- Sep 15, 2012
- 25
Greetings Everyone. After lurking for a while, this is my first post.
I live in Plano, TX and am thinking about having an in-ground gunite pool constructed. The hardscape design includes about 850 sq ft of deck. The pool is geometric and the deck lines are mostly rectangular.
Stamped and stained concrete or pavers are under consideration for the deck.
For a concrete deck (4 inches thick in center 6 inches at edges, 12 in O.C. #3 rebar), the pool builder's sub would apply a coat of sealer, then some silica to reduce slip, then seal again. Having looked at some representative samples with preferred colors, the appearance seems very nice.
But, I've seen comments about cracks in concrete and subsequent gaps or uplifting. Summers here are hot; thermal expansion and control of moisture levels in the soil can be problems. I'd hate to spend a lot of money and then have problems three or four years later.
I've also looked at pavers. Pavers seem like a nice alterative in that thermal expansion might be less of a problem. If sinking or swelling of the base and pavers does occur, repair is possible and sometimes relatively easy. Potential problems with weeds or ants could be easily controlled. But, having looked at Belgard pavers on the pallet at the stone yard, I can't say I am impressed with the washed out colors. Nothing in the yard looks like the pictures in the brochure, unless color enhancers and sealers are applied.
So, I'd enjoy hearing the opinions of others regarding the two choices for deck. Or maybe you have one of these types of deck; how is it holding up? Did you experience any problems?
Thanks in advance for any insight.
Warmest Regards,
Lizzy
I live in Plano, TX and am thinking about having an in-ground gunite pool constructed. The hardscape design includes about 850 sq ft of deck. The pool is geometric and the deck lines are mostly rectangular.
Stamped and stained concrete or pavers are under consideration for the deck.
For a concrete deck (4 inches thick in center 6 inches at edges, 12 in O.C. #3 rebar), the pool builder's sub would apply a coat of sealer, then some silica to reduce slip, then seal again. Having looked at some representative samples with preferred colors, the appearance seems very nice.
But, I've seen comments about cracks in concrete and subsequent gaps or uplifting. Summers here are hot; thermal expansion and control of moisture levels in the soil can be problems. I'd hate to spend a lot of money and then have problems three or four years later.
I've also looked at pavers. Pavers seem like a nice alterative in that thermal expansion might be less of a problem. If sinking or swelling of the base and pavers does occur, repair is possible and sometimes relatively easy. Potential problems with weeds or ants could be easily controlled. But, having looked at Belgard pavers on the pallet at the stone yard, I can't say I am impressed with the washed out colors. Nothing in the yard looks like the pictures in the brochure, unless color enhancers and sealers are applied.
So, I'd enjoy hearing the opinions of others regarding the two choices for deck. Or maybe you have one of these types of deck; how is it holding up? Did you experience any problems?
Thanks in advance for any insight.
Warmest Regards,
Lizzy