All About Above Ground Pool Decks
With a home-owned pool, it is usually wanted if not needed to have an above ground pool deck. Often it makes the area look better, is a fun place to just relax, and makes it easier to get into the pool. Above ground pool decks also increase the value of your home even though they are very affordable and for most budgets are accommodating.
If you are a potential buyer of above ground pool decking you should realize that these decks come in many different styles. Above ground pool deck plans often include different materials that can be used for a deck such as resin material or pre-cut wood. The main two different types of decks are splash decks and side decks. Splash decks are decks that go all the way around a pool. They are called splash decks because any splash from the pool will land on the deck. These decks look very appealing and add a good look to a pool as they hide the outside of the pool. A side deck also looks great; these are decks that are only on one side of the pool and are usually a raised rectangular area. These are nice because they are often have a bigger area than the splash decks and it is a more open place for people to sit and relax or tan. Splash decks are also often extended to be a hybrid of the two, these are nice because there is now a large area that is not just for the pool, but it looks nice and is an open space to do whatever the owner wishes.
Above ground swimming pool decks do require maintenance for anyone who wishes to keep them looking fresh and well kept. This requires a variety of different tasks. Since many pool decks have ridges where the planks lie amongst one another, they need to be swept since leaves and other organic matter can fall between them and get stuck. Sweeping your deck will keep the wood from rotting or becoming damaged since organic materials often contain moisture that can become trapped between them and the deck. Also, staining needs to come into play at least once a year. This is even more important than sweeping since it is the main regulator of the dependability for wood built decks.
When staining your pool deck there are some things to be aware of, and some things that you need to make sure that you do. The first and most important thing to do is to make sure that you take your time with every detail. This insures that you don’t over stain or leave blotches in any areas. A deck with many blotches or incorrectly stained areas can be almost as bad as a deck with no staining at all. Also, stay away from the cheaper brands of stain. Even paying up to 50 dollars more for stain would be worth it because using an efficient bran will save you from restating or a damaged deck; which will cost you more in the long run.
photo credit: shaggyshoo
June 22, 2010 1:25 am 
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