Concrete Pool Decks

Why Concrete Is Perfect for Pool Decks

Your pool deck needs to handle constant exposure to water, pool chemicals, bare feet, and intense sun. Concrete checks all the boxes. It's durable, slip-resistant when finished properly, and stays cooler than dark surfaces in Fort Eisenhower's summer heat. Unlike wood that rots, warps, or splinters, concrete holds up to wet conditions without deteriorating. It won't shift or settle like pavers, and it doesn't require the constant maintenance of natural stone. Concrete pool decks last 25 to 30 years with basic care.

Concrete also gives you design flexibility. You can choose from smooth finishes, textured surfaces for better traction, or decorative options like stamped patterns and colors. Cool deck coatings can be added to reduce surface temperature, making the deck comfortable for bare feet even on hot days. You can integrate built-in features like steps, seating walls, or planter boxes right into the pour, creating a custom pool area that fits your style and budget.

At FH Fort Eisenhower Concrete, we've built dozens of pool decks across the area. We know how to design for proper drainage so water flows away from the pool and your home. We understand local building codes for pool enclosures and safety barriers. And we use techniques that prevent common problems like cracking from tree roots or settling from poor base preparation. When you work with us, you get a pool deck that looks great and performs flawlessly for decades.

Benefits of Concrete Pool Decks

• Durable surface that resists water, chemicals, and UV damage
• Slip-resistant finishes for safety around wet areas
• Stays cooler than dark pavers or composite materials
• Lower lifetime cost than wood, pavers, or stone
• Minimal maintenance with occasional cleaning and sealing
• Endless design options with colors, textures, and patterns
• Can integrate steps, seating, and other features seamlessly

Design Options and Safety Features

Pool decks need to balance aesthetics with safety and functionality. The finish you choose affects how the deck looks, feels underfoot, and how safe it is when wet. We offer several options to create the perfect pool area for your needs.

Textured and Slip-Resistant Finishes

Safety is the top priority for any pool deck. A smooth finish looks nice but becomes dangerously slippery when wet. We recommend textured finishes that provide traction without being rough on bare feet. A broom finish is the most common and cost-effective option. For a more refined look, we can apply a light sand or salt finish that adds texture while keeping the surface relatively smooth. Exposed aggregate reveals the stones in the concrete for a natural, slip-resistant surface that also stays cooler than smooth concrete.

Cool Deck Coatings and Color

In Georgia's summer heat, concrete can get hot enough to burn bare feet. Cool deck coatings are specially designed to reflect heat and stay significantly cooler than standard concrete. These acrylic-based coatings come in various colors and textures, giving you both comfort and custom style. Even without a cool deck coating, lighter colors stay much cooler than dark surfaces. We can add integral color to the concrete mix or apply surface stains to achieve the look you want while keeping the deck comfortable.

Stamped and Decorative Patterns

If you want a high-end look, stamped concrete can mimic natural stone, slate, or tile at a fraction of the cost. We press patterns into the fresh concrete and add color for a realistic finish. Popular pool deck patterns include flagstone, travertine, and slate. The texture from stamping also provides natural slip resistance. Keep in mind that stamped patterns can show wear in high-traffic areas over time, so we often recommend combining stamped sections with plain textured areas in the busiest spots.

Built-In Features and Custom Elements

We can integrate features directly into your pool deck during the pour. This includes steps for pool entry, raised seating walls, planters, or platforms for furniture and grills. Built-in elements create a cohesive, custom look and eliminate the need for separate installation later. If you're planning a complete outdoor space, we can coordinate your pool deck with patio installations to create a seamless entertainment area.

Installation Process for Pool Decks

Installing a pool deck requires careful planning because it needs to work around an existing pool structure and meet specific safety and drainage requirements. We start by assessing the area, checking for proper drainage, and identifying any obstacles like pool equipment, utilities, or landscaping that need to be protected or worked around.

Site Preparation and Drainage Planning

Proper drainage is critical for pool decks because they're constantly exposed to splashed water and rain. We grade the deck to slope away from the pool and your home, typically at a rate of one-quarter inch per foot. This ensures water doesn't pool on the surface or flow back toward your foundation. We excavate to the proper depth, install a compacted gravel base, and add any necessary drainage pipes or channels. In Fort Eisenhower's clay soil, good drainage prevents water from undermining the base and causing settling.

Forming, Reinforcement, and Pouring

We set forms to define the deck's shape and edges. Pool decks often have curves or irregular shapes to follow the pool contour and landscaping. Wire mesh or fiber reinforcement is added to prevent cracking. For pool decks, we typically pour 4 to 5 inches of concrete, thicker than a typical walkway because of the constant exposure to water and chemicals. We work carefully around the pool coping and any existing features, making sure everything ties together properly. Control joints are placed strategically to manage cracking while maintaining the design's visual flow.

Finishing, Sealing, and Curing

After the concrete is poured and leveled, we apply your chosen finish, whether that's a broom texture, stamped pattern, or decorative coating. For stamped decks, we add color and press the patterns while the concrete is still workable. Once the concrete has cured for several days, we clean the surface and apply a high-quality sealer. For pool decks, sealing is especially important because it protects against pool chemicals, salt, and constant moisture. The sealer also makes the surface easier to clean and helps maintain the color. Most pool decks are ready for light use in about 7 days and full use in 28 days.

Frequently Asked Questions