Best Bets for Non-Slip Outdoor Surfaces #SafeSwimmingWeek

Author
By Jill Canty

DuraLife Decking Capped Composite Decking SKU: 15181184

It’s #SafeSwimmingWeek, which means it’s time to think about the ways you can make your home pool secure for all swimmers. Regardless of whether it’s a play zone for the kiddos or a place for you to get in a few dozen laps each morning, it’s critical to ensure that you have the safest type of outdoor flooring surrounding your pool. Check the top three choices for pool decks ranked by safety, plus some great benefits and tips for each option.

3rd Place: Decks

DuraLife Decking Capped Composite Decking SKU: 15181181

Wood and composite decks are popular options when it comes to creating outdoor pool decks. There are certainly some appealing factors when it comes to wood or composite, including the lower price point. Of course, not all wood options are made equal; while pine is inexpensive, teak is more expensive yet also more durable. Meanwhile, composite decks might cost a bit more but typically don’t require waterproofing and other upkeep required for wood.

While you might be attracted to the natural, rustic beauty that comes with wood and composite decks, they’re unfortunately more dangerous than other pool deck options. Wood and composite can both become slippery when wet, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Even if you purchase top-quality lumber, there’s no getting around the fact that it could make your pool a little less safe for adults and kids alike. Choosing a textured surface over composite or wood decking is a better choice.

2nd Place: Tiles

Kesir Travertine Tile – Antique Pattern Sets SKU: 10071438

Are you considering using tile for your pool deck? This versatile flooring option can look absolutely stunning in an outdoor setting. Tiles come in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs, so it’s certainly the best choice if you want something that’s highly customizable. However, many tiles have a slick surface that becomes slippery at the slightest hint of moisture, making them unsuitable for use near a pool. Because of this, you’ll want to avoid using any type of polished natural stone, such as glazed ceramic, marble, or porcelain tiles.

SKU: 10071438

The good news is that a few types of tile do work well for use around outdoor pools. Slate and honed travertine tiles have a textured surface that won’t become as slippery as polished tile. In addition, they look stylish and can be customized in a variety of patterns and designs. Many people also incorporate these tiles into outdoor pathways leading to the pool or into an accent border around the edge of the pool.

Be forewarned that tile typically needs to be sealed to protect the grout from cracking over time. You’ll also want to double-check that you’ve chosen tiles specifically made for outdoor use and can withstand freeze-thaw cycles if you live in certain climates.

1st Place: Pavers

Get the look: Cabot Travertine Pavers – Pattern Sets SKU: 10089772

Coming in at first place for outdoor pool decks is pavers. These are the safest option available if you want to add a special touch to your pool deck without sacrificing safety. Pavers are naturally non-skid and slip-resistant, making them the ideal choice for reducing the risk of slips and falls in this area, even when splashing makes the surrounding deck very wet.

The great thing about pavers is that the safety factor is just the beginning of a long list of benefits. This pool decking option is also resistant to fading and stains, so it’s a low-maintenance option that requires little upkeep. You’ll also get the ability to customize the look of your pool deck since pavers come in a wide variety of colors and textures and can be laid out in various patterns like checkerboard or herringbone. Pavers are easy to install and can be easily replaced, so if one happens to crack or chip you can repair it for a very low cost.

Honorable Mention: Concrete

If you’re looking for pool deck flooring options that meet your style standards, concrete might not be high on the list. It’s not nearly as customizable as tile or pavers since the color and pattern options aren’t as varied. Plus, it may not offer the upscale look you’re going for.

That being said, concrete is another safe option for pool decking if it’s installed correctly. Smooth concrete will be slippery when wet, so this type of pool deck must be installed with a special finish to add traction. Broomed and exposed aggregate finishes can add a bit of extra texture to the surface for this purpose, or a textured overlay or a sealer with clear plastic grit can be applied to create a slip-resistance surface.

Keep in mind that concrete does require occasional cleaning and resealing to maintain its appearance. However, it is one of the more economical choices in terms of price, and some concrete companies offer a variety of options when it comes to adding patterns or colored overlays to the surface for a more stylish look.

Pool Deck Safety Tips

Looking for other ways to improve safety around your pool? Here are a few more tips to keep in mind during #SafeSwimmingWeek:

• Add a fence around your pool. Unfortunately, the lack of barriers around outdoor pools results in hundreds of deaths each year. Installing a fence reduces the risk of an accidental drowning and keeps children and intruders from gaining unsupervised access.
• Use self-closing, self-latching gates. As with a fence, a gate reduces the risk of little ones falling into the pool while unsupervised. This type of gate ensures that the pool is closed off when people are coming and going.
• Install a pool cover. When the pool isn’t in use, a pool cover protects from accidental drownings while also keeping out debris.
• Use a motion sensor or alarm. This additional layer of protection is especially useful for parents with small children who may wander into the pool area.

Creating a safe pool deck will allow you to relax and enjoy your pool to the fullest. In honor of #SafeSwimmingWeek, reconsider your current pool deck surface and other safety measures around the pool to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep you, your family, and your guests safe.

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