Concrete Pool Decks
Transform your pool area with a beautiful, slip-resistant concrete deck built for safety and style.
Why Concrete Pool Decks Are the Smart Choice
Your pool deck needs to handle a lot. It's constantly exposed to water, pool chemicals, hot sun, and foot traffic from wet bare feet. It needs to be slip-resistant for safety, durable enough to last for years, and attractive enough to make your backyard a place you want to spend time. Concrete checks all these boxes better than almost any other material.
Unlike wood decking that can rot, splinter, or become slippery when wet, concrete stays solid and safe. It won't warp from moisture like composite materials can, and it doesn't get as hot underfoot as pavers or natural stone. With the right finish and sealing, a concrete pool deck provides excellent traction even when soaking wet, reducing the risk of slips and falls around your pool.
At ApexPoint Thornton Concrete, we specialize in creating custom pool decks that blend safety, durability, and beauty. Whether you're building a new pool or replacing an old, cracked deck, we'll design and install a surface that enhances your backyard oasis for years to come.
Pool Deck Design and Finishing Options
Gone are the days when pool decks had to be plain gray concrete. Modern decorative concrete techniques let you create a pool area that looks like a luxury resort without the luxury price tag. You can customize the color, texture, and pattern to match your home's style and your personal taste.
Popular Pool Deck Finishes:
- Brushed or broom finish: Creates texture for excellent slip resistance while keeping costs down
- Stamped concrete: Mimics the look of stone, slate, or tile at a fraction of the cost
- Exposed aggregate: Reveals beautiful stones in the concrete for natural texture and traction
- Spray texture (cool deck): Creates a pebbled surface that stays cooler and provides great grip
- Colored concrete: Integral color or acid stains to match your home or landscaping
- Polished or sealed finish: Smooth surface with added sealer for durability and easy maintenance
- Mixed patterns: Combine different textures in specific zones for visual interest
The right finish balances looks with function. We help you choose options that keep your pool deck safe while creating the aesthetic you want. Our experience with decorative concrete means we can create stunning pool decks that look high-end but fit within your budget.
We also consider practical details like proper slope for drainage, expansion joints to prevent cracking, and rounded edges for safety and comfort. These design elements might not be visible, but they make a huge difference in how your pool deck performs over time.
Building Your Concrete Pool Deck
Installing a pool deck requires careful planning and precise execution. The deck must properly connect to your pool's coping, drain water away from the pool and your home, and withstand years of exposure to water and chemicals. Here's what goes into creating a quality concrete pool deck:
Site Preparation and Base Work
We start by preparing the area around your pool. The ground must be properly graded so water drains away from the pool and doesn't puddle on the deck. We remove any existing decking if needed, then compact the soil to create a stable base. A layer of crushed stone or gravel provides additional drainage and prevents the concrete from settling unevenly.
Proper drainage is critical for pool decks. We plan the slope carefully so rainwater and splashed pool water flow away from the pool and your house. This prevents water from getting behind the pool shell and causing problems down the road.
Forming and Reinforcement
We build forms to shape your deck and hold the concrete as it cures. The forms define the deck's edges and any design features like steps or raised areas. Before pouring concrete, we install steel reinforcement mesh or rebar throughout the deck area. This reinforcement prevents cracks from forming as the concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes.
We also install expansion joints and control joints at strategic locations. These joints give the concrete room to move slightly without cracking. Around the pool coping, we use special isolation joints that let the deck and pool move independently, which is important because they respond differently to temperature changes.
Pouring and Finishing
We use concrete mixes specifically designed for outdoor use, with additives that improve durability and resist damage from freeze-thaw cycles and pool chemicals. The concrete is carefully placed and worked to eliminate air pockets and ensure proper density.
The finishing work is where your design choices come to life. We apply the texture or pattern you've selected, making sure the surface has the right amount of slip resistance for safe footing when wet. Color treatments are added at this stage if you've chosen colored or stained concrete. The entire surface is carefully checked to ensure proper drainage slope and a smooth, consistent appearance.
Curing and Sealing
Your new pool deck needs several days to cure properly. We keep the concrete moist during this time to ensure it reaches full strength. Once fully cured, we apply a high-quality sealer that protects the concrete from pool chemicals, water damage, and staining. This sealer also enhances the color and makes cleaning easier.
Most pool deck projects take 5-7 days from start to finish, though complex designs or large areas may take longer. The concrete needs at least a week to cure before you can use the pool area normally. If you're also building a patio or other concrete features around your pool, we can coordinate everything to minimize disruption to your yard.