Pool Deck – Construction Planning Tips. When planning your new pool deck, particularly in south Florida, there are some important construction planning considerations to keep in mind. To Create a pool deck that is functional, safe, and meets all your needs consider the following items in your design and selection process. 

Subsurface Investigation

Prior to starting any type of construction project whether it be for a new home, pool, deck, or other, a subsurface material investigation should be completed by a professional testing company. 

This investigation is to find if:  

• • The existing soil conditions will allow for a structure to be constructed on it also know as bearing capacity.  
  • If there are materials that will not support the structure that will need to be removed, such as certain clays, organic materials or other.  
  • If there are other issues below the surface such as caves or voids that will prevent any construction on its surface without incurring a large excavation and costs. This condition is mostly found in central and north Florida and is more commonly known as a Karst topography. 

Types of Deck Materials

Selecting lasting materials that are both weather resistant and perform well around a pool environment is important for cost and maintenance.

Below are some of the most common materials used: 

• • Concrete (stamped, colored, stained) 
  • Natural Stone pavers (Travertine, Marble, Quarry Stone, Flagstone)
  • Porcelain Tile 
  • Pavers (Concrete, Brick) 
  • Wood (Cedar, IPE, Redwood, Teak, Pressure Treated) 
  • Wood Plastic Composite 
  • Other

Area Function

• In the design phase, decide the locations and the main functions or potential uses of the deck areas to allow for proper width and depth consideration.
• Include the property setbacks for structures, pool, decks, landscaping, and drainage.
• Create zones or use areas that can be flexible to allow for long-term changes or other uses such as lounging, eating, entertaining, sunning, relaxing.

Furniture Placement

• Furniture such as chaise lounge chairs, table and chairs, BBQ Area, Entertainment area require added space around them, particularly around the pool’s water edge.
  • Often the size of the deck furniture to be used is not considered in advance and when installed does not fit in location intended such as lounge chairs, as these are quite long and require space to get around them on the front and sides.  

Landscaping Location

Plants, Trees, and Shrubs add beauty to your home, patio, pool deck and are important when planning your new pool deck.

• Landscaping can supply shade, reduce the local temperature, encourage wildlife, create vistas and views. Properly placed landscaping can block unwanted items such as equipment, neighbors, and sounds. Selecting the right landscaping is important for many reasons.
• Landscaping is often the last item to be considered and the budget is often cut as a result.
• Landscaping around the pool deck is an important construction planning process as often larger trees will be installed prior to the pool or pool deck construction and can turn a pool deck parking lot into a tropical paradise. 

Trees and Tree Roots

• • Many trees have large damaging roots, seek water, messy dropping and / or grow close to the surface such as Ficus, Oak, Eucalyptus, Pine, Walnut, others*. These roots could potentially damage your deck, pool, plumbing lines, and foundation if planted too close to these structures. Check with your local building department for preferred tree types and nuisance trees. In many cities they will you to remove.
  • The other choice is to install a barrier such as Bio-Barrier or Deep Root Barrier to name a few to protect your investment against damage. 

*Check local city landscape guidelines or contact local arborists to confirm types in your area. 

Hedges

• • Avoid hedges with invasive or large root systems.
  • Maintain as a hedge to prevent from growing into a tree and larger root system.

Ground Cover plantings

• • Minimal issues with proper maintenance to keep away from filters and drains.
  • Check for soil conditions, potential exposure to deck cleaning chemicals, and pets, and child safety for poisonous plant types.

Planters

• • Planters next to a pool can enhance the aesthetic value of the pool, create shade areas, and break up a large deck. However, if they are installed only as a hole in the decking without any substructure or drainage piping these planting areas will act as drain for rainwater and cause the ground around and within them to compact and undermine the adjacent fill under the deck into them causing cracks in concrete decking or sinking in pavers or stone.
  • An easy solution to this is to create a planter with a raised curb around it to prevent runoff water from entering and to allow only water falling in the planter to enter.
  • Another solution is to construct the planter area as a box with drainage piping connection to move the water to another location in the yard or connection to drainage system.

Drainage

Drainage is an important consideration, especially here in south Florida as we experience heavy rain during a substantial part of the year and occasionally extremely large outbursts. The water runoff onto the pool deck can over time damage the deck integrity by removing the fill under the deck resulting in sinking, cracking, or shifting. 

Drainage paths should be decided as to which type is to be implemented: 

Surface (Ground)

• • Lower graded areas and run in parallel pattern to create runoff channels into main drain. 
  • The deck should not be flat but rather sloped at least minimally or as required code, typically 1/8” per foot or 1” in 8’. Increasing the slope of the deck from 1/8” to ¼” in certain areas may also avoid any flat spots that might occur where the water can stand. 

Subsurface Drainage

• • Trench drain, French Drain, Deco Drain 
  • If drainage cannot be created only by sloping the deck due to limited height changes, then installation of a Deco-drain, trench drain other drainage piping would be recommended. These drainage pipes are typically stopped in a dry well or tied into a site drainage system around the house or property’s perimeter.

Downspout and Gutters

• • Gutters collect rainwater and divert it onto another area on the surface or into ground piping, drainage system, sewer, or other collection areas.  
  • Adding gutters and downspouts around the house that connects to the pool deck will also decrease the amount of water spilling onto the deck if the downspouts are connected into a subsurface drainage system. Often the downspouts spill onto the deck and in many cases can amplify subsurface erosion under the deck.  
  • Gutters and downspouts also help to decrease the water collected close to the house and is a better long-term solution to keeping the structural integrity of slab on grade footings and in keeping moisture away from structure.

Other Items

Additional to the items listed above, the below items are important Construction planning tips in your pool deck design and construction and should not be overlooked.

Safety

• • Slip resistant materials around the pool are critical for the safety of all. A shiny non-textured surface compared to matt textured surface. 

Texture

• • Select materials that are softer on the feet especially when coming out of the pool as your feet are typically more tender after swimming.  

Maintenance

• • Figure out how much maintenance will be needed and is it possible if you are going to complete or hire someone? Cleaning, brushing, washing, and sealing. 

Temperature

• • How hot will the material get in the sun? Many materials such as stone, brick get extremely hot when in direct sun and can burn your feet or be uncomfortable to walk or sit on.

Appearance

• • How does the material look? Does it reflect a lot of sunlight making the area even brighter? 

Cost

• • Cost should be considered for both long-term and short-term investment. Initially a wood deck might cost less than concrete or other natural stone products.
  • Products should be reviewed and the following question asked: 
    • How long will it last in the local weather / environment?
    • What are the maintenance costs monthly / annually?
    • Does the product need special sealing or coatings?

• • Another part of cost often overlooked is the cost of installation or labor.
    • How much does it cost to install?
    • Is the maintenance going to be completed by the company or you?

Summary

Deck location, design, and drainage system types should be reviewed and coordinated prior to deck installation for proper functioning, longevity, and safety.  

Please look for our future posts where we will review each deck material type and their installation process.  

Should you like further information on this topic please go to our Stay Informed form or Contact Us