No matter how great your pool is, an inadequate pool deck can ruin the appearance and even safety of the whole area. The pool deck first and foremost needs to be a place for safe walking, but it also needs to frame your pool to enhance the beauty of the pool and fit into the landscape. Making sure that you’re using the right patio pavers and other masonry materials will be the key for enjoying your pool all summer long. Here’s why your choices for masonry materials matter for the design of a pool deck in Old Westbury and Oyster Bay, NY.
Safety First
Whether you’re hosting a kids’ birthday party in your backyard and expecting a ton of splashing, or you mostly use your pool for relaxation and exercise, the pool deck needs to be designed to withstand the effects of water. You may find that the entry and exit points of your pool, which could be functionally anywhere around the perimeter, need to be made of high-quality patio pavers.
Some technological advances in the manufacturing of pavers have become preferred for pool decks including non-slip textures. The surface of the pavers needs to be porous in order to enable a non-slip environment. This may largely eliminate the choice of natural stone, since some stone has a smooth surface that can become very slippery when wet. Paver manufacturers specifically design patio pavers for pool decks, and you may want to be sure to use that criterion as a first requirement.
Another modern technological advancement is permeability. When water rests on the surface of your pavers, you need it to be able to disperse quickly; otherwise, water combined with body oils and other substances can create an extremely slick environment.
Traditionally installed patios, pool decks, walkways, and driveways use either concrete or jointing sand to fill the gaps between pavers. Permeable paver technology employs pea gravel or other finely crushed stone material that allows water to seep between the pavers into a substrate that evenly disperses it into the ground.
Permeable technology helps to enable a safer walking environment. It will also help prolong the lifespan of the pool deck during cold seasons as the freeze-thaw cycle causes water to expand and contract, potentially damaging traditionally installed pavers. Since permeable pavers allow water to disperse, there is little left that could cause movement and cracking.
Color
The color of the pavers can have a great impact on the utility of your pool deck and the enjoyment of your pool. Darker colored pavers such as those inspired by bluestone or even darker materials can absorb a great deal of heat from the sunlight. During the summer, this can make the pool deck a potentially unpleasant or even dangerous place to walk. For a pool deck, it’s usually best to use lighter or earthier colors while factoring in the design schemes of other landscape features and your home.
Size
The size of the pavers greatly can affect the perception of your pool deck and surrounding landscape. Smaller pavers such as those like bricks or a similar size will create a texturally rich look for your pool deck, which can also make a space feel cozier. If you prefer a less busy appearance, larger pavers that are made in a modern and minimalist style can help a space feel expansive and grand.
Related: REDISCOVER THE SERENITY OF A SWIMMING POOL WITH THESE MASONRY DESIGN IDEAS IN PORT WASHINGTON, NY
