If you’re contemplating installing an outdoor pool at your property, or renovating an existing pool area, there are many factors to consider – one of which is the material to use for your pool surround.
A popular choice is to use wood composite decking, as it’s ideal for wet areas, due to its many beneficial properties.
In this blog we look at what you need to consider when installing an outdoor pool, a composite decked area around a pool, and the benefits of choosing composite decking over other alternatives, such as wood or stone paving.
Is composite decking suitable for a pool area?
There are a number of reasons why composite decking is an ideal surround for an outdoor pool.
Composite decking looks great
Many customers chose composite decking because it creates a modern, sophisticated look to any pool project.
Whilst capturing the look of real timber, composite boards have none of the drawbacks (see benefits below). Wood composite deck boards are also available in an array of colours for optimum style flexibility.
Our collections feature tones from natural light and dark brown to contemporary black and grey, meaning you can beautifully blend your new decked area with the rest of your garden.
Composite boards are slip and splinter-free
Safety is paramount when it comes to choosing a pool surround and whilst no decking is 100% slip resistant, our composite decking collections are the closet you’ll get. Their textured surfaces and anti-slip finish provide traction underfoot – even when wet (unlike timber and stone). Check out our slip resistant test data sheets for more info.
Composite wood boards are also splinter-free, so you can walk on them barefoot with no concerns.
Water resistant
Wood composite decking absorbs far less water than traditional timber deck boards, due to their composition of wood and recycled plastics. The plastic polymers coat the fibres of the wood, helping to protect them and prevent them from warping and rotting – which can be both unsightly and unsafe.
Durability
Our composite decking collections have been specifically designed to be long lasting and durable. Compared to wood decking, composite is an investment which will last many years. That’s why our collections come with a 25 year warranty (10 years for Essentials), giving you peace of mind in your installation.
Don’t forget you can also install composite sub-frame, so the foundations of your decking will last equally as long!
Low maintenance
Unlike timber that requires regular treating and coating, or pavings that needs a good annual pressure hose and regular de-weeding, composite decking is much more low maintenance.
It require no protective treatments or sealants, paints or stains and only an occasional wash with warm water to keep it safe and looking like new. This means you can spend more time enjoying your pool and less time working around it!
Sustainable
Composite decking is one of the most sustainable outdoor surfacing materials on the market. Here at Ecodek all our collections are manufactured from 95% recycled and sustainably-sourced materials and are manufactured in an environmentally-friendly way.
We know that environmental credentials are important to you when making important purchases, which is why we work hard to offer the most sustainable decking options on the market.
Factors to consider when installing your pool and composite decking
Do you need planning permission?
It’s not usually necessary to get planning permission to install an outdoor pool at a UK property. However, it’s best to check with your Local Planning Authority, especially if you live in a listed building, or within a conservation area, green belt or designated land, or a national park.
If you plan on constructing an outbuilding to sit alongside your pool, planning permission may well then apply. And if the building is going to house your pool, then this becomes an indoor pool, and again, planning permission is a requirement.
When it comes to the surrounding decking – again, planning permission is rarely needed, but check out this post on planning permission for garden decking to check your situation.
What about building regulations?
There are very few building regulations to follow for outdoor pools. They simply stipulate that the pool needs to be uncovered and have no heated air surrounding it (if it’s covered with a permanent structure it’s classed as an indoor pool and needs to follow Building Regulations Part L).
Make sure you plan your pool area wisely
Firstly, it’s important to create a detailed layout of your outdoor pool and decked area. This will allow you to accurately calculate how much decking you need and ensure the space is safe, for example, making sure there is enough room between the edge of the pool and the edge of the deck for you and your family to walk around safely.
Consider a composite sub-frame
As we mention above, it’s important to consider what lies beneath your composite decking to ensure the best foundations. Installing a composite sub frame, such as our composite joists and support beams and heavy-duty support posts, will make the base water resistant, durable, and extremely long lasting.
What type of composite decking is best for pool areas?
When choosing your composite decking consider:
- Check out the slip resistance of the deck board, often a woodgrain finish will give the best anti-slip finish.
- Capped decking is a good choice pool areas, as it has extra protection against moisture and sunlight.
- Opt for a solid deck board as they are often much more durable than hollow boards – read about hollow versus solid boards here.
- If it’s important that your decking is eco-friendly, choose a decking manufacturer that offers boards with 95% recycled and sustainably-sourced materials.
If you have any questions about installing composite decking around a pool, call our friendly team today on 01978 667 840 or contact us here for an informal chat.