Deck Options

[KevMo]

We are talking to several pool builders about putting in a pool. We are looking at a freeform pool that is roughly 42' x 22' and 3.5' to 8' deep, with an 8' x 10' spa and rock waterfall. I think we are closing in on the design, but the material(s) to use for the deck is still undecided. Some choices are travertine, flagstone, stamped concrete, and pea gravel-like stones embedded in concrete. There are apparent tradeoffs for upfront & maintenance costs, durability, how hot the surface gets, and how slick it is. We are in the greater Houston area, so the temperature of the deck surface is an important consideration. We have asked each builder their thoughts on the tradeoffs between different types. It would be helpful if you got similar answers from the different builders to make an informed decision. Instead, they all have very different views. For example, one builder says they sand set travertine, and another lays it on a concrete base and knocks those that sand set. One says stamped concrete is cheaper than travertine, and another says the opposite. Another claims travertine does not get as hot but can be slick. Another says it is not slippery. One says pea gravel will hurt your feet, and another says it depends on how much aggregate you expose with the acid wash. It has almost come down to picking a builder means narrowing the deck options and the construction method regardless of the fundamental tradeoffs. The one thing many agree on is not recommending a salt-based system using natural stones.

I would be interested in hearing opinions on the different deck options that were not biased by "this is what we know/do." If it matters, the future pool location is surrounded by a few feet of elevation changes in two directions which can cause a river of water to flow through the pool area. We will need a substantial drainage system on the two high sides.

 

[proavia]

Welcome to TFP!

The quality of the natural stone has EVERYTYHING to do with how the stone holds up. The salt water generator has ZERO to do with how the stone holds up.
Texas pool are known for their less than adequate quality of flagstone used for the deck. Flagstone will flake with a non-SWG pool at the same rate as it will with a SWG pool. A lot has to do with where the flagstone is sourced from - some is less likely to flake than others.

Regular concrete and exposed pea gravel will probably be too hot.

There are some textured types of travertine that are somewhat less slippery.

Regular concrete with a sprayed on lattice or textured (simulated brick, flagstone, etc) will probably be cooler. In AZ, many pools have Kooldeck (applied before the concrete is fully cured) or lattice (applied after the concrete is cured, with a paint/stain over it) that is applied to the concrete. The Kooldeck or lattice texture is cooler than standard concrete, but it still gets pretty warm in our 105+ degree days.

I believe there are also a few other types of deck surfaces that may work for your pool.

Whatever you choose, find somewhere it is installed and stand on it barefooted in the blazing sun to see how hot it gets.