Is having a concrete pool deck the right choice for me? Many customers face this challenging question before making the right choice for their pool. Statistics show that many people spend more time on the pool deck than inside the actual pool; thus, having a good pool deck gives your poolscape an outstanding backdrop that attracts people. Concrete pool decks have been the most preferred by many pool owners in the USA, but before you formulate a decision, it’s important to weigh its pros and cons. In this article, Paradigm concrete finishes evaluate the pros and cons to assist you in decision making.
Pros
- It’s affordable hence available to many
- Concrete is durable
- Can imitate more expensive materials
- It can be designed in many styles
Cons
- Stamped concrete is prone to cracks
- Can be slippery hence dangerous
- Inconsistency in design
The concrete deck is affordable hence easily accessed by many
Most pool shoppers prefer the concrete deck, and this is because you can save up to 50% on its installation to the swimming pool compared to other decks like pavers and stones. With only a budget of about $5 – $18 per square foot, you have the concrete deck within the vicinity of your pool. The broom finished costs about $5 -$8, while the stamped costs $12 -$18, and the textured about $6 -$9 all prices per square foot. These prices are lower than pavers $16 -$24 per square foot and stone $25 – $35. From this evaluation, the cost of building and maintaining a concrete deck is by far much affordable compared to other types of decks.
Concrete is Generally Durable
It is estimated that concrete can last for 50-100years, its ability to resist a certain amount of impact or adverse weather conditions. When building correctly, it doesn’t require much maintenance because it lasts for a long time before being replaced
It Can be Designed in Many Styles
It is hard for a day to pass in our lives without interacting with concrete on structures; this monotonous interaction can assume that concrete decks are boring. This is not the case on decks; there is a wide variety of designs; broomed concrete, stamped concrete, and textured concrete. The grip is added to the concrete deck using textured concrete; besides, it also brings a feeling of character without the color being involved. Stamped concrete consists of using colors, actual stamps, and release agents to give the impression of various designs on the deck. Broom designed is formed by passing a real broom over wet concrete, making thin strips, and leaving it to dry
Concrete Can be Designed to Imitate More Expensive Materials
Concrete can be shaped and designed to imitate various deck materials. Want wood design? Adding some color and shape to concrete got you covered. Stamped concrete can be modeled into any design from natural stones, flagstone, pavers, cobblestone, and brick. This can be done quickly by welcoming quality services from professionals who will customize any design for you.
Prone to Cracks
An inevitable problem with concrete, it’s prone to cracks due to weather changes. It expands during summer; then, during winter, it contracts; this uneven contraction and expansion make the concrete crack. Stamped concrete is prone to cracks, and each year it requires repair through sealing as part of the coloring process. Stamped concrete will dull and fade quickly, increasing the cost of maintenance annually. These are natural processes that affect concrete and only control methods available, like control joints, that allow concrete to crack without affecting the design.
Slippery When Wet
There is a safety concern with stamped concrete decks. It is slick; hence with wet feet, one can easily fall and get injured. Some additives are added to lessen this risk, but they usually don’t work. It is advisable to caution both adults and children to take care of themselves while on the stamped concrete deck.
Inconsistency in Design
During the deck’s construction, that’s the only chance you got to get it right on color, pattern, and control joints. During the repair, the probability of getting matching coloring and finishing is very low. If there is a defect, the repair won’t match the surrounding area. Take time and analyze your preference, then come up with a conclusion if it’s your best fit.