Concrete Pool Decks
Beautiful, slip-resistant pool decks that enhance your backyard oasis in Wilson, NC.
Why Concrete Is Perfect for Pool Decks
Your pool deck needs to handle bare feet, splashing water, pool chemicals, and hot summer sun day after day. It needs to be safe when wet, comfortable to walk on, and look good for years with minimal maintenance. Concrete delivers all of this better than any other decking material. Wood rots and splinters, composite decking gets slippery and expensive, and pavers shift and grow weeds. Concrete stays solid, level, and functional.
Safety is the top priority around pools, and properly finished concrete provides excellent slip resistance even when wet. We use textured finishes that give your feet traction without being rough or uncomfortable on bare skin. Concrete also stays cooler than many materials because you can choose lighter colors that reflect heat rather than absorbing it. This matters when kids are running around barefoot on a hot July afternoon in Wilson.
Concrete pool decks also give you incredible design flexibility. You can create the exact shape and size you need to fit your pool and yard. Add curves, angles, or free-form shapes that match your landscaping. Choose from smooth finishes, textured surfaces, or decorative options like stamped patterns and colored concrete. The design possibilities let you create a true backyard resort instead of just a basic pool surround. Best of all, concrete requires almost no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning and sealing.
Design Features for Pool Decks
A pool deck is more than just a flat surface around your pool. It is where you sunbathe, eat meals, play games, and gather with family and friends. Smart design makes your pool deck more functional and enjoyable. Here are features we incorporate into pool deck projects in Wilson.
Proper Slope and Drainage
Pool decks must slope slightly away from the pool to direct water runoff. This prevents water from draining back into the pool and keeps the deck from staying wet all the time. We typically create a slope of about one-quarter inch per foot. The slope needs to be enough for drainage but not so much that it is noticeable when you walk or set up furniture. Proper drainage also protects your pool equipment and prevents water from pooling against your house foundation.
Adequate Width and Space
Most pool codes require a minimum deck width of 4 feet around at least three sides of the pool. We usually recommend 6 to 10 feet for comfortable use. You need room for lounge chairs, a path to walk around the pool, and space to place pool equipment. Consider where you will put tables, umbrellas, and grills. Think about traffic flow from your house to the pool. A well-designed deck has distinct zones for different activities.
Surface Finish Options
The finish you choose affects both safety and comfort. Here are popular options for pool decks that balance traction, comfort, and appearance.
- Broom Finish: Light texture that provides good traction and is comfortable on bare feet, the most common pool deck finish.
- Exposed Aggregate: Natural stone texture with excellent slip resistance and a decorative appearance that hides minor stains.
- Stamped Concrete: Patterns that mimic stone, tile, or pavers with integrated color for a high-end resort look.
- Cool Deck Coatings: Special textured coatings applied to concrete that reflect heat and stay cooler underfoot.
Each finish has different costs and maintenance requirements. During your consultation, we will show you samples and explain the pros and cons of each option for your specific situation. The same creative approach we bring to decorative concrete projects can transform your pool area into something special.
Installing Your Pool Deck
Pool deck installation requires careful coordination with your pool installation and attention to details that affect long-term performance. Here is how we approach pool deck projects to ensure you get a deck that looks great and lasts.
Timing matters when you are installing a new pool. The pool shell needs to be set and backfilled before we can pour the deck. We coordinate with your pool contractor to schedule our work at the right point in the process. For existing pools getting new decks, we need to protect the pool and equipment during demolition and construction. We take extra care around pool plumbing, lights, and other features that extend into the deck area.
Site preparation includes excavation, grading for proper drainage, and installing a compacted gravel base. We pay special attention to areas around the pool coping, making sure the deck will connect properly and drain correctly. Pool decks experience more water exposure than typical patio slabs, so proper base preparation and drainage are even more critical.
We install control joints to manage cracking, typically creating sections no larger than 10 by 10 feet. These joints allow the concrete to expand and contract with temperature changes without developing random cracks. We also install expansion joints where the deck meets the pool coping and any adjacent structures. After pouring and finishing the concrete, we apply a quality sealer designed for pool decks. This sealer protects against water, chemicals, and staining while enhancing the color and finish. When you choose professionals at WLS Wilson Concrete, you get a pool deck built to handle years of summer fun.