Concrete Pool Decks
Beautiful, slip-resistant surfaces that handle water, sun, and constant use around your pool.
Why Your Pool Deck Matters
Your pool deck is more than just the area around your pool. It's where you walk, sit, play, and relax all summer long. A good pool deck needs to handle constant moisture, resist slipping when wet, stay cool enough to walk on barefoot, and look great for years. It also needs proper drainage so water flows away from the pool and doesn't create puddles or erosion problems. Getting all of this right requires experience and attention to the unique demands of pool environments.
Around Bartlesville, we've built pool decks for new installations and replaced old ones that failed due to poor construction. Common problems include surfaces that are too smooth and become dangerously slippery when wet, inadequate drainage that causes water to pool, cracking from freeze-thaw cycles, and surfaces that get too hot to walk on in summer sun. A well-designed and properly built pool deck avoids these issues and creates a safe, comfortable space for your family to enjoy.
Concrete is the most popular choice for pool decks because it's durable, versatile, and affordable. You can choose from various finishes and textures to match your style and meet safety requirements. Whether you want a simple brushed finish, a textured surface, or a decorative stamped pattern that mimics stone or tile, we can create a pool deck that looks great and performs reliably for decades.
What Makes a Great Pool Deck
Pool decks face unique challenges that other concrete surfaces don't. Here's what we focus on to ensure your deck is safe, durable, and comfortable.
Slip Resistance
Safety is the top priority around any pool. A deck that becomes slippery when wet is a liability. We use finishes that provide traction even when the surface is soaked. Broom finishes, textured coatings, and certain stamped patterns all offer good slip resistance. Smooth trowel finishes might look sleek, but they're too dangerous for pool areas and should be avoided. We'll help you choose a finish that balances appearance with safety.
Proper Drainage
Water needs to drain away from the pool and not puddle on the deck surface. We slope the deck slightly away from the pool, typically about a quarter inch per foot, so water naturally flows off. This keeps the deck safer and prevents water from sitting against the pool structure or washing out the base beneath the concrete. Good drainage also means the deck dries faster, reducing the chance of algae or mildew growth.
Heat Reflectivity
Dark concrete can get uncomfortably hot in direct summer sun, making it painful to walk on barefoot. Light-colored concrete reflects more heat and stays cooler. We can also use special coatings or lighter aggregate mixes to further reduce surface temperature. This is especially important in areas that get full sun exposure during peak afternoon hours.
Building Your Pool Deck
Installing a pool deck involves more than just pouring concrete around the pool. Here's how we ensure your deck meets the demands of a pool environment.
- •Site preparation and grading: We grade the area around the pool to establish proper drainage patterns. A stable, compacted base prevents settling and cracking over time.
- •Expansion joints: Pool decks need expansion joints where the concrete meets the pool coping and at regular intervals across the deck. These joints allow for natural expansion and contraction without cracking.
- •Reinforcement: Steel rebar or wire mesh reinforces the concrete and prevents cracking from the stress of temperature changes and constant moisture exposure.
- •Slip-resistant finish: We apply the finish you choose, whether that's a standard texture, exposed aggregate, or stamped pattern. The finish must provide traction while being comfortable to walk on.
- •Sealing: A quality sealer protects the concrete from water absorption, staining, and chemical damage from pool treatments. It also enhances color and makes maintenance easier.
Once your pool deck is complete, maintenance is straightforward. Keep it clean, reseal every few years, and address any minor cracks promptly. With proper care, your concrete pool deck in Bartlesville will provide safe, attractive outdoor space for decades.