The best pool deck material depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a low-cost option for an in-ground pool, poured concrete or pavers are a good way to reduce costs. If you want a luxurious look for your above- or in-ground pool deck (and don’t mind regular maintenance), hardwood could be the best option. If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, low-maintenance, durable composite might be the right choice.
For a pool deck of 100 to 300 square feet, expect a professional installation to take at least five to seven days. It may take even longer if you need extensive site prep, hardscaping, or tree removal, or if there are delays in getting a permit. If you’re building a very complex, elevated, or multi-level pool deck, expect the project to take two to four weeks.
The best way to clean most pool decks of grime is with a pressure washer, though you’ll need to research the material of your deck to make sure you don’t damage it. Always pretreat the surface with the proper cleaning agent and test your pressure washer on a small area before cleaning the whole thing.
If you want a proportionate pool deck with lots of room to relax, simply make it the same square footage as your pool. If you instead want a walk-around pool deck, first take the length and width of your pool (e.g., 10’ x 20’), add four feet to each side (i.e., 18’ x 28’), and subtract the area of your pool (10 ’x 20’ = 200 square feet) from the total area (18’ x 28’ = 504 square feet). The resulting number (304 square feet) is the square footage of your walkaround pool deck.