edge to avoid damaging the pool structure. We protect the pool during demolition if replacing an old deck. When pouring new concrete, we form up carefully around the pool coping and ensure proper drainage away from the pool. The new deck bonds to the existing pool edge or we create an expansion joint between them depending on the situation. If you have an older pool with a dated or damaged deck, replacing just the deck is much cheaper than replacing the entire pool. Many Rexburg homeowners update their pool areas this way to create a fresh, modern look without the expense of a new pool installation.
Ready to upgrade your pool area with a beautiful, functional concrete deck? Contact us for a free consultation and estimate. We'll assess your pool, discuss finish options, and create a design that turns your backyard into a resort-style retreat.