Concrete Pool Decks

Your pool deck takes serious abuse. It's constantly exposed to water, pool chemicals, sun, and bare feet. People walk on it wet, sit on it, drag furniture across it, and sometimes drop things on it. The surface needs to be durable, slip-resistant, comfortable to walk on barefoot, and able to handle Southern Utah's intense sun without deteriorating.

Concrete pool decks deliver on all these requirements. Unlike wood that splinters, rots, and gets dangerously slippery when wet, concrete provides a stable surface that holds up to moisture. It doesn't harbor mold or mildew like some materials. Properly finished concrete resists pool chemicals that would damage other surfaces. The material stays cooler than dark surfaces in summer sun, which matters when people are walking around barefoot.

Cost is another factor in concrete's favor. Natural stone or pavers look beautiful but cost two to three times as much as concrete. Wood decking requires ongoing maintenance and eventual replacement. Concrete provides excellent value with minimal maintenance needs. You'll spend less upfront and less over the life of your pool deck. For most homeowners, this makes concrete the practical choice.

Design flexibility sets modern concrete apart from boring gray slabs. Decorative concrete options let you create custom looks that complement your home and landscaping. You can achieve the appearance of expensive materials at concrete prices. Colored, textured, or stamped concrete transforms your pool area into an attractive outdoor living space.

Installing a pool deck follows similar processes to other concrete work but with additional attention to drainage, expansion, and finishes appropriate for the pool environment.

We start by protecting your pool during construction. The pool gets covered and cordoned off to prevent debris from falling in. We're careful with equipment and materials near the pool to avoid damage. Site preparation includes excavating to proper depth and grading for drainage. The base material must be well compacted to prevent settling near the pool structure.

Forming a pool deck involves working around the pool perimeter and creating any curves or custom shapes in your design. We install expansion joints where the deck meets the pool coping. These joints allow for movement without cracking. Forms must be precisely positioned to maintain proper grades for drainage while following the pool outline.

Reinforcement is particularly important for pool decks. We use wire mesh or rebar to control cracking and add strength. The deck experiences temperature swings and moisture cycles that create stress. Proper reinforcement helps the concrete handle these conditions without developing major cracks. We also ensure the deck doesn't bond rigidly to the pool structure where independent movement needs to occur.

Pouring and finishing pool decks requires skill with decorative concrete techniques if you've chosen anything beyond basic finishes. Stamping must be done at precisely the right time. Colors need to be applied evenly. The non-slip texture must be adequate without being uncomfortable. We work efficiently because these finishes have narrow time windows during the curing process.

After pouring, protection and curing are critical. We keep the fresh concrete from drying too quickly in sun and wind. Pool decks often get more weather exposure than sheltered patios. Proper curing develops full strength and durability. Once cured, we apply sealers that protect the concrete and enhance its appearance. Regular resealing every few years maintains the deck and keeps it looking great.