Tile Above Ground Pool Deck

[techgirl]

We are installing an above ground pool, but will be digging it in with retaining walls (so the dirt won't be against the sides, and there will need to be about 2 feet of decking built around the whole pool. Just wondering if we could build a wood deck frame, and then install panels with tiles 2 feet wide and say 8 feet long that would be removable in the event we needed to access the pool? Any suggestions on building decking with removable panels? I've seen the wood tiles, but want something that looks more "built in".

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[DaveNJ]

If your talking about ceramic tile they won't hold up. The flexing and expansion of the wood will cause the tile to break and lift. You may want to consider shorter access panels 2'x2'.

 

[techgirl]

That makes sense - we could do that. Just thinking about the logistics - I guess we would build a 2 x 2 plywood base and grout the tile on then place it on the deck frame. The challenge is that the wood would get wet and there would be gaps.

 

[NWMNMom]

I think it would be impossible to have it get damaged because of the nature of what you want to use it on. Tile on INground structures can even get damage with movement of the ground, but chances are less than anything above the ground by far. It would be interesting to see though - I'd like to see an example somewhere?

 

[techgirl]

I actually love the look of a wood deck, but we're on an acreage in an area where every few years there are forest fires, so the idea of something a little more resistant to sparks is appealing (I've sold my husband on the idea that a pool will allow us to leave sprinklers on our house in the event of fire!)

 

[polyvue]

Any suggestions on building decking with removable panels? I've seen the wood tiles, but want something that looks more "built in".

You might want to check out AridDek (see also Wahoo Decks) for an alternative to wood/concrete/tile deck composition. It appears that this solution could be constructed so that some or all sections are removable. Don't know about pricing, however.

Other ideas? Fire retardent MDF panels.