There’s a reason lifeguards at public pools are constantly telling kids, and adults, not to run on the deck. Decks can be dangerous, especially when they are wet.
The same rule applies if your home has a pool. Although it’s hard to stop the kids from running and jumping around and into your pool, you can start by having an outdoor deck that is slip resistant.
Here are some ideas for an outdoor deck that will not be slippery when wet and will be weather resistant:
If you are getting a contractor to build or renovate a wood-based deck, there are a number of products you can use to make sure your deck doesn’t lose its grip and will also protect your deck from any weather woes.
Besides your pool, this can also apply to any outdoor deck to prevent mould, mildew, and moisture.
Products include:
Cement and stone surfaces have natural grip properties, although sealed cement can be rather slippery if it is saturated. To prevent any accidents on this hard surface, you can use a grit product that acts as a sealer coat and provides friction. Silica sand and aluminum oxide beads have also been known to prevent slipping on hard surfaces, but can change the appearance of decorative concrete, so beware when using.
There are other non-slip materials that you can use, besides wood, concrete, brick and stone, when building an outdoor deck around your pool. Most of them are low maintenance and easy to install.
They include:
It’s not just for tires anymore. Rubber is fast becoming a popular material for an outdoor deck. Known for being used on outdoor tracks as well as underneath public playground equipment, rubber is cushy on the feet as well as slip-resistant and needs little or no maintenance.
Another reason for its popularity is that the decking is made from recycled tires, so the impact on the environment is lessened.
Rubber can also be used as a pour-on surface material for an existing deck to create a resilient, non-skid surface.
For more on Kelowna pools, read our blog on 4 Ways to Make Backyard Pools in Kelowna Safer.
One of the top Kelowna deck builders, Rafter 4K Contracting can build your deck in whatever material you choose to use. Our experienced Kelowna renovation contractors are known for their exterior and interior home renovations, sunroom additions, and bathroom and kitchen renovations. We’re also one of the few renovation companies in Kelowna with real expertise in building pools.