Design And Safety Considerations For Poolside Decking

Choosing the right decking is crucial for aesthetic appeal and safety when designing poolside areas. The deck around your pool serves as a functional space and creates a visually pleasing environment. However, this can be a complicated process that leads to some individuals overlooking essential considerations.

Using Slip-Resistant Decking

Decking around a pool should be constructed with safety in mind. The area around the pool is prone to water splashes, making it potentially slippery. Opting for slip-resistant decking helps minimize the risk of accidents by providing better traction even when wet.

Certain decking materials are inherently more slip-resistant than others. For example, composite decking often has textured surfaces or grooves that offer improved grip. Natural stone options like travertine or limestone also provide excellent slip resistance due to their naturally porous nature.

Choosing Materials With Good UV Protection

Poolside decks are frequently exposed to direct sunlight, making them susceptible to damage caused by harmful UV rays. Over time, sun exposure leads to fading, discoloration, and deterioration of the deck's appearance and structural integrity.

To combat the adverse effects of UV rays, opting for UV-resistant materials is essential. Certain types of composite decking come with protective coatings that shield the surface from sun damage. Additionally, hardwoods like teak or ipe naturally possess UV-resistant properties, making them excellent choices for poolside areas.

Decks That Can Reflect Heat

The scorching heat around poolside areas can create discomfort for bare feet. Heat-reflective decking materials help minimize heat absorption and reduce surface temperatures, making it more comfortable on hot summer days.

Decking with high heat reflectivity provides a cooler surface underfoot, reducing the risk of burns or discomfort caused by excessively hot decks. Materials like composite decking often incorporates technology that reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it, helping maintain a pleasant temperature for poolside relaxation.

Different decking materials vary in their ability to reflect heat. Lighter colors tend to have higher reflectivity as they absorb less heat from the sun's rays. Materials such as capped composite decking with lighter shades offer excellent heat-reflective properties while still providing an aesthetic appeal.

Opt For Splinter-Free Surfaces

Splinters pose a significant safety hazard, especially where people often walk barefoot, like poolside decks. Sharp wood splinters can cause injuries and infections if not addressed promptly.

Opting for splinter-free decking materials ensures a safer environment around your pool area. Composite decking is ideal as it is manufactured using synthetic materials resistant to splintering. Additionally, PVC decking and some hardwoods like cedar or redwood offer smooth surfaces that are less likely to develop splinters.

Reach out to a deck contractor near you to learn more.