This is the second part of our article on a variety of choices of pool deck materials. Part I covered artistic pavers, natural stone, concrete and travertine. This part covers bricks, grass and turf, and wood.
Brick
Bricks have been a popular choice for pool deck surfaces for a very long time. It is an attractive option to be used alongside pool border and decks to enhance the overall look. This might not be recommended for places with hot climate as bricks heat up very fast. Bricks give off a very classic look and can be laid down in varying patterns. By comparison, concrete pavers offer a customized design look while clay pavers give your deck a traditional look. Individual cracked bricks can be replaced. However, installation is difficult and expensive. Bricks are also prone to shifting and breakage if not installed correctly. Brick costs between $7 to 9 per square foot installed, depending on contractor and State.
Grass
Grass provides a natural landscape, is inexpensive, and is comfortable for all weather conditions. It is often the choice of people who like to keep things natural and simple. Grass sod can be easily installed and give a very natural and serene look to the scenery. However grass is not the ideal option when you have children. Grass also requires weekly maintenance, and the area surrounding the pool can get muddy with water dripping off the swimmers. The cost of grass varies according to grass types.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is also a cost-effective and environmental-friendly option. It requires very little maintenance and is a popular choice amongst home owners. It is recommended for places with moderate temperatures as it may get uncomfortably hot in high temperatures. Artificial turf does away with watering, mowing and fertilizing. It has a long lifetime. Its green look does not fade, and installation is a quick process, usually carried out by seasoned professionals. Maintenance is also pocket-friendly. The set-up cost of artificial turf is high however, and in certain States, synthetic turf does not help property value.
Wood
Wood decks offer a natural, minimalist look. Softwoods are some of the most inexpensive decking options available. Hardwoods like ipe and teak can be costly. Pine is a common choice, but teak is much more durable. Wood is environmentally friendly and it complements outdoor décor beautifully. It is comparatively easier to maintain and comes in water-resistant varieties. Correctly treated, it will withstand weather changes. Wood is more difficult to install and is sensitive to harsh chemical exposure: for that reason, it requires resealing and water-proofing every year. The cost of wood depends on the type being used. Ipe costs $5 to $12 per linear foot; Cedar costs $2 to $6 and Cypress costs $1.50 and more per linear foot. Teak will be more costly.
Composite wood
Finally, composite wood has changed the way of styling pool-sides. Different materials are used in its manufacturing and maintenance cost is lower than for natural wood. The materials used in composite wood have improved and warping has therefore significantly lessened. One of the reasons for the popularity of composite wood is the fact that it handles weather changes well, does not get stained easily, rotting or splinters do not occur frequently and maintenance costs remain low. Note however that some woods have a rugged appearance and some are too slippery for a pool environment. Composite wood costs $9 to $15 per square foot installed, depending on wood, contractor and State.
About Cimarron Circle: We have been building pools in Tucson and neighboring cities since 1978. We specialize in high-end custom pools but we also build family pools as traditional as kidney-shaped pools. Call us at (520) 881-2777 to discuss your project. We’ll be glad to help you define it, engineer it, and build it.