For a day filled with fun in the sun, the pool deck is the container that makes the perfect poolside vibes possible. In Florida, swimming pools keep us cool while soaking up the hundreds of days of sunshine, and the best pool deck needs to be built with consideration of both lifestyle and climate needs. Concrete is one of the most durable and cost-effective options for pool decks, making it a wise choice for both residential and commercial pool owners, but any design-savvy minds need not worry that this utilitarian material might be boring. The nine options below for decorative concrete pool decks will show you how this construction workhorse can also be an inspiring canvas for a Florida pool deck in any style.
In this article we will cover:
- Stamped Concrete
- Sand Finish Concrete
- Hand-Carved Flagstone Pattern
- Colored Concrete
- Exposed Aggregate
- Polished Concrete
- Engraved Concrete
- Concrete Overlays
- Geometric Patterns
Stamped Concrete
An elegant optical illusion
The technique of stamping, imprinting, or patterning concrete creates a surface look that mimics the look of pavers, tile, or brick. The advantage here is getting a bespoke, textural appearance without the labor costs associated with laying individual pavers. Maintenance is also simple: with regular re-sealing, a stamped concrete pool deck should last for decades, even at the most heavily-visited Florida pools.
Sand Finish Concrete
Beach vibes without the sandbox
Sand-finished concrete involves incorporating more sand into the concrete mix, which changes the hue from gray to tan. This is a perfect fit for a Florida pool deck, because the sandy color and texture evokes the feel of beach days on the boardwalk, and the surface texture creates a naturally non-slip surface. For residential or commercial owners of saltwater pools, rest assured that sand-finished concrete resists erosion. The surface should be cleaned with a strong acid to ensure every crevice gets sanitized; and a fresh cost of sealant should be applied at the first visual sign of wear.
Hand-Carved Flagstone Pattern
A perfect fit for any space
A more elaborate version of stamped concrete, this type of surface is an almost perfect duplicate for natural stone pavers. When the concrete is being laid, the team will carve each slab into a shape that mimics the unique imperfections of the natural world. This level of precision can work well for a pool deck with lots of odd angles or sinuous curves, and the finished product will be one-of-a-kind. The re-sealing maintenance is similar to stamped concrete, but because the carved patterns leave deeper crevices, pool owners should sweep with a soft-bristled broom more frequently to prevent chips or cracks in the deck. Because of the cost of labor to install a hand-carved surface, this choice is probably best suited for smaller, residential pools, or commercial builds with expansive budgets.
Colored Concrete
A splash of personality
Adding pigment to concrete can be done in two ways: either by mixing the pigment into the concrete directly (called integral coloring) or by adding topical stains and dyes. Integral coloring results in more subtle hues, whereas topical coloring can be more vivid and varied. Colored concrete creates a definite visual pop, making the pool deck the central focus of any landscape design. This impact could be the perfect choice for a hotel pool deck, where guests are looking for the moments that wow and make their vacation unforgettable. Whether using integral coloring or surface stain, it is essential to reseal this surface with a sealant designed for colored concrete, otherwise the surface could discolor over time.
Exposed Aggregate
A natural massage underfoot
After pouring a slab of concrete, your contractor can remove the top surface to expose the aggregate material of raw concrete. This creates a natural pebbled look with three advantageous functions for either residential or commercial Florida pool decks: the stones provide greater grip underfoot in a wet environment, the aggregate surface is extremely durable, and it doesn’t retain heat, which makes it safe for bare feet in the summer sunshine. Exposed aggregate is a great choice for a casual residential pool or a commercial pool deck with younger visitors. As with any concrete surface, regular resealing is key to longevity.
Polished Concrete
An edgy and minimalistic finish
By sanding down the top layer of a concrete slab with progressively finer grinding tools, a skilled contractor can create a polished, tumbled surface that resists mold and mildew growth. This adds a contemporary look to any Florida pool deck and the reflective surface can make small spaces seem bigger. While beautiful, keep in mind that this surface type can be as slick as it is eye-catching, so it’s best used in a spa or a private residence. You’ll want to take safety precautions with any potential pool guests, and reseal regularly to maintain the shine.
Engraved Concrete
A lasting impression
Choosing to add an engraving to your concrete pool deck can be a subtle way to add customization to your Florida swimming pool. Engraving involves creating grooves into the concrete to form a design or patterns. You can engrave a hotel logo, family motto, or any other image that can be recreated in a two-dimensional surface. The effects range from subtle to show-stopping, and the lifespan of the engraving will be as long as the concrete into which it is carved. Properly maintained concrete engravings can last for decades, so choose wisely when picking your designs. 😉
Concrete Overlays
So fresh and so clean
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to revitalize a concrete pool deck is to lay concrete overlays over an existing concrete slab. As long as the original slab is structurally sound, an overlay will give you a fresh, clean deck without the labor or materials required for demolishing and relaying an entirely new pool deck. This can be a fantastic cost-saving option for commercial renovations. In terms of maintenance, sealant is more important than ever, as concrete overlays can be prone to chipping, so make sure you keep your trusted amenity deck maintenance company on speed dial!
Geometric Patterns
Art-deco perfection
The roaring 1920s funneled huge amounts of energy and money into the construction of the city of Miami, and the obsession with new, modern ideas meant that the buildings of the time were imprinted with Art Deco style. Bringing geometric patterns into the design of your pool deck, then, is a perfect way to bring local Florida culture into your private or commercial space. Building the geometric patterns out of decorative concrete will ensure that the style of your pool is as timeless as Miami’s Art Deco District.
Florida Deck Waterproofing & Repair
Concrete is one of the most common materials to use for pool decks, especially in Florida, where the sunny days mixed with occasional rain and hurricanes can take a toll on less durable materials. Opting for decorative concrete styles can create a more bespoke look for your amenity deck, rather than a flat gray expanse of unbroken cement. If you are contemplating the construction or reconstruction of your pool deck in Palm Beach, Broward, or Miami Dade Counties, consider Bengoa Construction for your project. We are South Florida’s premier contractor for waterproofing and improving commercial amenity decks.
