Constructing Indoor Pool Decks and
Deck Drains
KwikDek™ Decks around swimming pools are non-slip decking
solutions as well as uniquely attractive, and well drained.
Over the last twenty-five years, tile, concrete, coating systems,
resilient flooring, carpet, and overlays have been used for
pool decks. Today you have a better option KwikDek™.
Although many products exist in the
marketplace, none perform as well as KwikDek™. Concrete is
such a basic and inexpensive material that it has been widely
used for swimming pool decks. KwikDek™ performs well as a
non-slip floor over a floor and can be easily cleaned and
drains well.
Architects are always looking for better
and innovative materials to use in designing pool decks. Exposing
the colored stone aggregate of the concrete can produce a
more attractive deck that is also non-slip. However, exposed
aggregate concrete has two problems that should eliminate
it from consideration for an indoor pool deck. First, it is
a material that is highly dependent on workmanship and quality
control. Often the exposed aggregate is too sharp and hard
on bathers' feet. This can be remedied by careful selection
of rounded aggregates or smoothing the surface with a terrazzo
grinder. Secondly, the recesses around the aggregate are more
difficult to clean than broom finish concrete. Most pool operators
that have had this type of deck believe that high pressure
water sprays are the only way to clean between the aggregate.
Preferring to use a standard hose to clean the deck, most
operators would choose not to have this type of deck material
and the challenges it brings.
In an attempt to keep down initial
construction cost with improved appearance, coating systems
are frequently selected to go over concrete. Any coating system
will require maintenance and replacement that eventually approaches
the cost of a ceramic tile deck. It may be more difficult
to provide for this replacement out of operating costs than
in the initial project budget.
Coating systems include epoxy paint
with sand, and various aggregates in binders such as epoxy
and other synthetic materials. While initially very attractive,
lower in cost than tile and non-slip, over three to ten years
the coating systems either stain, crack, and delaminate from
the concrete base or lose their non-slip functionality. In
short, they require replacement.
Sometimes owners of therapy pools like
to provide a resilient or padded flooring in case swimming
patrons with difficulty walking fall on the deck. These flooring
systems require a lot of maintenance and replacement. Unfortunately,
owners end up replacing this type of deck after three months
experience with it. Part
2 on Hot tubs and Spa Decks
Do
you have a concrete patio, wood deck, garden path,
spa or pool deck that is unsightly due to cracking
and deterioration? Do you wish you could repair or
replace it but this doesn’t fit in your budget right
now?
Living
in a rental? 
